49 32 1900 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d4df7637fc92a883a998e2f46a6663c7.pdf 036dc5310d30cc5ce0535b6b3c41aba8 PDF Text Text 32670_P1,2,5,6,7X.qxd 10/28/2005 7:28 PM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 11 November 2005 s w r o G t e e l F U. S. P S M w e N r Unde Expanded Program Means More SIU Jobs, Improved American-Flag Sealift Capability Last month marked the start of the expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program—a boon to America’s national and economic wellbeing and a boost to the SIU-contracted fleet. Altogether, the union gains 13 additional vessels in the expanded program (which now totals 60 ships). Pictured here are several of those new ships, including (clockwise, from upper left) the Overseas Luxmar, the Ocean Titan and the Integrity. (Continued below) In the foreground, celebrating the expansion of the U.S.-flag fleet aboard the Integrity in Baltimore are (far left) Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command; (seventh from left) Gen. John Handy, who recently retired as commander of TRANSCOM; (sixth from right) SIU President Michael Sacco, a strong proponent of the expanded MSP; (fourth from right) ARC President and Chairman Ray Ebeling; and apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. MSP coverage is included on pages 2, 3, 5, 8 and 11. Seafarers Proudly Sail in Operation Iraqi Freedom As the sealift component of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) continues, SIU members remain on the job, both on mobilized ships overseas as well as Ready Reserve Force vessels back in the United States that may be activated for additional support of U.S. troops. Several Seafarers who have made multiple voyages in OIF recently spoke about their pride in serving as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense, including some of those pictured on the Cape Washington in Baltimore (from left): QEE Eric Mentzer, GUDE Michael Alghafeili, AB Farah Mrimri, QMED George Murphy and Bosun Rick James. Pages 12-13. Union Continues Hurricane Relief Seafarers were among the first to provide relief during and after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, and there has been no letup in those efforts. Above, Seafarers, SIU officials and family members at the union’s hall in New Orleans are pictured in front of a truck carrying relief supplies donated by SIU-contracted Crowley. Page 7. �32670_P02X.qxd 10/27/2005 4:23 PM Page 2 President’s Report MSP’s Growth and Lessons For Seafarers, there’s no better sight than the American flag being raised on modern ships as they join the SIU-contracted fleet. Lately, that has been a very familiar sight—and certainly one that’s never taken for granted. In particular, with the expansion of the Maritime Security Program (MSP) from 47 to 60 ships, the union gains new jobs aboard 13 vessels. Many of those ships are pictured in this issue of the LOG, starting on the front page. This is a great moment for our union because it means new jobs, new ships and a brighter future. Michael Sacco And there’s no question that the expanded MSP also is good news for our nation as a whole. As so many of the program’s supporters have noted, the growth of the MSP fleet protects America’s national and economic security—and does so at great value. It helps expand the pool of well-trained, U.S. citizen mariners, which is a big consideration in these unstable times. In short, it’s a win-win situation. A feel-good story for our union and our industry, and a definite plus not only for America’s defense capabilities but also her economic safety. But amid the reflaggings and celebrations, let’s not overlook the important lessons we can learn from a quick review of the MSP’s history. As many Seafarers remember, the original program was enacted in 1996 as part of broader legislation known as the Maritime Security Act. That law itself took years to pass—the initial maritime revitalization program was proposed back in 1992. The updated version of the MSP, which took effect in October, also was the result of years of work by pro-U.S.-flag interests, the SIU most definitely included. Basically, the program provides partial reimbursement to certain U.S.-flag ship operators who agree to make their vessels available to the government in times of war or other emergency. (A related component of the Maritime Security Act, known as the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement or VISA, also provides access to important infrastructure.) It’s a great bargain for our country. Extremely credible, high-level studies have shown that the cost for each MSP vessel is less than one-tenth of the estimated annual operating cost of providing the same capability for our military using government-owned ships. In fact, the U.S. military itself has stated it would cost literally billions of dollars to duplicate everything they get with the MSP and VISA. So, I think it’s very safe to say that the MSP is valuable and affordable. It’s also important to note that the program has received support from the highest levels—from President Bush, who signed the expanded program into law, to top military leaders, to the Defense Department and the Transportation Department, to senators and congressmen. That support didn’t happen without a sustained effort to spread the word about the U.S. Merchant Marine and what it means to our country. And this is where political action comes into play. Without political action, our industry never would have been able to consider the MSP, let alone expand it. On that note, I thank our rank-and-file members for your consistent understanding of the importance of politics, and for your consistent support of SPAD, our union’s voluntary political action fund. Finally, the new MSP wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding shipboard work of American mariners, including, of course, SIU members. It is your dedication—your reliability and professionalism and patriotism—that helps inspire so much confidence in the program and in the U.S.-flag fleet as a whole. So, when you read about—and sail on—these new MSP ships, give yourselves a pat on the back. Perhaps most of all, the lesson of the MSP is that significant growth in the American-flag commercial fleet continues. Like anything else that’s worth achieving, it doesn’t come easy. But with the cooperation that exists today in our industry, and with the knowledge and appreciation of our leaders in the military and in government, and with the continued outstanding performance of our crews, I know that we’re headed for even greater success. Volume 67, Number 11 November 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 Task Force: Support for Cabotage Law Still Strong The Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF), a broad coalition devoted to protecting laws that strengthen domestic U.S.-flag shipping, last month issued a letter offering many important points in the wake of two Jones Act waivers related to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. “From the outset, we would like to emphasize that the general state of the Jones Act and long-term outlook are strong,” the MCTF letter noted. “President Bush has been a strong supporter of the Jones Act since before he was elected, and he understands that the Jones Act is the foundation of our industry. The unique circumstances resulting from the unprecedented devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, followed almost immediately by Hurricane Rita, and resultant pressure on the Federal Government to respond in any manner possible, which have given rise to limited waivers of the Act, will ease over time as sufficient U.S.-flag Jones Act vessel capacity is demonstrably available and Gulf Coast refineries return to production.” On Sept. 1, in response to Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced a temporary waiver of the Jones Act for the movement of certain petroleum products. A subsequent waiver, scheduled to expire late last month, was issued following Hurricane Rita. “Because of the blanket nature of these waivers, no official government data is available as to the extent they have been used,” the letter stated. “Based on industry sources, however, it appears that 4-6 foreign vessel movements occurred under the first waiver and that three vessels moved immediately under the second from the New York area to the Gulf. No movements under the waiver have been reported since.” The task force noted that it did not oppose the initial petroleum waiver “for a variety of reasons, including the extreme human tragedy and loss of life in the Gulf region, and significant interruptions to the production and transportation of refined petroleum products…. “However, in contrast to generally supporting the President on the initial waiver, the MCTF and domestic industry have taken the public position that the second waiver was neither necessary nor justified by any demonstrated need, notwithstanding the devastating impact of Rita on American refinery capacity. In meetings with government officials, we stress that we understand what they are trying to accomplish—the seamless movement of refined product throughout the U.S.—but that we do not understand how a Jones Act waiver helps achieve that objective. We don’t understand which transportation movements are made more efficient by the waiver. We also have emphasized that there is a substantial fleet of U.S.-flag tank vessels standing by and ready to assist in the movement of refined product within the U.S. We also point out the absurdity of a situation where U.S.-flag vessels manned by American crews stand idly by while foreign vessels with foreign crews transport domestic cargoes. “Moreover, we remind them that these waivers could substantially harm the American maritime industry. This is particularly true in the Gulf region, where the maritime industry is a major employer and where there is an urgent need to get American workers back on the job.” The MCTF did credit the administration for listening and responding to the industry’s needs, which resulted in the curbing of proposed waivers that were comparatively extreme. In part, the letter concluded, “The extraordinary circumstances created by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have placed unprecedented strain on the U.S. refineries and the transportation system for refined petroleum products. They are also creating an opportunity for the industry to do what it does best —transporting U.S. goods to U.S. markets in support of our domestic economy. The ability of the industry to do so, and the MCTF’s efforts to educate policy-makers to that effect, are our best weapons to gain continued support for the Jones Act and related cabotage laws.” The SIU is one of more than 400 member organizations of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force. Runaway-Flag Cruise Line Comes Under Scrutiny Legislators from both houses of Congress—and political parties—are turning up the heat on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its now infamous $236 million contract with Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) to house Hurricane Katrina evacuees from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Ranking Democratic Minority Leader Henry A. Waxman, in an Oct. 20 letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, registered his concerns on the highly contentious hurricane evacuee housing agreement. Referring to new information his office obtained from an internal financial review prepared by Carnival in January 2002, Waxman noted, “This financial data reveals that the federal government appears to be paying Carnival significantly more under the federal contract than the ships earned on their own, while Carnival’s expenses appear to be significantly less under the federal contracts than the ships normally incur. The net result is a contract that looks lucrative for Carnival but exceptionally expensive for the taxpayer.” In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, through a hastily arranged deal, millions of dollars from U.S. taxpayers will flow to CCL, a tax-exempt Israeli-founded corporation registered in Panama. The deal, reached on Sept. 2, will pay CCL some $236 million ($192 million for base costs for the ships for six months and $44 million for reimbursements that cover fuel, dock fees, and other expenses) for the use of 7,100 berths aboard three of the company’s full-service cruise ships for six months. A closer look at the numbers reveals that each berth will cost U.S. taxpayers $5,540 per month, or more than $184 per night. The cost per bed could actually be much higher because not all berths will be occupied for the entire six-month period of the contract, according to several reports. In fact, the three ships now are more than half empty as they bob in the Mississippi River and Mobile Bay. A national newspaper reported that “most evacuees rejected the offer” to stay on the Carnival ships—the Ecstasy, Sensation, and Holiday—which are reportedly being used to house city employees from New Orleans and emergency workers involved in the cleanup effort. Faced with a growing crisis as evacuees fled New Orleans and elsewhere, the deal was put together in about 36 hours, CCL and the government have said. In the wake of Katrina, sources say a government agency approached 75 different companies or brokers of ships seeking bids on ships with at least 1,000 berths to be available within 10 days. Only Carnival and a Canadian compa- ny that provided a single ship met the terms established by FEMA. To critics, the price is exorbitant. Angela Styles, a political appointee who headed the Office of Federal Procurement Policy between 2001 and 2003, questioned the government’s handling of the contract. Even under circumstances requiring great haste, she said, the government has mechanisms to obtain goods and services at a fair price. For example, she said, a contract can be concluded with the final price to be determined during subsequent negotiations. “In this case, they executed a contract without ensuring that they had a fair price,” she said. If the ships were at capacity, with 7,116 evacuees, for six months, the price per evacuee would total $1,275 a week, according to calculations by aides to Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). A seven-day western Caribbean cruise out of Galveston can be had for $599 a person—and that would include entertainment and the cost of actually making the ship move. “When the federal government would actually save millions of dollars by forgoing the status quo and actually sending evacuees on a luxurious six-month cruise it is time to rethink how we are conducting oversight. A short-term temporary solution has turned into a long-term, grossly overpriced sweetheart deal for a cruise line,” said Coburn and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in a joint statement which called for a chief Continued on page 6 November 2005 �32670_P3,11,21X.qxd 10/28/2005 7:53 PM Page 3 ARC Fleet Expands by 3 TRANSCOM Leader Cites Mariners’ Importance As part of the expansion of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet, the union recently welcomed three newly reflagged vessels added by SIU-contracted American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier (ARC). SIU President Michael Sacco; Gen. Norton Schwartz; Gen. John Handy; and ARC President and Chairman Raymond Ebeling were the featured speakers at a Sept. 29 naming ceremony aboard the Integrity in Baltimore, one of the company’s three new additions. The others are the Courage and the Honor. Other SIU officials and members as well as students from the union’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education also attended the ceremony. Schwartz, the newly appointed commander of TRANSCOM, delivered the keynote address. He called the growth of the MSP “a critical expansion of our nation’s Newly Reflagged ARC Ships at a Glance Courage Built: 1991 Length: 652 feet Beam: 105 feet Draft (design): 38.13 feet Speed: 18 knots Deadweight: 29,213 metric tons Below Deck Total Area: 562,123 square feet Honor Built: 1997 Length: 623 feet Beam: 105 feet Draft (design): 33 feet Speed: 18 knots Deadweight: 19,844 metric tons Below Deck Total Area: 544,072 square feet Integrity Built: 1992 Length: 652 feet Beam: 105 feet Draft (design): 38 feet Speed: 18 knots Deadweight: 29,213 metric tons Below Deck Total Area: 565,223 square feet Other U.S.-Flag ARC Ships: Freedom Liberty Independence Patriot Resolve maritime capability.” He also noted that the military “relies heavily on our commercial partners and associated labor organizations…. This increase in fleet size plays a critical role in expanding our U.S. mariner base.” Additionally, he pointed out that Operation Iraqi Freedom has reinforced the fact that the “vast majority” of materiel is moved via sealift. Handy, who recently retired as head of TRANSCOM, said that the fleet’s growth is important to the nation. “Thousands of jobs for American seamen means that when we need seafarers to man our military ships, they will be there,” he told the audience of approximately 300 people. “Reflagging these ships (under the Stars and Stripes) is the right thing to do.” Ebeling described the event as “an unprecedented day in American maritime history. No one has ever brought more tonnage under the U.S. flag than we are today.” He then provided insight regarding the work involved in preserving and growing the MSP. In so doing, he called Sacco and Continued on page 11 Ocean Titan Joins SIU Fleet More SIU deep sea jobs recently appeared on the horizon when the Pacific-Gulf Marine (PGM) operated Ocean Titan began sailing under the red, white and blue. Formerly the Industrial Chief, the Ocean Titan was reflagged under the Maritime Security Program and brought under U.S. registry Sept. 21 in the port of Houston. Prevailing weather conditions during the event were far from ideal according to PGM Chief Executive Officer Todd Johnson. The reflagging took place during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and just prior to the landfall of Hurricane Rita in Texas. Given the impact the hurricane had on both personnel and the shipyard, conditions were difficult but spirits were high, Johnson said. A heavy lift vessel, the Ocean Titan is the sister ship of the Ocean Atlas. PGM operates both vessels for Intermarine Inc. The Ocean Titan was undergoing modifications at Atlantic Marine Shipyard in Mobile, Ala., when Hurricane Katrina and subse- The Ocean Titan now flies the American flag and carries an SIU crew. quent flooding hit the Gulf Coast at the end of August. It was moved to the port of Houston to complete the reflagging process and conversion to U.S. registry. “It was a team effort and a tribute to the vessel’s officers, crew and the shore-side management team who played a significant role in the re-flag process,” said Johnson. “On behalf of the owners, we look forward to many successful years of operation under the U.S. flag.” The Ocean Titan took on cargo in Houston and put out to sea for South America Sept. 27 on its first voyage under the U.S. flag. The Ocean Titan as well as the Ocean Atlas are 8,000 dwt Century Class vessels, are 393 feet long and feature two 200-ton heavy-lift deck cranes, which can be operated in unison to lift 400 tons. In addition, both are registered in the MSP, which as of Oct. 1 was renewed for 10 years. The renewed MSP expands the fleet enrollment from 47 to 60 vessels and increases the operating assistance for each vessel gradually over 10 years from its previous level of $2.1 million per year. The MSP was authorized in the Maritime Security Act of 1996. The law provided limited direct operating assistance to U.S.-flagged vessels that have military utility and can be used by the Department of Defense in times of war or national emergency. Legislation enacted in 2003 renewed the program through September 2015. Ocean Titan Specs Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, 2005 for the observance of Christmas Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. November 2005 Year Built: 2000 Type: Heavy-lift, box-hold, multipurpose vessel Service Speed: 16.5 knots Length: 393 feet Beam: 65 feet Draft: 23.2 feet DWT: 8,000 metric tons Grain/Bale capacity: 395,000 cubic feet Clockwise from upper left, addressing the audience aboard the Integrity were SIU President Michael Sacco; Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); ARC President and Chairman Raymond Ebeling; and Gen. John Handy, recently retired commander of TRANSCOM. OSG Adds 3 Tankers Three OSG Ship Management (OSG) tankers during the last two months surrendered their Marshall Islands flags in favor of the Stars and Stripes—and SIU crews—and in the process earned the authorization to convey military cargo overseas during war and emergencies. The vessels, Overseas Maremar, Overseas Ambermar and Overseas Luxmar were reflagged to the American registry during separate ceremonies Sept. 6, Sept. 12 and Oct. 8, respectively. With the addition of these three vessels, OSG now has nine SIU-crewed ships sailing under the American flag. The ships have contracts under the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), which was OSG’s Newly Reflagged Tankers Overseas Maremar Built: 1998 Dwt: 47,225 Length: 564 feet Breadth: 105 feet Overseas Ambermar Built: 2002 Dwt: 35,970 Length: 572 feet Breadth: 89 feet Overseas Luxmar Built: 1998 Dwt: 46,162 Length: 601 feet Breadth: 105 feet recently expanded to 60 from 47 vessels. The contracts run through 2016. OSG has 10 U.S.-flag Jones Act product carriers aggregating on order at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard which are scheduled for delivery between late 2006 and early 2010. In addition, OSG has on order four 216,200-cubic meter LNG tankers (two at Hyundai Heavy Industries, Ltd. and two at Samsung Heavy Industries, Ltd.) scheduled for delivery in late 2007 and early 2008. Above: The Overseas Luxmar is one of three OSG tankers that recently hoisted the Stars and Stripes. Right: Seafarers aboard the Overseas Luxmar proudly display the United States flag as the vessel transfers to American registry. Seafarers LOG 3 �32670_P4,8,12,13,19X2.qxd 10/28/2005 7:46 PM Page 4 Construction Starts on 3 T-AKE Ship rd Construction recently started on the third ship in the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) T-AKE program at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego. Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division will fill the unlicensed positions on the new ship when it is completed. During a September ceremony marking the start of manufacture for the third vessel, Jennifer Stanton, wife of U.S. Navy Captain Mike Stanton, commanding officer, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Bath, Maine, made the first cut on the ship’s first steel plate to signify the start of construction. Captain Stanton’s San Diego detachment is responsible for overseeing construction on the T-AKE program. The U.S. Navy has awarded NASSCO contracts for eight dry cargo/ammunition ships and holds options for an additional four ships. If all the options are exercised, the 12-ship program would have a total value of $3.7 billion. The first T-AKE, named the Lewis and Clark to honor the two legendary explorers who led an expeditionary force from 1804 to 1806 to travel around the American West, was launched on May 21, 2005. The ship is in the final stages of construction alongside NASSCO’s pier, with delivery scheduled for early next year. The second T-AKE, to be named the Sacagawea in honor of the Shoshone Indian woman who acted as guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark, is scheduled to be launched in the spring of 2006. 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. The T-AKEs will be the first modern Navy ships to combine proven international marine technologies such as an integrated electric-drive propulsion system that can achieve a speed of 20 knots, and commercial design features that will minimize their cost of operation and maintenance over their expected 40-year lives, according to the shipyard. When MSC announced the TAKE program, the agency reported, “As an auxiliary support ship, the T-AKE 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 T-AKE will transfer cargo—ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items and The first ship in the new T-AKE program, the USNS Lewis and Clark, is pictured during launch this past May in San Diego. expendable supplies—at sea to station ships and other naval war- Vice Admiral Brewer Honored by NDTA Vice Adm. David L. Brewer, USN, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC), on Sept. 13 received the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award. As MSC commander since August 2001, Brewer has directed the ocean transport of 95 percent of all combat cargo used by U.S. forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terrorism. “Beginning with the (Seafarerscrewed) hospital ship USNS Comfort sailing to New York City to provide relief to emergency workers after Sept. 11, and continuing through Operation Iraqi Freedom, Vice Adm. Brewer directed the efforts of more than 120 ships and their crews worldwide,” said the citation. “Vice Adm. Brewer is the epitome of a Sailor’s Sailor whose leadership and professionalism have contributed immeasurably to America’s national security and humanitarian missions.” With more than 8,500 members (including the Seafarers Inter- national Union of North America), the NDTA fosters partnerships between government, military and industry to maintain a strong global transportation and distribution system. Each year, the nonprofit organization recognizes a DOD senior executive who has shown outstanding service to the nation in the field of transportation and logistics. MSC has moved 78 million square feet of U.S. military cargo in support of the global war on terrorism, much of it aboard SIUcrewed ships. That’s equal to more than 827,000 SUVs that, if lined up bumper-to-bumper, would stretch from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas. In addition, MSC ships have delivered more than 7.7 billion gallons of fuel to U.S. forces—enough to fill up the Empire State Building nearly 28 times. MSC operates 120 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that move combat cargo for U.S. forces, replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea, chart ocean bottoms and strategically preposition equipment and supplies at sea around the world. Retired Port Agent Marinelli Dies at 82 Pasquale “Pat” Marinelli, retired SIU port agent and an active figure in many of the union’s earliest organizing drives, passed away Sept. 7 at age 82, following a heart attack. Marinelli had a well-earned reputation for being tough when the situation called for it, but he got along well with his SIU brothers and sisters, and he was committed to the union. “He was a good official, one of the old-timers,” recalled SIU President Michael Sacco. “He sailed in the deck department and he did a lot of organizing. He also helped provide stability on the West Coast for the SIU.” Retired SIU Vice President Contracts Red Campbell remembered Marinelli as “goodnatured and very dedicated when it came to union matters. He carried his weight.” Retired Bosun Kenny Roberts periodically worked with Mari- 4 Seafarers LOG fare 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 primary goal of the TAKE program is to provide effective fleet underway replenishment capability at the lowest life cycle cost. To meet that goal, the ship is being built to commercial specifications and standards and will be certified/classed by the American Bureau of Shipping, the United States Coast Guard and other regulatory bodies. The ships will be operated by Military Sealift Command with civilian mariner crews (123 personnel) augmented by a military department (49 personnel).” nelli throughout his own 33-year career with the SIU. “He was a nice guy and always helpful to the men,” Roberts said. “Any time you asked him to have a drink or shoot the bull or whatever, he’d do it.” Marinelli served in the armed forces during part of World War II, and then joined the union in 1945 in the port of New York. He sailed as an AB and bosun until coming ashore to work for the SIU in 1956. His career with the union was anything but dull. Marinelli in the 1940s took part in the Isthmian beef and the garment strike, and later walked the picket lines in both the Greater New York Harbor beef and the Robin Line strike, among others. Marinelli served as the union’s port agent in San Juan, P.R. in 1960. At various other times, he worked as a patrolman in San Francisco; Wilmington, Retired SIU Port Agent Pat Marinelli took part in many of the union’s key organizing drives. Calif.; and Brooklyn. He retired to New York State in 1977, largely due to health issues, and most recently lived in North Babylon, N.Y. Burial took place at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village, N.Y. Vice Adm. David L. Brewer, left, accepts the National Defense Transportation Association’s 2005 Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award from NDTA Vice Chairman General Walter Kross. Reciprocal Seniority Takes Effect Nov. 1 During the October membership meetings, Seafarers approved a long-intended modification to the Seafarers Appeals Board shipping rules which will allow for reciprocal seniority between SIU members and mariners who were in the old National Maritime Union (NMU) when those organizations merged back in 2001. As reported at the membership meetings, the merger agreement specified that the unions’ respective seniority systems initially would remain separate. At that time, maintaining separate seniority was the most practical thing to do. “However, more than four years later, contract negotiations and other circumstances clearly dictate that the time has come for reciprocal seniority between the SIU and the old NMU,” SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez noted in his monthly report. “This was always the long-range intent of both unions and it helps break down the last remaining barriers.” Effective at the start of this month (Nov. 1, 2005), the Seafarers Appeals Board will amend the shipping rules as follows: As an “A” seniority man with the SIU, a member may sail in Group 1 under an NMU contract. If a member is in Group 1 NMU, he effectively has “A” seniority in the SIU. The same would be true for people with B seniority and people in Group 2, right on down the line. Again as amplified during the membership meetings, this is partly a matter of fairness now that the unions essentially have become one organization. It’s also a matter of practicality, because as the old NMU contracts expire, they are being replaced by SIU contracts that will cover all members. That last point is essential to understanding why reciprocal seniority makes sense. The timing of this consolidation is based in part on upcoming, industrywide contract negotiations. “At that point it will simply be a case of good common sense for us to consolidate our shipping rules, using the SIU shipping rules as the model,” Tellez noted in his report. “We are one union. It’s logical for us to have one set of shipping rules.” November 2005 �32670_P1,2,5,6,7X.qxd 10/28/2005 7:40 PM Page 5 ITF, Owners’ Group Reach ‘Significant’ Agreement The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the international shipowners’ Joint Negotiation Group announced favorable results following their negotiations in the International Bargaining Forum Oct. 5-6 in Tokyo. Negotiations concluded with a settlement described by both sides as a “significantly successful outcome.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, took part in the bargaining. Building on the first ever international collective bargaining agreement for workers across the world, and now covering 55,000 seafarers on more than 3,200 ships, the new agreement includes a twostage increase, based on the IBF model ship of 23 seafarers, from $46,170 per month to $48,478 beginning at the start of 2006 and to $50,787 beginning in 2007. The updated agreement also calls for a two-stage increase on contractual death and disability compensation of five percent as of January 2006 and an additional five percent as of January 2007. Additionally, the agreement includes the provision of free shipboard e-mail access for all seafarers, where appropriately equipped. In a joint statement following the negotiations, the groups noted, “In particular, significant aspects of cooperation have been reached between the ITF and JNG on initiatives aimed at addressing the concerns on employment security held by seafarers from developed economies. An agreement has also been reached that the JNG will recommend to their shipowner principals that they should not use the services of non-union dockworkers.” The ITF commented that “the negotiations had been difficult Homeland Security Dept. Issues National Strategy For Maritime Security The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in late September released its longawaited National Strategy for Maritime Security (NSMS). A 31-page document, the strategy discusses threats to national security (such as terrorism and piracy); strategic objectives (such as prevention and recovery); and strategic actions (such as international cooperation, domain awareness, and continuity). The new approach is the end product of an effort led by the Secretaries of the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to develop a comprehensive NSMS that would “better integrate and synchronize existing department-level strategies and ensure their effective and efficient implementation,” the agencies said when issuing the report. This project was launched in December 2004 via direction of President Bush. In addition to the new strategy, the departments developed eight supporting plans to address the specific threats and challenges of the maritime environment. The supporting plans include: The National Plan to Achieve Maritime Domain Awareness, which lays the foundation for an effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of the United States, and identifying threats as early A port security drill is conducted earlier this year in Anchorage, Alaska. A Coast Guard cutter sits off the vessel Nord Sea during a homeland security boarding in the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port in Mobile, Ala. in mid-September. November 2005 and touched on sensitive issues on both sides. However, there’s no doubt that the ITF and JNG relationship has reached a level of mutual respect that demonstrates what can be achieved through cooperation and a positive approach. “We have consolidated the innovative negotiating process and in doing so materially advanced the protection of seafarers’ employment and improved the conditions under which they serve.” The spokesman for the shipowners commented that “the negotiations had been long and complex as both sides had made proposals that involved both cost items and policy issues. Overall the settlement would strengthen the IBF system, provide mechanisms for discussing a number of outstanding issues as well as provide a satisfactory settlement that would appeal to seafarers and shipowners alike.” and as distant from our shores as possible. A Maritime Transportation System Security Plan that responds to the president’s call for recommendations to improve the national and international regulatory framework regarding the maritime domain. A Maritime Commerce Security Plan establishing a comprehensive diagram to secure the maritime supply chain. A Maritime Infrastructure Recovery Plan recommending procedures and standards for the recovery of the maritime infrastructure following attack or similar disruption. An International Outreach and Coordination Strategy providing a framework to coordinate all maritime security initiatives undertaken with foreign governments and international organizations, and soliciting international support for enhanced maritime security. A Global Maritime Intelligence Integration Plan using existing capabilities to integrate all available intelligence regarding potential threats to U.S. interests in the maritime domain. A Maritime Operational Threat Response Plan aiming for a coordinated United States government response to threats against the nation and its interests in the maritime domain by establishing roles and responsibilities that enable the government to respond quickly and decisively. A Domestic Outreach Plan engaging non-federal input to assist with the development and implementation of maritime security policies. While the foregoing tactics address different aspects of maritime security, said DHS, they nonetheless mutually are linked and reinforce one another. Together, the NSMS and its supporting plans represent the beginning of a comprehensive national effort to promote global economic stability and protect legitimate activities, while preventing hostile or illegal acts within the maritime domain, according to the DHS. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (first row, third from right) participates in the International Bargaining Forum Oct. 5-6 in Tokyo. Negotiations resulted in a favorable agreement for both sides. Raising the Stars and Stripes! As part of the newly expanded Maritime Security Program, Seafarers recently welcomed the car carrier Alliance New York, operated by Liberty Maritime. Representing new jobs for SIU members, the vessel hoisted the Stars and Stripes on Sept. 28 in Yokohama, Japan and then sailed for ports in Korea, Puerto Rico and the Gulf Coast. The Alliance New York will offer around-theworld service. Seafarers LOG 5 �32760_P1,2,5,6,7.qxd 10/27/2005 2:47 PM Page 6 Americans Forced to Pay More As Insurance Coverage Goes Down If there is any positive news in the health insurance crisis, it is that premiums climbed only 9.2 percent this year as compared to 11.2 percent in 2004 and 13.9 percent in 2003. But that is little consolation to those workers who find that the increased cost of health insurance is still more than three times the growth in their earnings (2.7 %) and twoand-a half times the rate of inflation (3.5%)—and that nearly 47 million Americans have no insurance at all. These statistics were made available in the 2005 Annual Employer Health Benefits Survey recently released by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust. The survey found that only 60 percent of companies offered coverage to their employees in 2005, down from 66 percent in 2003 and 69 percent in 2000. “It is low-wage workers who are being hurt the most by the steady drip, drip, drip of coverage draining out of the employer-based health insurance system,” said Kaiser Family Foundation President and CEO Drew E. Altman, Ph.D. In 2005, the “preferred provider organization” (PPO) plans—like that offered by the SIU—were more common than ever, with 61 percent of all employees with health coverage enrolling in a PPO (up from 55% the previous year). In a PPO, there is a network of doctors, hospitals and other health professionals who have agreed to provide care for a set price. The other popular arrangement is the “health maintenance organization” (HMO), which showed a decline in enrollment this year. Family coverage under a PPO costs an average of $11,090 of which the employer pays $8,449 and the worker pays $2,641 (just to carry the coverage). Employers predict an increase of about 10 percent next year in their health care costs. Some of these firms will likely ask their workers to pay more in premiums, raise deductibles, raise office visit copayments or raise prescription drug co-payments. Only about 1 percent of firms say they are “very likely” to drop health coverage entirely in the near future. The United Auto Workers (UAW), for example, last month said its leadership had unanimously endorsed a deal with General Motors Corp. (GM) to reduce its health care costs by cutting benefits for UAW workers and pensioners. The proposal would mean that health care would no longer be free for many of GM’s retirees and their families and that drug co-payments would be increased for active GM hourly employees. GM said that the proposed pact with the UAW would reduce its employee health-care expenses by $3 billion annually before taxes. No time frame was given as to when the agreement will be put to union members for ratification. One outcome of the rising cost of health care is that American workers are beginning to change their attitudes and actions in an effort to cope with the increased co-pays and deductibles. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2005 Health Confidence Survey, 79 percent of those persons questioned said they are now choosing generic drugs over name brands, and 71 percent said they are taking better care of themselves. Retired Instructor Jack Parcel Dies Jack Parcel, a retired instructor at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. passed away Sept. 13. Parcel was 77. “As I recall, Jack entered the U.S. Navy in 1945 and retired some 30 years later as a master chief electrician,” said Eric Malzkuhn, a long-tenured instructor at the Paul Hall Center and one of Parcel’s closest friends. “During his distinguished naval career, he not only trained electricians, but also instructors.” Shortly after his retirement from the armed forces, he came to the Paul Hall Center. Many students, particularly electricians, benefited from his instruction. “In truth, though, his impact has been felt throughout the maritime industry,” Malzkuhn added. “He was a mentor figure to many instructors. We all owe Jack a debt of gratitude. We all mourn his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” Born in Missouri, Parcel served in the U.S. Navy as an electrician and retired as a master chief petty officer. Parcel launched his career as a maritime educator in 1974 when he signed on at the Piney Point school as an engine department instructor. Electrical maintenance, crane maintenance, electro hydraulics and variable speed dc drivers were among the courses he taught over the years. An achiever as well as an educator, Parcel rarely missed out on an opportunity for advancement. He became a department head at the school in 1977 and a senior instructor in 1978. After training hundreds of merchant mariners and making a difference in the lives of countless others, Parcel called it quits in the academic arena. He retired on Jan. 1, 1991 and established his residence in Tampa, Fla. Parcel was preceded in death by his wife Margaret. He is survived by one son, James; and a daughter, Margaret Dugan. Agency Issues Revised STCW Endorsement The U.S. Coast Guard in late September began issuing a newly revised U.S. STCW Endorsement, Form CG-5611 (Rev. 0105), to qualified licensed and unlicensed merchant mariners. According to the agency, more than 59,000 U.S. merchant mariners hold a valid STCW endorsement. Mariners’ existing endorsements will be replaced at the time of their scheduled expiration or when their qualifications are upgraded. The new document contains “significant security and accountability enhancements,” according to the Coast Guard. The design is based on the U.S. Merchant Marine Officer License (Form CG-2849) and advice by senior intelligence officers at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Forensics Document Laboratory for costeffective, fraud-resistant features; and the Production and Design Team of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). The revised U.S. STCW Endorsement “exceeds International Maritime Organization standards on anti-fraud measures and forgery prevention features for seafarers’ certificates,” the agency noted in a news release. financial officer to oversee Katrina spending. Meanwhile, congressional calls for an investigation of the contract have increased, with Republicans as well as Democrats seeking action. Three Republicans, Reps. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colo.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), and Todd Tiahart (R-Kan.), sent a letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), calling for “an immediate investigation into all matters related to the contract.” “We have concerns about a broad range of issues,” the letter said, citing the total price tag, the economics of housing evacuees under the contract terms and the speed with which the deal was negotiated. Not only are questions being raised over the Carnival contract’s cost, but congressional investigators also are examining the company’s tax status. CCL, 6 Seafarers LOG Jack Parcel conducts a class during the 1970s at the Paul Hall Center. Parcel, who became an instructor at the SIU-affiliated school in 1974, passed away recently in Tampa, Fla. CIVMAR Notes Internet Issue Resolved FY2005 Wage Update Each year, in accordance with federal law, the union submits private sector collective bargaining information to MSC as a basis for the agency to make a determination about an adjustment of CIVMAR wages. As previously reported in the June 2005 edition of the Seafarers LOG, the SIU had been waiting to learn about the finalization of certain private sector collective bargaining agreements in order to provide MSC with relevant wages and conditions of employment. Once MSC reviews these agreements, the agency generally makes adjustments to yearly wages, in this case, FY05 wages for MSC CIVMARS. On Oct. 4, 2005, the SIU notified MSC that the union was prepared to make the required submissions. Further, in a spirit of cooperation with the agency, the SIU asked the responsible subject-matter personnel at MSC headquarters to meet with the union for an in-depth discussion of wage matters affecting MSC CIVMARS. The union believes such talks could be quite productive and beneficial for all parties, especially in light of MSC’s intention to establish the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command early this year. As of press time, the union was awaiting a response from the Command. This is a time-consuming process. The union will continue providing updates when appropriate. Recently, without appropriate notice from MSC, the union learned that CIVMARS’ access to commercial web sites was to be blocked beginning Oct. 18, 2005. The union submitted a formal information request to MSC in order to determine the reasons for this proposed change. The union objected to this policy change and questioned MSC regarding privacy issues as well as CIVMARS’ opportunity to receive private e-mail under a military address, access to banking and other financial sites, and use of other webbased services such as news and other commercial sites. As this edition of the LOG went to press, it appears that the issue tentatively was resolved in the members’ favor. The union is awaiting final confirmation from MSC. If CIVMARS experience difficulties accessing their web-based e-mail, they may contact their union representatives at (415) 8613400 on the West Coast, (718) 832-8767 or (757) 622-1892 on the East Coast. Union Files Grievance The union’s Government Services Division has filed a safety and health habitability grievance regarding MSC’s selection of a local hotel in Norfolk, Va. used for housing CIVMARS who are required to report to the CSU East Coast. After a thorough inspection by the Government Services representative, the hotel was deemed unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons including evidence of a roach problem, mold and mildew smells, uncleanliness, rooms in poor condition with broken furniture and poor maintenance. Additionally, the union discovered that this hotel is in an area of town with a high crime rate, making it unsafe for mariners. In addition to this grievance, the union is evaluating other legal options to try to correct this situation. CIVMARS who experience habitability problems should contact the union at 415-861-3400 (on the West Coast), 718-832-8767 or 757-622-1892 (East Coast), or via email at civmarsupport@seafarers.org. Additionally, a revised U.S. STCW Endorsement information sheet was designed and printed by the BEP and has been distributed domestically to Regional Line Comes Under Scrutiny For Evacuee Housing Contract Continued from page 2 Exam Centers (RECs), inspectors, unions and industry; and internationally to the IMO and foreign national maritime administrations. A copy of the Revised U.S. STCW Endorsement Information Sheet can be obtained by registering for a free subscription of the USCG Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/. It is posted on the National Maritime Center’s website, h t t p : / / w w w. u s c g . m i l / s t c w. Mariners with additional questions may contact their nearest REC or Jon Furukawa at (202) 493-1014 or jfurukawa@ballston.uscg.mil. which is headquartered in Miami but incorporated for tax purposes in Panama, paid just $3 million in income tax benefits on $1.9 billion in pretax income last year, according to company documents. “That’s not even a tip,” said Robert S. McIntyre of Citizens for Tax Justice. U.S. companies in general pay an effective income tax rate of about 25 percent, analysts say. That would have left Carnival with a $475 million tax bill. Carnival’s public records boast “that substantially all of our income in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002 . . . is exempt from U.S. federal income taxes,” largely because it maintains that its operations are not in the United States but on the high seas. November 2005 �32670_P1,2,5,6,7X.qxd 10/28/2005 7:41 PM Page 7 SIU Continues Hurricane Relief Efforts On several fronts, the SIU continued with its hurricane relief efforts late last month even as yet another storm—this one named Wilma—battered the southeastern United States. In late October, Seafarers were sailing aboard eight vessels— including training ships mobilized during Hurricane Katrina— helping provide aid along the Gulf Coast. Earlier in the month, the hospital ship USNS Comfort —crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division—returned to Baltimore following a deployment to the New Orleans area. Additionally, the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund gave assistance to hundreds of members and their families (see sidebar), while the Seafarers Pension Plan and the NMU Benefit Plans, respectively, approved a supplemental payment to eligible retirees. In Beaumont, Texas, the SIUcrewed Cape Vincent and Cape Victory were dubbed “Noah’s Arks” by the Associated Press after the Ready Reserve Force ships took aboard police dogs as well as substantial numbers of emergency equipment and personnel during Hurricane Rita. They weren’t the only SIUcrewed ships to provide shelter to animals. The U.S. Military Sealift Command reported that mariners from the USNS Bellatrix helped Louisiana veterinarians save orphaned pets in New Orleans’ St. Bernard parish, an area devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The 946-foot fast sealift ship returned to Louisiana soon after Katrina to join relief efforts. Helping staff the Sirius steward department are (from left) Chief Cook Jeff Power, Chief Cook Helen Mitchell and Chief Steward Andrew Austin. In their spare time, the 27 civilian mariners (including SIU members) who crew the Bellatrix used various supplies and spare parts to build cages and shelters for more than 300 cats and dogs separated from their owners. Mariners volunteered to walk and groom the homeless pets. The ship also took on relief workers—17 U.S. Marines from the 4th Civil Affairs Group, based in Washington, D.C., two Navy doctors and 10 local veterinarians and vet assistants. When the outer bands of Hurricane Rita struck the New Orleans area Sept. 24, the Bellatrix housed five sick canines in the ship’s massive cargo hold. The homeless pets were sheltered from the wind and rain and received medical attention from vets during the storm. The ship is usually kept in reduced operating status in Violet, La. At the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala., the union offered its facility as a staging area for members of the United Food and Commercial Workers who had transported relief supplies from Philadelphia. “We appreciate the Seafarers putting us up,” stated Wendell Young, business agent for UFCW Local 1776. “Our members are grateful.” At least two SIU-contracted companies, Crowley and Express Marine, donated relief supplies Thanking Those Who Contributed As the extent of Hurricane Katrina’s damage became evident, the union quickly established the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) in order to provide financial assistance specifically to Seafarers, their families and union employees in the affected areas. This included members of the SIUaffiliated United Industrial Workers and the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union. Lito Acosta Abdulgabar Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Ueli Alataua Ahmed Ali Luqman Ali Seddik Ali Wadeea Alnasafi Christopher Altieri Santiago Amaya D.C. Anderson Calvin Andrews Eugene Aruta Shwe Aung Gloria Baker Joseph Barnes Cornelio Bartolome Joseph Baselice Marlon Battad Benjamin Bess Clinton Betties Joseph Bidzilya Jordan Biscardo Robert Blair Margaret Bowen Michael Boyle Michael Brady Thomas Bray Todd Brdak Ethel Brooks Robert Brooks Davon Brown James Brown Monte Burgett James Callahan John Carr Robert Cartmel Nicholas Celona Patti Christian Peter Ciddio Alvin Clark Casey Coddington Octavian Cojocaru Ronald Cokes Dave Coleman Victor Cooper Tina Corbin Dean Corgey Vincent Coss November 2005 Terry Cowans John Cox Amancio Crespo Arthur Cross Dante Cruz Ambrose Cucinotta Joshua Davenport George Decossio Lou Delma Shawn Deloach James DeMouy William Dennis Susan Derseweh Neil Dietz Alshea Dixon Daniel Duncan Robert Duncan Wilbert Earl Darrin Eastridge Thornton Elliott Frank & Kitty Eno Jessie Espiritu O.G. Evora Rey Farinas Suree Farrell John Fay Audrey Feffer Mario Fernandez Ronald Fields Robert Firth Ronald Fluker Salman Frederick Emiliano Garcia Richard Gegenheimer Carolyn Gentile Eric Grant Godwin Gregg Herman Hall Kenneth Hamilton Thomas Hawkins Frederick Hayston David Heindel Wilmer Herrera Alexander Hill Michael Hill Teresa Hoinsky David Hollenback John Huggins Regie Ignacio The intent was for quick and virtually complete disbursement, and that goal had been achieved by late October. Hundreds of members, their families and employees have been helped in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. With the fund essentially exhausted, the union thanks those who contributed to the SDRF. The names of all who contributed follow: Frank Iverson Leportre Jasper Neil Johnson Thomas Johnson Stephen Judd Timothy Kacer David Kelch Ed Kelly Angela Kendall Georg Kenny Enrico LaMarca Michael Lau Philip Lau Charlotte Leblanc Andrew Linares Rene Lioeanjie Steven Lonas Lanette Lopez Rudy Lopez Russell Luther Kermett Mangram Kenneth Marceski Kevin Marchand Erik Marlowe Nicholas Marrone Moises Martinez Domingo Martinez Reyes John McCabe Henry McCullough Jim McGee Kenneth McLamb Ronald Mena Dennis Metz Joseph Mieluchowski George Miller Thomas Miller Valerie Miller Yaser Mohamed Kenny Moore Edd Morris Mark Morris Roger Mosley Mothana Mothana Diane Muratalla Lupe Murillo Nagi Musaid Gheorghe Mustata Paul Nathan Ryan Neathery Jonathan Nielson William Nihem Don Nolan Lorraine Nuno Abdulla Omar Tommy Orzechowski Richard Owusu Fabian Palacios Ronald Paradise Earl Parker Jeffrey Parsley Chad Partridge Miles Partridge Arthur Patterson Frank Pecquex Herb Perez Philip Pifer Bryan Powell Francis Quebedeaux Arthur Quinney Reynato Ramos Dadang Rashidi John Repose Lawrence Richard Lance Riggs Paul Riley Nick Rios Irving Rochez Juan Rochez Edward Rockinger John Ropp John Sacco Michael Sacco Tony Sacco Ali Saleh Raymond Samaria Jason Schoenstein Peter Schuetz Garland Scott Robert Selzer Randy Senatore David Sexton Michael Shay Jack Sheehan Mohamed Shibly Karen Shuford Becky Sleeper John Solano Joseph Soresi John Spadaro Samuel Spain Louella Sproul Joseph Stanton Robert Stellon Charlie Stewart Jeffry Stuart Orlando Suazo Kenneth Sullivan Steven Sun Randolph Sutton William Tanksley James Taranto Leslie Tarantola Raymond Tate Eric Taylor Kenneth Taylor Simeon Taylor Augustin Tellez Don Thornton George Tricker Robert Troy Jeff Turkus James Tyson Eddy Usmany Thomas Vain Bryan Vallecillo Patrick Vandegrift John Vierra Joe Vincenzo Annie Walker Kareem Walters Archie Ware Mohamed Wasel Antjaun Webb John Wells Mark Wertanen Christian Westbrook Chester Wheeler Jimmy White Walter White Betty Wierschem Curtis Williams Richard Wilson Robert Wisler Wilbert Wood Martin Zeidenberg Ann Marie Zwerlein Pictured aboard the Sirius are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (third from left) and Seafarers including Bosun Wayne Casey, AB Fred Shannon, OS Gary Auzston and AB Roger Phelps. The ship has provided housing and support for police and military personnel and others in the New Orleans area. and had them scheduled for delivery to the SIU hall in Harvey, La., which is near New Orleans. “Certainly the recovery will take years, but in the short run there is light at the end of the tunnel,” noted SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd. “All the employees are back at the hall, functioning like normal. The office is normal. Outside the hall, there are still plenty of reminders that it’s not normal overall. It’s not pictures on a TV screen to us.” Judd said that family members of a number of Seafarers lost their lives in the first hurricane, bringing the devastation into tragic focus. As in other national tragedies, however, the professional and humane response from SIU members has been hard to overlook. As previously reported, Seafarers in the New Orleans area were among the first to provide assistance to hurricane victims. In at least one case they provided invaluable assistance to local medical personnel, relief workers and members of the National Guard before any other help was available. Upon reporting to the Texas A&M training vessel Sirius, activated for Katrina relief, Seafarers performed at a level that caught the attention of the ship’s master. “The 41 crew members from the SIU and AMO have been outstanding,” noted Captain Sam Stephenson. “I have never sailed with such a hard-working crew that has been so mission-focused. In four days, two months of work was accomplished. “SIU crew members did whatever it took to make sure the Sirius was ready to sail on time,” he continued. “The maritime unions of the United States have pulled together for our fellow citizens in distress and it makes me proud to be part of the U.S. Merchant Marine, working with some of the finest mariners in the country thanks to the SIU.” The SIU-crewed Cape Vincent provided shelter for emergency vehicles and other equipment as well as personnel in Beaumont, Texas. Local workers rest on the Cape Victory, which offered a respite from Hurricane Rita. Seafarers LOG 7 �32760_P4,8,12,13,19.qxd 10/25/2005 8:41 PM Page 8 Seafarers Help Rebuild Florida Coastline L ast year—long before the nation had even heard about Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which came ashore with a fury in cities along the U.S. Gulf Coast—Florida was hit with four hurricanes in a row: Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. Southwest Florida’s coast, including the resort communities of Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, were decimated. And while some of the resorts were able to reopen fairly quickly, many of the buildings in those communities, as well as the shoreline, were destroyed. Kevin Marchand, an SIU patrolman in Ft. Lauderdale, recently toured the area. He noted that the SIU-crewed hopper dredge Dodge Island, operated by NATCO, is working with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to help rebuild the shoreline. NATCO, a subsidiary of Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., is a leader in restoring eroded recreational and commercial waterfronts. The destruction wrought by the 2004 hurricanes is still visible a year later. Harborside and oceanside resorts and docks are being rebuilt, but the foul smell of dead fish from the Red Tide fills the air and is but another reminder of Mother Nature’s last visit to this once lovely and picturesque community. The shoreside resort on Captiva Island will someday be filled with tourists once again, Marchand stated, but for now, it is inhabitated by workers who live on the island to rebuild the houses, roads and bridges that have been washed away. The Dodge Island pumps sand to the beaches off Captiva Island along the southwest Florida coastline. Left: Bernard Mood, a launch boat operator, has been with NATCO for 28 years. Mike Horn is captain aboard the Dodge Island. Left: QMED Mike Brady is ready to take on stores. Sand is pumped ashore to rebuild the beach line on Captiva Island. A Coastal Research Amphibious Buggy (CRAB) is a three-wheeled vehicle built by the Wilmington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to monitor beach nourishment projects. It’s Business as Usual For Seafarers Following Acquisition of CP Ships The bargaining agreements of five Seafarerscrewed vessels managed by Marine Transport Management, Inc. (MTM) will continue to be honored following the Oct. 1 acquisition of CP Ships by Hapag-Lloyd. The Lykes Navigator, Lykes Liberator and Lykes Discoverer, three Pacific-class vessels currently participating in the Maritime Security Program (MSP), will be renamed the CP Navigator, CP Discoverer and CP Liberator. Under the new, expanded MSP—a vital component of America’s national defense capabilities— these three vessels, along with the Americana-class Lykes Motivator (renamed the CP Motivator) will be replaced by four more modern vessels by March 31, 2008. They will be sister ships to the Pacific-class vessel, the CP Yosemite (formerly the Lykes Explorer, which was withdrawn from the U.S.-flag trade Sept. 24, 2005 and was replaced with the reflagged Yucatan and then re-named the Yosemite). These five ships will join the updated MSP fleet, which now includes 60 vessels, an increase of 13 ships compared to the MSP which expired at the end of September. 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,” according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The acquisition of CP Ships by Hapag-Lloyd will create the world’s fifth-largest container shipping company with more than 100 routes spanning the globe. The combined assets of the new company will continue to support national defense through participation in the MSP and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). 2 Unions Join 54 Others as AFL-CIO Affiliates The AFL-CIO recently welcomed two unions into the federation. Early last month, the 60,000member United Transportation Union (whose members include railroad conductors at Amtrak) rejoined the AFL-CIO following a four-year absence. Also, in late September, the 65-member California Nurses Association (CNA) indicated that it wants to affiliate with the federation. The respective affiliations are subject to final approval from the memberships. Not including those additions, the AFL-CIO has 54 affiliate unions, including the SIU, representing a combined 9 million members. During a CNA conference in 8 Seafarers LOG Oakland, Calif., association officials and delegates noted that joining forces with the AFL-CIO would enable CNA to help champion a transformation of the nation’s health care system and provide strong allies in a common front to resist the “aggressive agenda of the corporations and the far right and their allies in Washington and Sacramento and their escalating attack on workers, low and moderate income people, and unions,” said CNA Executive Director Rose Ann DeMoro. “Now more than ever we need a cohesive, powerful labor movement.” Meanwhile, the federation on Oct. 17 announced that it had reached an “agreement in principle” over terms for local unions affiliated with the Change to Win (CTW) federation to join AFLCIO state federations and central labor councils via “Solidarity Charters” and enjoy full voting and participation rights. In a memo to AFL-CIO state and local bodies, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney outlined the terms agreed to by officials of CTW. “In view of the agreement that we believe we have in principle,” he wrote, “the AFL-CIO has agreed to extend the deadline for reaching final terms through the November elections, to November 15. In the meantime, the AFL-CIO will not object to members of CTW locals that intend to apply for Solidarity Charters running for office in the state and central bodies in question.” Crew members aboard the Dodge Island include Dragtender Darryl Nelson, AB Arnold Sypongco, Wiper Elvis Sumaria, QMED Mike Brady, AB Confesor Arzu, SA Carlos David, Chief Cook Mario Fernandez and AB Domingo Martinez. SIU-Contracted Companies Receive Safety Awards Six SIU-contracted companies were presented with safety awards by American Maritime Safety, Inc. at their 2005 annual membership meeting and award ceremony last month in New York. American Maritime Safety, Inc. is a not-for-profit trade association established in 1987 to facilitate the maritime industry’s compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and international protocols. The organization has grown from seven deep-sea operators in 1987 to more than 370 today, many of which are under SIU contracts. As of 1993, the group began giving out safety awards to member companies, mostly U.S.-flag operators, based on input and other feedback from Coast Guard captains and others with regard to safety, training and environmental issues. An advisory board of six persons evaluates the nominees and makes the final recommendations, according to Lou Meltz, president of American Maritime Safety, Inc. This year, all six awards went to SIU-contracted companies. The companies and their awards follow: Keystone Shipping Co.—The American Maritime Safety Award Liberty Maritime Corp.—Marine Environmental Preservation Award Interocean Ugland Corp.—Tank Vessel Safety Award Moran Towing and Transportation—Safe Working Practices Award Alaska Tanker Co.—Quality Ship Management Award Crowley/MTL—Safe Navigation and Operation Award November 2005 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22,23.qxd 10/21/2005 4:35 PM Page 9 ‘Union Yes’ Race Car Takes Labor’s Message On the Fast Track August was a big month for the “Union Yes” race car. After being temporarily plagued by mechanical problems early in the 2005 season, the union-sponsored race car came back with a vengeance. Both the car’s driver, Greg Hindman, and his wife, Brandi, come from families with very strong union backgrounds. Hindman is a member of UA Local 290, and the union message is something that is very important to the couple. “We are going to take it as far as we possibly can,” said his wife, who is president of B.I.O. Racing, Inc. The first stop was the 34th Annual Pepsi Nightfire Nationals in Boise, Idaho. The four-day event provided an opportunity to highlight the message of solidarity as it won the top fire full-bodied class in front of an estimated 10,000 fans. “With the somewhat resistant response we are getting from Idaho’s many non-union fans, it was important to continue to make an impression,” said Hindman. “We came into this race with goals we wanted to meet, but the outcome was so much more than we would have ever hoped for. “Not only did we get to visit with Idaho union members, we were thrilled to be approached by non-union workers who wanted to learn more about how union membership could impact their lives,” the steamfitter went on to report. The next stop for the “Union Yes” drag racer was Port Orchard, Wash., where it laid down a career best 7.04 second, 199 mph run. This pass secured the top qualifying position for the Bremerton Raceway event. The results also included a second-place finish in the Top Comp race and a third place finish in Street Outlaw. The couple took the car to several Labor Day picnics sponsored by Oregon locals, where they snapped photos of members and their families with the car. The team also plans to return to Idaho for a big race where Hindman won the Top Gun race last year—an honor held by only six drivers across the U.S. He will be returning to defend his title and use his recognition in the racing world to bring attention to the union movement. According to the race car team, they also will focus on contacting unions that are not yet involved with the “Union Yes” racing program. “We have been thrilled with the response the program has received within the labor movement,” noted Brandi Hindman. “We want all of the families of organized labor to view this as their car, giving them a voice with which to reach the 70 million fans of drag racing. We will do our best to win them over one victory at a time.” The “Union Yes” race car is sponsored by the Oregon State Building Trades Council, the Oregon AFL-CIO, AFSCME Council 75 and Painters District Council 5, as well as several Oregon and Washington locals and union vendors from across the nation. “We’re proud to be supporters of the ‘Union Yes’ car, bringing the ‘Union Yes’ message to the track and America’s workplaces,” said Tim Nesbitt, president of the Oregon AFL-CIO. With its car painted in red, white and blue, the ‘Union Yes’ team spreads the message of the labor movement on and off the track. Driver Greg Hindman qualified in the top position for the Bremerton (Wash.) Raceway event (above). Service Call on the Louis J. Hauge James Foley is the bosun aboard the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. These photos were taken by Port Agent Jeff Turkus when the Hauge recently stopped off in Guam. As one of the container and roll-on/rolloff ships in the Military Sealift Command fleet, the vessel carries a full range of Marine Corps cargo. It is prepositioned in Diego Garcia. ABs Russell Lofing and Ed Rockinger keep busy on deck. Former NMU Member Frede Frost Dies at 84 Former NMU member Frede Frost passed away July 1 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 84. A retired captain, Brother Frost hailed from Denmark. “Captain Frost left lasting impressions of seamanship, integrity, practical knowledge and common sense on all those he met and worked with throughout his distinguished career,” said Capt. Frede Frost longtime friend and fellow mariner Capt. Christopher Yearwood of Severna Park, Md. “His greatest trait was as a mentor to all those who sailed with him.” Born in 1920, Brother Frost launched his seagoing career in 1937 in his native country. Brother Frost leaves behind a long legacy of seagoing relatives back home. He followed in the footsteps of his father, worked his way all the way to the top and become a captain. Some 56 years later, in 1993, he retired as a captain while at the helm of the Aspen, a Trinidad Shipping Co.-operated tanker. Brother Frost commanded Trinidad Shipping vessels for 42 years. He was a member of a host of professional and fraternal organizations including: the Masters, Mates & Pilots; Grand Lodge #195 (Masons); the American Merchant Marine Veterans-Puget Sound Chapter; the American Legion; and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Brother Frost is survived by his wife, Toni; one step-daughter, Kelly McGinnis; two grandchildren, Robert and Rebecca; and several relatives in Denmark. November 2005 Working in the galley are ACU Roy Harris and Chief Cook Stephan Osovitz. The Hauge’s chief electrician is David Castro. Seafarers LOG 9 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22,23.qxd 10/21/2005 4:36 PM SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez (right) poses with Lt. Col. Todd Robbins of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). The photo was taken following a TRANSCOM executive working group meeting at SIU headquarters in early August, where the topics covered included sealift and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Page 10 At Sea And Ashore With the SIU Retiree Richard Rigney and his wife, Regina, vacation in Piney Point every year, usually around their anniversary. This year marked an extra special occasion as the happy couple celebrated their 50th anniversary on July 2 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Rigney sailed for more than 30 years as a bosun and AB. He retired in 1982. Seafarers sail aboard many different types of vessels, but the SBX (pictured at left) is oneof-a-kind within the SIUcontracted fleet. The semi-submersible craft—part of a U.S. operation called groundbased midcourse defense (GMD)—recently underwent modifications in Brownsville, Texas before sailing to Alaska. It is operated by Interocean American Shipping (formerly IUM) for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Right: SIU President Michael Sacco addresses the membership (in photo above) at the September monthly meeting in San Francisco. With him on the dais are (from left) Port Agent Vincent Coss, Vice President Nicholas Marrone, Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Left: Three Seafarers were congratulated by SIU officials when they were presented with their ”A“ Books at the October membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. From the left are SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Gill Sickles, Zlatko Lucic, SIU President Michael Sacco and Harold Harper. Julio D. Lobo, chief cook aboard the Green Point, receives the “Award of Safety Recognition and Awareness” from Capt. John E. Belcourt during a voyage from Naha to Yokohama, Japan. Capt. Belcourt said that Lobo is “a fine shipmate and a professional seaman. While transiting suspect waters in the Red Sea, Mr. Lobo displayed both courage and foresight of ensuring that the hotel area of this good ship was well protected.” Below: Seafarers take advantage of a training course on security awareness offered at the Jacksonville hall in July. At right with Port Agent Bryan Powell (right) is Mitch Oakley, an instructor from the Paul Hall Center, who taught the course. Photo by Carole Caravaggio Staffed by SIU members in the engine and deck department, the Detroit Princess is Detroit’s newest entertainment and dining riverboat. This photo was taken in September on the Detroit River. 10 Seafarers LOG The above photo was snapped in July at the SIU hall in Jacksonville. From the left are Patrolman Joe Vincenzo, Safety Rep Tony Elliott and Port Agent Bryan Powell. November 2005 �32760_P3,11,21.qxd 10/25/2005 7:18 PM Page 11 3 Ships Added to ARC Fleet Continued from page 3 Handy two of the “fathers” of the program. Ebeling also cited support from the Defense Department for U.S.-flag shipping; the “virtually unprecedented” partnership among maritime labor and businesses working to increase the fleet; and the “team of great Americans that make ARC work,” including the SIU crew members. Sacco declared that the growth signaled good news not only for the industry, but for the entire nation, “Because what’s good for the U.S.-flag fleet is good for the United States of America.” He credited Ebeling and Handy for their respective efforts and also welcomed Schwartz, who already has voiced his strong support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. “When you put all of these pieces together, you’ve got a genuine success story,” the SIU president continued. “You’ve got an expanded MSP that is bringing new tonnage into the Americanflag fleet and new jobs to this nation. You’ve got a company that already has been very active in supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. You’ve got top military leaders who understand the importance of U.S.-flag sealift and the value of American mariners. And you’ve got a union in the SIU that is extremely proud to serve as part of this country’s fourth arm of defense.” He reminded the audience that Seafarers are “out there right now, sailing aboard military support ships in the Middle East in support of our armed forces. Our members are the best-trained seafarers in the world. They’re safe, they’re reliable, they’re courageous—and just as importantly, they love their country. That’s who mans the MSP fleet and the other American-flag ships that support our troops: SIU members —and other U.S. mariners—who are proud to deliver the goods.” Before and after the ceremony, Seafarers aboard the Integrity said the ships are welcome additions not only because they bring new jobs, but also because the vessels themselves are first rate. “It really is state-of-the-art,” said Bosun Carl Pedersen. QMED Mike McQueary said the ship has “great layout and creature comforts.” The ship normally will sail between U.S. East Coast ports and overseas locations that may include Antwerp, Bremerhaven and Southampton. The SIU had a strong presence at the ceremony, including (from left) President Michael Sacco, AB Javier Ureta, AB Scott Stanley, Bosun Carl Pedersen, VP Contracts Augie Tellez and others. QMED Mike McQueary Pictured from left to right are AB Scott Stanley, SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and Bosun Carl Pedersen. A view from the Integrity’s deck Left: Helping keep the Integrity crew well-fed are (from left) Chief Steward Stephen Bird, Chief Cook James Wadsworth and SA Nagibe Alhaj. The naming ceremony for all three vessels took place aboard the Integrity Sept. 29 in Baltimore. Three newly reflagged vessels were added to the fleet of SIU-contracted ARC. They are (from left) the Courage, Honor and Integrity. November 2005 Seafarers LOG 11 �32760_P4,8,12,13,19.qxd 10/25/2005 8:43 PM Page 12 A Logistical Amphibious Recovery Craft (LARC) launches from the Seafarers-crewed Military Sealift Command sea barge heavy lift ship Cape Mohican near Indian Island, Wash. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Rainier provides fuel to the guided missile destroyer USS Pinckney off the coast of California. Mariners aboard the Seafarers-crewed USNS Rainier prepare to load ordnance underneath an MH-60S Knighthawk attached to the “Black Jacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two One during a vertical replenishment somewhere in the Pacific Ocean with the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. ‘READY to go again’ B QMED Bob Oppel Cape Wrath Recertified Steward McKinley Jones Cape Wrath AB Farah Mrimri Cape Washington DEU Al Barnett Cape Wrath DEU Bruce Milburn Cape Wrath 12 Seafarers LOG oth at home in the U.S. and at str locations overseas, SIU members co supporting U.S. troops in Oper Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. By late last month, Seafarers were s aboard at least a dozen vessels involved in operations in the Middle East. Other SIU me were manning U.S. Ready Reserve Force ships, keeping them prepared in case of acti for military or humanitarian missions. Seafarers’ positive and patriotic attitudes evident aboard the RRF ships Cape Wrat Cape Washington in Baltimore on an ov afternoon in mid-October. Most of the ma ships already have made multiple trips supp “We’re doing our part and ready to go a Billy Dowzicky aboard the Wrath. “Person trips, all to Kuwait. During the last deploym for 179 days, because it was two trips back“We’ve had great crews every time He added tha smooth U.S.-flag throughout OIF an that the RRF sys deploy on time or the program work Bosun Rick Ja made three trips to Rick James “I joined in 1991 a and it’s a lot differ ten to the point where we really hav younger crowd this time. I think more the importance of the U.S. Merchant M The bosuns and their fellow marine cated that there is much more to these tics. Asked for candid replies and assu if desired, the mariners in Baltimore— Bosun Billy Dowzicky Cape Wrath November 2005 �32760_P4,8,12,13,19.qxd 10/25/2005 8:43 PM Page 13 In the South China Sea, a Seahawk helicopter prepares to land on the flight deck of the Seafarers-crewed underway replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe. A diesel generator is loaded aboard the SIU-crewed LMSR USNS Red Cloud in Rota, Spain. ’ Seafarers Continue Supporting U.S. Troops in Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom U.S. Army High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) are loaded onto the SIU-crewed LMSR USNS Pililaau. at strategic rs continue Operations value the chance to support our troops. “It makes you feel patriotic, big time,” declared Recertified ere sailing Steward McKinley Jones. d in sealift “Especially when [the U.S. U members Maritime Administration] gives orce (RRF) you the medal when you get McKinley Jones f activation back, to show their appreciaThe SIU-crewed RRF ships Cape Wrath (left) and Cape tion. tudes were Washington have made numerous trips in support of U.S. troops “We’ve had quite a few scary moments in port Wrath and involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. overseas, but I’m very willing to go back.” n overcast QMED Bob Oppel noted, “You definitely feel e mariners aboard those like you’re doing something for the country, for the troops. It’s supporting OIF. a good feeling.” go again,” stated Bosun DEU Al Barnett said that interacting with the military secuersonally I’ve made four rity teams aboard SIU-crewed ships “makes you see the war ployment we were gone more personally, because you get to know them pretty well. back-to-back. We’ve gotten along with them with no problems and we’ve also time.” had great crews on all four trips I’ve made (for OIF).” Bob Oppel d that the consistently Billy Dowzicky James said he estimates that the vast majority of mariners he -flag sealift operations has sailed with during these operations “feel patriotic about it. IF and the war against terrorism help prove What we’re doing, it means something. The results (in Iraq) F system “is working. Our ships always may be more evident in 10 years than they are today, but they’re me or ahead of schedule. It’s a testament that proud they’re doing something positive.” works.” Overall, thousands of Seafarers have sailed in support of the ck James aboard the Washington, who has missions since September 11, 2001. During the all-out combat ips to the Middle East during OIF, agreed. phase of OIF, more than 5,000 American mariners sailed aboard 991 as an OS during the Persian Gulf War, hundreds of U.S.-flag ships in support of our troops. They perdifferent this time,” he noted. “We’ve gotformed what has been described by top government and miliAl Barnett y have it down pat, and it’s also a much tary leaders as the most efficient sealift operation in history. more people are realizing hant Marine.” ariners also strongly indithese voyages than logisassured of confidentiality ore—to a man—said they arnett rath The Seafarers-crewed USNS Red Cloud offloads coalition combat equipment and supplies in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece after returning from deployment in Iraq. Pictured on the deck of the Cape Washington are (from left) QEE Eric Mentzer, GUDE Michael Alghafeili, QMED George Murphy and Bosun Rick James. November 2005 Seafarers LOG 13 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22,23.qxd 10/21/2005 4:36 PM Page 14 SIU Plan Offers Eight Scholarships For Members and Dependents in 2006 Don’t let the high cost of a college or W e’ve all been hearing and reading about the soaring costs of medical care. And, just like medical care, the price tag for higher education also has been increasing significantly faster than the rate of inflation or the growth in family incomes. According to The Washington Post, the average annual tuition and fees this year at a public fouryear college are around $9,000; at a private institution, that figure is around $20,000. Those figures are only going to increase. These continually upward spiralling costs are causing many to question the value of continuing education beyond high school and to wonder whether the high cost of tuition is worth the investment. But there is good news for Seafarers and their eligible dependents who want to continue their dreams of attaining a higher education without taking on any great financial burdens: the scholarship program 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 2006 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 vocational school. The other five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Getting Started Now is a great time to begin the application P process. The first step is sending away for the Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. To receive a copy of this guide, fill out the coupon below and return it to the address listed on the form. Alternatively, pick up a copy of the booklet at your nearest SIU hall. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information and, if they are eligible, should start collecting some of the other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2006 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools often are quite slow in handling transcripts requests, the sooner the requests are made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. A photograph of the applicant as well as a certified copy of his or her birth certificate also need to be included. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2006 to ensure the results reach the committee in time to be evaluated. Those Seafarers and dependents who previously 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 reaching your goals. The Seafarers Scholarship Program can make a difference. lease send me the 2006 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 11/05 university degree stop you from applying to the school of your choice. Fill out the form on this page and send away for your program booklet today. 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. November 2005 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22,23.qxd 10/21/2005 4:36 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea December 2005 & January 2006 Membership Meetings SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 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 0 0 6 8 2 6 31 33 0 6 14 19 10 2 2 5 23 0 41 14 1 6 9 22 5 6 26 18 2 10 8 18 13 7 23 7 13 6 40 27 2 3 1 12 0 3 21 4 1 5 5 21 8 2 1 0 8 0 18 11 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 9 7 0 6 22 21 0 4 2 17 12 4 1 5 7 0 27 18 222 267 126 162 1 0 3 3 2 5 12 13 0 11 8 13 9 3 2 2 4 1 12 6 0 5 1 4 2 4 11 13 0 6 2 9 12 5 1 2 10 3 23 6 3 1 1 4 1 2 8 5 0 2 0 7 1 1 0 0 0 0 7 9 1 0 0 2 0 9 6 14 0 6 5 9 8 2 1 2 5 0 13 8 110 119 52 1 0 3 6 2 3 20 10 0 0 8 16 8 4 3 2 13 2 18 16 0 0 2 4 2 10 12 11 0 5 1 6 12 1 2 2 5 4 4 8 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 4 5 1 1 0 2 0 1 2 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 2 4 11 2 5 24 19 0 8 2 9 9 4 7 5 6 5 23 17 164 1 0 4 6 0 3 14 4 0 3 1 12 4 1 1 0 3 0 13 7 0 0 2 5 0 2 17 12 0 2 3 7 4 2 2 6 8 3 17 11 77 91 99 1 0 1 4 0 2 10 0 0 2 0 4 3 0 0 0 2 0 4 6 39 135 91 22 108 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 1 5 0 3 2 1 1 5 6 4 12 19 12 0 4 4 27 13 0 18 1 15 0 16 4 1 5 2 8 1 5 14 15 0 1 5 29 7 0 22 1 7 0 14 18 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 1 0 0 0 5 1 3 6 9 0 5 0 6 5 1 4 2 1 1 5 11 65 10 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 2 5 1 2 6 12 5 0 3 3 10 5 0 7 2 12 0 4 3 1 2 3 2 0 1 13 5 0 0 2 18 11 0 14 0 8 0 10 4 1 5 0 13 0 5 43 10 2 8 12 35 14 3 0 1 7 0 24 21 421 204 0 0 2 2 0 1 6 7 0 2 1 7 1 4 1 3 4 0 9 4 0 0 5 3 2 7 17 23 0 13 11 20 13 1 1 1 16 2 17 7 1 6 2 8 4 8 20 22 0 8 8 16 13 3 1 5 15 2 32 10 2 3 1 6 2 2 13 10 0 2 1 13 7 1 0 2 2 2 8 8 54 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 12 11 32 9 10 39 35 3 17 15 38 25 8 27 13 18 5 61 38 388 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 2 2 5 13 14 0 1 2 11 9 1 1 0 22 0 17 8 1 0 6 13 4 16 51 46 0 13 24 50 23 3 2 11 37 0 57 31 98 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 3 1 3 0 4 5 13 0 6 0 6 11 4 3 4 5 2 20 8 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 1 0 2 0 3 6 9 0 0 0 8 2 0 0 0 8 0 7 5 159 184 85 2 0 6 10 2 14 35 19 1 4 10 22 11 4 5 3 30 3 28 35 1 0 2 5 2 13 12 19 1 3 2 11 19 0 1 3 10 3 11 13 0 0 2 1 0 2 6 7 1 0 2 7 7 0 1 0 3 1 4 9 51 244 131 53 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 4 6 1 0 0 1 12 1 0 0 3 10 0 6 3 4 0 3 9 4 15 28 26 1 8 6 46 22 0 19 6 20 1 31 7 2 8 0 11 6 11 27 26 0 3 11 44 14 1 31 2 13 1 17 21 26 162 155 19 83 94 0 49 256 249 493 639 355 380 411 220 203 840 992 591 *“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 2005 Piney Point .............Monday: December 5 ................................Tuesday: January 3* ................................(*change created by New Year’s Day holiday) Algonac ..................Friday: December 9, January 6 Baltimore ................Thursday: December 8, January 5 Boston.....................Friday: December 9, January 6 Guam ......................Thursday: December 22, January 19 Honolulu .................Friday: December 16, January 13 Houston ..................Monday: December 12, January 9 Jacksonville ............Thursday: December 8, January 5 Joliet .......................Thursday: December 15, January 12 Mobile ....................Wednesday: December 14, January 11 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: December 13, January 10 New York................Tuesday: December 6, January 3 Norfolk ...................Thursday: December 8, January 5 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: December , January 4 Port Everglades.......Thursday: December 15, January 12 San Francisco .........Thursday: December 15, January 12 San Juan..................Thursday: December 8, January 5 St. Louis..................Friday: December 16, January 13 Tacoma ...................Friday: December 23, January 20 Wilmington ...............Monday: December 19 .................................Tuesday: January 17* ............................................(*change created by Martin Luther King holiday) ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals BRUCE E. BUTLER Your wife, Marvis, loves you and misses you. Please call her at home. THOMAS G. DECOTEAU Please e-mail Glynn or Earline at gsdeco67@vvm.com. They’re concerned as to how you fared the hurricanes. Change of Address The SIU hall in Guam will be moving to a new location, effective Dec. 1, 2005. Street Address Cliffline Office Center, Bldg. B, 422 Suite 101B West O’Brien Drive Hagatna, Guam 96910 Mailing Address P.O. Box 315242 Tamuning, Guam 96931 Contact Numbers Phone: (671) 477-1350 (or 1353) Fax: (671) 477-1360 Seafarers LOG 15 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22,23.qxd 10/21/2005 4:36 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 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 5 10 3 2 15 1 0 0 36 1 4 0 0 3 2 1 3 14 0 6 0 0 5 2 1 3 17 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 15 3 1 9 1 0 1 33 0 3 0 0 1 2 1 1 8 0 5 0 0 4 2 2 3 16 0 7 0 0 9 2 1 2 21 10 34 6 13 33 3 1 7 107 2 8 3 6 11 0 1 6 37 0 2 4 18 2 0 2 0 28 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 6 8 14 7 1 13 2 1 5 51 0 5 9 4 10 0 1 0 28 0 1 6 12 0 1 1 0 21 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 2 7 6 8 3 4 10 1 0 2 34 2 5 7 2 15 1 0 2 34 0 3 3 10 0 0 2 1 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 4 2 0 3 0 0 3 13 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 5 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 13 0 0 2 0 0 1 16 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 5 0 2 0 6 0 0 0 13 1 0 3 0 5 1 0 2 12 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 2 9 Port 3 4 1 2 5 0 0 0 15 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 7 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 2 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 62 32 31 64 18 30 34 192 99 68 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Gordon P. Driscoll of Warren, Ore. The snapshot on the right was taken in 1946 when Driscoll was a saloon pantryman aboard the SS Central Victory, an American-Hawaiian Steamship Co. vessel sailing from the West Coast to the East Coast. Driscoll was on a beautiful beach in Mayaguez, P.R. that was practically deserted. He is drinking milk from a coconut that one of the locals had given him. The other is a recent photo of him in his large garden with one of his prized watermelons. Driscoll, who said he’s sometimes called “the watermelon man,” grows the delicious vegetables (yes, they’re vegetables) and has won several prizes at the state fair. Brother Driscoll, now 78, sailed with the SIU in the steward department for 33 years (with a two-year stint in the Army in the middle). He retired in 1978 but keeps abreast of SIU activities by reading the Seafarers LOG . . . and he wonders what that beautiful deserted beach in Mayaguez looks like today. 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. November 2005 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22,23.qxd 10/21/2005 4:37 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 EARL CHAPPEL, 63, began sailing with the SIU in 1968 in New York. Brother Chappel first worked aboard the Chatham in the engine department. His most recent trip to sea was on the Cape Orlando. Brother Chappel, who was born in Maryland, resides in Jacksonville, Fla. CECIL GUBISCH, 64, became a Seafarer in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Gubisch first sailed aboard the Charleston. Born in the Philippines, he shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Gubisch last worked aboard the Mahimahi. He makes his home in Las Vegas. PEDRO LOPEZ, 52, joined the union in 1975 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Lopez first sailed on the Yukon. The deck department member upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He most recently worked on the Performance. Brother Lopez was born in New Jersey and lives in Delaware. WILBERT WILLIAMS JR., 58, started his seafaring career in 1969 in New Orleans. Brother Williams initially worked aboard Alcoa Steamship Co. vessels. The Louisiana native was a member of the steward department. Brother Williams attended the Piney Point, Md. school in 2002 to upgrade his seafaring skills. Before retiring, he shipped on the Chemical Pioneer. Brother Williams is a resident of New Orleans. INLAND ROBERT BATSON, 61, joined the SIU in 1968 in Norfolk, Va. Boatman Batson’s first voyage was aboard a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. Born in North Carolina, he sailed in the deck department. Boatman Batson upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He calls Gatlinburg, Tenn. home. VERNON CAHOON, 62, joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Cahoon, who was born in North Carolina, first worked with Southern November 2005 Carriers Corporation. His last trip to sea was with Charles H. Harper & Associates. Boatman Cahoon resides in Belhaven, N.C. JOHN PRIMEAUX SR., 68, began sailing with the union in 1986 in Houston. Boatman Primeaux hails from Louisiana. During his seafaring career, he shipped primarily aboard Higman Barge Lines vessels. Boatman Primeaux was a member of the deck department. He makes his home in Abbeville, La. VIRGIL QUILLEN, 62, began his seafaring career in 1965 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Quillen worked primarily aboard Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessels. He was born in Delaware and sailed in the deck department. Boatman Quillen attended the union’s affiliated school in 1973, 1984 and 1989. He lives in Warminster, Pa. WALTER RETTERSHOFER, 63, became an SIU member in 1960 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Rettershofer first shipped with Meyle Towing Company. The engine department member, who was born in Pennsylvania, last sailed on a Taylor Marine Towing vessel. He is a resident of Williamstown, N.J. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM ENGLISH, 65, joined the union in 1993 in Duluth, Minn. Brother English shipped on vessels operated by Great Lakes Associates, including the Kinsman Enterprise and the Kinsman Independent. He worked as a member of the engine department. Born in Canada, Brother English currently lives in Ontario. 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. HASKELL BLACK, 68, joined the NMU in 1964. The Georgia native first sailed aboard the American Producer. Brother Black worked in the steward department. His last ship was the Cape Alexander. EDWARD BROWN, 65, began his NMU career in Charleston, S.C., first sailing on the Sheldon Clark. Brother Brown was a member of the engine department. He most recently sailed aboard the Gulf Pride. EARL GRANT, 58, became an NMU member in 1969. Brother Grant, who was born in Savannah, Ga., first shipped on the Explorer. He last worked in the steward department aboard the Cape Orlando. MAGNO GUILLEN, 66, launched his seafaring career with the NMU in 1965. Brother Guillen first sailed on the Green Island. The steward department member was born in Honduras. He last worked aboard the Chilbar. SALFUS KELLY, 55, hails from Louisiana. Brother Kelly began his seafaring career in 1976, first shipping from worked on the Gulf Bear. Brother Williams’ most recent voyage was aboard the Chilbar. Port Arthur, Texas aboard the Export Brooks. A member of the steward department, Brother Kelly last worked aboard the Galveston Bay. JEROME POPE, 65, began his NMU career in 1977, initially sailing from the port of New Jersey. Brother Pope is a native of Charlotte, N.C. Prior to retiring, he shipped on the Margaret Lykes. JULIO ROLON, 62, joined the NMU in 1968 in Philadelphia. Brother Rolon first worked aboard the Gulf Oil as a member of the steward department. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner last went to sea on the Green Cove. RAYMOND SHEA, 68, began his NMU career in 1991, shipping from the port of Boston. Brother Shea’s first ship was the Green Lake; his last was the Ocean City. The engine department member was born in Boston. HENRY WILLIAMS, 55, was born in Mobile, Ala. Brother Williams first donned the NMU colors in 1972. He initially Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1952 Tanker operators contracted to the SIU have reported unanimous agreement on the general and working rules of the proposed new tanker contract, which was submitted to them last week by the operators’ committee. Talks between the union negotiating committee and the operators are now revolving around the settlement of monetary matters. The union’s negotiating committee has worked constantly toward not only improving the working and general rules, but also toward clarifying all clauses which have previously resulted in problems between crew members and department heads and delayed the smooth payoff of vessels. JOHN WILLIAMS, 69, joined the NMU in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Williams first sailed on the American Pilot. Born in Pennsylvania, he was a member of the steward department. Brother Williams’ last trip to sea was on the Endeavor. DAVID WRIGHT, 62, joined the NMU in 1966 in New York. He first sailed aboard the Export Champion. The Lynn, Mass. native last went to sea on the Energy Enterprise. Also retiring: Name Age EDP Aviles, Tomas 65 Sept. 1 Calhoun, Lloyd 78 Oct. 1 Cantalejo, Juan 65 July 1 Chartier, Alfred 57 July 1 De La Fuente, Jesus 62 Sept. 1 Erese, Benjamin 65 Oct. 1 Laureano, Rafael 62 Sept. 1 Mathews, Edgar 65 Aug. 1 booked with cargo within the next several days, making them the first American vessels to participate in the movement of grain under terms of the Soviet-American shipping agreement signed recently. The Maritime Administration has subsidy applications for grain carriage from approximately 35 American-flag vessels, among them other SIUcontracted ships. This Month In SIU History 1972 Two SIU-contracted vessels were the first to be awarded conditional subsidy contracts for participation in the carriage of grain to the Soviet Union. The Maritime Administration announced that the vessels are the tankers National Defender and Western Hunter. The actual amount of subsidy for these two ships will depend on the charter rate to be negotiated with the Soviet Union. It is expected that the two SIU tankers would be formally 1992 The SIU continued its efforts to secure enactment of legislation which would correct an administrative error and give World War II veterans’ status to merchant mariners who began sailing between August 15, 1945 and December 31, 1946. In testimony submitted to the Subcommittee on Compensation, Pension and Insurance of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the SIU called for passage of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Bill (H.R. 44). “As the bill’s name indicates, this is simply a question of fairness— fairness to Americans who risked their lives for their country during World War II,” the SIU said in its testimony. “Approximately 2,500 retired merchant mariners are being denied something which they clearly earned: veterans’ status.” Seafarers LOG 17 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22_24X.qxd 10/28/2005 7:53 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA GEORGE CHUNG Pensioner George Chung, 89, passed away April 22. Brother Chung joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the port of San Francisco. He sailed primarily aboard Matson Navigation vessels, including the Maunalei and the Manukai. Brother Chung was born in Hawaii and lived in Honolulu. The steward department member retired in 1981. JOHN COOK Brother John Cook, 39, died April 4. He joined the union in 1991 in New Orleans. Brother Cook’s first ship was the Pioneer Contractor. The New Orleans native worked in the deck department, most recently sailing on the Cape Ducato. He made his home in Louisiana. MARSTON FREEMAN Brother Marston Freeman, 49, passed away April 13. Born in California, he began shipping with the SIU in 1977. Brother Freeman initially went to sea aboard the Zapata Ranger, working in the engine department. His last voyage was on the USNS Bowditch. Brother Freeman lived in Pensacola, Fla. BILLY RUSSELL Pensioner Billy Russell, 75, died March 24. Brother Russell started his seafaring career in 1951 in New York. His first ship was operated by Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Russell was born in Tennessee and sailed in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1989, he worked on the Falcon Princess. Brother Russell called Memphis, Tenn. home. JOSEPH SANFILIPPO Pensioner Joseph Sanfilippo, 77, passed away April 4. Brother Sanfilippo embarked on his career with the SIU in 1950 in the port of Houston. The U.S. Navy veteran was a member of the deck department. Brother Sanfilippo first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Co. vessel. His last ship was the Cape Catoche. Brother Sanfilippo was born in Boston and resided in San Francisco. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1992. ROBERT SAWYER Pensioner Robert Sawyer, 69, died April 15. Brother Sawyer joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was aboard the Suzanne, where he worked in the engine department; his last was on the Charleston. Brother Sawyer was born in Virginia. He retired in 1990 and continued to live in Virginia. RICHARD SHERMAN Pensioner Richard Sherman, 86, 18 Seafarers LOG passed away June 17. After serving in the U.S. Army & U.S. Navy, Brother Sherman began sailing with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of Houston. He initially went to sea aboard the Rose Knot. Brother Sherman was born in Minnesota and worked in the steward department. He last sailed aboard Westchester Marine’s Golden Endeavor. Brother Sherman started collecting his retirement compensation in 1984. He made Beaumont, Texas home. JOSE SOTO Pensioner Jose Soto, 66, died May 16. Brother Soto joined the SIU in 1969 in New York. The deck department member was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Soto’s first vessel was the Joplin Victory; his last was the Horizon Mayaguez. He retired in 2000. MICHAEL SWEENEY Brother Michael Sweeney, 59, passed away Feb. 23. He joined the union in 1994; his first vessel was the Buffalo Soldier. Brother Sweeney was born in Boston. He most recently shipped on Pacific Gulf Marine’s Resolve. Brother Sweeney was a resident of Williston, Fla. JAMES TERRELL Brother James Terrell, 83, passed away April 14. He began his seafaring career in 1955 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Terrell shipped primarily aboard Delta Steamship Lines vessels. Born in New York, he was a member of the steward department. Brother Terrell called Vallejo, Calif. home. INLAND HYBERT DEES Pensioner Hybert Dees, 82, died May 29. Boatman Dees joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Boatman Dees worked for Dravo Basic Material Company while sailing with the SIU. The deck department member was born in Alabama. Boatman Dees went on pension in 1989 and lived in Atmore, Ala. JOHN LEWIS JR Pensioner John Lewis Jr., 82, passed away May 20. Boatman Lewis joined the union in 1976 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He sailed mainly aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Boatman Lewis, who was a member of the deck department, was born in the West Indies. He began his retirement in 2001 and made his home in Miami. WILLIAM RUDD Pensioner William Rudd, 76, died March 23. Boatman Rudd began his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of Houston. He first worked aboard Delta Steamship Lines vessels as a member of the deck department. Boatman Rudd was born in Virginia. He concluded his career aboard the Gopher State, retiring in 1989. He was a resident of Norcross, Ga. GREAT LAKES ROBERT BILLMEN Pensioner Robert Billmen, 77, passed away March 12. Brother Billmen started shipping with the Seafarers in 1960 in Detroit, Mich. Born in Minnesota, he first sailed on an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Billmen was a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1990, he worked on the Richard J. Reiss. Brother Billmen made his home in Two Harbors, Minn. RICHARD McPHEE Brother Richard McPhee, 68, died Feb. 14. He joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother McPhee first sailed aboard the American Sea Ocean in the engine department. He was a native of Michigan and last shipped on the St. Mary’s Challenger. Brother McPhee lived in Lapeer, Mich. CHARLES ROBERTS Pensioner Charles Roberts, 80, passed away Jan. 8. Brother Roberts embarked on his seafaring career in 1968 in Detroit, Mich. He was born in Kentucky and worked in the engine department. Brother Roberts sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Associates; his last ship was the Kinsman Independent. He retired in 1992 and called Lorain, Ohio home. OREN RUSS Pensioner Oren Russ, 78, died Jan. 13. Born in Louisiana, Brother Russ started sailing with the union in 1952 in Detroit, Mich. The deck department member initially shipped with Eagle Carriers Inc.; his last voyage was on the American Republic. He began receiving retirement stipends in 1992. Brother Russ resided in Bastrop, La. GOVERNMENT SERVICES DIVISION YUL VANTERPOOL Brother Yul Vanterpool, 38, died Aug. 9. He began sailing aboard vessels operated by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) in 1988, initially working on the USNS Vanguard. Brother Vanterpool shipped in the steward department, most recently sailing on the USNS Santa Barbara. He was born in New York, and called Jacksonville, Fla. home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. SAM ABDULLAH Pensioner Sam Abdullah, 99, passed away June 22. Born in Indonesia, Brother Abdullah joined the NMU in 1944. His first ship was the Chantilly; his last was the Transgulf. Brother Abdullah retired in 1969. CHARLES BARLOW Pensioner Charles Barlow, 78, died July 1. Brother Barlow became an NMU member in 1944. His first voyage was aboard the Andrew Moore. His last trip was on the Texaco Massachusetts. Brother Barlow was born in Mississippi. He went on pension in 1968. SANTOS BENITEZ Pensioner Santos Benitez, 81, passed away May 30. Brother Benitez began shipping with the union in 1962 aboard the United States. The Puerto Rico-born mariner started receiving his retirement stipends in 1987. Brother Benitez last worked on the American Liberty. GORDON BRISTER Pensioner Gordon Brister, 78, died July 7. Brother Brister joined the NMU in 1944. His first voyage was aboard the Ponca City. Brother Brister, who was a native of Kentucky, began collecting his pension in 1967. ARTHUR CAMPBELL Pensioner Arthur Campbell, 88, passed away June 23. Brother Campbell joined the NMU in 1937 in New York. He initially sailed on the Buffalo Wallow in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1982, Brother Campbell shipped aboard the Mormacdraco. JOSEPH CLEMENTS Pensioner Joseph Clements, 78, died June 17. Brother Clements began his career with the NMU in 1943. He first shipped from the port of New Orleans aboard the Tampa. Brother Clements was a member of the steward department. He most recently sailed aboard the Louise Lykes. Brother Clements went on pension in 1987. RALEIGH DELESBORO Pensioner Raleigh Delesboro, 81, passed away July 19. Brother Delesboro started his seafaring career in 1942 sailing from Port Arthur, Texas. His first voyage was aboard the Gulfland, where he worked as a member of the steward department. Brother Delesboro was born in Louisiana. His last voyage was on the Constitution. Brother Delesboro became a pensioner in 1969. DO DENISON Pensioner Do Denison, 87, died June 29. Brother Denison was born in China and joined the NMU in 1947 Brother Denison initially shipped from the port of New York aboard the America. The steward department member last went to sea on the St. Maria. Brother Denison retired in 1970. CLIFFORD DIXON Pensioner Clifford Dixon, 75, passed away June 1. Brother Dixon began his NMU career in 1955, sailing from the port of New Orleans aboard the Cefalu. Born in Honduras, Brother Dixon most recently worked on the Ashley Lykes. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1995. ERNEST EBANKS Pensioner Ernest Ebanks, 84, died May 19. Brother Ebanks began his seafaring career in 1944, first sailing aboard the Chirripo as a member of the steward department. Brother Ebanks’ last voyage was on the Moore McTide. He started collecting his pension in 1983. JOURIOUS EVANS SR. Pensioner Jourious Evans Sr., 77, passed away May 30. Brother Evans joined the NMU in 1946 in Port Arthur, Texas. His first ship was the Jalapa; his last was the Texaco Mississippi. Brother Evans was a native of Texas and shipped in the steward department. He retired in 1989. ABDULLAH FARES Pensioner Abdullah Fares, 88, died June 2. Born in Syria, Brother Fares joined the NMU in 1948. He last worked aboard the African Mercury. Brother Fares began receiving his pension in 1979. JAMES GREEN Pensioner James Green, 77, passed away May 3. Born in Charleston, S.C., Brother Green started sailing with the NMU in 1952. His first vessel was the Pan Pennsylvania. A member of the steward department, Brother Green last shipped on the James Lykes. He went on pension in 1995. Continued on page 20 November 2005 �32670_P4,8,12,13,19X2.qxd 10/28/2005 7:48 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. H. LEE WHITE (American Steamship Company), Aug. 7— Chairman William H. Mulcahy, Secretary Penny S. Polland, Educational Director Carl W. Huffman. Chairman requested information on changes to medical plan. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer discussed cost of satellite TV. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate reported a spider bite incident on deck and urged everyone to be aware. Request made to have more frequent disposal of garbage. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), Aug. 31—Chairman Billy G. Hill, Secretary George Vorise Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Macario I. Torre, Engine Delegate Eliesar Montalvo, Steward Delegate Anselmo A. Lopez. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 2 in Jacksonville, Fla. and asked crew members to have union books and dues payments ready for patrolman. He reminded ABs to check IDs of all visitors boarding ship while in port. All three departments were thanked for working well together, and secretary expressed gratitude for cooperation in helping keep ship clean. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. He also advised them not to let STCW or z-cards expire and suggested renewing one year ahead of time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding death benefits for dependents and increased pension benefits. Next Port: Jacksonville. JOHN J. BOLAND (American Steamship Company), Aug. 21— Chairman Paul S. Gohs, Secretary Khaled M. Musleh, Educational Director Richard I. Frederick, Engine Delegate David E. Werda, Steward Delegate Ahmed M. Kaid. Bosun requested information on medical benefits, including coverage amounts. He stressed importance of contributing to MDL and SPAD. Educational director recommended every member upgrade at Paul Hall Center as soon as they have sufficient sea time and noted that courses available are listed in each issue of Seafarers LOG. Deck “Hi” from the Maremar Omaha Redd is the bosun on the Overseas Maremar. November 2005 delegate informed members of Weingarten Rights and advised new members to keep dues paid up to stay in good standing. Crew was asked to give bosun their shipping tickets when signing articles. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate asked crew members to help keep galley clean. Relief men requested company supply work coveralls after two years of work with company. Clarification requested on wages for DEU filling in for gateman and time allotted for meal relief for wheelsman on 4-8 watch. METEOR (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 19—Chairman Richard L. Volkart, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Donnell C. Tagart Jr., Deck Delegate Ahmed M. Baabbad, Engine Delegate Salvador A. Baclayon Jr., Steward Delegate Larry D. Pugh. Chairman reported safe trip. He asked departing Seafarers to leave rooms clean and return keys for next person. Secretary gave special thanks to Chief Electrician Tagart for installing new steam table and refrigerator in galley. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Larger refrigerator needed for crew lounge. Next ports: Oakland and and Los Angeles, Calif. SGT. MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Aug. 29—Chairman Angelo S. Urti Jr., Secretary Stephen W. Roth, Educational Director Bobby L. Jones, Deck Delegate Donald M. Hood, Engine Delegate Robert C. Hines, Steward Delegate Carlos A. Rosales. Chairman urged crew members to wear steel-toed shoes while working (which are reimbursable up to a certain amount) and to take care in cargo areas during loading periods. He advised mariners to secure cabin belongings for 30-day voyage to Diego Garcia. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade seafaring skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for job well done. SPC5 ERIC G. GIBSON (Osprey Ship Management), Aug. 13— Chairman Robert A. Hinkley, Secretary Karl E. Meyer, Educational Director Vincent L. Kirksey, Deck Delegate Michael C. Penkwitz, Engine Delegate Alexander Young, Steward Delegate Elizer R. Saintvil. Bosun reviewed new requirements needed to maintain health benefits, which goes in effect Jan. 1, 2006. He recommended all Seafarers maintain complete copies of discharges, dues receipts and vacation check stubs and have them on hand when visiting union hall. Chairman spoke about revived cruise ship market in Hawaii and increased job availability in maritime industry. Chairman thanked all departments for their part in keeping ship clean, with special thanks going to steward department for great barbecues and fresh sashimi. Clarification requested as to Osprey Ship Management’s participation in SMPPP. Secretary will follow up on any outstanding issues while in port in San Francisco. Educational director stressed need to upgrade at Piney Point to further career. He also talked about benefits derived from contributing to SPAD. Treasurer stated $200 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held concerning retirement benefits and seatime needed to qualify. It was reported the captain gets new movies on regular basis and has purchased satellite radios for crew lounge and mess hall. Ship will pay for subscription to premium channels to include CNN, FOX and BBC. Crew morale good considering long voyages with no shore leave available in China or Middle East. Next ports: Singapore; Hong Kong; Egypt; Oman. 1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine), Sept. 7—Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Kathleen A. Johnson, Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Couture. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point facility in order to improve job skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested pertaining to OT distribution and riding gangs. Chairman will contact headquarters for response. Next port: Guam. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 12—Chairman Robert Pagan, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Howard H. Hendra, Deck Delegate Stanley W. Parker, Steward Delegate Chris Stearns. Chairman reported smooth sailing and announced payoff in Los Angeles, Calif. Secretary urged crew to allow plenty of time when renewing MMDs. Educational director encouraged everyone to attend Piney Point school to enhance seafaring skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made for contracts department to consider when negotiating new agreement. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 18—Chairman Allan A. Rogers, Secretary Thomas W. Milovich, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Gerard Rogers, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Amasha. Bosun requested written clarification pertaining to payoffs; he’ll discuss questions with patrolman in Houston. Secretary encouraged all members to check expiration dates on z-cards and other necessary documents. Educational director urged crew to speak up at safety meetings if they have concerns. Disputed OT reported in deck department; no beefs reported by other department delegates. Repair needed on main deck water fountain. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Sept. 18— Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Michael J. Gramer, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Engine Delegate Prentiss Smith, Steward Delegate Erni P. Lizada. Chairman stated vessel will spend at least five days in Tacoma, Wash. for engine repairs and will bypass Oakland next voyage and proceed directly to Honolulu. While in Tacoma, an IMO audit will take place. Secretary noted captain’s sanitary inspection will take place Sept. 21. He asked members to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for replacement crew. Educational director reminded everyone to check expiration dates on all documents. Different documents expire at different times throughout the year. He posted schedule of classes offered at Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read letter from President Sacco regarding “Hurricane Relief Fund” and how to contribute. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong. LIBERATOR (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 4—Chairman Ronald Mena, Secretary Brandon Maeda, Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega. Bosun reported good trip and thanked crew for hard work. Crew requested patrolman be present at Sept. 7 payoff in Newark, N.J. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Chairman posted headquarters pertaining to “Hurricane Relief Fund” was read. Steward department given vote of thanks for excellent cuisine. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Valdez, Alaska. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 18—Chairman George J. Diefenbach, Secretary Joel A. Molinos, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth, Deck Delegate Ralph K. Kir, Engine Delegate Fadel H. Ghaleb, Steward Delegate Robert Arana. Chairman encouraged crew members to contribute to SPAD and Seafarers Relief Fund. He also Working on the SIU-Crewed Maremar The Overseas Maremar, which was recently reflagged to the U.S., participates in the Maritime Security Program. Seafarers aboard the OSG oiler include Recertified Bosun Omaha Redda, ABs Simeon Valencia, Felipe Zepeda and Romulo Gutierrez, OS Luis Ruiz and Fernando Mesa, Chief Pumpman Wayne Roberson, Oilers Russell Lino, Edward Thompson and Alex Oliva, Chief Steward Osvaldo Castagnino, Chief Cook Timothy Taylor, and SA Delfino Castro. (Note: not all are pictured.) correspondence received from headquarters in response to previous questions and suggestions. Chairman was asked to look further into specifics of health care plan. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 11— Chairman Bernard J. Baker, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji, Steward Delegate Radfan A. Almaklani. Secretary expressed appreciation to fellow crew members for efforts made in keeping ship clean. Chief Cook Almaklani was congratulated for good service. Educational director reminded mariners about educational opportunities available at school in Piney Point and about need to keep all documents up to date, allowing plenty of time for renewal. Treasurer stated $3,725.95 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report was read along with a letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Clarification requested on pay of daymen standing watches. Suggestions made for items to be included in next contract. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (Alaska Tanker), Sept. 4— Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Gloria Holmes, Educational Director Kevin E. Hall, Deck Delegate Daniel P. Lovely, Engine Delegate Jason L. Flesner, Steward Delegate Albert L. Sison. Chairman encouraged Seafarers to submit contract recommendations in a timely manner, as negotiations are to begin soon. Crew was asked to help keep lounge clean and not to tamper with satellite TV controls. Bosun notified crew members as to what forms he had on hand. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from announced upcoming payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. Secretary thanked crew for keeping ship clean and separating plastics from trash. He praised Wiper Ghaleb for his quick thinking, which resulted in saving the life of fellow crew member. Educational director advised SIU brothers and sisters to keep upgrading at Paul Hall center for job security and increased knowledge. He also reminded everyone to check z-cards and other documents and renew as early as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for ways to improve health plan. Seafarers asked for regular schedules for shuttle service in European ports. New DVD and VCR player requested for crew lounge. Ship heading to South Carolina. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International), Sept. 10—Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Deck Delegate Modesto Y. Rabena Jr., Engine Delegate Mekgar D. Daguio, Steward Delegate Lemuel E. Robinson. Chairman announced docking in San Francisco Sept. 11. Following discharge at three docks in San Francisco, ship will proceed to Anacortes, Wash. Sept. 16. He reminded crew that raises take effect Oct. 1 as per contract. Secretary asked crew for assistance in keeping messhall, lounges and house clean. Seafarers were reminded to check expiration dates on all documents, upgrade at Piney Point and contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new mattresses, ice machine, washers and dryers, repair of lounge furniture and computer access to e-mail. Next ports: San Francisco; Anacortes; Point Wells, Wash.; Barbers Point, Hawaii. Seafarers LOG 19 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22,23.qxd 10/21/2005 4:37 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.) Thanking and Serving Seafarers I am the executive director of the Tacoma Seafarers Center in Tacoma, Wash. I received a letter from a former master of the Sealand Defender expressing his and his crew’s appreciation for our services rendered to them while they were here in port. He explained that the Sealand Defender no longer would be calling upon the port of Tacoma and that the collective decision to disburse the ship’s fund to the Tacoma Seafarers Center was due in recognition of our good work and good will toward the seafarer. I must say that such letters of recognition definitely validate all of the work that our volunteers put in on behalf of mariners. Speaking for everyone at our center, I wish to express my deepest appreciation of the donation to our facility. It will help enable us to continue the work of service to the seafarer as we strive to serve them in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As you may know, we are a Christian ministry reaching out to the seafarer in a holistic way (physically, emotionally and spiritually). We are here to serve the needs of all seafarers from every nation regardless of religious affiliations. Once again, we are extremely grateful for this generous donation. H. Gene Lawrence Tacoma, Washington Time Has Come for ‘Belated Thank You’ This letter is to thank you for the information in a short article in your Seafarers LOG about WWII Merchant Marine veterans’ status and the bills S.1272 and H.R. 23 (the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2005). I was not aware how to start the process for obtaining veterans’ status. I called your office and talked to a lady there and she steered me in the right direction. In 1944 I was in the deck department and later in the engine department. My full book was given to me because I helped organize some non-union shipping companies. Walking the picket lines on the docks in the winter was not fun, but look what has happened with our efforts from back then. The SIU has grown into a fantastic union. I am happy to have had a small part in it. I hope they approve the Belated Thank You legislation being introduced in Congress. They should not be concerned about the cost because there can’t be many of us left. Thanks again and I really enjoy getting the LOG. James P. Lyons Orlando, Florida Recertified Steward’s Book Published I wanted to let you know that one of your own merchant sea- Final Departures Continued from page 18 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 Alarico, Pedro Arena, Joseph Augustsson, Anders Bilbao, Andres Boynon, Robert Braithwaite, John Brubaker, Louis Brunson, Thornton Buford, Robert Carrington, L.V. Chee, Chan Cofressi, Domingo Cooper, Spurgeon Cruz, Pedro Da Cunha, Oswaldo Della-Fazia, Francis Diaz, Rennie Dickens, Joseph Gonzalez, Julio Gray, James Gutierrez, Dios Hackett, William Hammond, William Harris, Ernest Harris, Raeford Hensley, Paul Irizarry, Jose Isreal, Hemen John, Max King, Edward 20 AGE D.O.D. 88 92 88 87 81 93 81 88 74 78 90 82 87 75 85 84 85 78 79 81 79 94 92 78 77 73 75 86 77 78 Sept. 4 Aug. 31 June 6 Aug. 14 March 3 June 13 July 29 Sept. 10 July 26 June 07 Sept. 11 Aug. 29 July 24 Sept. 4 July 18 Jan. 23 Feb. 16 Sept. 16 June 27 July 21 May 18 June 05 Aug. 28 July 19 July 3 July 29 July 17 Aug. 14 July 21 July 6 Seafarers LOG Kirk, James Koski, James Leger, Jesse Lewis, Charlie Lewis, Ernest Lopes, Joseph Low, Robert Melendez, Hector Misura, Vjekoslav Moses, Henry Mousetis, Jack Nakamoto, Richard Nerl, Harry O’Callahan, Joseph Oliveras, Ramon Otero, Adon Quinones, Jose Reed, Norman Reprogle, Vern Reynolds, William Roa, Robert Robertson, Leo Rosario, Fred Rosewell, Thomas Samet, Abbas Schultz, Charles Smith, Mose Smith, Wellford Stevens, Willie Stukes, John Tinsley, Cornelius Warren, James Washington, Edwin Wells, George Williams, James Wood, Wayne Wyatt, Daniel Yates, George Zuniga, Jose men, Recertified Steward James E. Harper, has a new book on the market. Brother Harper has been going to sea for more than 22 years with the SIU and has an impeccable record. I’m confident that the publication of this thought-provoking book will be successful for all concerned. The title is “Fools and Money Will Soon Depart.” It is a 99-page paperback in which Brother Harper offers a collection of thoughts concerning the typical individual who may be in search of an economic system taking into account Christian principles. Marrying research, advice and observation, the work revolves around the assumption that money has traditionally created various types of hardships and upheavals throughout human history. W.A. Harper Publisher/Editor Donavyn Publishing Perris, California LOG editor’s note: The book may be ordered online through amazon.com or Book Clearing House at bookch.com, (800) 4311579, orders@bookch.com. As of mid-October, the book was listed as costing $10.95. THE SLOP CHEST The Slop Chest is the exclusive store for Seafarers International Union insignia merchandise. All items available at the Slop Chest—including shirts, jackets, caps, jewelry, bags and other gear—are union made and/or made in the U.S.A. Go to www.seafarers.org and click on Slop Chest. If you have any questions, please email info@siustore.com. We'll be more than happy to help! 63 94 70 78 71 82 70 84 85 86 79 74 95 81 85 78 89 79 77 82 78 79 71 77 90 89 77 78 87 76 82 67 62 79 81 76 88 85 91 Sept. 13 May 22 Sept. 11 July 24 Aug. 31 May 31 July 23 Aug. 1 Aug. 30 July 1 Aug. 6 March 30 Sept. 10 Sept. 6 July 24 June 25 Aug. 11 Aug. 10 Aug. 28 Sept. 6 Aug. 21 July 21 May 12 Sept. 11 July 21 Aug. 11 Sept. 16 Aug. 8 Aug. 19 June 22 June 16 Aug. 28 July 24 Aug. 16 May 18 Sept. 3 Sept. 5 Sept. 20 Aug. 16 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 2005 �32670_P3,11,21.qxd 10/27/2005 2:27 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. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman November 14 December 9 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman December 5 December 16 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training November 21 November 25 December 5 December 9 November 14 November 18 Government Vessels 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. A future edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete guide of all the upgrading courses available to Seafarers in the year 2006. (STOS) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning October 31, 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. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations November 21 December 16 Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher November 28 December 9 Welding November 28 December 16 � 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 ________________________________________________ November 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. 11/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22_24X.qxd 10/28/2005 7:45 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 666 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 666. They are (in alphabetical order) Anthony Anderson, Brandon Blees, Chris Cain, Thomas Clements, Damon Cole, Duvon Cooper, Christina Earhart, Archie Eldridge, Dominic Gilmartin, Theodore Gonzales, Isaac Jackson, Rickey Jackson, Trevor Jaradine, Amber Jewell, Lorenzo Kenon, Richard Kight, Conan Leegard, Robert Light, Angelo Moletla, Michael Ostrom, Christopher Phillips, Sean Sammacicci, Ryan Scott, Lukas Short, James St. Amand, Tiffany Thompson and Vincent Vivie. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two tanker assistant classes, both ending July 8, included the following students (in no specific order): Saleh Mothana, Lloyd Riddick, Eric Dorsey, Dean Bettis, Chris Doucet, Mario Moralita, Edwin Rivera, Robert Hardesty, Chris Cipres, Justin Jarmolowicz, Jillian Barker, Jack Gainers, James Gano, Justin Sleator, Edwin Feliciano, Renaudo Pierce, Edwin Ruiz Jr., W. Tyson Little, Graham Jones, David Bennett, Cortney Sacks, George Berkovich, Cory Gardner, Roger Dillinger Jr., Mark Fitzgerald, Francis Gallagher Jr., Peter Meglow, Terry Lane, Nicholas Dippel, Kimberly Katua, Devin Savoir, William Simms, Jennifer Souci, Patrick Guertin, Abebe Reda and Jarret Leask. GMDSS — Finishing the 70-hour GMDSS course July 8 are (in alphabetical order) Thomas Burke, Robert Lutz Jr., Peter Madden, De Gutenberg Poitevien, Neonito Sodusta, Paul Voisin and John Zabielski. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far left. Government Vessels — Upgradng Seafarers graduating July 8 from the government vessels course are (in no specific order) Amador Mendez, John Greubel, Jaromir Ondruch, Michael Ratigan, Latoya Nix, Raymond Lackland, Miguel Rivera, Michael Smorowski, Anthony Jacobson and John Shank. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far right. Lifeboatman/Water Survival Tankerman (PIC) Barge — With instructor Herb Walling (standing, second from left) are July 1 graduates of the tankerman (PIC) barge course. Included are (in no specific order) Jon Whittaker, Joseph Violante, David Mattson Jr., James Kruger, Michael Parks Jr., Todd McDonough, Fred Hamilton, Mark Jones, Vasilijs Semesjuks, John Cronan, Gerard Hayes, Greg Kuglis, Daniel Lewis, Patrick Morse, Edward Milstead, James Stimage and James Reece. Water Survival — The photos at left and below are of the lifeboatman/water survival course ending July 8. Included in the class, which was taught by Bernabe Pelingon, are upgrading Seafarers (in no specific order) Steven Lonas, Dale Harrison, Wilfred Colon, Joseph Huff, James Oling, Danilo Chacoso, Nigel Williams, Abraham Straughter, Oscar Palacios, Leslie Hewett Jr., Arnie Borja, Larry Morisette, Robert Lerma, Philip Forman, William Feazel, Bryan Benak, Ethan Mims, Steven Sanderson, German Oliva and Benjamin Wilson. Computer Lab Classes These upgrading students have been quite busy in the computer lab. Showing off their certificates of achievement in various computer courses are (from left) Neftali Erausquin, Barney George, Martin L. Simmons Jr. and Keith H. Rost. In the center is their instructor, Rick Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG Vasilijs P. Semesjuks receives a certificate of achievement in computer basics from instructor Rick Prucha. November 2005 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22,23.qxd 10/21/2005 4:38 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Lifeboatman/ Water Survival NCL, July 1: Dinae Brooks, Jonah Amodt, Jamal Bomani, Myra Brown, Zenaida Martin, Angelina Gaspard, James Eaton, Charles Stewart, LaShawn Adams and Katie Campbell. Their instructor was Stan Beck (not pictured). NCL, July 1: Aristotle Savaiki, Samanthe Chinigo, George Collier, Kevin Burns, Jessica Wrubel, Theresa Carswell, Christopher Craig, Kathleen Freeman, Susan Holzem, Caitlin Merdian, John Hawk, Noel Nededoh, Laura Johnson, Chris Gray, Susan Maisenbach, Erin Swetkoff, Brook Bender, Sandra VanRyckegheon and Pamela Eaverage. Their instructors were Tony Savilla and Ben Cusic. NCL, July 15: David Jellison, John Viazcon, Ann Sammon, Renee Hill, Marc Jacobson, Tammy Thompson, Romel Medina, Sinan Wiley, Robert Zeman, Emmett Morarie, Joseph Fleming, Timothy Mains, Victoria Grant, Victor Phillips, Sarah Englehart, Lilac Alfke, Ember Brettmann, Carrie Anthony, Joshua Wilson, Miranda Van Cleave, Tim Clay, Michelle Gallo, Victor “Craig” Rodriguez, Maurica Fournier, Ahmad Saleh, Jonathan Toves, Juan Quintana, Helen Garza, Tina Vestal and Amanda Wall. Their instructors were Stan Beck, Tony Sevilla and Stacey Harris. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, July 15: Rafael Aguilar, Robert Albrecht, STCW — NCL, July 1: Ashley Kaufman, Eric Knowles, Timothy Mains, Jeremy Maldonado, Paul Mejia, Bess Milligan, Emmett Morarie, Aldo Moreno, Michael Narquini Jr., Brandon Nicholas, Marc Nicholls, Victor Phillips, Lisa Placona, Martha Potter, Juan Quintana, Diego Ramirez, Cerrisa Reese, David Richardson, Kristi Ringis, Victor “Craig” Rodriguez, Ahmad Saleh and SIU members Edwin Pelingon and Michael Ratigan. STCW — NCL, July 1: John Crampton, Deborah Duhon, George Duncan, Sarah Englehart, Terri Ewton, Maurica Fournier, Michelle Gallo, Robert Garner, Helen Garza, Jason Grant, Julie Green, Grant Gregorio, Dawn Hall, Verlinda Hendrix, Renee Hill, Amber Holcomb, Nicholas Hreha, Marc Jacobson, David Jellison, Thomas Jones Jr. and SIU member Jaromir Ondruch. (Note: not all are pictured.) Pedro Alcantara, Carrie Anthony, Robyn Bechtel, Ryan Berretta, Dale Berry, Karl Billman, Joseph Breton, Ember Brettman, Thomas Brown, Richard Buck, Michael Burgan, DeQuisha Burrell, Erin Burry, Turejai Cammon, Ana Castaneda, Liliana Catillo, Timothy Clay, Sylvianna Clyde, Craig Conway and Chad Cook. Also: SIU members Douglas Lewis, Latoya Nix and Stephen Gray. (Note: not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, July 15: Adam Malek, Shere Marcus, Ava McNulty, Roberto Mendez, Djamila Moorehead, Elizabeth Morgan, Dennis Muhi, Kimberly Natemeier, Sommer Normandy, Mark Nosser, Daryl Peterson, Rosemary Robie, James Robinson, Algernon Russell, Irma Salazar, Jamaal Scott, Rizza Sese, LeQuan “Dante” Silas, Lula Solomon, Jason Sullivan, Jessica Torrey, Richard Ward, Gerald Washington, Sam Wilkinson, John Wilson, Enio Wissel and Traci Wright. STCW — NCL, July 1: Elizabeth Sammon, Paul Slaght II, Rubert Taylor, Tammy Thompson, Velentine Thompson, Eulogio Tolentino Jr., Augustus Torralba, Jonathan Toves, Miranda Van Cleave, Tina Vestal, Juan Viazcon, Amanda Wall, Marta Ward, Lonnie Weigel, Louis Wessel, Troy White, Sinan Wiley, Kelley Williams, Josh Wilson and Ryan Wilson. (Note: not all are pictured.) November 2005 STCW — NCL, July 15: Justin Ayer, Jeffrey Batac, Donald Bellefeuile, Samuel Berg, Deborah Clopton, Gary Costin, Rhonda Costin, Mason Cummings, Danielle Curtis, Theresa Denley, Lucia Estrada, Alejandro Flores, Daniel Garza, Anthony Grana, Phillip Guerrero, Shay Gunn, Carla Hankel, Kami Harris,Ryan Ingles, Don Jayamaha, Damon Johnson, Emily Jones, Catherine Justice, Tylor Kolter, Erin Kuba and David Langner. Seafarers LOG 23 �32670_P9,10,14_18,20,22,23.qxd 10/21/2005 4:38 PM Page 24 Volume 67, Number 11 November 2005 Remembering R emembering o ur veterans f rom all w ars November 1 1, 2 005 Unlicensed U nlicensed Apprentice Program Provides Thorough Training Paul Hall Center Curriculum Blends Practical, Classroom Instruction T The program’s second phase offers valuable experience aboard U.S.flag ships, as shown in these three photos. Companies participating in this segment include NCL America, Alaska Tanker Company, American Steamship, Hannah Marine, Liberty Maritime, Interocean American Shipping, Ocean Ships, Horizon Lines, Overseas Shipholding Group, Marine Transport Lines, Intrepid Marine Management, Crowley, Maritrans, and Allied Towing of Virginia. he unlicensed apprentice (UA) program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has been a staple of the Piney Point, Md. facility since it opened in 1967. By design and necessity, the program has evolved consistently in order to help the school continue fulfilling its mission of turning out the world’s best-trained mariners. Today, the apprentice program consists of multiple phases—all U.S. Coast Guard-approved—that blend practical training with classroom instruction. One of the more useful components is Phase II—a 90-day period in which students sail aboard a U.S.-flag vessel, alternately working in each of the three shipboard departments. Mariners and instructors alike have pointed to Phase II as an important reason why students who complete the entire UA program are likely to remain in the industry. According to Paul Hall Center officials, more than 75 percent of students who graduate from the program still are sailing four years later (the most recent calculation made by the school). Companies participating in Phase II include NCL America, Alaska Tanker Company, American Steamship, Hannah Marine, Liberty Maritime, Interocean American Shipping, Ocean Ships, Horizon Lines, Overseas Shipholding Group, Marine Transport Lines, Intrepid Marine Management, Crowley, Maritrans, and Allied Towing of Virginia. While the shipboard training has proven successful, Phase I, at the school itself, lays the foundation for becoming a mariner. This phase also lasts three months and includes the following training: vessel familiarization; STCW basic safety training (BST); basic fire fighting; first aid; water survival; vessel operations; and social responsibilities. During Phase III (which also takes place in Piney Point), students begin to specialize their training. Deck personnel head to courses titled (respectively) specially trained ordinary seaman and tankship familiarization/dangerous liquids, while engine department mariners enroll in the basic auxiliary plant operations class. Those who choose the steward department take four weeks of upgrader-level galley operations. Completion of Phase III is considered official graduation, but the school doesn’t abandon students after that point. What is considered Phase IV consists of an additional four months’ sea service, followed by the appropriate upgrading course (able seaman, for instance). For additional information about the program, visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org, or call toll-free at 1-877-2353275. Hands-on training is featured in most Paul Hall Center courses, including the first phase of the apprentice program. The trainee program (above and below) dates back to the school’s founding in 1967 but has been modified many times in order to stay ahead of the industry’s needs. Occasionally, students break from the normal schedule and seize chances to visit landmarks (the White House, above) or participate in ceremonies (at left) like the Department of Labor’s Hall of Fame induction featuring the school’s namesake, Paul Hall. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 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 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES TASK FORCE: SUPPORT FOR CABOTAGE LAW STILL STRONG RUNAWAY-FLAG CRUISE LINE COMES UNDER SCRUTINY ARC FLEET EXPANDS BY 3 OCEAN TITAN JOINS SIU FLEET CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON 3RD T-AKE SHIP VICE ADMIRAL BREWER HONORED BY NDTA RECIPROCAL SENIORITY TAKES EFFECT NOV. 1 RETIRED PORT AGENT MARINELLI DIES AT 62 ITF, OWNERS’ GROUP REACH ‘SIGNIFICANT’ AGREEMENT HOMELAND SECURITY DEPT. ISSUES NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR MARITIME SECURITY AMERICANS FORCED TO PAY MORE AS INSURANCE COVERAGE GOES DOWN RETIRED INSTRUCTOR JACK PARCEL DIES AGENCY ISSUES REVISED STCW ENDORSEMENT SIU CONTINUES HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS THANKING THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED SEAFARERS HELP REBUILD FLORIDA COASTLINE IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR SEAFARERS FOLLOWING ACQUISITION OF CP SHIPS SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES RECEIVE SAFETY AWARDS ‘UNION YES’ RACE CAR TAKES LABOR’S MESSAGE ON THE FAST TRACK FORMER NMU MEMBER FREDE FROST DIES AT 84 3 SHIPS ADDED TO ARC FLEET READY TO GO AGAIN SEAFARERS CONTINUE SUPPORTING U.S. TROOPS IN OPERATIONS ENDURING FREEDOM AND IRAQI FREEDOM UNLICENSED APPRENTICE PROGRAM PROVIDES THOROUGH TRAINING Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log 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 11/01/2005 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. 11 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c35abf0716a355e6c96051468d13f688.pdf b33b9debf0d19f0fab5758081a056ace PDF Text Text 33300_P1,3,9,15_17x1.qxd 11/29/2005 8:00 AM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 12 December 2005 SEASON'S GREETINGS Beck Notice Page 6 Union Mourns John Fay Pages 2, 3, 9 �33300_P2x1.qxd 11/28/2005 9:13 PM Page 2 President’s Report Remembering John Fay For those of us in the SIU who worked closely with John Fay, this is a bittersweet time. The holiday season always brings a certain amount of joy, but at the same time we definitely miss our union brother and good friend, who passed away on November 8. The people who knew John the best understand what he meant not only to the SIU but really to our entire industry. Most recently serving as the SIU’s executive vice president, Michael Sacco he was everything you could hope for in a coworker and friend: intelligent, dedicated, fair. He was a good guy to have on your side, and I will always be grateful for the support he gave me from the moment I became president of our union. John was someone I turned to more than once, and I never regretted doing so. For some of our newer members who may not have known John quite as well, let me just say that while he brought his own unique contributions, he very much fit the mold of so many of our officials and members who truly devoted their lives to this organization. He also did outstanding work through the International Transport Workers’ Federation on behalf of all mariners. There is a saying in sports that when a player turns in a particularly strong effort, he “didn’t leave anything on the field,” meaning he gave his all. When it came to his work, which he performed for nearly a half-century as an SIU official, John Fay didn’t leave anything on the field. It may sound a little bit corny to say that we can honor John’s memory by building upon our union’s success, but, knowing his strong faith and his love for the SIU, I’m sure he would expect nothing less. In fact, at this point I can almost picture him peering over his glasses and with a wry smile saying, “Thanks for the tribute, but don’t you guys have work to do?” And of course the answer would be yes. Our union continues to take great strides, but not without smart, sustained effort. We have made numerous gains in the past year alone, but none happened by accident. Whether we’re talking about the new Maritime Security Program ships, or the latest Alaska Tanker Company vessel, or NCL America’s newest cruise ship, or IUM’s new car carrier or any of a number of other new SIU-contracted ships or tugboats, we have succeeded because of hard work. We have succeeded because of rock-solid support from the membership. We have succeeded by not being afraid to make difficult decisions. We have succeeded because of men like John who are committed to our team—to our SIU family. I will always remember his fine example as our union moves forward. I extend our union’s deepest thanks and sympathy to John’s wife, Phyllis, and to his entire family. Season’s Greetings To all of our union brothers and sisters, our retirees and their families, may you have a happy, safe and healthy holiday season. Whether you’re at sea or home for the holidays, I hope you can enjoy the spirit of this time of year, and I hope we all get to experience at least one or two quiet moments in which to count our blessings. Once again I also would ask that you join me in reserving some of your thoughts and prayers for our SIU brothers and sisters still sailing in support of our armed forces. They continue to do outstanding, important work as part of America’s fourth arm of defense, and it goes without saying that we all wish safe returns for every one of them along with all of our troops. Volume 67, Number 12 December 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 Augie Tellez Appointed Exec. VP; George Tricker Named Contracts VP The union’s executive board last month approved SIU President Michael Sacco’s recommendations that Augie Tellez become the executive vice president of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU and that George Tricker serve as vice president of contracts and contracts enforcement. These appointments were made in accordance with Article X of the union’s constitution. Tellez succeeds the late John Fay as executive vice president. He has a long record of service and accomplishment with the SIU, including serving the past 14 years as vice president contracts. Tellez was appointed to that position in 1991 and subsequently was elected to the same post by the union’s membership in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004. Tellez worked his way up through the ranks, starting with the SIU in 1975 after graduating from the entry program at the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He sailed from the union’s Brooklyn, N.Y. hiring hall as an able bodied seaman before coming ashore. He served the union in various capacities in Jacksonville, Fla.; Mobile, Ala.; Tampa; Paducah, Ky.; Baltimore; and Houston. In 1980, he became the port agent for the SIU’s headquarters port, located in Brooklyn. Tellez in 1987 relocated to what Augie Tellez George Tricker had become the union’s new headquarters in Camp Springs, Md., where he served as special assistant to the president. That same year, he was elected as the vice president for the Seafarers International Union of North America—the parent union of the SIU’s seagoing component. A year later, he became the assistant vice president for contracts and contracts enforcement. Tricker also joined the SIU after completing the trainee program, in 1979. He sailed in the deck department aboard deep sea vessels and also sailed in the inland division with Crowley. He upgraded three times at the Paul Hall Center before coming ashore in 1990 to work for the union. In 1991, Tricker served as a patrolman on the West Coast. Later that year, he became port agent in Wilmington, Calif. Tricker was active in the local port council and the central labor council throughout his years in Wilmington. In 1997, Tricker transferred to SIU headquarters after being appointed assistant vice president contracts—a position he has held ever since, and to which he was elected in 2000 and again in 2004. He extensively has been involved in most of the union’s contract negotiations since then, and in many cases played a leading role in helping secure favorable agreements. He also helped organize the cruise ship Pride of Aloha when the vessel joined the U.S.-flag fleet last year. Additionally, the executive board approved the appointments of Steve Judd as assistant vice president contracts and Chris Westbrook as New Orleans port agent. Labor Gets Out the Vote The power of labor unmistakably was demonstrated Nov. 8 during the off-year elections in California, New Jersey, Virginia and Ohio. Tens of thousands of union volunteers distributed worksite fliers, made phone calls to other union household voters and knocked on hundreds of thousands of doors to get out the vote that helped win stunning Election Day victories against what were once considered long odds. Working families in each state voted overwhelmingly for workers’ rights, good jobs and a continuing voice in politics and legislation. What the AFL-CIO described as the attempt to silence the voice of public workers in politics was defeated in California. In New Jersey and Virginia, two champions for working families who will fight for good jobs, workers’ rights and affordable health care were elected as governors. And in Ohio, an initiative that will bring in good union jobs with good wages was passed. “Labor’s voice was not silenced—we spoke loud and clear. This victory was the result of a massive effort by all of California’s unions,” said Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, which successfully mobilized to defeat all four of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s ballot measures attacking union members’ political freedom, teachers’ jobs and school funding. Maritime Trades Department (MTD) port maritime councils— and their affiliated unions including the SIU—actively participat- ed in a determined effort to defeat Proposition 75 in northern and southern California. If passed, the measure would have resurrected a discredited “paycheck deception” idea put forward several years ago as well as initiatives that would have had devastating effects on teachers’ jobs and school funding. According to the AFL-CIO, the proposal “sought to silence public employees’ voice in politics by placing massive reporting and administrative burdens on unions before union dues could be used for political expenditures— such as educating members about issues and lobbying for pro-working family legislation.” “Some people doubted the ability of a divided labor movement to beat back Proposition 75, but the unions came together and an intensive education and mobilization campaign really worked,” said AFL-CIO Political Director Karen Ackerman. New Jersey voters elected U.S. Sen. Jon Corzine (D), who in his Senate career has a 100 percent AFL-CIO voting record on working family issues. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO continued its leading-edge efforts to elect union members to political office, winning 42 of 60 races where union member candidates were on the ballot, including four state assembly and three state senate seats. Some 7,000 union volunteers made 250,000 phone calls to union homes and passed out hundreds of thousand of workplace fliers to mobilize the Garden State’s 1.5 million union household voters. “This was our most aggressive political program ever. Once again, speaking in a united voice and working for a common goal, the labor movement solidified our movement as the strongest voter base in the state,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech. With nearly 400 union members elected at local, county and state levels, “our ability to shape public policy and win support for organizing drives and labor disputes is stronger than ever,” he said. Working family-backed Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine (D) defeated Attorney General Jerry Kilgore (R) in the race for the governor’s Continued on page 5 SIU Assistant VP West Coast Nick Celona (right) joins San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (center) and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 798 President John Hanley in a rally in San Francisco for workers’ rights prior to Election Day. December 2005 �33300_P3,9,15_17.qxd 11/23/2005 6:22 PM Page 3 SIU’s John Fay Dies at 73 Executive VP Was Advocate for All Mariners John Fay never called attention to himself, but he leaves a highly respected legacy that truly stretches around the world. In part, that’s because when it came to effectively promoting and defending the rights of all merchant mariners, he never took a backward step. Fay, who served as the SIU’s executive vice president since 1997, passed away Nov. 8 in New Jersey at age 73. He had undergone surgery earlier the same day for an aneurism. Fay’s death spurred an outpouring of sympathy, not just from within the SIU but also from other maritime unions across the globe and from other segments of the maritime industry. In those expressions, people remembered Fay both for his lifelong career with the Seafarers (he started sailing with the union in 1949) as well as his decades of service in the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Believed to have been the longest-serving official in SIU history, Fay sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions after joining the union as a teenager. The Boston native came ashore in 1957 and stayed on the job ever since. Fay served as the union’s port agent in Philadelphia from 196680. Previously, he held various port-level positions in Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn and elsewhere. He worked as the SIU’s assistant secretary-treasurer from 1980-87 and then as vice president of the union’s Great Lakes and Inland Waters District from 1988-90. Fay served as secretary-treasurer from 1990-96 and then as executive vice president beginning in 1997. Beginning in 1975, he participated in forums and other activities involving the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF); the International Maritime Organization; and the International Labor Organization. He was the first American ever to serve as chairman of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, a position he held from 1995-2002—and one in which he helped make groundbreaking strides not only for the rights of U.S. mariners but for foreign seamen, too. “John was one of the most loyal and trusted officials I’ve ever worked with,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was especially instrumental in helping me during the earliest stages of my presidency—a critical time not just for me personally but for the organization that John loved. He was someone I always turned to when I needed help or advice.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel remembered Fay as “a true brother, a true colleague and a true friend. He was my mentor. John is known throughout the world as a man of great leadership skills and a facilitator of compromise. He was such a genuine person and someone I will always call my friend. I and all seafarers around the world will miss him dearly.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said Fay’s commitment to the union particularly stood out. “In our business, you meet people who bleed labor and people who bleed maritime, but John Fay bled SIU,” he stated. “His life and career reflected that fact.” ITF General Secretary David Cockroft pointed out that in his John Fay began sailing with the SIU in 1949 and stayed with the organization for the next 56 years, the last eight of which he served as the union’s executive vice president. work with the federation, Fay completely focused on the job. “John was never ambitious for high office in the ITF,” Cockroft observed. “He was happy to serve as vice chair until the sudden resignation of the Swedish chair thrust him into the limeContinued on page 9 Alliance New York Joins SIU Fleet Military Leaders Voice Support for Merchant Mariners The growth of the SIU-contracted U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet continued last month with the formal reflagging of the car carrier Alliance New York under the Stars and Stripes. Ceremonies took place Nov. 10 in Baltimore and included addresses by Gen. Robert Magnus, assistant commandant, United States Marine Corps; Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, United States Military Sealift Command (MSC); SIU President Michael Sacco; United States Deputy Maritime Administrator John Jamian; and officials from the respective companies Liberty Global Logistics, Alliance New York and Hoegh Autoliners. Unlicensed apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education served as the honor guard. Turn to pages 12 and 13 for more photos from the Alliance New York ceremony. Sacco described the MSP as “clearly a great value for our nation. It’s a program that’s working exactly as intended, and the United States is better off as a result.” He told the audience of approximately 200 individuals from throughout the U.S. maritime industry that SIU members “are extremely proud to sail SIU President Michael Sacco describes Seafarers as “patriotic men and women who are ready, willing and able to deliver the goods—anytime, anywhere.” aboard the Alliance New York, and we’re equally proud to continue serving as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. Our members are the best-trained seafarers in the world, and I know for a fact that they are patriotic men and women who are ready, willing and able to deliver the goods—anytime, anywhere.” Magnus delivered the keynote address during an early afternoon ceremony that immediately followed a separate celebration closer to the vessel. Speaking on the 230th anniversary of the Marine Corps, he described SIU President Sacco as “a great labor leader” and added that sea power boosts national power. Magnus underscored the need for America to maintain a “sovereign (maritime) capability.” He Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, 2006 for the observance of New Year’s Day, and Monday, Jan. 16, 2006 for the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. December 2005 noted that while the majority of this nation’s “expressions of power” are peaceful, in times of conflict, vessels such as the Alliance New York “support America’s military power.” He further pointed out that the U.S. Merchant Marine continues supporting American troops involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Schwartz gave the keynote address in the earlier ceremony. He stated that the addition of the Alliance New York is significant for the companies, the mariners “and in fact for our nation.” He touched on the long and proud history of the U.S. Merchant Marine and said that in modern times, “We rely heavily on our commercial partners and associated labor organizations. We cannot do business without you. That’s a reality that’s not about to change.” Schwartz pointed out that the expanded MSP (increasing the fleet from 47 to 60 U.S.-flag vessels) is helping to augment the pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S. citizen mariners who sail aboard civilian-crewed military support ships. He credited those mariners for their performance during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Brewer said that the addition of the Alliance New York “marks the beginning of another great chapter in the continuing story of freedom, strength and liberty. It is always a comfort to know that ships such as Alliance New York stand ready to serve, helping protect America’s shores and projecting combat power and strength wherever it’s needed in our turbulent world. “This ship will be one of the most useful ships to come under the Department of Defense umbrella,” he continued. “She also has the added plus of allowing access to the Hoegh network and infrastructure. That means more flexibility, which means quicker response in time of need.” He added that the new vessel “joins dozens of other ships bearing the U.S. flag—ships that demonstrate the strong partnership between the U.S. maritime industry, the U.S. maritime unions and the Department of Defense. This is a partnership for America, a partnership for strength, a partnership for the future. The need for a strong merchant marine and a strong industry to build the ships those merchant mariners will sail is as crucial to America today as it was 230 years ago when the first sea engagement of our American Revolution was fought by civilian mariners aboard the privately owned sloop, Unity.” Jamian said that the U.S. Merchant Marine “is critical to our national and economic health. America has seen the important role of the U.S. Merchant Marine as our ships deliver in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf.” He emphasized that the MSP creates thousands of shipboard jobs, which helps ensure the availability of U.S. crews during times of conflict. Without mariners who sail in times of peace, the U.S. fleet itself would disappear—something that simply cannot be allowed to happen, Jamian said. Jamian also called the Alliance New York “an outstanding addition” to the MSP fleet. Alliance New York At a Glance Built: April 2005, Daewoo, Korea Propulsion: Diesel Length: 656 feet Beam: 105.8 feet Speed: 20.5 knots Draft (loaded): 32.8 feet Total deck area: 584,361 sq. ft Container capacity (TEUs): 840 Speaking on behalf of the respective companies were (in order of appearance) Robert Wellner, executive vice president, Liberty Global Logistics; Philip Shapiro, president and CEO, Liberty Global Logistics and Liberty Maritime Corp.; James Butcher, chairman and CEO, Alliance New York; and Erik Falkenberg, senior vice president, Hoegh Autoliners. The vessel is operated through a newly formed strategic alliance between those organizations. General Magnus’ wife, Rose, served as the ship’s U.S.-flag sponsor. As previously reported, the new MSP which took effect in October increases the number of participants to 60 ships; provides financial assistance to construct Continued on pages 12-13 The SIU-crewed car carrier Alliance New York offers around-the-world service. Seafarers LOG 3 �33300_P4x1.qxd 11/29/2005 6:15 AM Page 4 Seafarers Honored at AOTOS Event General Handy, 2 Others Receive Top Annual Awards The crew members and officers from three SIU-crewed vessels, along with an individual Seafarer aboard a fourth unioncontracted ship are recent recipients of the United Seamen’s Service (USS) “Honored Seafarers Awards.” Receiving recognition in the form of the Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) Mariners Plaque were SIU members who, on specific dates, were aboard the Keystone Shipping Co.-managed MV Cape Knox and MV Cape Kennedy; and the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy. AB Brett Sunderland, who was aboard CP Ships USA’s MV Lykes Motivator, was lauded as the recipient of the AOTOS Mariners’ Rosette. The honors were bestowed on the mariners Nov. 7 during the 35th annual AOTOS dinner in New York. Nearly 1,000 industry leaders, including SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, attended the outing that has been dubbed the maritime industry’s most prestigious honor. The event took place at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. The crews and officers from the Cape Knox and Cape Kennedy were recognized for saving not only their own vessels, but also others in New Orleans’ Poland Street Wharfs during Hurricane Katrina. As 145 mph winds snapped mooring lines on both vessels and the Chios Beauty (a bulker), a small force of mariners was deployed. By tyingoff, tightening and securing mooring lines, they saved the otherwise doomed vessels. These same platforms were used as shelters for members of the Coast Guard and emergency workers during relief operations. Meanwhile, those aboard the USNS Mercy garnered laurels for disaster relief and humanitarian assistance for the people of Southeast Asia. The Mercy was activated Jan. 1 and departed San Diego for Indonesia in support of Operation Unified Assistance. From Feb. 6 to March 16, the vessel’s crew of 1,000 Navy and support personnel treated more than 9,500 tsunami survivors ashore and aboard the ship. Crew members helped rebuild Banda Aceh’s Abidin University Hospital that had been inundated with mud and debris. They also used the ship’s equipment and supplies to restore hospital services by providing the hospital with drainage pipes, Receiving the 2005 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards are (from left) Anthony A. Scioscia, president, APM Terminals, North America; Ron Davis, president, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; and retired Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, immediate past commander, U.S. Transportation Command. Construction Begins On 1st of 10 Tankers Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (formerly known as Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard) on Oct. 28 achieved an assembly milestone when it began construction on the first of 10 new double-hulled product tankers. The historic signpost was marked by the installation of the first massive section of the new vessel’s keel. These are the first new product tankers to be built in Philadelphia since 1981. When completed, each vessel will weigh 46,000 deadweight tons (dwt) and will be the most modern tankers in the U.S. domestic fleet. The tankers are capable of holding 14 million gallons of liquid—the same volume as 26 Olympicsize swimming pools. SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) will operate the vessels. The first vessel in the 10-ship program is expected to be delivered by the end of 2006, with the final vessel scheduled for completion in 2010. The tankers will be owned by American Shipping Corporation, a subsidiary of Aker American Shipping, and chartered to OSG. Dave Meehan, president and CEO of Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, said, “The keel laying represents a noteworthy achievement in the construction of any vessel, and today it also represents a major milestone in our entire 10-ship tanker build program. Last April, we announced the 10-ship contract, the partnership with OSG, and a commitment to build ships in Philadelphia for a long time to come. Today, we demonstrated how we are delivering on the promises made six short months ago.” As part of the ceremony, four coins were placed under the keel block in a practice which recreates a long-standing tradition whereby shipbuilders hide special coins in the keel section of a ship as a permanent symbol of good fortune and safe travels. 4 Seafarers LOG A number of SIU members were honored at this year’s AOTOS event, which took place Nov. 7 in New York. mosquito netting, screens and hundreds of tools. AB Sunderland, during the early hours of March 29 was aboard the MV Lykes Motivator when it received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard in Norfolk to change course and assist a 37foot vessel, Aurora, which was disabled. The three Swedish mariners aboard the Aurora had departed Bermuda and charted their course for the Azores with Sweden as their final destination. In 15-foot seas and winds squalling in excess of 30 knots, the mariners found themselves at the mercy of the deep. The Lykes Motivator with its crew, returning to the U.S. after making its usual run to Northern Europe, was situated some five hours away from the Aurora’s location. Captain Richard Johnson altered his course and steamed toward the Aurora. At daybreak, the sailing vessel was spotted and the crew was readied for rescue operations. The Aurora Pictured at the AOTOS dinner are (from left) Roger Korner, executive director of the United Seamen’s Service; SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez; SIU President Michael Sacco; Mrs. Claire Hamlin and Bill Hamlin, NCL America executive VP of fleet operations. was listing badly to starboard and still taking on water. The stricken sailors did not have survival suits or a survival raft. They were equipped only with a six-foot inflatable dinghy and lightweight rain suits. When the endangered sailors saw the Motivator, they prepared to abandon ship. Clad in the rain suits, they lowered the dinghy into the Ft. Lauderdale Hall Mostly Undamaged Following ‘Wilma’ The SIU hall in the Port of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. escaped Hurricane Wilma virtually unscathed, according to SIU Port Agent Kenneth Moore. The storm, a Category 3 when it roared across the Gulf Coast of South Florida Oct. 24, with sustained winds in excess of 100 mph, took the lives of at least six Floridians, caused extensive damage and left some 4.3 million homes and businesses without power. “We did sustain some minor damage to our roof,” said Moore, “but aside from that, everything else remained very well intact. It certainly could have been a lot worse. “The good news as I see it is that none of our members who live in the area experienced serious injuries,” Moore continued. “They did suffer a lot of damage to their residences…. A lot of roofs were ripped off and flying debris also took a heavy toll.” The hall, like just about every other facility in the affected area, lost power. “Power was out from Sunday through Wednesday (Oct. 24 – Nov. 2),” Moore said. “Thanks to our generator power, we remained operational during that period and even shipped several people. One of our members, QEE Rich Williams, came in Tuesday and wired the hall up so that electricity could be restored. We owe him a great deal of thanks, because without his skills, we might still be in the dark.” Wilma made landfall near Naples, Fla. at about 6:30 a.m. Oct. 24 and moved northeast over Everglades City, bringing down power lines and trees, peeling off roofs and breaking water mains, according to several sources. The quantity of debris was daunting: Pieces of roofs, trees, signs, awnings, fences, billboards and pool screens were scattered water and attempted to shuttle equipment to the Motivator. Several transfer attempts ended in failure with the inflatable being swamped. The only remaining option to extract the sailors was for the Motivator to come alongside the Aurora. During the transfer, rough seas Continued on page 5 across several counties. It then raced across the state, causing damage from Palm Beach to Miami, and as far south as Key West. The aftermath of damage left by Wilma around South Florida received minor national attention compared to Louisiana and Mississippi in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, but more than 478,000 households in 13 Florida counties have applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for individual help. Thousands of people formed long lines in various cities across the affected area following the storm to sign up for temporary food stamps, and more than 3 million people were expected to qualify for the aid because of damaged homes, ruined food and lost jobs. By mid-November, most schools had reopened and most of the 3.2 million customers who lost electricity had power restored. Some of the worst damage was in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, where Wilma was the strongest hurricane to strike since 1950. Winds of more than 100 mph blew out windows in high-rises, many built before Florida enacted tougher construction codes following Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Agriculture officials said damage to their industry would be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The greatest losses were believed to be to the winter vegetable crop, which provides more than half of the nation’s supply from November to February. Also hurt were sugar cane fields and ornamental-plant nurseries. The twenty-first storm in the worst Atlantic hurricane season on record, Wilma was blamed for at least five deaths statewide. Before hitting the United States, it killed at least six people in Mexico, one in Jamaica and 12 in Haiti as it swirled across the Caribbean. Wilma knocked out power for hundreds of miles, cutting off electricity to a staggering one out of three Florida residents. Florida Power & Light, the state’s biggest utility, said Wilma affected more of its 4.3 million customers than any other natural disaster in the company’s history. Damage estimates ranged up to $10 billion. December 2005 �33300_P10, 5, 6, 7, 11_13 19, 24cx.qxd 11/23/2005 7:36 PM Page 5 AFL-CIO Rolls Out Solidarity Charter Program While discussions with the recently disaffiliated national unions continue, the AFL-CIO last month reported that it is moving forward with a Solidarity Charter program that will unite the labor movement at the local level. The program reflects changes made in discussions with the Change to Win national unions. “We are now ready to roll out the program and get about the work of building strong, united state and local labor movements,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. Noting that while discussions on some issues continue, Sweeney said “no other differences remain that would prevent the Solidarity Charter program’s implementation.” Solidarity Charters offer a way to reunite state and local labor movements by bringing locals of recently disaffiliated national unions back into the AFL-CIO’s state and local organizations. “Solidarity Charters will enable the labor movement to remain united at the local level where everyone wanted to stick together,” said Sweeney. “Local unions will be able to continue working together to advance the interests of working families in organizing campaigns, strikes, boycotts and political activities, and that’s a real plus for our movement.” Change to Win local unions that are given Solidarity Charters will make per capita tax payments based on their membership to local and state AFL-CIO organizations at the rates applicable to other affiliated local unions. They will have the same rights and obligations as other affiliated local unions, including participation in governance and affairs of the state or local body, eligibility of their members to run for and hold office in the state or local body, and the status and treatment of their members within the state and local body. Discussions are continuing on the specific amount and mechanism for a solidarity fee to be paid by the Change to Win unions to help the national AFL-CIO cover administrative overhead and costs of supporting its state federations Senator Stevens States Ongoing Support for Maritime Senator Ted Stevens (RAlaska), speaking Oct. 31 to the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Propeller Club, covered a number of topics that are important to the U.S. maritime community. Among other points, Senator Stevens noted the U.S.-flag fleet’s role in hurricane recovery missions in the Gulf. He said that the Senate Commerce Committee, which he co-chairs, “continues to seek help from your industry to determine how we might assist in quickly recovering from these crises and maintain U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed vessels to meet the challenges of business and transportation. That is one of our top priorities.” He expressed continued sup- port for the U.S. Maritime Security Program and the nation’s cabotage laws. Additionally, he voiced strong backing of the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program. “With the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, and now, with all of the problems related to these hurricanes, it’s essential that we all realize the value of Title XI,” he said. Senator Stevens concluded, “I think this industry of yours is the best part of the maritime industry in the world. We can keep that going if we maintain the relationship between labor and management that I’ve known in this association since I first appeared before the Propeller Club.” and central labor councils. If AFL-CIO trade and industrial departments request them, Solidarity Charters with the same or similar requirements will allow Change to Win unions to join their local or regional councils. “The heart and soul of the union movement is at the local level, in union halls across this nation,” said Sweeney. “The Solidarity Charter program unites our local labor movements to be the strongest fight-back machines possible against anti-worker cor- Margaret “Maggie” Bowen is the new SIU Plans Administrator, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (chairman of the union trustees) announced last month. “Maggie’s charming personality and ability to carry out her responsibilities professionally has been a great asset for the union for over 15 years,” Heindel stated. “Now, she can apply her skills to directly benefit our members, and I’m confident that she will serve them and the plans well.” Formerly the SIU Controller, Bowen replaces Bill Dennis, who had held the Plans Administrator post since December 2004. Dennis retired effective Nov. 30 following more than 11 years of combined service to union members eligible for and enrolled in the various employees benefit plans of the SIU, its affiliate unions and the now merged National Maritime Union Benefits Plan. Bowen served in her previous position for seven years. Prior to that, she held the title of SIU assistant controller for eight years beginning in 1990. A native of Marlow Heights, Md., Bowen graduated from Potomac High School in Oxon Hill, Md. and attended Prince The entire crew of the Cape Jacob appreciates the efforts of the vessel’s SIU steward department. Pictured aboard the ship, which is prepositioned in the Far East, are (from left) SA David Mohamed, Chief Steward Gary Dottino, ACU Mo Munassar, SA Silvana Clark, Chief Cook Erik Loret and SA Abdulhalim Ali. The Cape Jacob is managed by Matson Navigation for the U.S. Maritime Administration. Continued from page 2 office in Virginia. Kaine won by a 52–46 percent margin. He is considered not only an ally to labor but also a strong advocate for the maritime industry. The governor-elect has toured several SIU-contracted vessels in the port of Norfolk, Va. and also visited the union hall. More than 400,000 members of Virginia union households and the 50,000 new members of Working America—the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO—were a deciding factor. December 2005 „ Agree not to raid or support raiding of any other local union participating in the state or local central body; „ Support the regular struggles of unions in their jurisdiction, including organizing campaigns, strikes, boycotts and other activities; „ Recognize that local unions of national unions not affiliated with the national AFL-CIO may not participate in any governing body or convention of the national AFL-CIO. Bowen Is New Plans Administrator Kudos for Cape Jacob Galley Gang Labor Gets Out the Vote porations and politicians.” Under Solidarity Charters, Change to Win local unions will: „ Participate fully in the federation’s member mobilization and political programs, including granting access to membership lists via a mechanism mutually agreed upon by the AFL-CIO and Change to Win, and be bound by whatever actions or decisions of the federation that are binding on all affiliated local unions; Working America volunteers focused on two Northern Virginia counties that helped prove decisive in Kaine’s victory, reversing those counties’ respective voting patterns from previous elections. More than 50,000 Virginians joined Working America in just five months and played a vital role in registering voters and getting out the vote on Election Day. In Northern Virginia alone, Working America volunteers reached some 600 to 800 voters a night in the past two months of the campaign. Ohio voters capped off a successful off-year election for working families by approving a ballotmeasure to boost the state’s economic vitality and create jobs. Margaret “Maggie” Bowen Georges Community College in Largo, Md. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southeastern University in Washington, D.C. and is credentialed as a Certified Public Accountant. Bowen has spent her entire professional career to date in the accounting/finance arena. She was employed as a CPA in public accounting for a Lanham, Md.based firm from 1982 to 1990. At that juncture, she moved under the labor umbrella and began working for the SIU at headquarters in Camp Springs. Md. “I look forward to the challenge of enhancing the level of service that the Plan provides to our membership,” Bowen said. “Like my predecessors, I have an extremely high level of concern for the welfare of the membership. “I’m surrounded by a great cast of team members,” she added. “They are extremely competent in their various areas of expertise. Nonetheless, I’ll encourage everyone concerned to take advantage of all opportunities to enhance their skills whenever possible. We have a lot of experience here, and I’ll rely on it often.” She concluded, “Evaluating and upgrading procedures to further benefit the membership will be one of my primary goals. Ultimately, what I hope to achieve is the best possible service to Plan participants.” Bowen and her husband, Robert, have been married for 22 years. They are the proud parents of two children: Joseph, 17; and Brittany, 12. Seafarers Are Among Recipients Of Annual AOTOS Awards Continued from page 4 caused one of the sailors, weak from an asthma attack the previous night, to fall off the ladder into the water. He swiftly drifted aft and struggled to stay afloat as his suit was filling with water. At the initiative of Sunderland, the Motivator crew reacted quickly; using the ship’s crane to lower a basket into the water and hoist the mariner to safety before he could slip under the vessel. Once the sailor was safely aboard the Motivator, the other two were transferred without incident. As the Motivator left the area, the Aurora’s mast could be seen ripped completely off, and the vessel soon succumbed to the sea. Sunderland was commended for his quick thinking and courageous action. In addition to the foregoing honors for mariners, several other awards were presented during the maritime industry gathering. The USS 2005 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award was bestowed upon three individuals: retired Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, immediate past commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Ron Davis, president, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; and Anthony A. Scioscia, president, APM Terminals, North America. Handy, an ally of the SIU and a strong supporter of U.S.-flag shipping, worked many years with ocean carriers and their principals who deal with the international and Jones Act trades and during his distinguished military career actively supported the Maritime Security Program. He served simultaneously as the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command. As TRANSCOM commander, he managed all global sea, air and land transportation for the Department of Defense. Seafarers LOG 5 �33300_P10, 5, 6, 7, 11_13 19, 24cx.qxd 11/23/2005 7:37 PM Page 6 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS PENSION TRUST 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, 2004 to December 31, 2004. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). 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, 2004 to December 31, 2004. 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 Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $993,167. These expenses included $277,980 in administrative expenses and $715,187 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 10,143 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 $27,693,471 as of December 31, 2004 compared to $22,415,912 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $5,277,559. 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 $6,270,726, including employer contributions of $4,622,158, employee contributions of $83,428, gains of $532,928 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,032,212. Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $36,816,896. These expenses included $6,785,930 in administrative expenses and $30,030,966 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,629 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 $640,306,747 as of December 31, 2004 compared to $638,855,090 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,451,657. 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 $38,268,553, including employer contributions of $4,164,002, losses of $20,320,937 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $54,235,009. 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. 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 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. 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 Margaret Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.25 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-5638, Washington, DC 20210. BECK NOTICE 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 Your Rights to Additional Information 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 2004 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 73.29 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $293.16 (two hundred ninetythree dollars and sixteen cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2006 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2005 and November 30, 2006 will have this calculation applied to their 2006 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2007 your objection must be received by December 1, 2006. 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 2004. 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 2005 �33300_P5,6,7,10,14,19,24x1.qxd 11/28/2005 11:08 PM Page 7 11 Recertified Bosuns Keep Up With Changes To Protect Interests of U.S. Maritime Industry The maritime industry is constantly changing, and being able to adapt is one way the Seafarers International Union is not merely surviving but flourishing. Of the 11 Seafarers who recently completed the bosun recertification program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., some already have seen many of the changes that have occurred since they first started sailing. During the month-long course, they and their fellow classmates learned more in depth about the industry in which they work, and all are now well equipped to assume leadership roles by taking this knowledge back to their shipmates at the hiring halls and aboard individual vessels. The course included a mixture of classroom and practical training as well as visits to the headquarters building in Camp Springs to meet with representatives of the various departments and to the Maritime Trades Department at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C. After being presented with their graduation certificates during the November membership meeting at Piney Point, the recertified bosuns approached the podium to address the officials, members and guests in attendance. All gave a few words of thanks for the opportunities they were given at the school and imparted a few personal words of wisdom to the unlicensed apprentices who are following in their footsteps. Completing the recertification program were Anthony Carvalho, Brian Corbett, Morris Foster, Peter Frigoletti, James Joyce, Christopher Kicey, John Lamprecht, Jesse Natividad Jr., Dana Naze, Frank Thompson and Salvador Villareal. This is the third time back at the school for Villareal, who joined the union in 1994 in Hawaii and now sails from Tacoma, Wash. He expressed his appreciation for being given the opportunity to attend the recertification class and noted that being a member of the SIU has afforded him a good living and a comfortable lifestyle. Pictured after last month’s membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. are (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Frank Thompson, Peter Frigoletti, Salvador Villareal, Morris Foster, Jesse Natividad Jr., John Lamprecht, SIU President Michael Sacco, Christopher Kicey, Brian Corbett, James Joyce, Anthony Carvalho, SIU VP East Coast Joseph Soresi, Dana Naze, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Throughout his month-long studies, he enhanced his knowledge about how contracts are negotiated and how being informed about the shipping rules can help him, as a ship’s chairman, communicate better with his crew. He also spoke about the importance of contributing to SPAD. He said that the results of SPAD donations may not be immediately visible, but that in the long run it is an important tool to help the union remain strong. Thompson has been sailing with the SIU since 1960 and has seen many changes over the years. The recertified bosun, whose home port is Jacksonville, said that the industry has provided his livelihood and, unlike many of his friends, he has never had to go out and look for a job; the union has always had one for him. He told the assembled crowd that the course helped him gain a greater understanding of the relationship between the union, the companies, crews and laws that govern them. He now sees that the show of the union’s strength is through the politics of job performance and personal responsibility, and he stressed to the unli- Small arms training was one of the courses completed by the 11 recertified bosuns in their month-long program. December 2005 censed apprentices in the audience to come together and help keep the union strong. Frigoletti began sailing 32 years ago on board almost every type of ship in the MSTU and NMU fleets. After learning a great deal about how the union operates in the political and maritime arenas, he stated he is proud to be a member of the SIU. He encouraged the trainees to take advantage of the opportunities offered to them at the Paul Hall Center and upgrade their skills as often as possible. Kicey, who began sailing in 1990 from the port of Seattle, feels very fortunate to belong to the SIU. He has traveled to the Far East, Middle East, Europe, Africa and Antarctica, and for the last five years has worked on the West Coast aboard tankers carrying crude oil. Kicey said he learned a lot about the political and inner workings of the union during the course and believes the changes that have been made to the trainee and upgrading programs will help supply the most qualified mariners that are needed aboard the ships of today and tomorrow. Sailing from the port of New Orleans for the past 10 years— first as an OS and AB and then as a bosun—Foster thanked the union leadership for the opportunity to complete the bosun recertification program. He stated that there’s a lot of misinformation being spread aboard ship about the maritime industry, and he was happy to be able to communicate directly with the union officials and learn the truth about how the organization is run. Foster spoke to the trainees about the importance of upgrading and contributing to SPAD. He advised them to “stay on course” by listening to their supervisors when they go aboard ship and to learn all they can. Corbett came to the SIU as a result of the merger with the NMU. He sailed first as an OS and AB and, for the past 18 years, as a bosun. During those years, he has worked on just about every type of ship and has been fortunate to see most of the world. “Shipping has been great to me,” he told those present at the meeting. “I have friendships with wonderful people, financial security, enjoyable and ample time off, so many things you may not be able to obtain in the normal eight-to-five grind.” power, and that if they seriously want to make the maritime industry their chosen career, they should work hard and never stop learning. “The only thing that can stop you from getting to the top is you!” When aboard a ship, he continued, “be where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be there, and doing what you are supposed to be doing.” Corbett concluded by saying that now that the course is over, his real job has just begun— going out into the industry and passing on what he has learned. “That’s what it’s all about.” It has been 15 years since Natividad came to the Paul Hall Center as a trainee. Now sailing from the port of San Francisco, the recertified bosun has returned to the school four times to enhance his maritime education. “What I’ve seen from the time I started is the increased numbers of trainees coming through the ranks, from a class every few months to a class every month. Apparently, we’re doing something right,” he stated. He thanked the union officials as well as the staff at the school for giving him the opportunity to complete the recertification course. As an added piece of advice to the trainees, he told them never to be afraid to ask questions. “It helps us help you.” The recertified bosuns completed fire fighting and other safety and health training while at the school. Corbett, who has upgraded his skills at the school a number of times, noted that he has learned some very valuable tools this time around that he can take with him for the rest of his life— not only on ships, but in everyday activities. Two of the most important things the recertified bosun said he learned were (1) how vital SPAD is to the survival of the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet, and (2) that there are no bigger advocates of the U.S. Merchant Marine than SIU President Mike Sacco and his team of officials. He directed some comments to the unlicensed apprentices, urging them to keep an open mind when they board a ship. He told them that knowledge is Lamprecht also started his seafaring career as a trainee at Piney Point and has returned a number of times to upgrade his skills. Now sailing from the port of New York, Lamprecht found the month-long course was able to provide him with a lot of information that can help him do a better job aboard ship, particularly with respect to answering questions about how contracts work and how the SIU is staying competitive in an ever-changing industry. He noted that Seafarers have a first-class facility at their disposal as well as a first-rate rehabilitation facility—“which I am glad Continued on page 8 Seafarers LOG 7 �33300_P7,8,11_14,18,20_23.qxd 11/23/2005 7:29 PM Page 8 11 Bosuns Graduate from Center’s Top Deck Department Curriculum advantage of all the opportunities they have been given to better themselves. Naze began sailing inland in 1984 from the port of Mobile, Ala. In 1988, he switched over to the deep sea division and has never looked back, working aboard ships that have taken him all around the world. Antarctica, he noted, was the most fascinating of the destinations to which he has sailed. The recertification course proved to be extremely beneficial to Naze, who said he, as a ship’s chairman, is often asked questions he just wasn’t informed enough to answer. With this course under his belt, he now believes he can be more effective as a communicator aboard ship. He told the trainees to study hard, listen and always ask questions, particularly when they board a ship for the first time. Continued from page 7 to say turned my life around.” He told the trainees to “keep a good attitude and good things will happen.” Carvalho has been going to sea some 31 years, the last 15 of which have been with the SIU. Having spent the first half of his seagoing career in non-union jobs, Carvalho said he was grateful “to stand before you today as a member of this great union.” Sailing from the port of Tacoma, Carvalho has circumnavigated the globe six times and visited countries he had never heard of before. “The SIU and this school have helped me to not only better focus on my seagoing career, but also given me financial security, lasting friendships and more life experiences than landsmen may have in many life spans,” he stated. Turning his attention to the trainees, Carvalho said for them to think of themselves as ambassadors of the SIU and conduct themselves in a positive manner, be good shipmates, do their duties thoroughly and cheerfully and keep their skills up to date by returning to the school for upgrading classes. Now sailing from the port of New York, Joyce joined the NMU in Boston in March 1990. He has sailed aboard all NMU-contracted ships and said he was extremely impressed with how the NMU members have been welcomed into the SIU. Joyce spoke about his positive experiences at the school, visiting the headquarters building in Camp Springs and meeting face to face with many of the officials and department heads. Proud to be an SIU member and a recertified bosun, Joyce told the unlicensed apprentices to be good to each other, always be ready to give somebody a helping hand, and take Recertified Bosuns Morris Foster, John Lamprecht and James Joyce help tie up the Osprey at the Piney Point dock. Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers Informed SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN 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, 2004 to December 31, 2004. 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 $6,868,009 as of December 31, 2004 compared to $4,199,920 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,668,089. 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. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $70,801,607. This income included employer contributions of $69,902,578, realized gains of $356,944 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $479,691. Plan expenses were $79,522,916. These expenses included $6,249,823 in administrative expenses and $73,273,093 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 Margaret Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.85 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits, Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. 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 2006. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. Membership Meetings in 2006 Port Traditional Date January February March April May June July August September October Pineyy Point Monday after first Sunday 3* 6 6 3 8 5 3 7 5* 2 6 4 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 3 7 7 4 9 6 5* 8 5 3 7 5 Wednesday after first Sunday 4 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 4 8 6 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 12 9 7 11 8 6 10* 8 Boston Friday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 12 9 7 11 8 6 10* 8 Houston Monday after second Sunday 9 13 13 10 15 12 10 14 11 9 13 11 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 10 14 14 11 16 13 11 15 12 10 14 12 Wednesday after second Sunday 11 15 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 11 15 13 Thursday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 19 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 19 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 17* 21* 20 17 22 19 17 22* 18 16 20 18 Guam m Thursday after third Sunday 19 23 23 20 25 22 20 24 21 19 24* 21 Friday after third Sunday 20 24 24 21 26 23 21 25 22 20 24 22 Philadelphia Mobile San Francisco Tacoma November December *Piney Point changes created by New Year’s and Labor Day holidays; New York change created by Independence Day holiday; Algonac and Boston changes created by Veterans’ Day holiday; Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King’s birthday, Presidents Day and Paul Hall’s birthday holidays; Guam change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday. 8 Seafarers LOG December 2005 �33300_P3,9,15_17.qxd 11/23/2005 6:23 PM Page 9 Executive VP John Fay Dies at 73 Enjoying a lighthearted moment at the MTD convention earlier this year in Chicago are (front row, right to left) John Fay, NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. Continued from page 3 light. Both for ITF staff and for John himself, it was a delight to see how he adjusted to the new situation. He was always ready to take advice, but also determined to stand up for what he believed was right. American seafarers as well as seafarers of all nationalities benefited enormously from his wisdom and good humor.” In a joint letter from Cockroft, Jon Whitlow and Stephen Cotton of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section, the trio noted, “John played a major role in the ITF for many years, and was deeply committed to our organization. He was a true internationalist and a tower of strength in all his work for the ITF, and he will be remembered for this and for his humor and kindness to his colleagues.” Ake Selander, retired ITF general secretary who worked with Fay since the early 1970s, stated, “John and I traveled the world together in pursuance of our work on behalf of the ITF, and the ITF owes John a lot for keeping the Seafarers’ Section on the right keel. He was a very loyal ITF servant and was always anxious not to offend people. He was eager to learn and very able to assess scenarios and above all he was a realist.” Strong faith played a key role in Fay’s life—a quality that proved evident in remembrances Nov. 12 at Our Lady’s Church in Leonardtown, Md., where his memorial service took place. SIU President Sacco noted that whenever he and Fay traveled together, John made sure that one of the first things they did was to locate a nearby Catholic church so they could attend mass. “John was a true believer,” Sacco said. “He never missed a mass, but religion was more than just a weekly service to him. It was a way of life. It was his foundation.” Father Sinclair Oubre, who celebrated (presided over) the funeral service (and who also is an active SIU member), noted that Fay’s work reflected selfless beliefs that are consistent with his faith. Fay often spoke on behalf of foreign mariners who otherwise wouldn’t have had any voice, Oubre pointed out, and he also devoted his career to the betterment of others. ‘American seafarers as well as seafarers of all nationalities benefited enormously from his wisdom and good humor.’ — ITF General Secretary David Cockroft “For me as an Apostleship of the Sea priest, it was a great honor to be present and bring the prayer of the church for John,” Oubre stated. “It’s a great privilege for a minister of the Apostleship of the Sea to be able to do that for one of its brothers.” Individuals from all parts of the industry appreciated Fay’s work. “He exemplified everything about good sense and gentleness with people, whether discussing issues or chatting about life,” said Chris Krusa, maritime training specialist at the U.S. Maritime Administration. “He was a true gentleman and a seafarer’s seafarer. I will never forget how he helped me work with Piney Point’s first towboat operator/ pilot candidates for the U.S. Coast Guard written license exam in Philadelphia in 1972 or thereabouts, and they all passed.” “I will always think of John as a very courteous person, always trying to help,” said Jean-Yves Legouas, senior maritime specialist with the ILO in Geneva. “For the union as well as for the ITF, I know he’ll be sorely missed.” Leow Ching Chuan, general secretary of the Singapore Organization of Seamen, said that Fay “will be fondly remembered by us.” Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, said Fay “was a tough man shaped by tough times. His wisdom and strength of character translated well into the international labor movement where he became chair of the Seafarers’ Section of the ITF and also one of the leaders of the seafarers group at the International Labor Organization Maritime Preparatory Conferences and Maritime Conferences. His deep knowledge of the industry was instrumental in our campaign to develop decent standards of work and protection for international seafarers, particularly in the flagof-convenience shipping.” While it may surprise those who didn’t know him well, a number of condolences received at SIU headquarters noted Fay’s wry sense of humor. “He had an incredible wit,” observed SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. “John could come across as a very stoic figure, but the more you got to know him, these one-liners would come out and it was just hysterical. That’s something I’m going to Taken in 1957, this photo shows Seafarers marching in a Labor Day parade in New York City. In the front row, from right to left, are Joe DiGiorgio, John Fay and Al Kerr—each of whom served the SIU as secretary-treasurer. miss.” donations are sent to the “He had a way of making peo- American Cancer Society. ple laugh,” said SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram. “He was a great guy, a straight-up guy. I’m going to miss him.” SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone credited Fay with being “one of the establishing forefathers of this great union. I very much appreciate and give thanks for all the hard work and sacrifices John made over the years to the betterment of this organization.” “John was a tremendous union John Fay is honored in 1988 in official and an even better per- Philadelphia for his contributions son,” said SIU Vice President and assistance to a local hospital. Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. “He Presenting him with the Humanwas completely dedicated to the itarian Award is a member of the hospital’s executive board, union and its membership.” In addition to the memorial Jeffrey Gloss. service, John Fay’s life was celebrated during a private ceremony Nov. 13 on the Chesapeake Bay, where his ashes were sent to their final resting place. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; sons John Jr., Patrick and Michael (an active SIU member); daughter Kelly Fay; four siblings and seven Brother Fay’s ashes are sent to their final restgrandchildren. The family asks ing place Nov. 13 on the Chesapeake Bay in that in lieu of flowers, Southern Maryland. Fay’s work at the international level on behalf of all mariners is a strong part of his legacy. Fay attends an SIUNA gathering at the school in Piney Point in 1981 (left photo) and, a decade later, sits with SIU President Michael Sacco, also in Piney Point (above photo). December 2005 The former executive VP addresses a crowd in Long Beach, Calif. on behalf of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers. Seafarers LOG 9 �33300_P5, 6, 7,10_14, 19, 24cx.qxd 11/23/2005 7:46 PM Page 10 Medicare’s New Prescription Drug Coverage and You Notice to Medicare Eligible Participants Creditable Coverage The following letters were mailed last month to pensioners covered under the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan from the SHBP Board of Trustees. Please note that separate information was mailed to Marine Cooks & Stewards pensioners who were covered under the MC&S Welfare Plan before that union merged into the SIU in 1979 and who also retired before the merger. November 9, 2005 Dear Medicare Eligible Participant: You may have heard about Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage, also known as Medicare Part D, and wondered what this new coverage might mean to you. Starting January 1, 2006, the Federal Government will be providing limited prescription drug coverage to retirees eligible for Medicare. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is pleased to inform you that the current prescription drug coverage you have now with SHBP is superior coverage to the standard Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Since the prescription drug benefit provided by SHBP provides you with better coverage than the coverage offered under Medicare Part D, this means that SHBP provides you with “creditable prescription drug coverage.” Enclosed is your notice of creditable coverage which the government requires us to send to you. Be sure to read the notice carefully and keep it in a safe place where you can find it. It may be necessary to refer back to the notice should you decide to change your pharmacy benefit coverage in the future. To maintain coverage through SHBP, you do not need to take any action. The SHBP will continue your coverage at no cost to you, other than the applicable co-payments and annual deductible. In order to maintain the coverage that you currently enjoy through SHBP, you should not enroll in any Medicare prescription plan offered through other insurance companies licensed to sell these plans. If you enroll in one of the Medicare prescription drug plans, you may lose your coverage under the SHBP prescription plan. In addition, you may have to provide the insurance company with a copy of this notice to prevent them from charging you a higher premium than what other enrollees pay. Again, no action is required by you to maintain your coverage through SHBP. If you have any questions concerning your SHBP prescription drug plan and Medicare Part D, please call the Plan’s membership services line at 1-800-252-4674. Sincerely, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Important Notice from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan About Your Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare Creditable Coverage November 9, 2005 Dear Plan Participant, By now you may have heard about Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage. This letter will provide a description of your options for pharmacy benefit coverage after January 1, 2006. This letter will also tell you where to find more information to help you make decisions about your prescription drug coverage. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is sending this letter to retired participants to make sure that retirees understand what options are available. This notice provides plan participants with important information. Please read this notice carefully. It can help you decide whether or not you want to enroll in Medicare’s new Part D program. Please keep this notice in a safe place. It may be necessary to refer back to this letter should you decide to change your pharmacy benefit coverage in the future. What is Medicare Part D? Medicare Part D is a new benefit for all individuals entitled to Medicare. Medicare currently provides eligible individuals coverage for hospitalization and doctors visits under Medicare Parts A and B. After January 1, 2006, Medicare Part D will provide Medicare recipients with a certain amount of pharmaceutical benefit coverage as well. This new program means that Seafarers retirees and others eligible for Medicare now have a choice. You can choose to keep pharmacy benefits from the SHBP or you can pay to join another plan serving your area. How will Medicare Part D affect my Seafarers’ pharmacy benefits? SHBP would like all participants to know that the Plan’s drug benefit is, on average, expected to provide a benefit that is as good as what would be available to you in the standard Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. If you choose to stay in the SHBP, you do not have to take any other action. You pay the same co-payments and deductibles in effect at this time. Currently, there is no insurance premium to pay as there will be for the new Medicare pharmaceutical plans. A summary of your prescription coverage under the SHBP is attached to this letter. You will not need to go through any additional enrollment process if you choose to stay in the SHBP. There will also be deductibles and co-payments in the Medicare plans which will be offered in your area. If you continue to receive pharmacy benefit coverage through the SHPB and decide to switch to another plan in the future, there will be no additional penalty to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan. Since spouses do not receive benefits from the SHBP, they should seek information from any employer sponsored coverage they may have or enroll in a Medicare Part D plan. What happens to my Seafarers’ prescription drug coverage if I enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan? This year, if you enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you will lose prescription drug coverage from the SHBP. You will still be eligible for other benefits available from the plan if you are retired with enough eligibility time for medical health care coverage. When do I have to make a decision about which coverage I want? Everyone entitled to enroll in the new Medicare Part D must do so between November 15, 2005 and May 15, 2006. Once again, if you choose to continue to receive benefits from the Seafarers Plan, you do not need to do anything. What happens if I choose to enroll in a Medicare part D plan but do not make a decision to participate by May 15, 2006? If you wish to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan but do not take action for 63 days or longer after May 15, 2006 you will have to pay an increase in the monthly premium that will be charged for your Medicare prescription plan. That increase will be 1% per month of the premium charged by the plan. You will have to pay this increased premium for as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage. You may also have to wait until November 2006 to enroll. If I choose to remain in the SHBP this year, may I switch plans in the future? Yes, you may choose to switch to a Medicare part D prescription drug plan in the future. You may do so without paying a higher premium as long as you provide that new plan with this document to prove that you have had coverage by another plan that was as good as the benefit offered by the standard Medicare plan. If you do decide to choose coverage under Medicare Part D, you must make sure that your Seafarers benefit will remain in effect until you are new coverage becomes effective. As in all cases, the SHBP reserves the right to modify benefits at any time, in accordance with applicable law. How can I get more information about this notice or my current pharmacy benefit coverage? To receive another copy of this notice, you may contact the Plan’s membership services at 1 800-252-4674. If you have questions about the current Seafarers prescription plan coverage, you may contact Express Scripts at 1800-467-2006. You may receive this notice at other times in the future such as before the next enrollment period for Medicare prescription coverage or if this coverage changes. Is there any help if I am on a limited income and need extra resources? For people with limited income and resources, extra help paying for the Medicare prescription drug plan is available. Information about this extra help is available from the Social Security Administration (SSA). For more information about this extra help, contact SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213. For TTY call 1800-325-0778. How can I learn more information about my options under the Medicare Part D prescription drug program? More detailed information about Medicare plans that offer prescription drug coverage will be available to you in a publication entitled the Medicare and You 2006 handbook. You will be receiving this handbook in the mail from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare prescription drug plans offered in your area. You can also get more information about Medicare prescription drug plans by contacting the following sources: „ Medicare’s web site: www.medicare.gov „ Medicare’s telephone number: 1-800-633-4227. TTY users should call 1-877-4862048. „ Your state health insurance assistance program. These programs are listed in the phonebook and will be listed in the Medicare handbook. Once again, we provide this information to you in accordance with federal government requirements. Sincerely, BOARD OF TRUSTEES IT TAKES A FOUR-LETTER WORD TO BE HEARD Taking a Pierhead Jump; Need Meds? When a Seafarer is at the hiring hall and a job comes up, usually there is no problem making it to the ship within the span of a few hours. But when medication is a concern, the situation becomes a bit more problematic. With the new prescription mail order program (Prescription Solutions), Seafarers can get 90 days worth of their maintenance medicines, which is usually adequate. But if they are going to be on a ship for six months, for example, and have only a 30-day supply of medicine on hand, what can they do? There is no perfect solution in this case. If they want to take the job and they do need a drug refill, there are a couple options. Time is of the essence in taking a pierhead jump. A member can obtain a prescription override form at the port office for required medications, immediately call their doctor and have him or her call in a new prescription to a nearby participating pharmacy, and then pick it up. As a last resort for late evening or weekend pierhead jumps, the member can call his or 10 Seafarers LOG her doctor for the required medication, pick it up, pay for it out of pocket and then submit the receipt to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan for reimbursement. It may happen that the doctor is not in the office that particular day, but by already having developed a relationship with one’s caregiver, this should not be a problem. The Seafarer should communicate with his or her doctor beforehand, finding out the best way to contact the doctor after hours and on weekends in such cases. That could eliminate problems such as the one involving a pierhead jump. The SHBP will do what they can to assist each SIU member in this predicament but, ultimately, it is the responsibility of the Seafarer to be ready to take a shipboard job when it comes along. And that means being prepared by having the names, addresses and telephone numbers of their doctors and local pharmacies as well as a list of the medications they take. ATTENTION SEAFARERS: Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation HELP US HELP YOU! December 2005 �33300_P10, 5, 6, 7, 11_13 19, 24cx.qxd 11/23/2005 7:37 PM Page 11 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU 401K PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR WELFARE FUND OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU 401K Plan, EIN 136592643, Plan No. 002, for the period January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. 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). 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, 2004 through December 31, 2004. 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 Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through insurance. Plan expenses were $346,911. These expenses included $346,911 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 1,083 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 $3,197,802 as of December 31, 2004, compared to $2,941,892 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $255,910. 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 $602,821 including employee contributions of $451,013 and earnings from investments of $151,808. 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 or call Margaret Bowen who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plans, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; telephone (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, NW, Washington, DC 20210. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $0 as of December 31, 2004, compared to $10,996,837 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $10,996,837. 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 $2,104,126 including employer contributions of $2,008,436, realized losses of $209,692 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $279,976, and other income of $25,406. Plan expenses were $6,961,808. These expenses included $691,034 in administrative expenses and $6,270,774 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. In addition, during the plan year, $6,139,155 of assets were transferred to Seafarer’s Health and Benefits Plan. 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. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 4. 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 Margaret Bowen who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; telephone (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 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, NW, Washington, DC 20210. NMU SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU VACATION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the NMU Vacation Plan, EIN 13-6700828, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004. 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 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU PENSION TRUST OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN 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, 2004 through December 31, 2004. 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). 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $32,039,492. These expenses included $2,897,086 in administrative expenses and $29,142,406 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 8,740 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 $318,635,814 as of December 31, 2004, compared to $324,293,997 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $5,658,183. 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 $26,381,309 including employer contributions of $923,128, realized losses of $1,934,504 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $27,006,968 and other income of $385,717. 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: December 2005 6. an accountant’s report; financial information and information on payments to service providers; assets held for investment; transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; and 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 Margaret Bowen who is Plan Administrator, Board of Trustees of NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.90 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, NW, Washington, DC 20210. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $1,075,526 as of December 31, 2004, compared to $1,937,315 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $861,789. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $8,316,894 including employer contributions of $8,267,268 and earnings from investments of $49,626. Plan expenses were $9,178,683. These expenses included $1,237,505 in administrative expenses and $7,941,178 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 Margaret Bowen who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; telephone (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, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG 11 �33300_P5,6,7,10_14,19,24x1.qxd 11/28/2005 11:53 PM Page 12 John Jamian U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Gen. Norton Schwartz Commander, TRANSCOM Vice Adm. David Brewer Commander, MSC G Assist Seafarers Welcome Alliance New Yo New Addition to MSP Fleet Strengthens The initial flag-in ceremony took place next to the vessel in Baltimore. Continued from page 3 five newly built tankers in the Un of carrying military petroleum pr lishes a 30-month period to repla Defense Department-approved a and increases the annual paymen The MSP has been a key elem ic and defense security since its e sels are available to the Departm war or national emergency, and th access to program participants’ communications networks and m Philip Shapiro President/CEO Liberty Global Logistics Bosun Rafael Clemente Tom Keenan, Liberty Global Logistics VP Augie Tellez, SIU Executive VP Robert Wellner Executive VP Liberty Global Logistics James Butcher Chairman/CEO Alliance New York 12 Seafarers LOG Vice Admiral Brewer, General Magnus, President Sacco, Mrs. Ros Chief Cook Joey Clements SA Sisto Deanda AB Ed Rockinger (right) helps guide guests during shipboard tours of York. December 2005 �33300_P10, 5, 6, 7, 11_13 19, 24cx.qxd Gen. Robert Magnus Assistant Commandant, USMC 11/23/2005 7:39 PM Michael Sacco SIU President Page 13 Apprentices from the Paul Hall Center served as the honor guard. York ns America he United States that are capable m products during a war; estabreplace older ships with newer ved and militarily useful ships; yment to ship operators. element of America’s econome its enactment in 1996. Its vespartment of Defense in times of and the MSP also gives the U.S. ants’ infrastructure, terminals, nd more. Students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education march past the Alliance New York following the morning ceremony. The vessel is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program fleet. Rose Magnus rs of the Alliance New December 2005 Chief Steward Wadsworth Jarrell OMU Virgil Craige gives a pointer to Unlicensed Apprentice Nicholas Bridges during a shipboard tour. Seafarers LOG 13 �33300_P10, 5, 6, 7, 11_13 19, 24cx.qxd 11/23/2005 7:40 PM Page 14 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREAT LAKES TUG AND DREDGE PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Pension Plan (Employer Identification No. 131953878, Plan No. 003) for the period January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan (Employer Identification No.51-6097856, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004. 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 $1,483,195. These expenses included $241,827 in administrative expenses and $1,241,368 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 268 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 $24,191,340 as of December 31, 2004 compared to $24,672,779 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $481,439. 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 $1,001,756, including employer contributions of $164,594, losses of $682,643 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,519,805. 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. Minimum Funding Standards 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 Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.90 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-5638, Washington, DC 20210. Apply Now for 1 of 8 Scholarships to Be Awarded to Seafarers, Dependents in ’06 I t’s the holiday season, and one of the best gifts you can give yourself is the chance to fulfill your dreams of a college education. Completing the coupon below is the first step toward realizing that dream. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to send away for the 2006 SIU Scholarship Program booklet. It contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. (The program books also are available at all SIU halls.) Eight monetary grants will be awarded in 2006 to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 and is intended to help cover the costs of attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Five scholarships are to be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. After checking for eligibility, applicants should start collecting other paperwork which must be submitted P along with the full application by the April 15, 2006 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the request is made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2006 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be evaluated. A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate are two other items that must be included in the total application package. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15. Enjoy the holidays, and don’t just wish for the gift that can affect the rest of your life—go for it today. lease send me the 2006 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 Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $655,985. These expenses included $204,674 in administrative expenses and $451,311 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 928 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 $8,531,657 as of December 31, 2004 compared to $8,844,324 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $312,667. 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 $343,318, including gains of $151,226 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $176,029. 12/05 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; 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 Margaret Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $5.10 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N5638, 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 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. December 2005 �33300_P3,9,15_17.qxd 11/23/2005 6:34 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea January & February 2006 Membership Meetings OCTOBER 16 — NOVEMBER 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 3 0 2 7 1 4 40 25 0 8 14 36 16 1 0 8 22 2 25 25 239 1 0 4 4 1 7 14 15 1 5 8 15 4 2 2 3 8 0 17 5 2 6 5 11 6 15 22 21 0 17 9 21 12 4 5 8 12 10 24 22 232 1 0 2 6 2 4 11 16 0 2 3 10 5 5 3 5 6 1 16 9 2 4 1 5 3 3 21 12 1 4 8 14 6 3 0 1 4 1 14 9 116 2 1 1 3 0 2 7 5 0 2 2 5 8 0 0 0 1 0 5 5 116 107 49 1 0 5 5 1 9 11 17 0 6 9 17 9 2 2 1 21 2 19 25 0 0 3 8 2 7 4 5 0 4 6 6 14 0 1 2 4 0 9 9 0 0 0 2 0 1 6 4 1 0 1 6 5 0 0 0 2 0 3 2 162 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 5 0 0 1 9 0 0 0 1 2 0 4 0 84 2 3 3 11 3 8 12 17 0 4 3 35 5 1 6 5 9 1 18 7 33 2 1 0 9 2 8 20 22 0 0 5 24 18 0 17 0 8 1 22 9 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 0 3 7 2 13 17 17 0 5 6 22 4 1 0 3 18 0 19 19 158 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 1 6 12 4 4 11 19 0 8 8 18 9 4 17 7 12 6 26 17 189 3 2 0 4 0 3 12 1 0 1 5 8 8 4 0 0 1 0 6 9 67 0 1 2 4 1 5 13 13 0 4 2 15 4 2 0 7 16 1 13 16 119 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 5 2 0 3 8 11 1 5 5 7 10 1 2 3 7 1 15 4 90 0 2 1 7 1 5 7 9 0 3 2 4 3 2 1 4 9 2 17 3 82 3 1 0 1 0 2 5 3 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 4 30 100 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 2 4 0 3 2 0 0 2 5 1 7 5 9 0 0 2 5 12 0 0 2 3 2 5 6 0 0 1 0 0 1 8 6 0 3 0 5 2 1 0 5 3 0 11 1 47 67 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 1 0 2 3 0 3 4 1 0 0 2 4 1 1 0 2 4 1 8 10 16 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 2 2 5 14 9 0 1 2 18 8 1 14 4 7 0 11 3 0 1 0 4 0 2 4 8 0 1 3 12 8 0 25 0 2 1 4 9 1 0 4 10 2 7 67 48 0 13 24 56 30 1 2 14 35 2 56 34 406 5 14 7 26 10 19 45 31 1 23 13 35 23 6 14 12 16 7 51 41 399 0 7 1 11 3 3 38 15 2 7 11 28 10 1 0 2 9 1 23 19 191 1 0 4 5 3 11 17 23 0 12 11 24 9 2 1 2 12 1 18 8 2 3 3 7 5 7 19 26 0 6 5 21 14 6 3 5 11 0 26 15 1 2 2 6 2 2 11 8 0 3 1 13 10 1 0 0 2 1 10 10 164 184 85 0 0 8 6 1 13 36 25 0 8 12 28 15 4 5 2 33 2 28 38 0 0 3 7 3 10 11 13 1 7 5 11 17 0 2 3 8 2 15 12 0 0 0 3 0 2 7 6 2 0 1 8 9 0 1 0 3 0 5 5 47 264 130 52 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 6 4 2 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 1 6 0 6 1 5 3 3 13 5 15 22 25 0 10 3 49 19 0 10 4 15 1 29 9 3 7 0 14 4 14 34 32 0 1 4 41 19 0 15 1 16 1 28 17 30 153 168 24 103 84 0 42 240 251 547 576 366 372 440 197 213 876 953 579 *“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 2005 Piney Point .............Tuesday: January 3* ................................Monday: February 6 ................................(*change created by New Year’s Day holiday) Algonac ..................Friday: January 6, February 10 Baltimore ................Thursday: January 5, February 9 Boston.....................Friday: January 6, February 10 Guam ......................Thursday: January 19, February 23 Honolulu .................Friday: January 13, February 17 Houston ..................Monday: January 9, February 13 Jacksonville ............Thursday: January 5, February 9 Joliet .......................Thursday: January 12, February 16 Mobile ....................Wednesday: January 11, February 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: January 10, February 14 New York................Tuesday: January 3, February 7 Norfolk ...................Thursday: January 5, February 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 0 1 5 1 6 9 10 1 0 6 5 4 2 2 2 14 3 14 13 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Philadelphia ............Wednesday: January 4, February 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: January 12, February 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: January 12, February 16 San Juan..................Thursday: January 5, February 9 St. Louis..................Friday: January 13, February 17 Tacoma ...................Friday: January 20, February 24 Wilmington ...............Tuesday: January 17*, February 21* ............................................(*changes created by Martin Luther King holiday ............................................ and Presidents Day holiday) ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SONNY THE SAILOR Jimmy D found your seat. Please call him at (734) 732-7581. LOUIS K. HARDY Your son, Louis M. Scott Hardy, would like to hear from you. He may be reached at (985) 2959206, or e-mail tylertownone@yahoo.com. Hard Work Pays Off for 3 Trainees Three unlicensed apprentices were congratulationd by SIU officials when they were presented with their GED certificates at the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. From the left are SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Dean Bettis, Jacob Kamp, SIU President Michael Sacco, Gabe Williamson and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. In addition to receipt of his GED, Bettis was given a certificate of achievement for exemplary scores on his test. Seafarers LOG 15 �33300_P3,9,15_17.qxd 11/23/2005 6:40 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report OCTOBER 16 — NOVEMBER 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, 422, Suite 101B West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 7 14 2 4 16 1 1 5 50 6 1 0 0 8 0 1 0 16 1 3 1 0 4 0 4 3 16 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 12 2 2 13 1 1 2 37 1 0 0 0 7 0 1 0 9 1 4 1 0 4 0 4 3 17 0 7 0 0 8 0 1 3 19 11 39 4 14 38 2 1 8 117 7 8 2 5 11 0 1 5 39 0 2 4 16 2 0 2 0 26 0 1 2 0 3 1 0 0 7 10 19 6 1 15 1 0 6 58 0 4 7 5 7 0 1 0 24 0 2 6 10 0 1 1 0 20 1 1 4 1 3 0 1 0 11 6 10 6 3 14 2 0 2 43 4 6 4 0 16 1 0 1 32 0 3 3 10 0 0 2 1 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 6 1 0 5 2 0 1 17 0 1 1 1 3 1 0 0 7 0 4 2 0 1 0 1 4 12 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 5 1 0 4 2 0 0 12 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 4 0 4 2 0 1 0 1 4 12 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 7 5 0 7 2 0 0 24 4 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 10 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 5 Port 3 3 1 1 2 0 1 0 11 1 0 1 1 3 2 0 1 9 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 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 91 33 33 60 22 33 37 218 95 65 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Horace A. Wiltshire of Norfolk, Va. The photo at right is of the deck gang on the Mission Sandvan in March 1946. It was taken in Mobile, Ala. Wiltshire is the one kneeling. Directly below are the steward and cook on the Liberty ship John Ross. That picture also was taken in 1946. Below right aboard the Penn Challenger are Wiltshire (left) and another crew member on the tanker. This photo was shot Dec. 19, 1970 in Da Nang, Vietnam. Brother Wiltshire joined the union in May 1946 in the port of Norfolk. The Virginia native had his deck department career interrupted by service in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He retired from the union Jan. 1, 1990. 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 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. December 2005 �33300_P1,3,9,15_17x1.qxd 11/28/2005 8:53 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 CHARLES BETZ, 65, joined the union in 1988 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Betz was born in Philadelphia. His first ship was the USNS Lynch. The engine department member most recently worked aboard the PFC Dewayne T. Williams. He makes his home in Swansboro, N.C. DEMONT EDWARDS, 66, became an SIU member in 1993, first working on the SPC 5 Eric G. Gibson. Brother Edwards, who was born in Florida, sailed as a member of the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Atlantic Forest. Brother Edwards settled in his native state. ALBERTO FALCON, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of Houston. The steward department member first worked aboard ISCO vessels; he last shipped on the USNS Potomac. Born in Texas, Brother Falcon calls Houston home. PETER FRIED, 54, began his SIU career in 1972 in New York. Brother Fried first worked aboard Steuart Transportation Company vessels in the engine department. Before retiring, he shipped aboard the Elizabeth. Born in New York, Brother Fried now lives in Howell, N.J. EDWARD HANEY, 65, hails from Stayton, Ore. Brother Haney joined the SIU in 1987 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first voyage was on the American Cormorant. Brother Haney was a deck department member and last worked aboard the Overseas Vivian. He is a resident of Lakeside, Ore. WALTER HUTCHINSON, 66, embarked on his seafaring career in 1989 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Hutchinson’s first voyage was on the USNS Chauvenet. He was born in New Jersey and sailed in the engine department. In 2000 and 2004, Brother Hutchinson upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, December 2005 Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the Horizon Navigator. He resides in Oakland, Calif. INLAND GUILLERMO CRUZ, 55, is a native of Puerto Rico. Boatman Cruz started sailing with the SIU in 1980 from San Juan. Throughout his seafaring career, he primarily shipped on vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. Boatman Cruz worked in the steward department. He makes his home in San Juan, P.R. THOMAS DELAUNE, 62, began working on SIU-contracted ships in 1994 in New Orleans. Boatman Delaune primarily shipped with Westbank Riverboat Services aboard the Boomtown during his seafaring career. The engine department member calls Harvey, La. home. WILLIAM FITZGERALD, 62, joined the SIU in 1997 in the port of Houston. Boatman Fitzgerald was born in Velasco, Texas. The deck department member worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Boatman Fitzgerald took classes on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He makes his home in Alvin, Texas. WALTER HARSCHE, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1963 in New York, first sailing aboard a Taylor Marine Towing vessel. Boatman Harsche was a member of the engine department. The New York native attended the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. in 1963 to upgrade his skills. Boatman Harsche last shipped on a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. He lives in Mt. Laurel, N.J. GARY JARVIS, 62, became an SIU member in 1965, first shipping from the port of Houston aboard the Alcoa Master. Boatman Jarvis worked in the engine department in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He trained at the Paul Hall Center in 1979. Boatman Jarvis’ most recent voyage was on the Laura Haden, a G&H Towing Company vessel. He is a resident of Henderson, Texas. JOSEPH STEPHENS, 58, hails from Ohio. Boatman Stephens joined the union in 1978 in Puerto Rico. While an active member of the SIU, he sailed in both the engine & deck departments. Boatman Stephens’ first ship was operated by Z Tug Management; his last by Crowley Towing of Jacksonville. He was a frequent upgrader at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Stephens calls Dade City, Fla. home. Gleason first worked aboard the Walter J. McCarthy in the steward department. Her most recent voyage was on the Adam E. Cornelius. Sister Gleason was born in Duluth, Minn., where she continues to reside. 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. GREAT LAKES RICHARD ARNOLD, 45, was born in Michigan. Brother Arnold launched his career with the SIU in 1979. He mainly shipped with Luedtke Engineering. In 2001, Brother Arnold enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He now resides in Frankfort, Mich. MARIANNA GLEASON, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1985 in New Orleans. Sister JAMES NARCISSE JR., 70, became an NMU member in 1962, initially shipping from the port of New Orleans aboard the Hess Trader. Brother Narcisse sailed in the steward department. The Louisiana native last worked on the Lykes Explorer. VINCENTE TARRATS, 69, commenced his career with the union in 1964 in New York. Brother Tarrats first worked on the Hope. The Puerto Rico-born mariner sailed as a member of the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1952 The SIU and its contracted companies met today to put their signatures to a brand new dry cargo contract which will provide considerable monetary and working rule boosts for Seafarers. The new agreement is the first standard dry cargo contract of its kind in the SIU, providing wage increases of from 5 to 15 percent for all ratings. In addition to wage gains, all general and working rules have been revised and strengthened, meaning more overtime for SIU crews. There are 14 brand new provisions as well as considerable improvements in the 21 repeated provisions. These, coupled with wage gains and standardization of the agreement for all freight ships, will make it by far the best contract ever negotiated in the maritime industry. steward department. Brother Tarrats most recently sailed aboard the Export Challenger. MICHAEL STEVENS, 55, joined the NMU in 1979 in Charleston, S.C. Brother Stevens’ first voyage was aboard the Buyer. The steward department member was born in South Carolina. He most recently sailed on the Cape Domingo. CHARLES THORNTON, 70, started shipping with the NMU in New Orleans. Born in Gulfport, Miss., Brother Thornton first sailed aboard the Meteor. Prior to retirement, he worked on the Elizabeth Lykes. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Reyes, Marcial 68 Oct. 1 Smith, David 91 Nov. 1 sidered every factor of the economy “except the quality of life for human beings. And people is what our country is about. We cannot overlook the human element.” He added that the country is suffering from the high price of energy and the multinational oil corporations’ lack of concern for America’s wellbeing. “I’m not against free enterprise, but we cannot allow the free enterprise system, as practiced by the multinational oil companies, to be used to destroy democracy.” This Month In SIU History 1974 SIU President Paul Hall joined one of President Ford’s top economic advisors, L. William Seidman, and B.F. Goodrich Rubber Co. Chairman O.P. Thomas to address the Republican Governors’ Conference held in St. Louis earlier this month on the condition of America’s economy. Speaking between the business and government representatives, President Hall told the members of the prestigious Republican Governors’ Association that the solutions offered by economists have con- 1995 Two SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships are sailing in support of NATO peacekeeping troops in Bosnia. The Cape Race and the Cape Rise, roll-on/roll-off cargo ships, each 648 feet in length, were activated by the U.S. Defense Department’s Transportation Command this month. They sailed from Portsmouth, Va. in early December, ahead of their four-day activation schedules. The ships delivered materiel to the Croatian port of Split in late December. They picked up the cargo at Antwerp, Belgium and Marchwood, England. “Once again, America’s maritime industry and merchant mariners have answered the call to duty,” stated U.S. Secretary of Transportation Federico Peña in announcing the breakout of the vessels. “America’s skilled merchant mariners and the entire maritime industry remain vital to our national defense, peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.” Seafarers LOG 17 �33300_P8,18,20_23x1.qxd 11/29/2005 6:48 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA ABRAHAM ARAGONES Pensioner Abraham Aragones, 92, passed away Sept. 7. Brother Aragones joined the SIU in 1944 in his native Puerto Rico. His first voyage was aboard the Suzanne, where he worked in the steward department. Before retiring in 1978, Brother Aragones sailed on the Guayama. He resided in Puerto Rico. HERBERT ARCHER Pensioner Herbert Archer, 74, died July 8. Brother Archer embarked on his seafaring career in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He shipped as a member of the engine department. Born in Virginia, he last worked aboard the Seabulk Power. Brother Archer began his retirement in 1996. He was a resident of Houston, Texas. the Achilles in the deck department. Brother Foster was born in Texas. His last voyage was aboard the Newark Bay. Brother Foster started collecting his retirement stipends in 1996. He resided in his native state. DAVID GILBERT Pensioner David Gilbert, 56, passed away May 31. Born in New York, Brother Gilbert joined the Seafarers in 1967 in Brooklyn. He first worked in the deck department on the Albion Victory. Brother Gilbert last sailed aboard the Developer. He went on pension in 1989. Brother Gilbert called Crawfordville, Fla. home. EDUARDO GONZALEZ Pensioner Roald Bliksvaer, 75, passed away Aug. 20. A native of Oslo, Norway, Brother Bliksvaer became an SIU member in 1956 in New York. He worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Long Lines. Brother Bliksvaer went on pension in 1991. He called Abingdon, Md. home. Pensioner Eduardo Gonzalez, 74, died March 14. Brother Gonzalez became an SIU member in 1978. His first ship was the Ogden Traveler; his last was the Robert E. Lee. Brother Gonzalez shipped in the steward department. Born in Honduras, he made his home in New Orleans. Brother Gonzalez began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1999. KENNETH CASTEEL JOSEPH GRAVES Brother Kenneth Casteel, 23, died July 27. He joined the union in 2004 in Piney Point, Md. and sailed in the engine department aboard the Horizon Fairbanks. Brother Casteel made his home in Frostburg, Md. Pensioner Joseph Graves, 72, passed away July 3. Brother Graves started sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 in San Francisco. The Texas-born mariner was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Brother Graves first worked aboard the Our Lady of Peace in the engine department. Prior to retiring in 1998, he sailed on the Horizon Navigator. Brother Graves lived in Houston. ROALD BLIKSVAER WILLIAM DESKINS Pensioner William Deskins, 84, passed away April 13. Brother Deskins began his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The steward department member’s first ship was the Choctaw. Brother Deskins was a native of West Virginia. He last worked aboard the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. In 1985, Brother Deskins began receiving compensation for his retirement. He resided in Virginia Beach, Va. JOSEPH DUNN Pensioner Joseph Dunn, 70, died April 3. Brother Dunn began sailing with the SIU in 1958 in New York. His first ship was the Steel Artisan. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Dunn sailed in the deck department. He most recently worked on the Defender. Brother Dunn retired in 2000 and lived in Redmond, Wash. LEOPOLD FAULKNER Pensioner Leopold Faulkner, 80, passed away March 18. He joined the SIU in 1945 in New York. The steward department member, who was born in the Virgin Islands, last shipped aboard the Integrity. He began his retirement in 1988 and was a resident of Tuskegee, Ala. JESSIE FOSTER Pensioner Jessie Foster, 73, died March 28. Brother Foster joined the union in 1966. He initially sailed on 18 Seafarers LOG WALTER GROSVENOR Pensioner Walter Grosvenor, 98, died July 5. Brother Grosvenor was born in New York. He began his SIU career in 1941 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother Grosvenor sailed as a member of the steward department. In 1973, he started collecting his retirement pay. Brother Grosvenor resided in Brooklyn. WALTER GUSTAVSON Pensioner Walter Gustavson, 80, passed away Aug. 8. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1944 in New York. The deck department member was born in New York. Prior to retiring in 1980, Brother Gustavson worked aboard the Houston. He resided in Staten Island, N.Y. KARL HANSON Pensioner Karl Hanson, 72, died March 5. Brother Hanson joined the SIU in 1962 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Navy. He initially went to sea on the Keva Ideal, working in the engine department. Brother Hanson was a native of California. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Navigator. Brother Hanson called Reno, Nev. home. He went on pension in 1997. NICHOLAS HOLLANDER Pensioner Nicholas Hollander, 81, passed away May 18. Brother Hollander began sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1954 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member was born in South Africa. Brother Hollander retired in 1978 and made his home in Redwood City, Calif. ELVIN HUDSON Brother Elvin Hudson, 81, died July 4. He joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Brother Hudson was born in Little Rock, Ark. He sailed as a member of the steward department and lived in Vancouver, Wash. WYDELL HUGHES SR. Brother Wydell Hughes Sr., 81, passed away June 8. He joined the union in San Francisco and sailed in the steward department. Born in Oklahoma, he called Torrance, Calif. home. SCOTT HUNG Brother Scott Hung, 79, died March 22. He became a member of the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Brother Hung was a member of the steward department. He resided in California. MOSES JOHNSON Pensioner Moses Johnson, 87, passed away July 25. Born in Mississippi, Brother Johnson joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member made his home in Bakersfield, Calif. Brother Johnson started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1976. ANTHONY KAZMIERSKI Pensioner Anthony Kazmierski, 84, died May 18. Brother Kazmierski joined the SIU in 1951. The deck department member was born in Bayonne, N.J. Before retiring in 1985, Brother Kazmierski sailed on the Courier. He was a resident of New York. WILLIAM KUNAK Pensioner William Kunak, 77, passed away March 26. Brother Kunak became a Seafarer in 1951 in the port of Baltimore, Md. Born in Maryland, he worked as a member of the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Northern Lights. Brother Kunak lived in his native state. He retired in 1988. CARL LARSON Pensioner Carl Larson, 70, died March 13. Brother Larson commenced his seafaring career in 1989 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the USNS Harkness. Born in Rhode Island, Brother Larson shipped in the deck department. He last worked aboard the USNS Mt. Washington. In 2004, Brother Larson retired and settled in Middletown, R.I. INLAND CRAIG BRIDGES Boatman Craig Bridges, 35, passed away July 5. He started sailing with the SIU in 1992 in New Orleans. Boatman Bridges worked primarily aboard the American Queen as a member of the steward department. He made his home in his native state of Louisiana. CHARLES EGAN Pensioner Charles Egan, 69, died March 21. Boatman Egan joined the union in 1981. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1999 and called Elizabeth City, N.C. home. ALFRED HASSETT Boatman Alfred Hassett, 64, passed away April 9. He was born in Massachusetts. Boatman Hassett began sailing with the SIU in 1965, working in both the deep sea and inland divisions. His first ship was the Equality State; his last was the Sugar Island. Boatman Hassett resided in Virginia Beach, Va. DEWITT HOLLOWELL Pensioner Dewitt Hollowell, 78, died June 5. Boatman Hollowell joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was aboard the City of Alma. Born in North Carolina, he was a member of the engine department. Boatman Hollowell’s last ship was the Sugar Island. He lived in Windsor, Va. and went on pension in 1991. RUSSELL HUBBARD Pensioner Russell Hubbard, 79, passed away March 18. Born in Virginia, Boatman Hubbard joined the union in 1960 in the port of Norfolk. He sailed in the engine department. In 1988, Boatman Hubbard retired and settled in Nags Head, N.C. GREAT LAKES DANIEL GARDINER Pensioner Daniel Gardiner, 86, died Feb. 28. Brother Gardiner became an SIU member in 1960 in the port of Detroit, Mich. He was born in Illinois and worked in the deck department. Brother Gardiner began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986. He was a resident of Midland, Mich. GEORGE LALLEMONT Pensioner George Lallemont, 82, passed away March 22. Brother Lallemont began his SIU career in 1959. He worked in the engine department. The Wisconsin native last sailed aboard the Henry Steinbrenner. Brother Lallemont began collecting his pension in 1993. He resided in his native state. EUGENE SOYRING Pensioner Eugene Soyring, 89, died April 10. Brother Soyring joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Detroit, Mich. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Soyring was born in Wisconsin. His last ship was the Frank Denton. In 1981, Brother Soyring began his retirement and made his home in Superior, Wis. 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. GEORGE HIBBERT Pensioner George Hibbert, 82, passed away May 28. Brother Hibbert joined the NMU in 1945 in Philadelphia. His first ship was the Gulf Breeze. Brother Hibbert shipped in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1969, he worked on the Export Champion. RALPH HODGE Pensioner Ralph Hodge, 86, died May 19. Brother Hodge began his seafaring career in 1944 in the port of Philadelphia. His first ship was the Dorchester. Born in Maine, Brother Hodge last shipped on the American Leader. He went on pension in 1968. CLEVELAND HUNTER Pensioner Cleveland Hunter, 67, passed away May 14. Brother Hunter became an NMU member in 1980. His first ship was the Dawn. Brother Hunter was born in North Carolina. Most recently sailing on the Paul Buck, Brother Hunter started receiving his pension in 2001. JEFFREY MOSCHI Pensioner Jeffrey Moschi, 82, died May 31. Brother Moschi was born in Rhode Island. He began sailing with the union in 1956 out of New Orleans. Brother Moschi’s first ship was the Cefalu. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1982. December 2005 �33300_P10, 5, 6, 7, 11_13 19, 24cx.qxd 11/23/2005 7:40 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 pub blication. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), Sept. 4— Chairman Joseph J. Olson, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Deck Delegate David L. Parks, Steward Delegate Norman Adler. Chairman announced ship schedule extended to pick up 60 miles of old telephone cable that connects Hawaii to U.S. mainland. Treasurer stated $4,000 in ship’s fund. Deck and steward delegates stated OT sheets not yet returned. No beefs reported. Notice pertaining to hurricane relief was read and discussed. Suggestion made for expansion of long-term healthcare coverage. Questions raised about seatime needed to be eligible for medical and pension benefits. Crew would like ice-chilled salad bar to be replaced with an electric one. COAST RANGE (Intrepid Personnel), Sept. 26—Chairman Terry D. Cowans Sr., Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Educational Director George B. Lockett, Deck Delegate Travis S. Stringer. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated new DVDs to be purchased. He also spoke with captain about getting new chairs and recliners. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that company policy states that English is to be spoken in all work areas. Members were asked to be considerate while others are sleeping. USNS FRED STOCKHAM (American Overseas Marine), Sept. 15—Chairman Andrew B. Barrows, Secretary Stephen M. Avallone, Educational Director Joseph J. Jenkins Jr., Steward Delegate Allen N. Van Buren. Bosun expressed “Bravo Zulu” to fellow crew members on their performance during recent military operations. Tasks were performed flawlessly under difficult conditions. Treasurer stated $500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to contact Guam hall for contract information. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. USNS JOHN McDONNELL (Horizon Lines), Sept. 30— Chairman Casey B. Coddington, Secretary Richard A. Riley, Educational Director John S. Penrose. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade their seafaring skills at Piney Point school and at no cost to them, especially small arms training needed aboard MSC ships. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. Seafarers were asked to close watertight doors for fire integrity. Discussion held regarding holiday pay. Next port: Singapore. ADVANTAGE (Sealift), Oct. 8— Chairman Terry Goodwin, Secretary Jeanette Bosworth, Engine Delegate David L. Claypool, Steward Delegate Gerardo Frederick. Chairman requested clarification on recent SMU vote and thanked steward department for great barbecues. Educational director talked about educational opportunities available at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received from headquarters regarding hurricane relief fund. Crew requested information about new SIU contract for this vessel. They also expressed concern over not having enough medication for 120day voyage. Next port: Houston. AMERICAN SPIRIT (American Steamship Company), Oct. 18— Chairman Rudolph W. Tahtinen Jr., Secretary David S. Greig, Educational Director Don L. Barnett, Steward Delegate MacGregor J. Davis. Chairman discussed consolidation of Duluth, Minn. hall. Educational director urged Seafarers to attend classes at Paul Hall Center. Beefs reported in all departments. Next ports: Zug Island, Mich. and Two Harbors, Minn. COURAGE (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 9—Chairman Michael S. Phy, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Owen A. Gallager, Deck Delegate Edgardo Martinez, Engine Delegate Alfred Norris Jr., Steward Delegate Michael A. Harris. Chairman announced Oct. 18 payoff in Baltimore and asked crew members for cooperation in sorting garbage. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep common areas clean. Educational director urged members to take advantage of upgrading facilities and training available at Paul Hall Center. He also reminded them to check expi- The Last of the San Clemente Tankers Enjoying the final barbecue Nov. 6 aboard the Overseas Washington in the South China Sea are “senior citizens” (from the left) Pumpman/ Electrician Kevin Hall, AB Doug Gantenbein and Bosun Tim Koebel, who have a combined 14 years aboard the ship. December 2005 ration dates on all MMDs. No beefs; disputed OT reported in all three departments. Suggestion made to reduce age and seatime required for pension benefits. Crew asked for new ice maker. Request also made for at least one transformer for each cabin. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent food and service. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Oct. 9— Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate James D. Rader. Chairman asked Seafarers to have all documents ready upon arrival Oct. 12 in Oakland, Calif. for payoff. Secretary thanked crew for safe trip. He noted vessel is scheduled to go to shipyard in early February and that captain has given him long-range schedule. Copies are available upon request. Educational director advised members to upgrade at Piney Point school and keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made pertaining to pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Oct. 23— Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Michael J. Gramer, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Engine Delegate Prentiss R. Smith, Steward Delegate Erni P. Lizada. Chairman announced Oct. 29 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. He advised crew to read 10 tips for renewing MMDs published in September issue of Seafarers LOG. Secretary informed crew of sanitary inspection Oct. 26 and asked that everyone leave room clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Educational director reminded mariners to check expiration dates on all documents as they may expire at different times during the year. Start renewal process at least six months before expiration. He stated that upgrading at Paul Hall Center would not only increase pay, it also would open new doors to employment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made to raise vacation pay, change language regarding monetary draws and amend shipping rules. Crew requested larger soup and dessert spoons. Vote of thanks given to steward department for wonderful barbecue. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong; Taiwan. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), Oct. 16—Chairman Michael G. Watson, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Donald D. Williams Jr., Deck Delegate Augustus C. Udan, Engine Delegate Mariano C. Ylaya, Steward Delegate Sam Y. Kassem. Bosun discussed importance of donating to SPAD and explained how it benefits members and maritime industry. He reminded crew to check in with port agent as well as customs and immigration. Departing Seafarers were asked to leave clean towels and sheets for relief person. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Secretary urged everyone to upgrade skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $220 in ship’s fund and $1,020 in cook-out fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Captain congratulated Seafarers for good job on sanitary inspection. Crew commended steward department for great food and cook-outs. Mariners were asked to keep noise down while watchstanders are resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; Hong Kong; Taiwan. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), Oct. 23—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Shawn L. Clark, Steward Delegate Jioia J. DeLeon. Chairman stated Oct. 25 payoff and union meeting to take place upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He encouraged crew members to keep dues paid up and support SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck and steward Act and the union’s efforts to defeat them. He updated everyone on dry tow preparations and its effect on crew rotations. Educational director instructed mariners to upgrade and take full advantage of facilities available at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Some issues in all departments still to be resolved with boarding patrolman. Steward delegate would like dishwasher relocated outside galley to alleviate high noise level and steam in food prep area. Recommendation made regarding reducing time required to file for vacation benefits. Vote of thanks given Aboard the Integrity The Seafarers-crewed RO/RO Integrity is one of the new additions to the U.S. Maritime Security Program fleet. Pictured aboard the vessel are QMED Mike McQueary (left) and Chief Steward Stephen Bird. The American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier ship sails between U.S. East Coast ports and overseas locations sometimes including Antwerp, Bremerhaven and Southampton. departments were thanked for maintaining ship cleanliness. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. OCEAN TITAN (Pacific Gulf Marine), Oct. 13—Chairman Shawn Williams, Secretary Norman S, Bush, Educational Director Stanley D. Castro, Deck Delegate David B. House, Steward Delegate Ida J. Batain. Chairman noted manning needs and requested water fountains be installed around ship. Educational director advised Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members would like an ice machine and better e-mail system as well as new movies, DVDs, books and exercise equipment. SBX-1 (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 12—Chairman William E. Bragg, Secretary Greg Anderson, Educational Director Kirk M. Benton, Deck Delegate William L. Bushy, Engine Delegate Jason Powell, Steward Delegate Brandy M. Parmer. Chairman announced Oct. 28 payoff in Corpus Christi, Texas. He informed crew of movement by farm interests to infringe on Jones to steward department for tireless efforts to provide and maintain level of quality that SIU can be proud of. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (Alaska Tanker Company), Nov. 4—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Donnell Lewis, Educational Director Kevin E. Hall, Deck Delegate Douglas R. Gantenbein, Engine Delegate Jason L. Flesner. This is final meeting on Overseas Washington, according to ship’s chairman. Ship will anchor in Singapore Nov. 8 and be turned over to foreign crew on the 10th. This is the last of the San Clemente tankers built and the last to go out of service. Bosun Koebel noted that although our tanker future looks good at this time, it is still a sad day to see this chapter of seafaring history come to a close. “A lot of good men toiled on these decks.” Bosun reminded everyone to make sure they receive a supplemental vacation day form when signing off. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reinstitute penalty meal hours. Recommendation also made for items for next contract. Seafarers LOG 19 �33300_P7,8,11_14,18,20_23.qxd 11/23/2005 7:11 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.) Changing of the Flag I am a recertified steward currently aboard the MV Courage (formerly the MV Aida). This vessel was a Swedish-flagged car carrier. A U.S. crew consisting of AMO officers and SIU members took the ship under the U.S.flag on Sept. 15, 2005. I just wanted to relate some interesting things to the LOG. We boarded the vessel in Charleston, S.C. on Sept. 15. It was quite an experience to change flags with an entirely new crew. All crew and officers were polite and respectful of the departing Swedish officers and Filipino crew. All sorts of challenges were immediately present. In the steward department, we had to deal with galley equipment that we were not used to, such as oven temperatures in centigrade instead of Fahrenheit. We also were immediately expected to participate in Coast Guard drills and inspections as well as ABS inspections and interviews to see if we knew our station bills. I am happy to report that the crew passed USCG inspection and ABS certification without one problem. It is a testament to the training and seamanship that we have received from the SIU—just another case of the best trained and qualified seamen in the world. Robert Wilcox, Steward MV Courage Protecting the U.S. Flag Since I am neither an academic nor an economist, I will defer to others the discussion of the economic viability of operating and maintaining a strong American Merchant Marine fleet. As a retired merchant marine officer, however, I feel very passionate about the continued support of America’s “Fourth Arm of Defense” and its role in transporting key materiel to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the first Gulf War, while the U.S. was struggling to break out old ships from the reserve fleets in Virginia and California, the Department of Defense was contracting with foreign counties for specific type vessels and manned by foreign seamen. Some of these ships and their crews refused to sail in harm’s way due to political considerations. This was and remains entirely unacceptable. The U.S. government, the American seafaring unions and the shipping companies realize that it is in the best interest of all to maintain an American-flag fleet, however strong. The United States Coast Guard does an excellent job of regulating and licens- ing U.S. seamen, insisting on background checks and proper training. Flag-of-convenience countries, havens for companies looking to minimize safety and security and to maximize profits, in some cases employ ill-trained personnel who are not seafarers. On another note, numbers can be deceiving. One hundred and fifty merchant ships denies the existence of thousands of vessels, seagoing tugs and barges that carry anywhere from 100,000 to 300,000 and 400,000 barrels of petroleum products per trip, container barges and tugs, dredges, coastal passenger ships, and a host of brown-water boats of all types, that are protected by the Jones Act. I can think of no more of a comforting thought than to see the American flag flying on a vessel docked at a U.S. port. In his National Maritime Day proclamation this year, President Bush noted, “America’s merchant mariners make our nation more secure and our economy stronger ...merchant mariners have served in every conflict in our nation’s history.” Ninety-five percent of the soldiers’ supplies move by sea, and we need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine to accomplish the task. We have the base to man and maintain a strong U.S. fleet. Seven maritime academies, an excellent unlicensed seamen’s school at Piney Point, Md. and other localized training programs operated by various companies all contribute to the highly trained labor force needed to man our ships. If there’s a problem, it is that the merchant marine is invisible. It has scant public relations apparatus and no mass grassroots support. Education is the key word here. Harry T. Scholer, 2nd Mate USMM, retired (Harry T. Scholar is a retired SIU and AMO member who feels very 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. 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. strongly about the U.S. Merchant Marine. This past summer, he revisited the Paul Hall Center, where he still feels at home, having upgraded there in the 1980s and ’90s.) Pensioner Liberatore Designs Commemorative Medallion “I will hold no branch in higher esteem than the Merchant Marine Service.” — Gen. Douglas MacArthur With that statement in mind, pensioner Frank Liberatore of Winter Park, Fla., himself a U.S. merchant mariner during the war, decided to design, produce and copyright a commemorative medallion in tribute to all mariners—past and present—but especially those who sacrificed everything in defense of our country and its freedom. The antique-bronze finished, hand-buffed medallions, doublestruck in 10-gauge material, were first authorized and copyrighted by Liberatore in 2004. One side is imprinted with “U.S. Navy Armed Guard” and an insignia; the other side has information pertaining to the American Merchant Marine (see photo below). At almost 2 inches in diameter, Liberatore has a limited number of them for sale on a first-come, first served basis. Each coin is enclosed in a clear plastic capsule and can be shipped to the customer for $15 each (plus $2 postage and handling). They may be ordered from: Frank Liberatore, 7133 Timber Dr., Winter Park, FL 32792; telephone (407) 678-2190. Checks should be made payable to Frank Liberatore. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Liberatore joined the U.S. Merchant Marine in 1943 and sailed on a variety of vessels in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Middle East and Pacific War Zones. He also sailed during the Vietnam War. The former NMU member retired in 1988 after 45 years at sea and has a number of U.S. and foreign medals and awards to show for his honorable service to his country. He also is a member of the East Central Florida Chapter of the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II. 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 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 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. December 2005 �33300_P7,8,11_14,18,20_23.qxd 11/23/2005 7:17 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 beginning of next 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 Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 23 March 6 February 17 March 31 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) April 17 April 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 9 February 20 January 20 March 3 Radar April 3 April 14 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) December 5 December 16 Course Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion FOWT January 30 March 24 Junior Engineer April 3 June 23 Marine Electrician January 16 March 10 Marine Refrigeration January 30 March 10 Welding January 23 February 20 February 10 March 10 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB December 5 February 27 March 13 December 9 March 3 March 17 Basic Safety Training - FOWT March 27 March 31 Fast Rescue Boat March 20 March 24 Government Vessels February 20 April 3 February 24 April 7 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 6 February 17 February 13 Febrary 17 Course (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning November 28, 2005. Recertification Bosun April 10 May 8 Steward February 6 March 6 (*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, 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 ________________________________________________ December 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. 12/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �33300_P8,18,20_23.qxd 11/26/2005 7:42 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Bridge Resource Management — Graduating from this course Aug. 5 are MTLX boatmen (in no specific order) Peter Funk, John Lavergne, Robert Albe, Bradley Burkart, Wes Bertrano, William Davis, Henry Costner, George Sadler, Christopher Stringer and Igor Loch Jr. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 667 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 667. They are (in alphabetical order) Alexander Banky IV, Gustavo Brown, Patrick Devlin, Jeremy Finley, Brian Finney, Isaac Garrido, Matthew Green, Vadym Gutara, Martin Hamilton, Cornell Harris, James Jones, Timothy Kauble, Lorenzo Kenon, Victor Malave Jr., Agustin ManzoSandoval, Francis Miller, Raul Morales Vargas, Dorthea Roxas, Manuel Tan, Ryan Tompkins and Jesse Tornabene. Celestial Navigation— With instructor Stacey Harris (left) are upgrading students who completed the celestial navigation course Aug. 12. They are (in alphabetical order) Johnie Chavis, Ronel Guerzon and Paul Voisin. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Aug. 5 are (in no specific order) Bryan Benak, Robert Lerma, Leslie Hewett Jr., Kent Harper, Donaldo Valencia, Benjamin Anderson, William Born, Michael Price, Ben Medrano, Gregory Ralston, Sean Mitchell, Christopher Dickens, Zsuzsanna Balla, David Elles, Ronald Williams Jr., Ethan Mims and Jeffery Martin. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduates of the advanced fire fighting course that ended July 29 are (in alphabetical order) Julio Alvarez, Armando Bermudez, Rafael Clemente, Robert Guilmette, Patricia Hausner, Antoine Jennings, Alexander Kepchar, Larry Morisette, Willie Myrick and DeGutenberg Poitevien. HAZWOPER — Upgrading Seafarers working aboard MTL vessels who completed the HAZWOPER course Aug. 15 are (in alphabetical order) Rodney Aucoin, Kenneth Graybill IV, Tom Lenfestey, Ronnie Poole, John Quagliano Jr., Sherman Sakatani. Lawrence Soulier and Leo Venegas. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Computer Lab Classes Larry Morisette (standing), Philip Forman (left) and Danilo Achacoso have been quite busy in the computer lab, as is evidenced by their various certificates of achievement received July 15. At right is their instructor, Rick Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG Radford Rainey (seated) receives a certificate of achievement in Excel for Windows from instructor Rick Prucha. Medical Care Provider — Completing the medical care provider course Aug. 15 are (in no specific order) Larry Morisette, Darryl Alexander, Ovidio Santos, Andrew Brzezinski, Alexander Kepchar, DeGutenberg Poitevien, Patricia Hausner, Rafael Clemente and Antoine Jennings. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is standing at far right. December 2005 �33300_P7,8,11_14,18,20_23.qxd 11/23/2005 7:25 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Under the instruction of Jim Shaffer (far left) are graduates of the tanker assistant class ending Aug. 12. They are (in no specific order) Mark Strong, Julio Alvarez, Gerard Hayes, Anthony Lieto, Michael Allain, René Rosario, Willie Myrick, Joseph Huff, Philip Forman, Sylvan Harris, Harvey Carvajal, Velicia Williams and Armando Bermudez. FOWT — Graduating from this course Aug. 5 are (in no specific order) Kyle Pillsworth, Sigfrid Mayer, Terry Chance, Cody Stasch, Jerome Torrence, Damian Wall, Zedrick Alcantara, Clark Howard, Antoine Rainey, Lon Maduro, Charles Johnson, Rolin Crump, De’Shanna Sherrod, Ramli Sulaiman, Reynaldo Lacayo, Jervona Vorise, Robert Oliveto Jr., Brian Goodman, Fredrick Hall and Joseph Waller Jr. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is second from left. Fast Rescue Boat — Aug. 6 was gradua- Water Safety — NCL, July 22: Guadalupe Cadena, Felix Corpuz, Andrew Cruz, Jesse Lewis, Cassandra Raffo, Federico Ocampo Jr, Patricia Rodgers, Oliver Vazquez III, Josh Johnson, Clay Johnston, Renee Noschka, Dawniell Willingham, Sarah Weber, Kathryn Weber, Cerrisca Reese, Amber Lakes, Delekia Washington, Javier Torres, Renee Smith and Larina Oecchio. tion day for those in the fast rescue boat course. They are (in no specific order) Ronnie Jackson, Kevin Schroder, William Rose, Joseph Walker, Dominic Bailey, Travis Jackson and William Dunney. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is standing aft. (Note: not all are pictured). Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Aug. 12: NCL employees Andrew Damon, Amanda Ardavany, Antolin Avorque, Kevin Bartscht, Margaret Bencivenga, Alicia Blackett, Clint Blankenship, Ruby Borja, Stanley Bowen, Jesse Boyd, Melinda Breaux, Randall Butterfield, Gary Campbell, Eloy Contreras-Flores and SIU members Aley Beckford, Simar Beckford, Robert Martin, Michael Murner, Jeff Obney, Jesse Turner and Gregory Wathel. STCW — NCL, July 22: Roland Aflague, Floyd Aguilar, Brian Allen, Matthew Alton, Adam Alvarez, Gerald Anderson, Bracey Barrett, Swayne Bellini, Lamont Bey, Jeanette Blackshear, Candace Brown, Michael Brown, Cornelius Buckley, Mark Bumanglag, Wilbert Carthen, Jeonard Castilan, Cassandra Castleberry, Roger Chrappa, Angelina Constancio, Angie Davis, Milagros De Leon and David Echevarria. STCW — NCL, Aug. 12: Bertha Credit, Bryan Danko, Amanda DeLoach, Rose Dresback, Rico Ecalnir Jr., Juan Esquivel, Roberline Fluces, Shawn Forno, Ronald Garcia, David Gilland, Richardo Gonzales, Brian Gonzalez, Scott Gridley, Albert Guazon, Charles Hangge, Jacqueline Healy, Matt Heikkinen, Andre Herald and Peter Hoefler. STCW — NCL, July 22: Crystal Perryman, Christopher Placid, Michael Riff, Adrian Rincon Jr., Edwin Roa, Luis Rochez, Loretta Rollins, Jonathan Schmidt, Benjamin Schwartz, Daniel Sharp, Daniel Sholder, Aaron Smith, Wilson Solano, Joseph Stewart, Djoko Susilo, Elaine Sykes, Meghan Taillie, Richard Valentino, Tessie Ventura, Manuel Williams, Patricia Woodley, Sarah Yardley and William Williamson. STCW — NCL, July 22: Robert Lonno, STCW — NCL, July 22: .Alvin Ellis, Eric Estrada, Dwain Ferguson Jr., Benjamin Garcia, Mary Garrett, Paul Gernhauser, Danielle Gregory, Joey Guzman, Seth Hamilton, Hannah Henning, Sun Hwang, Jamiea Jackson, Joseph Jackson, Isaac Johnson, Jo Ann Kitagaki, William Kuehn, Klint Kuykendall, Salvador Lascano, Natasha Leybe and Nina Gibson. December 2005 Alicia Lopez, Adrian Lucio, Casandra Luke, James MacLean, Cody Manuel, Matthew Mashall, Cory Mattson, Mick McCarthy, Michael McDermott, Jess Jerry Meno, Russel Meyke, Jamar Montgomery, Doris Moore, Andrew Mulhern, Edward Nauta, Joe O’Neill, Roberto Oceguera, Neri Hanalei Ogo, Cheryl Patnode and Cecilio Perryman. Seafarers LOG 23 �33300_P10, 5, 6, 7, 11_13 19, 24cx.qxd 11/23/2005 7:41 PM Page 24 Volume 67, Number 12 December 2005 A P 6 8 a P 1 1 Coast Guard Opens Temporary RECs in Memphis, Morgan City Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG thanks SIU member Wardell Paze and retiree Arthur Machado for providing the photos accompanying this story. The pictures were taken from late September to late October throughout the New Orleans area in an effort to provide a slightly different view of not only the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina but also some of the earliest stages of recovery. A s the long process of rebuilding in the Gulf after Hurricane Katrina continues, SIU-crewed ships continue serving in the relief efforts. In mid-November, Seafarers were sailing aboard at least six vessels involved in hurricane relief in the New Orleans area: the Empire State, Wright, Cape Vincent, Sirius, State of Maine and American Queen. The Sirius and State of Maine normally are used as training vessels but were called into service after Katrina struck the U.S. Gulf Coast in late August. Another training ship, the Texas Clipper, previously had been utilized with an SIU crew. Officials at the SIU hall in Harvey, La. (just outside New Orleans) reported that the hall has been fully operational for some time but still needs cosmetic and other fairly light repairs. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard has opened temporary offices in Morgan City, La., and Memphis, Tenn. to provide services to mariners affected by the closure of the regional examination center in New Orleans. The Morgan City office accepts completed applications and offers fingerprinting services, identity verification, and administration of oaths for mariners. The Coast Guard’s temporary full-service REC in Memphis is staffed by employees from the REC in New Orleans that flooded after Katrina. The agency has waived user fees for duplicate credentials to replace those lost as a result of the hurricane. The waiver only applies to mariners whose homes of record are in Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama and who apply for a duplicate credential before Feb. 28, 2006. The duplicate document will show the same qualifications and bear the same expiration date as the original credential. All other regulatory requirements for issuance of a duplicate credential remain in effect, according to the Coast Guard. Mariners meeting the criteria who have already paid the user fee for a duplicate credential may apply to the issuing REC for a refund. The Morgan City office is located at 800 David Dr., Morgan City, La., 70380. It is open Tuesday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applicants may reach the office by phone at (985) 380-5310. The Memphis office is located at 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1301, Memphis, Tenn., 38103 and may be contacted by phone at (901) 544-3941 (select “1” for New Orleans REC). The office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed from noon to 1 p.m. (2 p.m. on Wednesday). The office will also be closed on the last Wednesday of each month. Retired Seafarer Arthur Machado helps unload relief supplies at the SIU hall in Harvey, La. Additional Thanks – More SDRF Contributors The November issue of the Seafarers LOG included a list of individuals who had contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Since that list was compiled, additional contributions were received from people whose names are listed below. Kasim Ahmed John Alicea Robyn Anderson Kent Arnold Julian Avila E. Mauricio Brice Danny Brown James Buckowski Ernest Cannon O. Celestial Lisa Clark Juan Colon Michael Congress Leonardo Cortez John Crawford Jerome Culbreth Gerard Dhooge Joseph Egan A. Esteban John Foster A. Glebov Andrew Greenwood Dorothea HoffmanBarr Kathleen Hunt Hussein Jinah Fareed Khan Edward Krebs V. Labrilla T. Lane Breon Lucas C. Lynch Arthur Machado Juan Gomez Donna Massucco Francisco Munoz James Murphy Sadeq Nasser Raford Nixon R. Ong Selcuk Ozdencanli R. Quioto David Rivera Michael Russo Jamal Sailan Fahd Saleh Russell Shaw Benjamin Stanley John Wessels Price Willoughby � 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 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES AUGIE TELLEZ APPOINTED EXEC. VP; GEORGE TRICKER NAMED CONTRACTS VP LABOR GETS OUT THE VOTE SIU’S JOHN FAY DIES AT 73 EXCECUTIVE VP WAS ADVOCATE FOR ALL MARINERS ALLIANCE NEW YORK JOINS SIU FLEET MILITARY LEADERS VOICE SUPPORT FOR MERCHANT MARINERS SEAFARERS HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT GENERAL HANDY, 2 OTHERS RECEIVE TOP ANNUAL AWARDS FT. LAUDERDALE HALL MOSTLY UNDAMAGED FOLLOWING ‘WILMA’ CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON 1ST OF 10 TANKERS AFL-CIO ROLLS OUT SOLIDARITY CHARTER PROGRAM BOWEN IS NEW PLANS ADMINISTRATOR SENATOR STEVENS STATES ONGOING SUPPORT FOR MARITIME 11 RECERTIFIED BOSUNS KEEP UP WITH CHANGES TO PROTECT INTERESTS OF U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY SEAFARERS WELCOME ALLIANCE NEW YORK SEAFARERES STILL PITCHING IN WITH RELIEF EFFORTS COAST GUARD OPENS TEMPORARY RECS IN MEMPHIS, MORGAN 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 12/01/2005 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. 12 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/628cf07c4f4843ce600964f104734f22.pdf 9f0f1f3123c35bebfdac88d64bf42121 PDF Text Text 34103_P01,4,5,20,21X2.qxd 12/27/2005 2:44 AM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 1 January 2006 SIU Members Sail Aboard New Tanker Alaskan Navigator Seafarers are sailing aboard the newest double-hulled tanker built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA following the vessel’s delivery late last year. SIU members in late November crewed up the Alaskan Navigator (left), the third of four Alaska-class tankers constructed for BP at San Diego’s National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). Like its sister ships Alaskan Frontier (below) and Alaskan Explorer, the Alaskan Navigator is operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company. Page 3. New Tug Christened Paul Hall Center 2006 Course Guide Photo courtesy Al Lindner As reflected in the photos directly above and at left, hands-on training is a key part of most courses available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. For information about individual classes as well as course dates for early 2006, see pages 9-16. SIU boatmen on the West Coast are sailing aboard the new Brusco Tug & Barge tugboat Lulapin. Page 3. SIU members and officials across the country joined with fellow trade unionists and other supporters around the globe in a number of demonstrations conducted during International Human Rights Week. At left, Seafarers (far right in photo) carry the American flag during a Dec. 8 march in Washington, D.C. At right, SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler (right) greets AFL-CIO President John Sweeney at a Dec. 6 event in Philadelphia. Page 5. Seafarers Rally for Human Rights SHBP Scholarship Info Page 8 SIU’s Year in Review Page 24 �34103p02,18X.qxd 12/27/2005 1:34 PM Page 2 President’s Report Progress and Optimism Looking back on the year 2005, our union has every reason to feel proud. Looking ahead to 2006, we have every reason to be optimistic. Take a moment to consider some of the accomplishments we’ve made during the past 12 months. When it comes to new ships and new jobs, 2005 was nothing short of incredible. The Maritime Security Program fleet added 13 SIU-crewed ships. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Michael Sacco started construction on the first two of 10 SIUcontracted tankers to be operated by OSG. NCL America launched its second Seafarers-crewed cruise ship, the Pride of America. We gained ships in other areas, too, including three new tankers on the West Coast, a new car carrier, a new Great Lakes ship, new tugs and barges, and a new class of vessels crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. We also retained jobs on dozens of ships when new contracts were awarded by the government, including all 54 vessels in the U.S. Ready Reserve Force. Brothers and sisters, if that’s not progress, then I don’t know what is. I have no intention of ever letting our union rest on its laurels, but I’m proud of our accomplishments. And I think it’s important to step back every once in a while and appreciate our gains along with the people who make them possible. As I’ve said many times, it all starts with you, the rank-and-file Seafarer. Our union is strong because of the outstanding work you do aboard ship. Our union is strong because you support this administration at every level. Our union is strong because you understand the importance of political action. On that last note, I especially appreciate your support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. Our industry is so heavily regulated that we simply have no choice but to protect our interests on Capitol Hill and at the state and local levels all across the country. That type of effort takes manpower and it also takes money. That’s simply the reality of politics in the United States. I’m certainly not saying that political contributions guarantee results. But they do help give us a chance to sit down and explain our issues and concerns. Normally, when we have that opportunity we are successful. With 2006 being a Congressional election year, your continued support of SPAD is more vital than ever. Moving forward, I see no reason to expect anything less than continued success for the SIU. We have the best-trained mariners in the world. We have a top-notch affiliated school, the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. By the way, that school constantly brings in new unlicensed apprentices to help ensure a solid future for our industry. No one else in America offers a similar program for unlicensed seamen. We also have dedicated officials who along with the membership understand that the SIU is more than a union. I honestly feel that we’re more like a family. That may sound old-fashioned if you’re not very familiar with our organization, but it’s from the heart and it’s true. Let me tell you why. When you fight alongside someone, you almost can’t help becoming close. You bond under those circumstances. And make no mistake, it is a constant battle to continue revitalizing the U.S. Merchant Marine. We’ve earned every single SIUcontracted ship and fought for every pro-U.S.-flag program in existence. None of it happened by accident, and none of it is guaranteed to last. That’s why we’re going to keep promoting and protecting our union and our industry. Our country deserves and needs a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, along with the hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast are just the latest reminders of our value to national and economic security. That’s something worth fighting for, and I know that our union— our family—will continue to win our share of battles in 2006 and beyond. Volume 68, Number 1 January 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Steady Progress Continues In ITF’s FOC Campaign Annual Report Reflects Success, Challenges The year 2004 was one of significant achievement for the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in its ongoing battle against owners of vessels that fly the flags of countries other than their own, according to the body’s recently released annual report, “Campaign Against Flags of Convenience and Substandard Shipping.” The ITF’s fight against so-called flags of convenience (FOC)—also known as runaway flags—has two primary components: a political campaign and an industrial crusade. The political element is designed to establish an authentic link between the flag a ship flies and the nationality or residences of its owners, managers and seafarers through international governmental agreements. The industrial campaign is designed to ensure that mariners who work aboard FOC vessels, regardless of their nationality, are protected from exploitation by shipowners. The industrial campaign continues to be an essential component of the fight against FOCs and substandard ships, so that seafarers are protected from exploitation, according to Stephen Cotton, secretary, ITF Special Seafarers’ Department. In the case of FOCs, he said, a fundamental objective of the campaign is the erosion of the competitive advantage that FOC ships have over the higher cost, traditional flag vessels. Cotton pointed out that one noteworthy development during the past two years has been the creation of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) as the primary forum for negotiations between the ITF and shipping companies on issues relating to wages and working conditions of crews aboard FOC ships. A noticeable increase in the IBF’s membership, which includes more of the world’s shipowners and managers, has been particularly encouraging for the ITF. Some of the noteworthy progress outlined in the annual report, and the arenas in which it occurred is as follows: „ The Political Campaign—Negotiations to formulate a single ILO convention to consolidate and replace more than 60 maritime labor conventions took place. ITF officials hope for a final agreement on this issue sometime this year. In addition, the ITF was involved in talks which led to the adoption of the IMO’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. Among other things, the new code contains instructions on fundamental rights and freedoms of maritime workers, including trade union rights. (See related story, page 4.) „ The Inspectorate—ITF inspectors and coordinators numbered only 131 people in 2004. They were responsible for 43 countries and dependent territories. Despite the size of their ranks, they conducted 9,532 ship inspections. This compares to 9,104 inspections in 2003 and 8,886 in 2002. „ Agreements—ITF officials signed 6,811 collective agreements for crews of FOC vessels in 2004 (most of them for ships previously covered by ITF contracts). In previous years (2003 and 2002), the numbers were 6,633 and 6,577, respectively. Inspectors and coordinators signed 1,285 new agreements in 2004 compared to 1,035 in 2003. The number of seafarers covered by ITF agreements in 2004 was 187,218 (178,466 in 2003) who worked aboard 8,171 vessels (7,886 in 2003). „ Back Pay—A total of $22.9 million was collected by inspectors in back wages for crews. In 2003, that figure was $24 million; the level was $27.6 million in 2002. In addition, $2.2 million was secured by the ITF Actions Unit. The total amount of back pay recovered in 2004 was therefore $25.1 million. In 2003 the figure was $27.8 million. „ Industrial, Legal Action—Industrial action, either by dockers unions or by FOC crews, was taken in 24 different countries in 2004 in order to recover back pay owed to crews or to secure ITF agreements. In 2003, industrial action was taken in 31 countries. The mark was 21 countries in 2002. Between 2002 and 2004, a total of 55 ITF agreements were signed as a result of industrial action. During 2004, 23 ships were arrested following legal action instigated by an ITF inspector. The foregoing facts and figures speak for themselves. There can be no argument that 2004 was a banner year for the ITF and its FOC campaign, but this really is nothing new. For more than 50 years, the ITF—through its affiliated seafarers and dockworkers unions, successfully has waged a campaign not only to end the FOC system, but also to improve the wages and working conditions of seafarers who work aboard runaway-flag ships. The campaign has evolved considerably since those early days and will continue to do so as the shipping industry adapts to changing global circumstances, noted ITF General Secretary David Cockroft in his column in the 2004 annual report, “Campaign Against Flags of Convenience and Substandard Shipping.” “One thing will remain constant,” Cockcroft said. “The ITF’s determination to ensure that the world’s seafarers receive decent wages, enjoy safe working conditions and can exercise their trade union rights.” SIU-Crewed Ships Deliver for U.S. Troops SIU members continue answering their call to duty as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense by sailing aboard military support ships involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, the following 15 SIU-crewed vessels were among those on the high seas supporting our troops involved in the ongoing sealift component of OIF: USNS Chesapeake, Northern Lights, Westward Venture, USNS Pomeroy, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, Cape Douglas, USNS Watkins, Cape Decision, USNS Pililaau, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Fisher, USNS Seay, USNS Benavidez and the USNS Denebola. For Seafarers, the current stage of OIF is the continuation of a mission that began with pre-war mobilizations for the all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. As SIU President Michael Sacco recently noted, Seafarers “are proud to continue serving as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. Our members are the best-trained seafarers in the world, and I know for a fact that they are patriotic men and women who are ready, The USNS Pililaau is one of many SIU-crewed ships sailing in support of U.S. troops mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom. willing and able to deliver the goods—anytime, anywhere.” Numerous military officers have commended the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in OIF— an operation repeatedly described as the most efficient sealift effort in America’s history. For example, addressing mariners at a shipboard ceremony, the commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, Vice Admiral David L. Brewer, stated, “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.” At another ceremony last November in Baltimore, Brewer along with General Robert Magnus, assistant commandant, United States Marine Corps, and Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) expressed similar appreciation for the performance and reliability of U.S. crews. January 2006 �34103_P3,19,24.qxd 12/21/2005 9:01 AM Page 3 3 BP Tanker Delivered rd Seafarers Crew Up Double-Hulled Alaskan Navigator Seafarers are sailing aboard the newest double-hulled tanker built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA following the vessel’s delivery late last year. SIU members in late November crewed up the Alaskan Navigator, the third of four Alaskaclass tankers constructed for BP at San Diego’s National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). Like its sister ships Alaskan Frontier and Alaskan Explorer, the Alaskan Navigator is operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company. The vessels normally sail between Alaska and the West Coast. The fourth and final ship in this class is under construction at NASSCO and is slated for delivery in late 2006. “I know from talking with members and officials on the West Coast that there’s a lot of excitement about the Alaskan Navigator,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “It’s obviously a state-of-the-art ship, and it means continued job security for the membership. There’s an important national security aspect to this delivery, too, because every new U.S.-flag ship helps sustain a pool of welltrained, reliable U.S. mariners who can sail on military support vessels.” The tankers are 941 feet long with a beam of 164 feet and a capacity of 1.3 million barrels of crude oil. The Alaskan Frontier and Alaskan Explorer, delivered in August 2004 and March 2005, respectively, have been delivering crude oil from Alaska to BP’s refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. NASSCO touts the Alaskaclass tankers 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 perform at peak efficiency for decades in the rigors of the Gulf of Alaska’s waters.” According to the shipyard, the tankers’ diesel-electric 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. Cargo piping, normally installed on the deck, is run inside the cargo tanks to reduce the risk of small spills. Also under construction in San Diego are the Lewis and Clark combat logistics force ships— The Alaskan Navigator is floated out in April 2005 in San Diego. Seafarers crewed up the ship in late November. part of a T-AKE program that means new shipboard job oppor- Maersk Awarded MSC Contract For Ammo Ships Page, Carter SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) last month announced that it has been awarded a one-year agreement to charter two vessels under the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) prepositioning program. The contract covers sister ships, the Seafarers-crewed ammunition carriers Lt. Col. John U.D. Page and Sgt. Edward A. Carter, Jr. The company noted that the Left: Caroline Shorten Conn, spouse of BP Group Executive Officer Iain Conn, officially names the Alaskan Navigator during a ceremony at NASSCO on Nov. 12, 2005. New Tractor Tug Joins Brusco Fleet SIU boatmen late last year welcomed a new addition at Brusco Tug & Barge: the tractor tug Lulapin. The boat was christened Oct. 6 in Port Hueneme, Calif. Described by the company as “a compact but powerful addition to Brusco’s fleet,” the Lulapin is 78 feet long and 30 feet wide. It is classified as an Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tractor tug with 4,000 hp and 100,000 pounds of bollard pull. The tug can sail at 13 knots “light running speed” forward and reverse, according to Brusco. Diversified Marine Inc. of Portland, Ore. built the new tug, which also features state-of-the-art fire fighting capability. An SIU-contracted company since the late 1980s, Brusco Tug & Barge tows and transports cargo along the West Coast. Among other work, Brusco tugs tow log, chip and sand barges as well as target sleds for the United States Navy. Brusco’s current ship assist services include the ports of Stockton, Sacramento, Eureka, and Port Hueneme, Calif. as well as Grays Harbor, Wash. Various other services have been added in the San Francisco Bay area, which include towing dredge scows to sea. Photo courtesy Al Lindner The SIU-crewed tug Lulapin features the most modern equipment. tunities for members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. Seafarers will continue sailing aboard the Lt. John Page (above) and sister ship Sgt. Edward Carter under a new MSC contract awarded to Maersk Line, Limited. Cape Trinity Honored For Performance In Enduring Freedom The SIU-crewed Cape Trinity has been recognized for its performance during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) announced. MarAd last month awarded its Professional Ship Award to the crew of the Cape Trinity for services in the war on terror. “This ship’s officers and crew served voluntarily for 341 continuous days, taking supplies to our soldiers in the Middle East and back home again,” MarAd Deputy Administrator John Jamian stated. “The Ready Reserve Force has proved its capability and efficiency time and time again, and the men and women of the Cape Trinity agreement follows MLL’s “successful completion of an existing five-year contract and has options that could extend the performance period to a total of 59 months.” Company officials acknowledged the good work of Seafarers aboard those ships during the past five years. Built originally as commercial containerships, the ships each carry a total of 2,500 20-foot containers in air-conditioned, humidity-controlled cargo holds. They are 950 feet long, just short of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The vessels have on-board cranes to facilitate unloading of cargo where shoreside support is unavailable. MLL managed the conversions of both vessels, with extensive modifications, after which they were delivered to MSC in 2001. are an example of the fleet’s success.” The Professional Ship Award is given to non-military ships that achieve the highest degree of safety, readiness, performance, efficiency, reliability and productivity, according to the agency. The crew and officers of the Cape Trinity also received the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, given to mariners who serve in war zones. Ready Reserve Force ships, crewed by U.S. Merchant Mariners, have carried much of the supplies to and from the Middle East since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Cape Trinity, in its 341 days of activation, carried 19,603 metric tons of cargo between various ports including Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, Shauiba and Ash Shuayba in Kuwait, and Messaieed in Qatar. Ports in Europe included Bremerhaven, Szczecin, and Antwerp. U.S. load ports included Charleston and Corpus Christi. Right: The Seafarerscrewed Cape Trinity offloaded equipment at the Baltic Sea port of Szczecin, Poland last summer, concluding an MSC cargo operation in support of troops fighting in Iraq. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, 2006 for the observance of Presidents’ Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. January 2006 Seafarers LOG 3 �34103_P01,4,5,20,21.qxd 12/21/2005 7:49 AM Page 4 Seafarers Recognized for Safety An awards recognition ceremony for the SIU-crewed Sea Land Pride took place Nov. 21 in the Portsmouth Marine Terminal in Portsmouth, Va. The Maersk Line-operated Pride, along with more than 50 other SIU-contracted vessels representing 10 other companies, last year in New Orleans was selected to receive the highly prestigious Jones F. Devlin Safe Ship Award, bestowed by the Chamber of Shipping of America. The event in Portsmouth was for the same award and was orchestrated to afford formal recognition to the crew and officers of the vessel which received laurels for having sailed 1,326 consecutive days without a lost time accident. SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and SIU Norfolk Safety Director Sam Spain joined more than 50 representatives of the vessel and invited guests on the bridge of the Pride for a light lunch and the official presentation of the Devlin Award. The certificate that accompanied the award, originated by the ISPS Code Gets Mixed Reviews The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) is improving security —but at the expense of mariners who are increasingly overworked and treated with suspicion, according to an International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) survey released in late November. This is happening at a time when disproportionate security measures not related to the code are also having a negative impact on crews, the federation says. In a news release announcing the survey, the ITF stated that the ISPS Code “was widely seen as a successful example of the ‘fast tracking’ of legislation when it was introduced in response to the 9/11 attacks in the USA. However the ITF survey shows that the welcome security gains are being undermined by lack of trust and support for the seafarers tasked with implementing it. “The ITF has been broadly supportive of ISPS and applauded the consultative manner in which it was drawn up. However, there have always been concerns about a possible negative impact on seafarers, as a result of which the federation initiated the survey, which was sent to its 127 inspectors and 230 affiliated maritime unions—which represent around 700,000 seafarers—for them to consult their members and report back.” The results—published as the report Access Denied: Implementing the ISPS Code—can be viewed on the internet at www.itfglobal.org/infocentre/pub s.cfm/detail/1446 According to the ITF, the overwhelming response to the survey was that ISPS Code had significantly increased mariners’ workloads without any boost in staff, pay or training, and was associated with “grave problems experienced with shore leave, especially in the USA. Although the ISPS Code includes provisions to avert problems of access to ports, shore leave and welfare facilities, it is clear from the survey that these are being neglected in the Code’s implementation.” Areas of concern highlighted in the survey responses include increased workload and responsibility with no commensurate increase in pay; inadequate training; restrictions on shore leave; 4 Seafarers LOG problems in obtaining United States visas; and difficulties for mariners’ welfare and union representatives seeking to board vessels to provide services to the crew. Jon Whitlow, Secretary of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, said, “All responsible parties back the aim of the ISPS Code. But there’s a gap between principle and practice. The measures that were supposed to protect seafarers are too often being neglected. Combine that with other excessive security measures being implemented outside the code and you have a grave and counter-productive climate of distrust and suspicion being created out there. “It would seem that the ISPS Code is being implemented selectively. The delicate balance built in to the Code has, in the opinion of seafarers, been undermined in practice.” He concluded, “The survey once again shows that the main problems include overwork, visa difficulties and the denial of shore leave—amounting to virtual discrimination just at a time when seafarers need to be treated as allies in the fight against terrorism and when everyone in the industry is trying to attract newcomers into the profession.” The SIU is an ITF affiliate and remains very active in the fight to protect and boost mariners’ rights, both here and abroad. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel serves as vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section and, as previously reported, a number of other SIU officials serve on local port security bodies run by the government. Maersk management, in part read: “This outstanding achievement exemplifies devotion to duty and principles of maritime safety…. The impact of this recognition will go a long way to promote and encourage the MLL safety culture.” After accepting the award on behalf of his officers and crew, Pride Master J.P. Brennan cited two SIU members—AB Luis Alvarez and DEU Leonides Villamor—for their specific contributions toward the award. Brennan lauded their hard work, dedication and attention to detail. Alvarez worked aboard the Pride without recording any accidents, according to Brennan. On two occasions during recent trips, Alvarez noticed and reported the presence of a leaking substance on deck. Although subsequent investigation revealed that the substances were not hazardous, according to Brennan, Alvarez’s proactive reporting still brought attention to a potentially dangerous situation and is an example of good seamanship as well as concern for the ship and crew. Villamor also has worked without any lost time accidents, Brennan pointed out. At a recent payoff, Villamor marked the completion of his full 180-day assignment injury free. Both the chief and first engineers have described him as a hardworking, conscientious shipmate who always has a smile on his face, Brennan said. His good-natured attitude and dedication to working safely in the engine room were primary factors in affording him acknowledgment. In recognition of their accomplishment, each was awarded SeaLand Pride T-shirts, Maersk Line watches, mugs and tally books. Notice/Reminder Agency Issues Revised STCW Endorsement As previously reported, the U.S. Coast Guard in late September began issuing a newly revised U.S. STCW Endorsement, Form CG5611 (Rev. 01-05), to qualified licensed and unlicensed merchant mariners. According to the agency, more than 59,000 U.S. merchant mariners hold a valid STCW endorsement. Mariners’ existing endorsements will be replaced at the time of their scheduled expiration or when their qualifications are upgraded. The new document contains “significant security and accountability enhancements,” according to the Coast Guard. The design is based on the U.S. Merchant Marine Officer License (Form CG-2849) and advice by senior intelligence officers at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Forensics Document Laboratory for cost-effective, fraud-resistant features; and the Production and Design Team of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). The revised U.S. STCW Endorsement “exceeds International Maritime Organization standards on anti-fraud measures and forgery prevention features for seafarers’ certificates,” the agency noted in a news release. Additionally, a revised U.S. STCW Endorsement information sheet was designed and printed by the BEP and has been distributed domestically to Regional Exam Centers (RECs), inspectors, unions and industry; and internationally to the IMO and foreign national maritime administrations. A copy of the Revised U.S. STCW Endorsement Information Sheet can be obtained by registering for a free subscription of the USCG Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/. It is posted on the National Maritime Center’s website, http://www.uscg.mil/stcw. Mariners with additional questions may contact their nearest REC or Mr. Jon Furukawa at (202) 493-1014 or jfurukawa@ballston.uscg.mil. SIU Boatmen Spread Holiday Cheer Six SIU boatmen employed by Crowley in Southern California recently did their part to brighten the holidays for area youngsters. The SIU members pictured at left in San Pedro, Calif. purchased and donated four children’s bikes for the Los Angeles Fire Department’s “Spark of Love” toy drive the week before Christmas. Pictured from left to right are Mate Benny Guillot, Engineer Craig Perry, Engineer John Tipich, AB Frank Gill, AB John Ivankovich and Mate Ed Brooks. The toy drive is a cooperative effort with other charitable programs. Reminder: STCW Basic Safety Training Is Renewable Via Sea Service As previously reported, the U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed a change in the way mariners may meet the requirements for renewing STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), a key component of the amended STCW convention. According to National Maritime Center Policy Letter No. 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. (Editor's note: For BST renewal via sea service, you must have gotten your original BST compliance through a Coast Guard-approved BST course that included training and assessment. If your initial certification was acquired through the relaxed assessment period, then your initial renewal must be done via a Coast Guard-approved course. Thereafter, you can renew via sea service.) 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 backward 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 2005, you count backward and determine the mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 2004, then the mariner is considered to be competent in the four elements of BST through 31 May 2009. “Using similar dates, if on 1 October 2004, a mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 1999, then the BST would have been valid until 31 May 2004. Because 31 May 2004 has passed (today’s date in this example is 1 October 2004), 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, Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs) may accept discharges or sea-service letters “prepared in accordance with current standards” as proof of sea service. January 2006 �34103_P01,4,5,20,21.qxd 12/21/2005 7:49 AM Page 5 Rallies Focus on Workers’ Rights as Human Rights Freedom to Join Unions Highlighted during International Human Rights Week SIU rank-and-file members early last month joined their brothers and sisters from other unions, community activists and religious leaders in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, San Francisco and other cities across the country to participate in events spotlighting International Human Rights Week. Workers around the globe took part in rallies, teach-ins and other events as part of a worldwide effort to support workers’ freedom to form unions. In the United States, thousands of activists in more than 100 cities called lawmakers to restore the freedom of workers to form unions. More than 2,000 union members and allies—including rankand-filers from the SIU and a large contingent of trainees from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.— gathered at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C., Dec. 8 for a rally and march. The trainees bore the colors and served as marshals during the event. “America used to stand proud before the world as a land where the right of working people to have a union was respected,” said AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda ChavezThompson during her address to the masses. “But today, that right has been destroyed…. The corporations trample on workers’ freedom like it’s their personal doormat.” Clyde Rucker, a Maryland Verizon worker fired for seeking to form a union also was among the others to speak as were AFSCME President Gerald McEntee, AFGE President John Gage, Air Line Pilots President Duane Woerth, AFT Executive Vice President Antonia Cortese, and NEA President Reg Weaver. Following all speeches, the workers marched and later delivered a petition signed by 100,000 workers calling for federal workers’ freedom to form a union to be honored and also urging strong collective bargaining rights for the 650,000 civilian Defense Department workers and 160,000 Homeland Security employees. SIU members in Philadelphia on Dec. 6 joined others from the labor sector and community activists to welcome AFL-CIO President John Sweeney at an event sponsored by the Philadelphia Central Labor Council, which focused on the Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 1696). “Unions lift up the standards for all workers, and 50 million workers would join a union if given the opportunity,” said Sweeney. U.S. Congressmen Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Curt Weldon (R-Pa.) prior to the start of the event signed on as co-sponsors of the legislation, which would strengthen protections for workers’ freedom to choose by requiring employers to recognize a union after a majority of workers authorize union representation. In San Francisco, SIU members were among those who attended a Dec. 5 San Francisco Labor Council-sponsored press conference at a City Hall. Tim Paulson, San Francisco Labor Council head, called for citywide actions to uphold workers’ rights on the job, while Peter Olney of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union urged support for more than 600 almond workers facing an aggressive antiunion campaign at Blue Diamond Growers. Elsewhere in the United States: „ Hundreds of Oakland, Calif. workers marched to City Hall Dec. 6 to highlight the struggle Comcast workers face in their efforts to join a union with Communications Workers of America. At a workers’ rights hearing that same day, workers testified about the failure of U.S. labor law to protect workers who try to join unions. „ In St. Louis, more than 1,100 workers and activists marched on the headquarters of Peabody Energy as the Mine Workers launched the largest organizing campaign in the nation’s coalfields in decades on Dec. 9. Peabody miners are seeking to form a union to win safety improvements and better pay and benefits. „ Thousands of unionists and supporters braved bitter cold Dec. 8 in Boston to march from Boston Common to a rally on the State House steps, highlighting what they described as the anti-worker attitudes of Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, corporate giants Wal-Mart and Verizon Wireless and the Harborside Nursing Home in Wakefield. „ In Tucson, Ariz., Jobs with Justice activists held a picket line Dec. 10 in support of workers allegedly harassed by management at Desert Diamond Casino. The Border SIU Assistant VP West Coast Nick Celona (fifth from right) demonstrates at City Hall during a Dec. 5 press conference sponsored by the San Francisco Central Labor Council. Action Network led a march and rally of more than 150 demanding immigration reform, an end to persecution and deaths of migrants, a halt to militarization of border communities, respect for workers’ rights, and fair trade. The group also held actions in Douglas and Nogales. In Phoenix, the Arizona AFLCIO held a spirited rally of over 200 at Phoenix College, supporting HR 1696 and a new voter initiative to raise the minimum wage. „ A Dec. 9 rally sponsored by UAW Local 2157 in Wichita Falls, Texas demanded justice for Delphi workers. Delphi seeks to join a growing list of major American companies using bankruptcy to void their contracts with workers, both active and retired, while rewarding the mismanagement of top executives. In another development, 11 recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize, including distinguished international leaders such as former President Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and Former Polish President Lech Walesa on Dec. 6 issued a statement in which they expressed grave concern about the state of workers’ rights around the globe. They urged all nations to vigorously protect and defend workers’ inalienable human right to form unions free of discrimination, threats or harassment. The statement ran as a full-page ad in The New York Times, The Washington Post and the International Herald Tribune. The thousands of U.S. workers who mobilized were supported in their fight to restore the freedom to form unions by workers in the international arena, according to During a rally in Philadelphia on Dec. 6, Seafarers (from left) Chris Nardone, William Kelly and John Wozunk show their support for human rights. the AFL-CIO. On Dec. 9, the Indonesian Prosperity Trade Union Confederation (KSBI) released a report showing at least 45 companies in 12 provinces violated freedom of association laws, including the arrest of two labor activists and the dismissal of more than 1,400 workers over the past year. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dec. 10 marked 10 years of peace by focusing the country’s attention on workers’ rights as human rights. Unions in the Upper Drina region launched a joint organizing program aimed at reaching out to workers of all nationalities within the region. In Bahrain, workers on Dec. 10 draped buildings in the capital city of Manama in white sheets and formed a human chain on a major bridge as part of a national campaign against poverty. Members Receive ‘A’ Books At the December membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) congratulated two Seafarers who received their Aseniority union books: Richard Cannady (left) and Ramsey Ingram. The latter two individuals took the union oath before their fellow members, administered by SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. January 2006 Seafarers LOG 5 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:38 PM Page 6 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.) I have only gratitude toward our officials and their families. To our officials for doing their jobs, and to their families for letting them do it. Three things I would like to say to all SIU officials and members: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Message of Thanks I would like to thank the SIU, all officials past and present, for 35 years of great job security. Also I would like to thank my employer, Crescent Towing, for allowing me to work for the best company and boss, Arthur T. Kulp. If you don’t think the SIU is the best union in the maritime industry, try working for a nonunion company for a while. I did. I thought it would be better (wrong). After six months I ran back to the SIU. The grass is never greener on the other side. Stay where you are and enjoy job security and pay and great benefits. Also, I truly want to thank the late SIU President Paul Hall for seeing that there was a problem in the seafaring industry—alcohol and drugs—and doing something about it when every other business looked down on chemically addicted people. Paul Hall knew that he could help people and he did. When everyone else would just fire you, he had the courage to open the SARC (Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center) for people like me. I have been clean and sober for more than 11 years thanks to the SIU and Paul Hall, and for that I’m extremely grateful. Absolutely no other company or union would do that for their members, and allow the members to still have a job and seniority when they return. Jimmie L. Rosser Diamondhead, Mississippi Political Action Needed The World War II U.S. Merchant Marine veterans want to thank our union brothers and shipmates for all of your phone calls to Congress asking representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 23. To date, we have 232 co-sponsors in the House, more than enough to get this bill passed. Now, we have in the Senate S. 1272, a companion bill also known as the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. So, we ask you to please call your two U.S. senators and ask them to co-sponsor S. 1272. Currently we have 17 senators who have co-sponsored the bill, which is identical to the House version. The toll-free telephone number for the Capitol is (866) 8774455. When you are connected, ask for the senator with whom you want to speak. You will be connected to the appropriate office. Please be persistent. Remember, the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWII protected the United States and its people —only to have some of those same people turn their backs on those who helped save them. About 8,000 U.S. mariners gave their lives. Without the U.S. Merchant Marine in WWII, we would not have won the war! Cleveland Hosts Union Industries Show The 2006 Union Industries Show rolls into Cleveland, Ohio’s I-X Center May 5 - 7 with a new name and new, sharper focus. The show will be promoted under the name America@Work, followed by the tag-line: “100% Union-Made, American-Made Products, Services and Jobs.” Exit surveys from the 2005 show revealed that more than half the attendees are not union members but favored unions. They viewed the show as a chance to demonstrate their support for unions, to investigate job and training opportunities and to and learn about union-made products and services. The SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers union regularly participate in the Union Industries Show. “America @ Work is a catchy name with a modern feel,” noted Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charlie Mercer. The show will also focus more on educating the public about trade unionism and the role unions play in the economic and political life of the community. It will highlight (and encourage people to join) vital pro-worker organizations, including the Alliance for Retired Americans and Working America. “Cleveland could be our biggest show ever,” Mercer said. “This is a heavily unionized, densely populated area. The I-X Center is conveniently located near several large highways connecting dozens of towns and cities, like Columbus, Akron, Canton and Toledo.” The show will have more convenient hours, too, running 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (clos- The annual Union Industries Show typically attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Above, guests check out the SIU/UIW booth during the 2004 event in St. Louis. ing one hour later than before) and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. (The show will no longer run on Monday, a day that has rarely drawn large crowds.) “We are excited to be working closely with the Ohio AFL-CIO and the Cleveland Federation of Labor and all the individual unions across Ohio. This region is full of fine unionized companies with great products and services, and the public is going to learn a great deal about them. The public will also learn a lot about the Alliance for Retired Americans, Working America and the important political and organizing work that our unions are doing. That, too, is a very exciting and promising development,” Mercer concluded. Helping Hurricane Victims Among the many Seafarers who have assisted hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast are the three Government Services Division members pictured at left (from left): Dan Petrie, Johann Aquilera and Mike Pretty. Normally based in Caven Point, N.Y., the three union members volunteered to go to the Gulf region to participate in relief and rebuilding efforts. Petrie and Aquilera worked with Army Corps of Engineers projects in conjunction with FEMA in Mississippi, removing debris and taking part in the “Blue Roof Program” providing tarps and canvasses for damaged homes. Pretty was a mission coordinator in New Orleans. Richard Wiggins Kansas City, Missouri High Cost of Health Care Continues to Make Headlines More American workers are feeling the pinch of the continuing rise in the costs of medical care. This topic remained a prime subject in union contract negotiations and job actions across the nation. In Pittsburgh, for example, bus and light-rail drivers and other hourly workers planned a vote in November whether to strike over wages and health care costs. More than 2,000 Port Authority of Allegheny County workers had been without a contract for four months. Union officials who approved the strike vote said that the proposed contract had raises that were too small and health insurance contributions that were too large. It was the first time that workers in the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 (ATU) were being asked to contribute to their health insurance costs. 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. 6 Seafarers LOG Patrick McMahon, president of Local 85, said the union was willing to agree to contributions but that the Port Authority was asking for too much. On Nov. 20, negotiators announced a proposed, three-year contract which would boost wages 3 percent each year but also would require workers to start paying a portion (1 percent of their salaries) for their health care coverage. Health insurance copayments also increased for emergency room visits, doctors’ office appointments and for prescriptions. By signing this contract, a strike was averted. In Philadelphia, also in November, negotiators for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the region’s transit agency, and about 5,300 striking workers reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, ending a weeklong walkout. The strike, the first since 1998, involved about 5,000 Transport Workers members and 300 suburban transit employees represented by the United Transportation Union Local 1594. SEPTA had asked that employees pay 5 percent of the health insurance premiums. The union accused SEPTA of going back on a deal under which workers were supposed to maintain coverage without paying part of the premium. A week after ending their seven-day strike against SEPTA, the local ratified a four-year contact that includes a 3 percent annual raise and a 1 percent-of-salary health-care contribution. In early December, nearly 1,300 Stanford University (Calif.) employees in the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) Local 715 were considering a strike. Union workers criticized the current health care plan as well as the university’s recent cuts to retiree health care. Additionally, one of the union’s demands was that the university revoke a recent change to the contract that would reduce retirement benefits for employees hired after Jan. 1, 2006, which would amount to a 10 percent cut in benefits and create a two-tiered system where one group has one set of benefits and wages, and another group does the same work for fewer benefits. The reduction in retirement benefits would make low-income employees unable to afford health care during retirement, noted Zev Kvitky, president of United Stanford Workers. The union wants Stanford to provide full health care coverage for employee family members. “People who have given 20, 30 and 40 years of service need to be able to depend on the guarantee of a feasible retirement in the future,” Kvitky said. 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. January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:38 AM Page 7 Thanksgiving Spirit Evident At San Francisco Gathering I San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris n an event that seemingly becomes bigger and better each year, hundreds of people visited the SIU hall in San Francisco on Nov. 22 for the 15th annual pre-Thanksgiving feast that, for many, has become a “can’t miss” gathering. Seafarers, SIU retirees, dignitaries and their families were among those who enjoyed the two-hour banquet. “We got lots of good feedback,” noted SIU Assistant Vice President West Coast Nick Celona, who closely worked with the committee that organized the event. “We received great support from the rank-and-file membership and from a number of other unions and local businesses. “We didn’t have a specific theme,” he continued, “but overall the atmosphere was one of patriotism and thankfulness, in the spirit of the holiday.” Seafarers Steve Valencia, Louella Sproul, Peter Ciddio and George Pino were instrumental in planning the festivities, Celona noted. They were assisted by other members during the actual event, which featured a traditional Thanksgiving menu. As in years past, Alioto’s Restaurant on Fishermen’s Wharf assisted with the get-together. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi credited the U.S. Merchant Marine for its role in helping provide relief to hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast, a sentiment repeated by other speakers. Members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment, present the colors. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and SIU Assistant VP West Coast Nick Celona (third from left) welcome San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to the union hall. San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and San Francisco Port Commission VP Michael Hardeman Recertified Steward Louella Sproul and Electrician Ian Hindley Bosun Roger Rankin carries the U.S. Merchant Marine flag. Above right: Chief Cooks Mohamed Omar, John Stein and John Blasquez donated their time and talents, along with other Seafarers (above left). U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) is pictured with SIU officials Nick Marrone and Nick Celona. January 2006 Right: Patrolman Kathy Chester and her mother, Ethel Left: The U.S. Marine Corps was well-represented by (from left) Sgt. Major Harry Rivera, Col. Hank Morris and Major Michael Samarov, among others. SIU VP Nick Marrone and Assistant VP Nick Celona present a donation to retired NFL star Jack Tatum, founder of the Jack Tatum Fund for Youthful Diabetes. The retired Oakland Raider himself is a victim of the disease—his left leg is amputated below the knee. Seafarers LOG 7 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:38 AM Page 8 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN Know Your Rights 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, 2004 to December 31, 2004. 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 $15,731,956 as of December 31, 2004 compared to $15,257,627 as of January 1, 2004. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $474,329. 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. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $50,501,640. This income included employer contributions of $49,183,111, realized losses of $53,331 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,371,860. Plan expenses were $50,027,311. These expenses included $5,496,475 in administrative expenses and $44,530,836 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 Margaret Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-5638, Washington, DC 20210. 2006: The Year to Fulfill Your Dreams! I t’s the start of a brand new year, and one of the best ways to celebrate is to fulfill your dreams of a college education. Completing the coupon below is the first step toward realizing that dream. Filling out the application and mailing it to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan by April 15, 2006 is the last step in the process. That leaves three months in which to complete the other steps necessary to apply for one of the eight scholarships being given out this year. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to send away for the 2006 SIU Scholarship Program booklet. It contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. (The program books also are available at all SIU halls.) Eight monetary grants will be awarded in 2006 to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 and is intended to help cover the costs of attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Five scholarships are to be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. After P checking for eligibility, applicants should start collecting other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2006 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the request is made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2006 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be evaluated. A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate are two other items that must be included in the total application package. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15. If you sent in an application form in 2005 and were not selected for one of the scholarships, you should try again this year. Make 2006 your special year! lease send me the 2006 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. 1/06 8 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 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 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:40 PM Page 9 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. T he Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education enters 2006 well equipped to continue fulfilling its mission of delivering the world’s best-trained mariners. Located in Piney Point, Md., the school offers approximately 50 U.S. Coast Guardapproved classes—the most such courses provided by any maritime school in the nation. With a strong emphasis on hands-on training, the school offers everything from entrylevel programs to upgrading classes to license preparation to academic support and more. Students also may receive college credit recommendations for successfully completing certain sanctioned courses. 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 the 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. An overview of many of the courses available at Piney Point is contained in this eightpage section and also appears 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, Seafarers should check the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date class listings. Schedules also are available on the web site. 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, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which are printed in bold. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075, or call (301) 994-0010. January 2006 DECK DEPT. Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman Applicants completing our 4-week 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 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 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 B-VIII/ 2, Part 3-1 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 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 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-1-1A; OICNW-1-1B; OICNW-11C; 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 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 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 AII/1 of the STCW Code AND “Determine Position and the Accuracy of Resultant Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 9 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:39 AM Page 10 G Continued from page 9 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 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 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 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 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 Code: OICNW-1-2B; OICNW1-2C; OICNW-3-1A; OICNW-3-1B; OICNW-3-1C; OICNW-3-1D; OICNW-31E; OICNW-3-1F; OICNW-3-1G; OICNW-3-1H; OICNW-3-1I; OICNW-31J; 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 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; OICNW-3-2H; OICNW-3-2I; OICNW-32J; OICNW-3-2K; 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 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 16week 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 Continued on next page 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. 10 Seafarers LOG January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:39 AM G Continued from page 10 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 Page 11 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 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) 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 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 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). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites January 2006 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 TankermanAssistant 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 Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) 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 ters, 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 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 12.053(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 (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 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 17 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 boil-off heater. Prerequisites: Advanced Fire Fighting Continued on next page 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 mas- Seafarers LOG 11 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:41 PM Page 12 G Continued from page 11 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 AII/1 of the STCW Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Apprentice Mate (Steersman) The Paul Hall Center’s 103-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course is a self-certifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on uninspected towing vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal, Great Lakes, and Western Rivers;—OR—(2) the examination requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Master of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal, Great Lakes, and Western Rivers) provided that they also provide evidence of service in the towing industry before May 21, 2001, AND that the requirements of 46 CFR 10.464(h) are also met. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected towing vessel; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passen- gers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Successful students will be issued a certificate of completion for an Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation OR equivalent course OR experience as determined by the instructor; valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Master 100 Tons The Paul Hall Center’s 90-hour Master 100 Tons, Near Coastal course is a selfcertifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on passenger vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.206(i) for original license, 46 CFR 10.209(c)(iii) for renewal, and 46 CFR 209(f) for reissue. Students who present our certificate of training at a regional exam center within 1 year of the completion of training will satisfy the exam requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i)f or reissuance of a license. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected passenger vessel of 100 tons and its passengers; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Students successfully completing the course will be issued a certificate for successful completion for a Master 100 Ton, Near Coastal license. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation, valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Terrestrial Navigation (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 68-hour Terrestrial Navigation at the Operational Level course meets the mandatory minimum requirements for knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in Table A-II/1 of STCW 1995, for the function of Navigation at the Operational Level. This course is a stand-alone course in the Paul Hall Center Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Program. The functional elements of this course provide the detailed knowledge to support the training outcomes related to Navigation at the Operational Level in planning and conducting a passage and for determining position in terrestrial navigation. Successful students earn a Paul Hall Center course completion certificate. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the follow- 12 Seafarers LOG ing entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license or equivalent military experience; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Coastal Navigation (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 60-hour Coastal Navigation at the Operational Level course meets the mandatory minimum requirements for knowledge, understanding, and proficiency in Table A-II/1 of STCW 1995, for the function of Coastal Navigation at the Operational Level. This course is a stand-alone course in the Paul Hall Center Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Program. The functional elements of this course provide the detailed knowledge to support the training outcomes related to Navigation at the Operational Level in planning and conducting a passage and for determining position in coastal navigation. Successful students earn a Paul Hall Center course completion certificate. This course specifically addresses Function 1: Navigation at the Operational Level; Competence 1.1: Plan and conduct a passage and determine position; and Knowledge and Understanding (KUP) 1.1.2 Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation from IMO Model course OICNW 7.03 and STCW Code Table A-II-1. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license or equivalent military experience; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Emergency Procedures (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 21-hour Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level course is designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S. flagged vessels. This stand-alone course is a component of the Paul Hall Center’s Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) Program. The functional elements of this course specifically meet Function 1: Navigation at the Operational Level; Competence 1.4 Respond to Emergencies; and Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency 1.4.1 Precautions for Protection and Safety of Passengers of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) OICNW Model Course No. 7.03 and the requirements of USCG Policy Letter 01-02. No OICNW assessments will be conducted in this course. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage course is a 66-hour course for students who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels as required by STCW 1995, as amended, and are licensed or intending to be licensed personnel. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to use cargo plans and tables or diagrams of stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given description of cargo and other weights. They will also be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within permitted limits by the use of stress data or calculation equipment, or software. They will understand safety precaution used prior to entering enclosed or potentially contaminated spaces. Students should be able to supervise the preparation and dunnaging of holds and the operation of ships’ cargo gear and will be aware of the importance of adequately securing cargo to prevent damage to the ship or cargo. Trainees will identify dangerous goods and know that they are stowed and separated according to requirements of the IMDG Code. They will also know the hazards related to some bulk cargoes and the precautions to take during their loading, carriage, and discharge. Continued on next page January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:40 AM G Page 13 Basic Stability (Operational Level) Continued from page 12 Trainees will also have a basic knowledge of the piping and pumping arrangements of oil tankers. This course specifically addresses “Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level” and “Competence: Monitor the loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and the unloading of cargoes” and “Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency: Cargo handling, stowage, and securing” found in Table AII/1 of the STCW Code, amended 1995. This is accomplished through classroom lecture and practical exercises. Students successfully completing this course will be awarded a Paul Hall Center Basic Cargo and Stowage at the Operational Level course certificate. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Possess a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD); provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 13.125; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling USCG approved sea time requirements, completion of Basic Stability course The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Basic Stability at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. It takes into account STCW Code, Table AII/1, “Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level,” and “Competence: Maintain seaworthiness of the ship,” and “Knowledge, understanding and proficiency, Ship stability.” Upon successful completion of the course, students will have knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names of the various parts. They will be able to use tables and diagrams of ship stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given disposition of cargo and other weights. Students will be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within the permitted limits by use of stress data. They will understand the fundamental actions to take in the event of partial loss of intact buoyancy. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Basic Stability at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Students will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course, U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level; Ship construction. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have general knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names for the various parts. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Ship Construction at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Trainees will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course; U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Ship Construction (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Ship Construction at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flag vessels whose responsibilities include maintaining the seaworthiness of the ship. It takes into account STCW Code Table AII/1: Function: controlling the operation of ENGINE DEPT. 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. COAST GUARD STCW CERTIFICATION COURSES 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 examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either our 63hour 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. 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 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 Continued on next page ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT The Academic Department has a long history of providing support and services to members of the Seafarers International Union. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to all students. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411. General Education Program The GED program is open to all mariners who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school for many years has successfully prepared mariners to pass the test. For many students, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a 12-week residency is required.) Adult Basic Education The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T’ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgrader courses or may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency January 2006 in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. Basic Vocational Support Program The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathematic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the student with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for those students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Program The Paul Hall Center is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition the center offers general education courses required for an associate’s degree. The school currently offers Associate of Applied Science degree programs in nautical science technology (deck department students) or marine engineering technology (engine department students). Both degrees offer concentrations in either the deep sea or inland sections of the maritime industry. There also is a certificate program in maritime technology with concentrations in nautical science or marine engineering. All programs are designed to provide the opportunity for mariners to earn a college degree or certificate in their occupational areas and provide a solid academic foundation in general education subjects. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. Seafarers LOG 13 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:40 AM Page 14 G Continued from page 13 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 entry-level 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 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 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 Junior Engineer training program, and USCG Junior 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 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 JUNIOR ENGINEER PROGRAM Pumpman Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70hour 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, Junior Engineer, and Deck Engineer 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), QMED-Oiler/Motor, Total USCGapproved sea or equivalent service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating The Paul Hall Center’s Pumpman course is a 70-hour, 10-day course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Sec. 12.15-9 (c) for Pumpman. The objective of the Pumpman course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the equipment associated with the handling of liquid cargo onboard a tankship. Topics covered in the Pumpman course are Inert Gas Systems, Crude Oil Washing (COW) Systems, Vapor Recovery, and two days of assessment in the Cargo Simulator. On successful completion of this course, students will be awarded a Paul Hall Center certificate. Each student must meet the following entrance requirements: Paul Hall Center Apprentice Program Phases I, II, and III, including Tanker Familiarization Dangerous Liquids (DL) training, Paul Hall Center FOWT Program, QMED Any Rating, Paul Hall Center QMED Junior Engineer Program Students taking training prior to April 4, 1997 or who did not have access to the Paul Hall Center UA program must satisfy the following requirements: STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training, successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Tanker Familiarization DL course, successful completion of the Paul Hall Center FOWT program (non-rated applicants), USCG-approved sea time and 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 Students entering the industry before August 1, 1998 must hold either the USCG Fireman/WT or Oiler rating endorsements (rated applicants) Machinist Applicants completing our 102-hour Machinist course, and presenting our employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Section 12.15-9 (b) for Refrigeration Engineer. The objective of the Marine Refrigeration Technician course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on ship’s stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo refrigeration, ventilation and dehumidification equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers, and ice machines. An introduction to refrigerated container units will also be presented. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training. Each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak and understand verbal orders in English; six months at sea as a Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) Junior Engineer and possess the Electrician’s endorsement or the Refrigerating Engineer’s endorsement; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 ENGINEERING SPECIALTY COURSES 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. 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 6-week 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 QMEDAny 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.a 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. Continued on next page Marine Refrigeration Technician The Paul Hall Center’s Marine Refrigeration Technician course is a 6week (210-hour) course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be 14 Seafarers LOG January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:42 PM Page 15 G Continued from page 14 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, welding, and cutting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites STEWARD DEPT. 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. 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 stand-alone 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. January 2006 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 CLASSES 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 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 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 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 (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 Advanced Fire Fighting 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. 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 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;—AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113 Basic Fire Fighting (30-Hour) 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 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 Seafarers LOG 15 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:42 PM Page 16 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 2006. 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 January 23 March 6 February 17 March 31 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) April 17 April 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 9 February 20 January 20 March 3 Radar April 3 April 14 Course Steward Upgrading Courses Recertification Bosun April 10 May 8 Steward February 6 March 6 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB February 27 March 13 March 3 March 17 Basic Safety Training - FOWT March 27 March 31 Fast Rescue Boat March 20 March 24 Government Vessels - FOWT April 3 April 7 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 6 February 17 February 13 Febrary 17 Course (*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, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning December 26, 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion FOWT January 30 March 24 Junior Engineer April 3 June 23 Marine Electrician January 16 March 10 Marine Refrigeration January 30 March 10 Welding January 23 February 20 February 10 March 10 � 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 ________________________________________________ 16 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. 1/06 January 2006 �34103p17.qxd 12/20/2005 3:10 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 KARL BENES, 79, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, the engine department member’s first ship was the Overseas Juneau. Brother Benes attended classes in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was on the Prince William Sound. Brother Benes makes his home in LaCrescenta, Calif. JULIUS COPELAND, 67, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Copeland first worked aboard the President Fillmore. In 1982, he completed his steward recertification training at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Copeland last sailed on the Achiever. He calls Chesapeake, Va. home. ANGEL PASSAPERA, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1970. A native of Yabucoa, P.R., he first sailed aboard the Clair Borne. Brother Passapera worked in the deck department. In 2000, he upgraded his skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Passapera most recently shipped on the Horizon Discovery. He resides in Puerto Rico. 2005: The Year in Review Continued from page 24 Rescues, Safety Awards At least four Seafarers-crewed ships executed rescues at sea, while numerous SIU-contracted companies were recognized for various safety achievements. The ships involved in the rescues were the Lykes Motivator, USNS Seay, Oscar Sette and USNS San Jose. Companies reaching safety milestones and/or receiving awards included Alaska Tanker Company; AMSEA; Maersk Line, Limited; Crowley Marine Services, and many others. Paul Hall Center The union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. continued offering comprehensive training for mariners, from entry-level curriculums to license preparation. More than 5,300 students successfully completed classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The American Council on Education approved 24 Paul Hall Center courses for college credits (meaning students who complete certain classes at the school may receive credits toward a college degree). The Paul Hall Center’s vessel security officer (VSO) course became the first such curriculum approved by the U.S. Maritime Administration. The school added a new two-week Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher course. Health Care Crisis Adjustments to benefits administered through the SHBP reflected a nationwide crisis. There are at least 45 million uninsured Americans, and premium costs rise by double digits every year. On average, 6,000 people lose their coverage every day—an unacceptably high figure that includes too many retirees. Thousands of Seafarers, pensioners and their families attended benefits conferences at 10 SIU halls around the country. Among other facets of this crisis, they touched on the fact that since the turn of the century, the overall expense of job-based health insurance has increased by 60 percent, while the percentage of covered workers has dropped from 65 percent to around 60 percent. Among those who still have coverage, only 24 percent don’t have to pay to carry single coverage. And 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). Health insurance remained the dominant component in all contract negotiations. Final Departures Mourning their loss but celebrating their lives, the union said goodbye to a number of individuals whose efforts lifted not only the union but the industry as a whole. Those people included SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, who died Nov. 8 at age 73; SIUNA Vice President Jim Martin (age 70); Joseph Cecire, longtime chair of the SIU’s Board of Trustees (81); Retired ARC Clinical Director Bill Eckles (62); Romeo Lupinacci, former executive chef at the Paul Hall Center (82); Pat Marinelli, retired SIU port agent (age 82); Jack Parcel, retired Paul Hall Center instructor (77); Tom Gilliland, commandant of trainees at the school (57); and Sal Aquia, age 25, son of retired SIU employee Sal Aquia. January 2006 INLAND SAMUEL ESELY, 65, joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Esely first sailed aboard McAllister Towing of Virginia vessels. Born in Ohio, Boatman Esely most recently worked aboard a Moran Towing of Virginia vessel. He now calls Jacksonville, Fla. home. THOMAS PATTERSON, 62, became an SIU member in 1969, first sailing with Moran Towing of Virginia. Boatman Patterson was born in Indianapolis, Ind. He upgraded his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. Boatman Patterson last sailed on a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. He is a resident of Burlington, N.C JIMMIE ROSSER, 58, began his seafaring career in 1970, sailing in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Boatman Rosser enhanced his skills in 1984 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and last sailed aboard a Crescent Towing of New Orleans vessel. Boatman Rosser lives in Diamondhead, Miss. FREDERICK SHIFERDEK, 62, was born in Jacksonville, Fla. and began sailing with the SIU in 1966 in New York. He worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation of Jacksonville vessels. Boatman Shiferdek makes his home in Yulee, Fla. BRUCE SNYDER, 62, joined the SIU in 1977. Boatman Snyder shipped primarily aboard Maritrans Operating Company vessels. He was born in Montana and now lives in Nogal, N.M. JOHN TATTERSON, 62, began his seafaring career in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Tatterson initially worked aboard vessels operated by Northeast Towing. The Virginia-born mariner last sailed on an Interstate Oil Transportation vessel. Boatman Tatterson resides in Hudgins, Va. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 Ten crew members, seven of them members of the SIU, lost their lives last month when the SS Francis Asbury went down in the English Channel. The Asbury was en route from Dover to Antwerp through the normally safe Channel when she became the latest victim of the Nazi undersea war. The ship was in convoy and experiencing clear weather and a moderate sea when the attacker struck. There was an underwater explosion directly beneath the engine. The explosion broke the back of the ship and she began to settle immediately. As water reached the boilers they exploded, filling the engine room and the entire midship with live steam. Most of the casualties were among the black gang on watch. Within a few minutes the ship had settled with two feet of water above the boat deck, and the skipper gave orders to abandon ship. Several of the rafts and life boats had been smashed by the explosion, and many of the crew had to jump overboard with their life belts. 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. FRANCISCO MIRANDA, 65, joined the NMU in 1979. Brother Miranda was born in the Dominican Republic. His first ship was the Gulf Solar. Prior to retiring, Brother Miranda worked aboard the Lykes Navigator. HENRY RESTO JR., 60, became an NMU member in 1980, initially sailing from the port of New York. Brother Resto is a New York native and worked in the engine department. His most recent voyage was on the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE Dan Meritt 65 John Sakariassen 62 EDP Dec. 1 Dec. 1 maritime industry. In a telegram sent to President Johnson, the joint committee asked for a meeting to discuss formulation of a progressive policy for maritime. The telegram was sent following a meeting in New York of 10 maritime unions including the SIU. AFLCIO President George Meany was represented at the meeting by his executive assistant, Lane Kirkland. The telegram to the White House asked that the president send no message to Congress on the subject of maritime policy without discussing it with the unions vitally involved. This Month In SIU History 1965 A joint maritime labor committee composed of the SIU and other maritime unions has rapped the wavering federal policy toward U.S. maritime which the committee said was threatening the “annihilation” of the U.S. 1985 Frank Mongelli, one of this union’s most trusted and dedicated officials, died at his home in Valley Lee, Md. January 11. He was 72 years old. At the time of his death, he was vice president of the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. One of the founders of the school, Mongelli was instrumental in helping thousands of young men and women develop a new direction and skills to lead richer and more rewarding lives. A member of this union for more than 40 years, Frank participated in nearly all of its major beefs and organizing drives. He was known for his physical courage, his loyalty and the leadership qualities that he displayed when asked to take charge of a situation. Seafarers LOG 17 �34103p02,18.qxd 12/20/2005 3:12 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA GEORGE BRYANT JR. Pensioner George Bryant Jr., 66, passed away Aug. 18. Brother Bryant joined the SIU in 1960, first sailing on the Gallaway in the steward department. He was born in Alabama. Prior to retiring in 1997, Brother Bryant shipped on the Tacoma. He made his home in Las Vegas. RAMADAN ELMOBDY Brother Ramadan Elmobdy, 57, died Aug. 14. He was a native of Egypt. Brother Elmobdy became a Seafarer in 1978. He worked in the deck department, last sailing on the P&O Ned Lloyd Buenos Aires. Brother Elmobdy called Trenton, N.J. home. EDWARD HANEY Brother Edward Haney, 65, passed away July 30. He joined the SIU in 1987 after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Haney’s first ship was the American Cormorant. The deck department member, who was born in Stayton, Ore., most recently sailed on the Overseas Vivian. He resided in Lakeside, Ore. MICHAEL HINTON Brother Michael Hinton, 53, died Aug. 20. He began his SIU career in 1969 in the port of Seattle. Brother Hinton first shipped aboard Victory Carrier’s North West. The engine department member last worked on the USNS Bowditch. He was born in Wisconsin and lived in Olympia, Wash. STEVE KARLAK Pensioner Steve Karlak, 80, passed away Sept. 8. Brother Karlak, who was born in Poland, joined the Seafarers in 1946. He first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel in the engine department. His last ship was the Adventurer. Brother Karlak retired in 1987 and settled in Florida. DANNY LABOGIN Pensioner Danny Labogin, 105, died Aug. 12. Brother Labogin started his MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) career in San Francisco. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the steward department. Brother Labogin was a resident of San Francisco. ANTONIO MELENDEZ Pensioner Antonio Melendez, 84, died Sept. 25. Brother Melendez 18 Seafarers LOG became a member of the SIU in 1944 in New York. He was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the steward department. Brother Melendez first shipped on the Elizabeth. He was last employed on the Borinquen. Brother Melendez began receiving his pension in 1983. He made his home in San Juan, P.R. DAVID NEWMAN Pensioner David Newman, 73, passed away Aug. 11. Brother Newman joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Illinois, the deck department member initially sailed aboard the Sampan Hitch. Before retiring in 1998, Brother Newman sailed on the Nuevo San Juan. He called Jacksonville home. SHIRLEY NICHOLSON Pensioner Shirley Nicholson, 84, died July 29. Brother Nicholson commenced his seafaring career in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was the William Black Yates. Brother Nicholson, who was a member of the deck department, last worked aboard the Overseas Natalie. Born in Portsmouth, Va., he lived in Pensacola, Fla. and began his retirement in 1985. GUILLERMO ORTIZ Pensioner Guillermo Ortiz, 81, passed away Sept. 28. Brother Ortiz joined the union in 1949 in New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner was a member of the engine department. He last sailed on N.P.R.’s San Juan. Brother Ortiz went on pension in 1986 and settled in Puerto Rico. WILLIAM OSBORN Pensioner William Osborn, 76, died Sept. 8. Brother Osborn began shipping with the SIU in 1951 from the port of Seattle. He was born in Florida and worked in the deck department. Brother Osborn most recently sailed aboard the Economy. He started collecting his retirement stipends in 1988. He resided in his native state. CHESTER OWEN Pensioner Chester Owen, 92, passed away Sept. 5. A native of Georgia, Brother Owen joined the SIU in 1953 in New York. He first shipped on the Alcoa Planter in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Manhattan. Brother Owen started receiving his pension in 1983. He called Sacramento, Calif. home. ANTHONY PERRY Brother Anthony Perry, 50, died Aug. 9. He became an SIU member in 2001. Brother Perry’s first ship was the Steven L. Bennett. Born in Pensacola, Fla. Brother Perry most recently sailed on the USNS Fisher. He made his home in Washington state. ERNEST RUAUD Pensioner Ernest Ruaud, 84, passed away Aug. 19. Brother Ruaud began his seafaring career with the MC&S in 1979 in the port of San Francisco. He worked aboard the President Van Buren and President Jefferson, among other vessels operated by American President Lines. Brother Ruaud retired in 1983 and lived in San Francisco. CARLOS TRAVIEZO Pensioner Carlos Traviezo, 88, died July 26. Brother Traviezo joined the SIU in 1960 in New York. The steward department member, who was born in Puerto Rico, first sailed on the Yorkmar. Prior to retiring in 1983, he worked aboard the Santa Clara. Brother Traviezo lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. INLAND DENIS ABSHIRE Boatman Denis Abshire, 56, passed away Aug. 24. He was born in Louisiana. Boatman Abshire became a Seafarer in 1973, shipping primarily on vessels operated by Seabulk Towing. Boatman Abshire was a resident of Starks, La. 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. CROSBY MILLS Pensioner Crosby Mills, 97, died June 16. Brother Mills joined the union in 1964, first sailing on the Norwalk. The Texas-born mariner worked in both the steward and engine departments. Brother Mills’ last voyage was aboard the Lykes Explorer. He went on pension in 1999. ZOLTON NEMETH Pensioner Zolton Nemeth, 77, passed away July 4. Brother Nemeth became an NMU member in 1945, first sailing on the James Ellwood Jones. He was born in Alpha, N.J. and shipped in the engine department. Before retiring in 1973, Brother Nemeth worked aboard the Gulf Trader. NORMAN NORTH Shepherd’s most recent voyage was aboard the African Meteor. The steward department member went on pension in 1972. JORGE SIGUENZA Pensioner Norman North, 82, died July 5. Brother North started sailing with the NMU in 1970 aboard the Penobscot. Brother North was born in Boston, Mass. His last voyage was on the Massachusetts. Brother North began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1988. Pensioner Jorge Siguenza, 75, died July 2. Brother Siguenza began sailing with the NMU in 1954 in New Orleans. His first ship was the Granada. Brother Siguenza was born in Guatemala. He was a member of the steward department, last sailing on the Gulf Trader. Brother Siguenza started collecting his pension in 1984. JOSE PEREIRA HILDRED SMITH Pensioner Jose Pereira, 79, passed away May 27. Brother Pereira embarked on his seafaring career in 1946, first sailing on the James L. Richards. A native of Portugal, he retired in 1966. His last ship was the American Puritan. MANUEL PEREZ Pensioner Hildred Smith, 80, passed away June 13. Brother Smith embarked on his seafaring career in 1944 in the port of San Francisco. The Louisiana-born mariner sailed in the engine department. Brother Smith’s first ship was the Antigua; his last was the Tonsina. He began his retirement in 1990. Pensioner Manuel Perez, 84, died June 30. Brother Perez joined the NMU in 1947, first sailing on the John A. Quitman. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Perez was a member of the engine department. He started collecting his pension in 1972. Brother Perez last worked on the American Apollo. Pensioner Charles Spenner, 88, died May 2. Brother Spenner joined the NMU ranks in 1942 in Baltimore. He first sailed aboard the Zacapa; his last ship was the Pioneer Commander. Brother Spenner went on pension in 1972. ANNELISES SABO FERDINAND STANCHI Pensioner Annelises Sabo, 77, passed away May 3. Sister Sabo joined the NMU in 1977 in Norfolk, Va. Her first ship was the Amoco Delaware. Sister Sabo was born in Germany and shipped in the steward department. She most recently sailed aboard the Marine Princess. Sister Sabo began receiving compensation for her retirement. in 1993. JOSEPH SEMBLY Pensioner Joseph Sembly, 76, died May 12. Brother Sembly began his seafaring career in 1946. He initially sailed from the port of Baltimore on the Louisa M. Alcott. Brother Sembly was a member of the steward department. He started receiving his retirement stipends in 1971. VINCENT SHEPHERD Pensioner Vincent Shepherd, 86, passed away May 4. Brother Shepherd was born in Panama. He joined the union in 1946. Brother CHARLES SPENNER Pensioner Ferdinand Stanchi, 84, passed away May 15. Brother Stanchi joined the NMU in 1942, initially shipping from New Orleans. The engine department member was born in Argentina. Brother Stanchi most recently sailed on the Mormac Lynx. He retired in 1972. WILLIAM WINBERRY Pensioner William Winberry, 85, died June 13. Brother Winberry, who was a native of Hebert, N.C., joined the NMU in 1937 in Norfolk, Va. He sailed aboard the Liberty Glo and the Trojan. Brother Winberry began receiving his pension in 1969. RODERICK YOUNG Pensioner Roderick Young, 78, passed away June 24. Brother Young joined the NMU in 1946 in Seattle. His first ship was the James D. Trask. Brother Young worked in both the engine and steward departments. Prior to retiring in 1971, he shipped on the Ashley Lykes. January 2006 �34103_P3,19,24.qxd 12/21/2005 9:02 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. ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 26—Chairman Robert B. Lindsay Jr., Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Charles Collins, Steward Delegate William Bless Jr. Chairman announced payoff prior to arrival in Charleston, S.C. Secretary reported that Maersk has officially taken over from USSM, therefore ordering procedures and company polices are in transitional phase and OT allowances may vary. Educational director urged crew members to check out upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for next contract. After Charleston, ship heading to Houston, Texas. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Company), Oct. 11— Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Leland O. Peterson. Chairman asked crew to keep volume down on TV during meal hours. He also reminded them of BP’s policy on remodeling staterooms: it is not to be done. All members are to give secretary suggestions for next contract in writing so they can be documented and forwarded to headquarters. Secretary announced that more than $16,000 was raised by crew and company for Hurricane Katrina victims. Money was sent to American Red Cross. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of upgrading courses available at Piney Point school and advised them to renew documents early so as not to miss any job opportunities. He told them passports can be received in about a week. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers talked about extra bonus vacation and were assured that as long as they are in the ATC hiring pool, they will be eligible for the benefit. Discussion held about communications issues between ship and headquarters. Suggestions made regarding items for new contract, including pay increases for everyone. ATC’s policy of not selling tobacco products in Slop Chest was reiterated. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), Oct. 31—Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Claudia N. Mauricio Brice, Deck Delegate Andrew D. Esteban, Engine Delegate Oliver L. Celestial. Chairman reported smooth sailing with great crew. Secretary asked departing crew members to clean rooms for next person. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities for seafarers at union-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding prescription plan. Collection fund for Katrina victims netted $330. Engineer informed that dishwasher and ice machine are not working properly. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for excellent food. Next port: Lake Charles, La. COAST RANGE (Intrepid), Oct. 31—Chairman Terry D. Cowans Sr., Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Deck Delegate Mario Batiz. Chairman urged all mariners to read Seafarers LOG for current information about union and maritime industry concerns. Secretary reported approximately $500 per month spent on satellite TV and DVDs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate requested clarification on company’s policy regarding speaking English only in work areas and that policy be posted. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), Oct. 30—Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Earl A. Olson, Deck Delegate James F. Harris, Engine Delegate Ahmed Salim. Bosun informed crew he has contacted headquarters regarding new contract and requested copies. He also stated he is a firm believer in SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) and that money is used to fight forces on Capitol Hill that could take away seafarers’ way of making a living. Crew members were reminded to wear proper safety gear while on deck. Educational With Seafarers on the Lakes Seafarers aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger recently submitted these two photos which were snapped aboard the Hannah Marine vessel. The ship is a self-unloading cement carrier. During a recent shipboard meeting, crew members discussed their contract and also the importance of safety. January 2006 director advised members to upgrade often at Paul Hall Center No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Cherry Point and Richmond, Calif. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct.9—Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary James H. Rider, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Howard G. Blanks Jr., Steward Delegate Isabel R. Sabio. Chairman announced Oct. 18 payoff in Charleston, S.C. He thanked everyone for safe trip and reminded them to report any safety issues to department heads. Secretary reported 60-day stores to be taken aboard in Charleston and expressed gratitude for everyone’s help keeping ship clean. Educational director led discussion about recent health plan changes and reminded all hands to check documents’ expiration dates. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew members made suggestions for next contract, including strong wage increases to help offset some of the added medical expenses. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. OVERSEAS LUXMAR (OSG Ship Management), Oct. 20— Chairman Albert C. Williams, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director William Pough, Deck Delegate Ronald Poole, Engine Delegate Grady Lamontaje, Steward Delegate Alba Ayala. Chairman emphasized importance of working together safely and requested vessel master set up ship’s fund. Educational director urged mariners to keep all documents in order so as not be turned down for employment. He also raised member awareness of SMPPP (Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan) and advised crew to review individual accounts when they receive them in April. Beef reported in deck department. No disputed OT. Professional exterminator requested aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department and OMUs. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 30—Chairman George J. Diefenbach, Secretary Alexander Banky, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth, Steward Delegate Robert Arana. Chairman announced Nov. 5 payoff in Newark, N.J. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD, saying “because when you do, you help yourself as well as your union brothers and sisters.” Educational director stressed importance of taking advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $40 in ship’s fund and $800 in satellite fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. Clarification requested on how SIU-NMU merger affects members’ seniority. Crew would like cost of living increases in pension benefits along with health insurance for spouses. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston, Texas. COURAGE (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 15—Chairman Michael Phy, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director Owen A. Gallagher, Deck Delegate Edward Martinez, Engine Delegate Alfred Norris, Steward Delegate Michael Harris. Chairman announced Nov. 16 payoff in Bayonne, N.J. He asked crew for cooperation in sorting plastic items from regular trash. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep common areas clean and thanked deck gang for being quiet in passageways so others can sleep. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade their skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and keep documents up to date. Beef reported in engine department pertaining to tankcleaning procedures; no disputed OT noted. Recommendation made to lower age and seatime requirements for pension benefits. Request made for new mattresses, fountain machine for cold drinks as well as transformer (220v to 110c) for each fo’c’sle. Next ports: Bayonne; Newark, N.J.; Baltimore; Charleston, S.C. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship), Nov. 4—Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Allen D. Bright, Steward Delegate Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Monroe G. Monseve, Deck Delegate Derrick W. Hurt, Steward Delegate Marie Mitchell. Chairman announced Nov. 21 payoff in Beaumont, Texas and thanked crew for all their support over the long voyage, especially the offloading of equipment in various ports of call. He encouraged members to attend local union meetings—whether at sea or on shore. Secretary educated members as to why union meetings are so important. He also asked those departing vessel to clean rooms. Educational director spoke to crew about upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and stressed need to keep all docu- Thanksgiving on Empire State Seafarers recently crewed up the Empire State when the vessel was mobilized for hurricane relief operations in the New Orleans area. Some of the crew members are pictured here enjoying their Thanksgiving dinner aboard the ship, which remained in the Gulf Coast region as of mid-December. Recertified Bosun Jamie Miller sent the photos to the LOG. Hamin Sialana. Chairman thanked crew for smooth trip and requested status of contract negotiations. Educational director urged Seafarers to watch safety videos and report any damaged equipment to department head. He also talked about opportunities available at Paul Hall Center for upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for good food “and plenty of it.” Suggestion made to lower age requirements for pension benefits. Next ports: Vancouver, Wash.; Long Beach, Calif.; Japan. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), Nov. 20—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Charles F. Welch, Deck Delegate Isaac Vega-Mercado, Engine Delegate Eliesar Montalvo, Steward Delegate Rafael A. Cardenas Jr. Chairman announced Nov. 20 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He recommended all members keep z-cards and passports current or chance losing a job. Crew members were asked to have union books and dues payments ready for patrolman at payoff. Secretary thanked everyone for great voyage and wished them all a happy holiday season. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. NORTHERN LIGHTS (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 6—Chairman Eric A. Berry, ments current. He further advised everyone to read monthly Seafarers LOG for information about union and maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read President Sacco’s report in latest LOG and thanked him for his support and continued efforts in getting more jobs for SIU members. Clarification requested on cash limit at draw and payoff. Thanks given to everyone, especially steward department, for jobs well done. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Beaumont, Texas; Mobile, Ala. USNS MENDONCA (American Overseas Marine), Nov. 10— Chairman John A. Mendez, Secretary Robert M. Mensching, Engine Delegate Benjamin A. Stanley, Steward Delegate Nina M. McFall. Chairman urged everyone to read Seafarers LOG, especially president’s report. Secretary asked crew members to do their share in helping keep ship clean. Educational director spoke about benefits of upgrading at Piney Point school. It was noted that the company has initiated a ship’s fund. Report will be given to membership once specifics have been determined. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman will try to get copies of all contracts (Amsea, MSC, etc.) as well as Memoranda of Understanding for crew reference. Question raised whether company would supply movies and gym equipment. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Philadelphia. Seafarers LOG 19 �34103_P01,4,5,20,21.qxd 12/20/2005 3:29 PM Page 20 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea February & March 2006 Membership Meetings NOVEMBER 16 — DECEMBER 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 2 0 2 8 0 9 38 21 1 21 14 40 20 7 0 10 18 0 26 25 262 0 0 9 5 0 9 15 17 1 10 4 16 7 1 1 4 8 3 11 9 4 3 8 12 2 6 32 24 3 8 12 18 18 3 6 5 8 5 36 26 239 0 3 7 8 1 4 10 21 4 7 6 15 12 4 2 2 8 4 21 15 1 2 0 7 1 1 25 6 1 2 9 10 7 0 2 0 6 1 15 12 108 0 0 1 4 1 4 10 14 0 1 3 14 10 0 0 0 4 1 4 10 130 154 81 0 0 3 8 0 13 14 20 1 9 4 25 9 0 7 2 17 0 16 21 0 0 0 11 2 7 6 6 0 2 5 5 12 2 2 1 5 0 9 12 0 0 1 3 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 3 3 0 0 0 1 1 7 1 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 2 1 4 29 22 1 6 9 21 19 3 1 4 13 1 27 15 179 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 3 5 3 4 5 20 21 2 7 6 8 9 3 10 6 8 4 29 19 172 0 2 0 3 1 0 10 4 1 3 2 7 4 0 1 1 4 0 14 9 66 0 1 0 2 1 1 17 23 0 8 7 21 10 2 1 11 13 2 25 18 163 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 2 1 8 9 12 1 6 4 6 7 0 0 2 5 2 11 7 87 1 0 3 3 3 6 10 12 3 5 3 10 6 3 1 2 5 2 16 10 104 0 0 1 3 1 2 4 3 0 1 2 5 5 0 0 0 1 0 5 3 36 0 0 5 2 0 3 7 16 0 5 3 8 3 2 0 6 5 1 11 6 83 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 2 0 6 12 13 0 2 4 11 10 1 2 0 13 1 15 16 169 87 26 111 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 3 0 0 4 9 1 0 0 1 9 0 5 1 1 4 1 4 0 3 14 13 0 6 5 20 6 0 8 5 16 0 17 16 4 1 4 4 2 6 28 14 0 1 6 29 22 1 23 0 8 2 23 12 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 2 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 7 3 3 3 4 0 6 2 2 10 0 2 1 3 2 6 6 60 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 3 3 2 5 0 4 7 7 0 4 1 8 4 0 7 3 9 1 8 9 0 2 0 2 2 1 17 4 0 0 3 3 11 0 12 0 2 0 11 7 0 0 3 7 0 3 13 9 0 2 2 13 10 2 3 1 8 0 13 7 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 3 0 5 14 0 11 63 44 0 26 26 67 26 5 0 19 36 1 49 44 1 5 1 13 3 4 42 14 2 5 16 21 12 0 1 0 10 2 21 19 439 371 192 0 0 8 7 2 9 23 26 0 14 11 31 8 3 2 4 13 2 15 9 1 5 7 12 3 3 13 27 1 9 7 20 17 6 2 4 11 2 24 20 1 1 2 5 1 4 14 18 0 2 2 15 12 1 0 0 4 1 7 17 187 194 107 0 0 6 11 1 17 29 28 1 13 11 38 14 3 8 3 30 0 28 37 0 0 3 10 1 13 12 11 0 4 8 11 17 2 1 2 7 0 14 17 0 0 1 2 0 1 5 5 1 2 2 7 7 0 1 0 3 0 10 2 96 278 133 49 0 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 9 3 0 0 4 14 0 0 0 1 10 0 7 1 1 4 1 12 5 15 27 25 0 9 7 55 14 0 9 6 17 0 31 14 6 4 4 10 3 17 34 29 0 1 7 54 24 1 19 1 15 3 33 19 43 139 190 20 85 77 0 52 252 284 604 619 405 397 421 197 342 956 950 632 *“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. 20 5 11 9 28 7 17 44 24 2 18 16 35 24 5 6 10 13 7 50 40 Seafarers LOG Piney Point .............Monday: February 6, March 6 Algonac ..................Friday: February 10, March 10 Baltimore ................Thursday: February 9, March 9 Boston.....................Friday: February 10, March 10 Guam ......................Thursday: February 23, March 23 Honolulu .................Friday: February 17, March 17 Houston ..................Monday: February 13, March 13 Jacksonville ............Thursday: February 9, March 9 Joliet .......................Thursday: February 16, March 16 Mobile ....................Wednesday: February 15, March 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: February 14, March 14 New York................Tuesday: February 7, March 7 Norfolk ...................Thursday: February 9, March 9 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: February 8, March 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: February 16, March 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: February 16, March 16 San Juan..................Thursday: February 9, March 9 St. Louis..................Friday: February 17, March 17 Tacoma ...................Friday: February 24, March 24 Wilmington ...............Tuesday: February 21* .................................Monday: March 20 ............................................(*change created by Presidents’ Day holiday) ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Additional Thanks – More SDRF Contributors The November and December issues of the LOG included lists of individuals who contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Since those lists were compiled, additional contributions were received from people whose names are listed below. Timothy Burke Anthony Maben Lavern McDowell Sr. Donald Melonson Mohsin Nasser Christopher Schneider Ellen Silver Jerome Smith John Walsh 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 January 2006 �34103_P01,4,5,20,21.qxd 12/21/2005 8:12 AM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 21 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report NOVEMBER 16 — DECEMBER 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, 422, Suite 101B West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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 January 2006 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 15 2 6 11 0 1 1 39 2 3 1 2 3 0 0 0 11 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 16 0 3 14 3 0 1 40 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 13 1 1 12 1 2 0 31 12 32 5 16 32 0 1 7 105 9 11 1 5 12 0 1 3 42 0 3 1 11 1 0 1 0 17 0 4 3 0 6 1 0 3 17 6 20 6 1 16 1 0 5 55 1 3 7 5 10 0 1 0 27 0 2 3 7 0 1 0 0 13 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 5 6 14 3 4 14 1 0 2 44 3 4 4 1 16 1 0 1 30 0 2 3 6 0 0 0 0 11 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 7 0 0 6 0 0 1 16 1 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 7 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 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 4 0 0 6 0 0 2 16 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 3 0 1 0 0 1 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 3 0 3 5 1 0 0 13 0 1 2 2 2 0 1 0 8 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 5 Port 1 0 3 0 5 2 0 0 11 1 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 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 68 26 13 67 13 14 53 204 99 41 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Jesus V. Garcia of Fort Lee, N.J. It was taken on an SIU-contracted ship “a few years ago,” he wrote in a letter to the LOG that accompanied the photo. “As you can see,” he wrote, “it shows some of my shipmates having coffee at 10:00 a.m.” Brother Garcia, who was born in Fort Worth, Texas, joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York sailing as an FOWT. He retired in 1980, last sailing on the Borinquen. 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. Seafarers LOG 21 �34103_P6_16,22_23.qxd 12/21/2005 10:43 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 668 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 668. They are (in alphabetical order) Michael Callahan, Marcus Campbell, Enrique Defendini, Brian Elam, Juan Gonzalez, Legarrius Jones, Benita Long, David Moses, Lee Patrick, Richard Perez, Marvin Porter, Christopher Sahagon, Terrance Sawyer, Gregory Simmons, Jeffrey Tyson, Ryan Wall and Michael Williams. ARPA— With instructor Mike Smith (far right) are Seafarers who completed the ARPA course Aug. 25. They are (in alphabetical order) Andrew Brzezinski, Nikunj Christian, Jeffrey Coble, Alexander Kepchar, Felix Nunez and Michael Presser. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Sept. 16 are (from left, kneeling) Norman Rodriguez, John Maynor Sr., (first row) Jerome Prince, Paul Brown, Ty Varnadoe, Romulo Racoma Jr., Thia-Curon Banks, (last row) Chris Malbas, James Nickerson, Stacy Murphy and Daniel McFarland. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Damage Control — Upgrading Seafarers working aboard MTL vessels who completed the Damage Control course Sept. 23 are (in no specific order) Robet Yates, Terry Popperwill, Keith Kirkeide, Harry Livingston Jr., Robert Taylor, Guy Pruitt, Garnett Leary, Melvin Pendleton, Greg Cherry, Eddie Garner, Riley Johnson, James Hunley, Brian Cherry, Miles Ireland Jr., Bradley Thomas Jr. and Art Schwendeman. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at far left. Chief Cook — Graduates of the chief cook class in November are (from the left) Charles Davis, Elba Alfaro, Larry Bachelor, Chef John Dobson (instructor), Reynaldo Ricarte, Lisa Favreaux and Mary Whatley. Jr. Engineer — Completing the junior engineer program, which lasted from June 20 through Sept. 9 are (in no specific order) Aaron Matuszny, Kenneth Green, Christopher Eason, Ronald Embody, Darrell Riggins, Demond Williams, Terrance Maxwell, Charles Bennett, Anthony Neathery, Michael Voda, Joseph Krajnik, Jeffrey Hawkins, Eric Mentzer and Bryan Fletcher. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes Holding their certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab are (from left in the above left photo) Christopher M. Eason, George A. Miller and Joseph Krajnik, with instructor Rick Prucha in the back. In the above right photo, Lon Maduro is awarded a number of certificates of achievement in computer courses from Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG Government Vessels — Upgrading Seafarers graduating Aug. 26 from the government vessels course are (in no specific order) Florencio Marfa Jr., Anthony Lieto, Dana Paradise, Rene Rosario, Sylvan Harris, Philip Forman, Wilfred Colon, Radford Rainey, Arnell George and Alexander Rodriguez. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far left. January 2006 �34103_P6_16,22_23X.qxd 12/22/2005 7:43 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Sept. 23 graduates of this class include (in no specific order) George Miller, Gill Sickles, Harold Harper, Joseph Thomas, Joseph Barnes, Jeffrey Moore, Duane Frosburg and Jackie Jones Jr. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back) are students who completed the welding course Sept. 9. They are (in no specific order) Michael Murner, Michael Wiley, Paul Voisin, James Watson, Lon Maduro and Hector Solis (Note: Not all are pictured.) Lifeboatman/Water Survival — The following students completed the lifeboatman/water survival course ending Aug. 19. Included in the class, which was taught by Bernabe Pelington (standing aft in both photos), are (in no specific order) Mark Jones, Paul Conway, Radford Rainey, Lawrence Jackcroft, Kenneth Young, Alexander Rodriguez, Chris Malbas, Brian Goodman, Gary Walker, Morris Coronel, Robert Guilmette, Julio Rivas, Glenn Taan and Donaldo Valencia. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Aug. 12 from instructor Tony Sevilla (far right) are (in no specific order) Steven Lonas, Wilfred Colon, Saleh Mothana, Edwin Rivera, Cortney Sacks, Abebe Reda, William Little, Jennifer Souci and Jarret Leask. Radar — The seven Seafarers completing the radar course Aug. 19 are (in alphabetical order) Nikunj Christian, Rafael Clemente, Patricia Hausner, Alexander Kepchar, Michael McCourt, Felix Nuñez and Michael Presser. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far right. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, Aug. 12: Nina Holder, Mark Howland, Shala Hunt, Rufus Johnson, Roy Kamehiro, Tin Kyaw, Rokki Lewis, Brandon Lincoln, Michael Lingsch, Amy Linke-Mikles, Elizabeth Lopez, Alejandra Marquez, Nicole Matthews, Sheila McClain, Donald McDavis, Thomas McIntosh, Venecia Meno, Whitney Mitchell and William Tinney. STCW — NCL, Aug. 12: Zinnia Montenegro, Daisy Anne Nalicat, Pablito Pellosis, Diana Peterson, Michael Rudkosky II, Stephen Schwartz, Jeffrey Shedrick, Brian Sheeks, Danielle Siegrist, Jodi Smith, Sheena Smith, Thomas Sover, Jerrald Taylor, Joseph Thiele, Robert Tracy, Magdalena Wiklund, Daniel Wilcox, YuQuan Wu and Nancy Zeoli-Bohanan. STCW — NCL, Aug. 19: Mark Abrincia, Elray Adams, Michael Barton, Kevin Bertelmann, Christine Brown, Monica Brown, Robert Budrick Jr., Jason Carlucci, Lillian Chatwin, Sandra Clyde, Fedd Coleman, Debra Croft, Jarrod Cutchins, Samuel Day III, Jennifer Dunn, Kesha Evans, Tiffany Glenn, Anthony Guzman and SIU members Zedrick Alcantara and Bryan Benak. STCW — NCL, Aug 19: Helen Legaux, James Lundy, Jay Macy, Matthew Martin, Talon McKinney, Laura Mertes, Emily Miller, Karsten Murray, Ivana Norgah, Danilo Pacia, Joseph Padden, Shawn Pajeaud, Angeline Palisoc, Rebecca Patrick, Vanessa Patterson and SIU members Lawrence Lewis and Benjamin Medrano. STCW — NCL, Aug. 19: Rachel Piceno, STCW — NCL, Aug. 19: Carolyn Hathorn, Gregory Hayes, Sharon Henderson, Andrew Hinds, Carole Horn, Heather Hughes, Michelle Ireland, Talita Jefferson, Janice Johnson, Megan Johnson, Douglas Jones, Corey Keigler, Nicole Kilmer, Shelley Kimball, Chetan Kumar, Rebecca Lee and SIU members Albert Haarmann, Leslie Hewett Jr., and Robert Lerma. (Note: Not all are pictured.) January 2006 Bon Phoaphai Pornchai, Ronald Reed, Jamilynn Rosario, Larry Ross, Mitchell Ross, Leonard Rugante, Erika Schoenknecht, Kendra Stivers, Clint Stubblebine, Michael Tracy, Erika Vanderzon, Grant Van Ulbrich, John Vertin, Aldrin Villaluz, Mike Wabst, David West, Christa Wichert, James Young and SIU members Ethan Mims and Rene Rosario. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �34103_P3,19,24.qxd 12/21/2005 9:02 AM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 1 January 2006 A R V P 8 2005 in Review Seafarers Answered Calls for Disaster Relief, Ongoing Troop Support In a year bracketed by bittersweet stories of disaster relief, the SIU enjoyed exceptionally good news throughout 2005 concerning its contracted fleet. Whether gaining new tonnage, maintaining jobs aboard ships previously under contract or learning of plans to build more vessels in American shipyards, Seafarers had plenty to applaud. SIU members also continued supporting U.S. troops in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, sailing aboard dozens of ships in the Middle East and elsewhere. As with any year, 2005 brought its share of challenges. It began with Seafarers mobilizing to support victims of the tsunami which struck in late 2004, and ended with SIU members still on duty in the U.S. Gulf Coast where they helped provide relief for hurricane victims. While the members were duly credited for their efforts in both missions, the extensive storm damage saddened all concerned. Seafarers also couldn’t escape the burgeoning health care crisis —a nationwide emergency that threatens to cripple the U.S. economy. Following is a look back at some of the key stories from 2005. Job Growth Continues The year started with the government announcing operating contracts for the extended, expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program and ended with Seafarers crewing up the MSP’s newest ships. Overall, the program grew from the old number of 47 U.S.-flag vessels to the current 60, beginning in October. SIU members sail on every one of those ships, so the union gained 13 vessels in the updated MSP. Not to be overlooked in the program’s growth were the many supportive comments from highranking military officials who participated in “flag-in” ceremonies. Their enthusiastic recognition of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital role as part of America’s fourth arm of defense reflects the bond between mariners and the troops for whom they deliver. In a blockbuster declaration in mid-April, SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group announced it will operate 10 U.S.flag tankers scheduled for construction at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (formerly Kvaerner Philadelphia). The company said the five-year construction plan is “believed to be the largest of its kind in American commercial shipbuilding.” Plenty of fanfare accompanied the launch of NCL America’s second ship, the Pride of America. Christened in New York in June, the state-of-the-art cruise ship represents not only new jobs for Seafarers, but also the continued revitalization of an important segment of the U.S. fleet. Other areas saw growth, too. On the Great Lakes, American Steamship Company added the 1,000-foot self-unloader Burns Harbor, while the riverboat Detroit Princess also came under SIU contract. Members of the union’s Government Services Division crewed up the USNS Lewis and Clark, the first of eight vessels in a new T-AKE class. There are options to order four more of the dry cargo/ammunition ships, for a potential total of 12 vessels. Matson’s containership Manulani entered service, and the company ordered two more ships from Aker Philadelphia. The second and third Alaska class tankers—the Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator —were delivered and sailed with SIU crews. One more such ship is being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. Like the others, it will be operated by Alaska Tanker Company. Maritrans announced a contact to build three new ATBs. Seafarers crewed up the new car carrier Jean Anne, owned by The Pasha Group and operated by Interocean Ugland Management. The coastwise tanker Sea Venture came under SIU contract, operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, Inc. Seafarers also saw significant job retention in 2005 with the awarding of various contracts. None was bigger than the U.S. Maritime Administration’s announcement of operating agreements for the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Overall, Seafarerscontracted companies won contracts to operate all 54 ships in the RRF fleet. Similarly, Maersk Line Limited won an operating agreement for eight fast sealift ships, while Ocean Ships won a separate contract for four of the T-5 tankers. Seafarers already sailed aboard those ships, but as the operating agreements expired, there was no guarantee that the new ones would go to SIU-contracted employers. In Peace and War While the SIU’s support of our troops in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom predates 2005 and continues into the New Year, the disaster relief operations—particularly in the U.S.—once again showed that the merchant marine is reliable not just in times of conflict but whenever needed. More than 100 SIU members crewed 14 ships that sailed in relief missions to Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Indonesia and other Indian Ocean nations hit by the tsunami right after Christmas 2004. Additionally, the SIU One of the year’s highlights occurred June 17 in New York as the SIUcrewed Pride of America was christened by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Thomas Gilmour, SIU President Michael Sacco, Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay, NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch, Secretary Chao and her father, James Chao. donated $10,000 to the International Red Cross for use in that region. Seafarers remain very active in the Gulf Coast relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Altogether, SIU members sailed aboard no fewer than 18 ships involved in the situation— whether moving them from initial danger or subsequently bringing assistance not only to the storm victims but in some cases to the government relief workers themselves. Moreover, the union quickly established the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund so that those wishing to directly assist their fellow SIU members could do so. Hundreds of people contributed. Perhaps overlooked, but also noteworthy, were the mobilizations of the USNS Mercy and USNS Niagara Falls in late March. Seafarers aboard those ships helped bring assistance to earthquake victims in northern Sumatra. Political Action and More In the U.S. maritime industry, announcements don’t come much bigger than the one from SIUcontracted Overseas Shipholding Group confirming that it will operate 10 new tankers like the one pictured here. The vessels are scheduled for construction at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. The union remained extremely active in politics because such practice is vital to the survival of not only the SIU but the entire U.S. Merchant Marine. In addition to supporting pro-maritime candidates in the off-year elections, the SIU backed (among other bills and proposals) the Employee Free Choice Act; the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act; and opening the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for safe exploration. SIU officials and members continued their full involvement in everything from local and regional port security committees to shipboard security teams. Seafarers reelected Michael Sacco as union president in an election that ended Dec. 31, 2004. The tallying committee approved election results for officials who will serve four-year terms (from 2005-2008). The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) awarded scholarships worth a combined $132,000 to three SIU members and five dependents. Facing defections from a handful of unions, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney vowed to persevere and took steps to ensure the federation’s prosperity. The addition of two other unions following the abandonment by others, along with the approval of Solidarity Charters late in the year, both reflected as well as reinforced his determination. ITF The union remained active in the International Transport Workers’ Federation, an organization dedicated to protecting workers’ rights around the world. SIU ITF inspectors secured $347,000 in back pay plus repatriation for 43 crew members on the runaway-flag passenger and gaming vessel St. Tropez. They also brought seven Panamanianflag vessels under ITF contract and secured back pay for crew members on the Sumida. The ITF and international shipowners’ Joint Negotiating Group reached a new agreement covering 55,000 mariners on more than 3,200 ships. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, participated in the negotiations. Continued on page 17 � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES STEADY PROGRESS CONTINUES IN ITF’S FOC CAMPAIGN SIU-CREWED SHIPS DELIVER FOR U.S. TROOPS 3RD BP TANKER DELIVERED MAERSK AWARDED MSC CONTRACT FOR AMMO SHIPS PAGE, CARTER NEW TRACTOR TUG JOINS BRUSCO FLEET CAPE TRINITY HONORED FOR PERFORMANCE IN ENDURING FREEDOM SEAFARERS RECOGNIZED FOR SAFETY ISPS CODE GETS MIXED REVIEWS RALLIES FOCUS ON WORKERS’ RIGHTS AS HUMAN RIGHTS CLEVELAND HOSTS UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW HIGH COST OF HEALTH CARE CONTINUES TO MAKE HEADLINES FLEET EXPANSION YEAR’S BRIGHTEST STORY 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 01/01/2006 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. 68, No. 1 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ccc6d76b56acf86c04bde60045feaa83.pdf 1fdfaa14ec652c23860e749b2e2d7de1 PDF Text Text 34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:50 AM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 2 February 2006 More New New Ships Ships More On the the Way! Way! On SIU-Contracted Cruise Ship, Tankers And More Under Construction At least five new Seafarers-contracted vessels plus an ATB are scheduled to launch in 2006. They include (clockwise, from upper left) the tanker Alaskan Legend, the military support ship USNS Sacagawea, the first of 10 tankers being built for OSG in Philadelphia, and NCL America’s cruise ship Pride of Hawaii. Page 3. Photo courtesy NASSCO Photo courtesy NASSCO Photo courtesy Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Tug Tragedy Claims 3 Page 4 Tax Tips for Mariners Pages 12-13 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 1:33 PM Page 2 President’s Report Remembering Our Fallen Brothers From time to time we are reminded that shipboard life, for all its appeal and rewards, carries a certain inevitable amount of risk. That’s true in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland divisions, and it’s also the case in other transportation-related industries. Some of the risk simply comes with the territory. It’s the nature of the work, particularly where heavy equipment is involved. That’s one reason why our union always has emphasized shipboard safety and especially the need for each Michael Sacco member to stay up-to-date with the latest safety training. In particular we have gone to great lengths with our affiliated school, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, to make sure that Seafarers can and do receive the absolute “latest and greatest” courses which help them do their jobs safely and effectively. In the merchant marine, we also constantly face the threat of an uncontrollable and often seemingly unpredictable companion in Mother Nature. There may be times when severe weather is a flat overwhelming foe, no matter how many precautions are taken. That appears to have been the case in the fatal sinking of the SIU-crewed tug Valour last month off the coast of North Carolina. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident, but even before all the details are reported, it’s apparent that extremely rough seas played a big part in the sinking. There are no words that can compensate for the three lives that were lost—those of SIU member Ron Emory, Chief Engineer Richard Smoot and Chief Mate Fred Brenner, who began his career with our union many years ago. But I would say to their families and friends and shipmates that everyone in the SIU genuinely feels the loss. We’re a closely knit organization—a community of Seafarers—and I think that to some extent we all share in each other’s experiences. When one of our crews helps earn a safety award or some other positive recognition, we have every reason to feel good about it throughout the entire SIU. When one of our brothers or sisters suffers a tragic loss, we all share in the pain. No matter what facts emerge in the final report on the Valour, the incident itself is a grim reminder that safety training and documentation are about far more than just fulfilling obligations on some checklist. Some accidents truly are unavoidable and blameless. But we owe it to every Seafarer and their families to continue fully preparing our membership to face the challenges in all three shipboard departments and in every division. We most certainly will continue fulfilling that mission—working with our affiliated school, with our contracted companies, with the appropriate government agencies and international maritime bodies and with anyone and everyone else who gives us a better chance to help ensure the safe return of every SIU member. On behalf of our officials and members, I extend the SIU’s deepest sympathies to the families and shipmates of the Valour victims. New Ships on the Way There is no completely comfortable way to go from such a serious subject to looking at the year that lies ahead, but we of course must continue and move forward. And on that note, I believe we have plenty to look forward to in 2006. For example, on our cover and on page 3 you can read about some of the new SIU-contracted ships that are due to begin sailing this year. Those vessels represent the continued job security of Seafarers and continued success in our efforts to help revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. As usual, we won’t let up in those efforts. Volume 68, Number 2 Navy League President Urges Policy for Stronger U.S. Fleet The national president of the Navy League of the United States recently called for presidential action to further strengthen the U.S. Merchant Marine and stated that a vibrant U.S.-flag fleet is vital to America. Writing in the Navy League’s latest annual Seapower Almanac, John A. Panneton, a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, said that a “strong U.S.-flag Merchant Marine is essential to support the defense of our nation and our economic security in the 21st century.” Speaking of all U.S. sea services, Panneton likened current conditions to the pre-Katrina days in New Orleans. “The primary lesson arising from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and other recent disasters is that we must not wait until tragedy strikes to refurbish and maintain the nation’s critical infrastructures,” he observed, adding that the federal government must avoid similar pitfalls when it comes to maintaining sufficient U.S. tonnage. Panneton continued, “During a conflict, 95 percent of the equipment and supplies required to deploy the U.S. armed forces overseas are delivered by ship. U.S.-flag commercial and government-owned vessels, manned by U.S. citizen mariners, played an indispensable role in providing strategic sealift for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and in the continuing Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sea Power 21, the Navy’s strategic vision of the future, underscores the need for a robust logistics force and commercial sealift capability to support and sustain Special Operations Forces, maritime coalition forces and additional expeditionary strike groups. A variety of commercial maritime vessels, in-stream cargo handling systems and high-speed connector vessels also will be needed.” Underscoring the organization’s belief in U.S. mariners, Panneton wrote, “Our call for White House intervention to bolster the Merchant Marine is a central element of the Navy League’s Maritime Policy for 2006-07. The underlying purpose of our policy is to establish the basis for Navy League support of the sea services’ mission success. The Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine are beset by rising expectations of performance and diminishing resources. Personnel and equipment are being driven to extremes as the sea services continue to prosecute the global war on terrorism in the Middle East and Southeast Asia while vastly increasing their humanitarian operations around the globe, from tsunami relief in Southeast Asia to hurricane relief on the U.S. Gulf Coast and earthquake relief in Pakistan. John Panneton, president of the Navy League of the United States, notes that U.S. mariners have “played an indispensable role” supporting our troops. “Accordingly, the Navy League Maritime Policy for 200607 concludes that the sea services are stretched to the point where they can no longer do more with less. The nation must provide the funding for the reconstitution and modernization of its forces, and avoid the specter of failure that lies on our horizon.” He concluded, “Providing for the future is not easy or cheap, but it is essential. Each day, the people of our nation ask sailors, Marines, Coast Guard personnel and merchant mariners to go into harm’s way to protect their interests. We are obliged to hold ourselves accountable, and provide them with the resources to survive and prevail.” SIU of Canada Protects Jobs Company Tried to Use Cyprus-Flag Tonnage The SIU of Canada, an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America, started the New Year by protecting members’ jobs when a company attempted to use Cyprus-flag tonnage in the Canadian domestic trades. SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz confirmed a report in the newspaper Trade Winds indicating that bulk shipper Canada Salt Co. had applied to the Canadian Transport Agency (CTA) for work involving cargo shipments from the Magdalen Islands to ports along the St. Lawrence River. However, Canada Salt wanted to give the work to the Greek company Navarone SA, which apparently would have utilized its Cyprus-flag vessels Mandarin and Pintail. “The SIU objected on the basis that SIU-contracted vessels would be available,” SIU of Canada Executive Vice President Michel Desjardins noted. “We also objected to any issuance of temporary work visas, as Canadian seafarers were available to do the work, in accordance with our immigration laws. We were helpful in safeguarding approximately four weeks’ work for our members.” The SIU of Canada had allies in this fight: Domestic owners Canada Steamship Lines, Transport Desgagnes Inc. and Seaway Marine Transport also protested the application. All three of those companies have contracts with the SIU of Canada. Canada’s cabotage rules stipulate that foreign-flag vessels may be used in the domestic trades only if no appropriate Canadian-flag tonnage is available. According to Trade Winds, when the CTA denied Canadian Salt’s application, “The authorities explained that the burden of proof was on the shipper to ‘prove that the vessel capacity offered by Canadian vessel operators, that have previously always met its transportation needs, is insufficient.’” Port Council Honors McLaughlin, Johnston, Bishop February 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity presented its annual awards Oct. 15, 2005 in New York City. Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) Brian McLaughlin, president of the 1.5 million member New York City Labor Council and recipient of the port council’s Paul Hall Labor Man of the Year Award; SIU and AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department President Michael Sacco; U.S. Rep. Timothy Bishop (D-N.Y.), the port council’s Government Man of the Year; SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, who also serves as president of the port council; Captain Robert E. Johnston, senior VP at Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) and recipient of the council’s Herb Brand Memorial Man of the Year Award; Port Council Secretary-Treasurer Peter Busaca; and MTD Executive SecretaryTreasurer Frank Pecquex. February 2006 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 1:33 PM Page 3 More New Ships Due this Year When it comes to new SIUcontracted vessels, Seafarers should have plenty to look forward to this year. Based on the latest projections from the respective shipyards, at least five new Seafarers-contracted vessels plus an ATB are scheduled to launch in 2006. Those ships include NCL America’s cruise ship Pride of Hawaii, slated for a mid-April debut; Crowley’s ATB Pacific Reliance, scheduled for late March; the Matson containership Maunalei, due in June; BP Oil Shipping Company USA’s fourth Alaskaclass tanker, the Alaskan Legend, set to debut mid-year; the second ship in the Lewis and Clark class, the USNS Sacagawea; and the first of 10 tankers to be built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard for Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). Delivery dates haven’t been specified for the latter two vessels but both are expected sometime this year. “This type of great news should never be taken for granted,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “So many things play a role in the SIU’s success—political action, doing an outstanding job aboard ship and staying on top of the latest training techniques and requirements. As always, we won’t rest on our laurels.” The 920-foot Pride of Hawaii undoubtedly will garner the most headlines in the commercial media. It is the third ship in NCL America’s fleet and is undergoing finishing touches in a German shipyard. The Pride of Hawaii will have a passenger capacity greater than 2,100 and will be capable of a top speed of 25 knots. It will join the Seafarers-crewed Pride of Aloha and Pride of America on Hawaiian Island itineraries (see related story, page 24). Crowley’s Pacific Reliance and accompanying barge 650-1 are being built at Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss. The tug will have 10,000 h.p. while the 580foot barge will have a capacity of 185,000 barrels. The unit will have 14 cargo tanks, two more than the earlier generation of ATBs. Each of those tanks will have its own electronically driven cargo pump. Members of the union’s Government Services Division will crew up the 689-foot USNS Sacagawea, part of a new class of combat logistics force vessels. The new T-AKE ships are dry cargo/ammunition vessels designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing underway replenishment services. The first such ship, the USNS Lewis and Clark, began sailing last year. The Alaskan Legend will join three double-hulled sister ships in its class operated by Alaska Tanker Company. The other ships are the Alaskan Explorer, Alaskan Frontier and Alaskan Navigator. Each is 941 feet long; they have a combined capacity of 1.3 million barrels of crude oil. The vessels already in operation have been delivering cargo from Alaska to BP’s refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. OSG’s first new tanker, unnamed for now, will be 600 feet long and capable of carrying 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Construction also has begun on the second ship in the Veteran class; it is due to launch in 2007. Matson’s Maunalei is its fourth containership being built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. It is approximately 700 feet long and will join sister ships Manulani, Maunawili and Manukai along with the R.J. Pfeiffer in what the company describes as an integrated weekly West Coast-HawaiiGuam-China service. Photo courtesy Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Above: In the foreground is the first of 10 tankers being built for SIU-contracted OSG at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard; right behind it is the final in a series of four Seafarerscontracted Matson ships under construction. Left: The fourth Alaskaclass tanker, the Alaskan Legend, will transport cargo from Alaska to the West Coast. Photo courtesy NASSCO Additional North Slope Acreage Opened for Safe Oil Exploration Photo courtesy NASSCO The USNS Sacagawea is the second in the new T-AKE class, being built at San Diego’s NASSCO shipyard. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard has begun production on the second of 10 vessels in the product tanker program announced last spring. President to Nominate Sanborn for MarAd Post The White House last month announced that president Bush “intends to nominate David C. Sanborn, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation. Mr. Sanborn currently serves as Director of Operations for Europe and Latin America at DP World. Prior to this, he served as Senior Vice President for North America Service Delivery at CMACGM (America) LLC. Mr. Sanborn also served as Vice President for Network-Operations for American President Lines, Pte. Ltd. Earlier in his career, he served as Director for Operations for Sea-Land Service, Inc. Mr. Sanborn is a retired Lieutenant Junior Grade for the United States Naval Reserve. He received his bachelor’s degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.” February 2006 The U.S. Department of Interior may well have paved the way for future oil exploration in the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and potentially more SIU jobs, as a result of its Jan. 11 approval to open thousands of acres on Alaska’s North Slope for oil exploration. According to several sources, including Reuters, The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, the Interior Department gave its okay for oil and gas exploration in the Teshekpuk Lake Region, an area that previously was considered off-limits because of concerns about the impact on wildlife. The department’s action came just weeks after Congress blocked legislation that would have permitted energy development in the nearby ANWR. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed opening the area—used by migrating caribou and birds and situated west of the 19.9 million acre wildlife refuge on Alaska’s North Slope—one year ago, but it was not until Jan. 11 that Deputy Assistant Secretary Chad Calvert approved a modified version of the original arrangement. The area and adjacent land is not part of a wildlife refuge and does not require Congressional approval for oil development. The latest plan will open up more than 500,000 acres in and around Teshekpuk Lake on Alaska’s oil rich North Slope. Government officials said the area has significant potential for oil development and estimate it contains about 2 billion barrels of oil that economically is recoverable, along with 3.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The area—especially portions near Teshekpuk Lake—has been a focal point of concern among environmentalists for some time. They say oil operations would disrupt an area where thousands of geese molt. Caribou and tundra swans also would be harmed, they predicted. BLM officials acknowledged that the area is important for wildlife and subsistence hunting, and said their plan was very meticulous in requiring environmental protection and mitigation. They also pointed out that technological advances in oil drilling allow drilling to occur safely, without the impact previously feared. No surface drilling will be allowed on 242,000 acres considered vital for molting geese, or on another 244,000 acres used by caribou. Slant drilling will be allowed under those surfaces from adjoining land. Pipelines must be seven feet high, at least initially, to allow caribou and hunters to pass beneath. Finally, a maximum of 2,100 acres total in seven different zones can be permanently disturbed on the surface, and a three-year study will be conducted of molting geese, BLM officials said. The leasing of lands could begin as early as September, following reviews by Alaskan coastal and regional planning agencies, but drilling on the lake will be deferred for 10 years. “We have done a very good job balancing the subsistence resources while allowing some areas to be opened to oil and gas drilling,” said Susan Childs, energy and mineral planning coordinator for the BLM’s Alaska office, which will oversee implementation of the plan. BLM Alaska Spokeswoman Jody Weil echoed Childs’ comment, noting “Our mission is to provide for multiple uses. A part of our mission is to protect wildlife, but also part of our mission is to allow for the development of resources. Our job is to find that balance on oil and gas mining.” Actual oil drilling in the area could start as soon as the winter of 2007-08 by some estimates. And with the ANWR closed to exploration, the oil industry likely will be attracted and keenly interested in this new opportunity. “We believe there will be a lot of interest,” said Henri Bisson BLM director of Alaska. “It’s the most significant prospect on the North Slope, absent ANWR.” Seafarers LOG 3 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:51 AM Page 4 SIU-Crewed Cape Trinity Recognized For Active Role in Enduring Freedom The SIU-crewed Cape Trinity late last year was recognized for its performance during Operation Enduring Freedom. As was reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) in December awarded its Professional Ship Award to the Cape Trinity crew for services in the war on terror. Specifically, the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel’s crew and officers were cited for voluntarily serving on the high seas for 341 continuous days. During this period, they repeatedly transported assorted provisions to American military personnel in the Middle East and returned home. A formal awards ceremony to commemorate the service of the crew and officers on Nov. 29, 2005 took place at Brady’s Landing in Houston. SIU Asst. Vice President Southern Region Jim McGee represented the Seafarers during the event. On behalf of SIU President Michael Sacco and the union as a whole, McGee congratulated crew members on their accomplishment. He also thanked them for their hard work and the professional fashion in which they collectively represented the union throughout the time for which they were recognized. SIU members aboard the vessel during the period for which accolades were bestowed included Bosun Charles Jackson, ABs Frank Thompson, Robert Taylor, Vincent Lao, Richard Molina-Blackman and Dan Carman; Electrician Carlos Perez; GVAs Timoteo Nunez, Abdo Ahmed and Ali Hussein; Oilers Zaid Shaif, Filiberto Moreira and Rodolfo Menchaca; Chief Cook Amilcar Bermudez, Assistant Cook Jamie Cayonte and SAs Ramon Hernandez and Rolando Batiz. In addition to McGee, several other officials from the maritime industry attended the event. Deepak Varshney, acting director, Central Region, MarAd, served as the event’s keynote speaker. Also in attendance were Erny Otterspoor, president, Mormac Marine, Inc., and other officials from MarAd. MarAd’s Professional Ship Award is given to non-military ships that achieve the highest degree of safety, readiness, performance, efficiency, reliability and productivity, according to the agency. The crew and officers of the Cape Trinity also received the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, given to mariners who serve in war zones. Ready Reserve Force ships, crewed by U.S. Merchant Mariners, have carried much of the supplies to and from the Middle East since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Cape Trinity, in its 341 days of activation, carried 19,603 metric tons of cargo between various ports including Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, Shauiba and Ash Shuaybah in Kuwait, and Messaieed in Qatar. Ports in Europe included Bremerhaven, Szczecin and Antwerp. U.S. load ports included Charleston and Corpus Christi. The Cape Trinity originally was constructed in Germany’s HDW shipyard in 1977 for commercial roll-on/roll-off service. In 1994, it was converted to the U.S. flag and became part of the RRF. Tug Sinking Claims Lives of 3 Mariners Tragedy struck during the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 18, as a Seafarer and two officers from the Maritrans tugboat Valour lost their lives when the boat sank in high seas and gale-force winds off the coast of Cape Fear, N.C. Six other men aboard the Valour survived the ordeal. Three are SIU members and three are members of the American Maritime Officers. Longtime SIU member Ron Emory, age 56, sailing as an AB/tankerman, died in the acci- Contract Briefs The following items were reported at the January membership meetings: Sagamore Shipping – Ascension and Sagamore In accordance with their agreement, members of the unlicensed crew aboard the Ascension and Sagamore will receive a 3 percent increase to all wage-related items effective Jan. 1, 2006. Osprey Ship Management, Inc. – American Tern Last month (December 2005) with the re-award of the Military Sealift Command contract for the operation of an ice-strengthened vessel to Osprey Ship Management, Inc., the American Tern moved onto the new contract. The new agreement will include a 3 percent increase to all wage-related items along with a vacation benefit of 15 for 30 and 5 percent into the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan Benefit. Members also will continue to receive health benefits in accordance with the Core Plus Plan level. 2006. All fringe benefits remain unchanged. Also effective Jan. 1, 2006 unlicensed personnel employed aboard the E-Ships-operated Endurance, Endeavor and Enterprise received a 3.5 percent increase to wages and wage-related items. This contract is due to expire June 15, 2006. Interocean American Shipping Corp. – Car Carriers Interocean American Shipping Corp. (IAM) has extended their agreements covering unlicensed personnel aboard company-operated car carrier vessels to expire June 15, 2006 to coincide with the expiration of the Standard Freightship Agreement. With the extension of the agreement, there was also a 3 percent increase negotiated for wages and wagerelated items. The vessels included are the F reedom, Independence, Courage, Honor, Integrity, CF Liberty, CP Patriot and CR Resolve. Fringe benefit levels will remain the same through the duration of the agreement. Central Gulf Lines – Energy Enterprise Effective retroactively to July 1, 2005, there will be a 3 percent increase to wages and wage-related items for unlicensed personnel employed aboard the SS Energy Enterprise. The existing agreement has been extended to expire June 15, 2006. Maersk Line, Ltd. – Page and Carter SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) announced that it has been awarded a one-year agreement to charter two vessels under the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning program. The contract covers sister ships, the Seafarers-crewed military support carriers Lt. Col. John U.D. Page and Sgt. Edward A. Carter, Jr. The company noted that the agreement follows MLL’s “successful completion of an existing fiveyear contract and has options that could extend the performance period to a total of 59 months.” Company officials acknowledged the good work of Seafarers aboard those ships during the past five years. Waterman Steamship Corp. – Buenos Aires, Vera Cruz Effective January 1, 2006, the P&O Ned Lloyd Buenos Aires and the P&O Ned Lloyd Vera Cruz received a 3 percent increase in wages and wagerelated items. The agreement has also been extended to expire June 15, 2006. E-Ships – Argonaut, Endurance, Endeavor and Enterprise Effective Jan. 1, 2006, unlicensed personnel employed aboard the E-Ships-operated vessel the SS Argonaut received a 4.5 percent increase in wages and wage-related items. Additionally, the contract for this vessel has been extended to expire Dec. 31, Marine Personnel and Provisioning, Inc. – Motivator Effective Jan. 1, 2006, unlicensed personnel employed aboard the Americana-Class vessel Motivator received a 3 percent increase in wages and wage-related items. The agreement has been extended to expire June 15, 2006. 4 Seafarers LOG Seafarers recently were honored for their service aboard the Cape Trinity in Operation Enduring Freedom. Some of those SIU members are pictured at a MarAd awards ceremony last November in Houston, joined by SIU Asst. VP Southern Region Jim McGee (seated at far left). dent along with Chief Mate Fred Brenner, 53, and Chief Engineer Richard Smoot, 50. Brenner sailed with the SIU from 19711985. The survivors are AB/Tankerman Earl Shepard, AB/Tankerman James Hamilton, Cook Jay Templett, Captain Michael Lynch, Second Mate Jim Garnett and Assistant Engineer Lou Gatto. “On behalf of everyone in the SIU, I extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and to the surviving shipmates,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “Words always seem inadequate at times like this, but we are all part of the ‘Brotherhood of the Sea,’ and we all share in this terrible loss.” “We are deeply saddened by this incident and the related loss of life. Our primary concern is with the crew and their families,” said Jonathan Whitworth, president of Maritrans Operating Company L.P. According to company and newspaper reports, the 135-foot Valour was towing the Maritrans tank barge M-192 (carrying 135,000 barrels of No. 6 oil, a thick oil used as fuel) when the tug began taking on water in heavy seas late in the evening of Jan. 17. The tug separated from the barge and sank at approximately 2:30 a.m. Before the tug went down, Shepard was washed overboard while trying to secure an emergency door. His fellow mariners attempted to rescue him but were thwarted by the heavy seas. Shepard eventually was saved by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. Another seagoing tug, the Justine Foss, reportedly was in the area after completing a longdistance assignment and answered a Coast Guard call for assistance as the Valour was sinking. The Justine Foss arrived in time to pick up the remaining survivors as the Valour went down. Emory, wearing a survival suit, was lost at sea. According to unconfirmed reports, he likely was injured before the boat sank, possibly fatally. The Coast Guard dispatched a search team but later called off the search on Jan. 19. Similarly, and also according to unconfirmed reports, one of the officers was badly injured and may already have perished before going down with the Valour. Maritrans reported that the Coast Guard later in the day helped secure its drifting fuel barge and arranged for its tow to Wilmington, N.C. The barge apparently was undamaged and lost no cargo. The Coast Guard is investigating the sinking. As this edition of the Seafarers LOG went to press, there had been no official report indicating whether the sinking strictly was due to the severe weather or if other factors contributed. Shepard, who has sailed with the SIU for more than 30 years, was understandably distraught following the accident but quietly described Emory as “a great guy. I worked with him for 28 years. He was retired from the Navy—a great seaman and a loving family man…. The whole thing seems like a bad dream. It happened so fast.” MSC Buys 3 SIU-Contracted Ships The U.S. Military Sealift Command last month announced that it has purchased three Seafarers-contracted prepositioning vessels: the PFC Dewayne T. Williams, 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA) will continue operating the vessels. In a news release, the agency reported a purchase date of Jan. 17 and indicated that the vessels “had previously been under long-term charter to the command from Braintree II, III and IV Maritime Corps. of Quincy, Mass…. The options to purchase these ships were part of the original contracts, which were delivered to MSC in 1985 and 1986.” MSC further stated that AMSEA will remain as the vessels’ operator. The Williams is prepositioned in the Mediterranean; the Lopez in the Indian Ocean; and the Lummus in the western Pacific. They carry U.S. Marine Corps cargo. February 2006 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 1:34 PM Page 5 Report Underlines U.S. Health Care Woes Costs Consume 16 Percent of Nation’s Economic Output A government report released Jan. 10 brought to center stage what consumers and many companies have known for a long time: Health-care costs have soared out of control—they now consume 16 percent of the nation’s economic output. Issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Office of the Actuary, the report conceded that this level represented the highest amount ever recorded. It further stated that the nation’s health-care bill also continued to grow at a significantly greater rate than inflation and wages, increasing by almost 8 percent in 2004. Spending for physicians and hospitals shot up considerably faster than in recent years, while drug costs grew at a slower rate than over the past decade. Even as health care costs continue to escalate, however, many Americans— especially minorities and the poor—don’t get high-quality care, according to two other federal reports released the same day. Health care quality is improving slowly and some racial disparities are narrowing, the reports found, but gaps persist and Hispanics appear to be falling even further behind. “We can do better,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt at a Washington conference on racial and ethnic disparities in health. “Disparities and inequities still exist. Outcomes vary. Treatments are not received equally.” Experts from the political, medical and economic arenas have long warned that health care cost trends gradually will overwhelm the economy, and many companies now complain that employee and retiree health costs are making them less competitive. This latest report without doubt has added fresh fuel to a blaze that already is raging out of control. The overall cost of health care—everything from hospital and doctor bills to the cost of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, insurance and nursing home and home-health care—doubled from 1993 to 2004, said the CMS report. In 2004, the nation spent almost $140 billion more for health care than the year before. In 1997, health care accounted for 13.6 percent of the gross domestic product. “Americans rejected the tougher restrictions of managed care in the late 1990s, and yet they want all the latest advances in medical technology,” said Drew Altman, president of the non-partisan Kaiser Family Foundation, which researches health issues. “Since government regulation of prices and services is not in the cards, the inevitable result is higher costs.” The health care increase of 7.9 percent in 2004 was almost three times greater than the overall national inflation rate, which was 2.7 percent. The average hourly wage for workers in private companies was essentially unchanged that year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The best news in the report involved spending on pharmaceutical drugs, which of 9 percent over 2003 and an increase in hospital costs of 8.6 percent. The report’s authors said the jumps appeared to be associated with higher Medicare reimbursement rates for some doctors and, anecdotally, to an upswing in the construction of new hospitals. “This is an alarming situation, but it’s more like a creeping infection than a broken bone, and so people get used to it,” said Edward Howard, executive vice president of the Alliance for Health Reform, a non-profit education group chaired by The rise in health care costs “is an alarming situation, but it’s more like a creeping infection than a broken bone, and so people get used to it. Frankly, I don’t see major change until people who have some sort of organized political influence start hurting a little more.” —Edward Howard, VP Alliance for Health Reform increased by less than 10 percent for the first time in more than a decade. Cynthia Smith of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, lead author of the health spending report, attributed the slower increase in drug spending to greater use of generic drugs and mail order pharmacies, a slowdown in the introduction of costly new medications, and the impact of higher drug co-pays. Mark Merritt, president of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, which represents drug benefit managers, said the trend was also a result of their “work over the past decade to change the way consumers, clinicians, and purchasers think about prescription drugs.” While the fast rise in drug spending in the past decade attracted great attention from officials and health policy experts, it remains a relatively small part of the health care bill—about 10 percent. Defenders of increased drug spending have often argued that those added costs would keep people healthier and reduce the amount spent on hospitals and doctors. The 2004 statistics told a different story, however, with an increase in doctor costs Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), and Bill Frist, (R-Tenn.).“Frankly, I don’t see major change until people who have some sort of organized political influence start hurting a little more.” In a related development, working families, their unions and community allies are joining with the AFL-CIO in launching a major health care campaign to ensure the largest corporations, such as Wal-Mart, stop shifting health care insurance costs onto workers, taxpayers and other businesses. As part of the AFL-CIO “Fair Share Health Care” campaign, activists will work with legislators in 31 states to win legislation to require companies to pay their fair share for health care. Fair Share Health Care legislation will reduce the bill taxpayers pay to cover profitable employer’s expenses, ease the financial strain states face in growing Medicaid costs and help level the playing field between companies that provide good jobs and benefits and those that don’t. “I’m pleased to launch the AFL-CIO’s breakthrough Fair Share Health Care campaign,” said AFL-CIO President John Report Reveals Problems Aplenty On Doomed Runaway-Flag Ship USCG Concludes Capt. Violated Safety Practices The U.S. Coast Guard has concluded that the captain of the runaway-flag chemical tanker Bow Mariner—which during the early evening hours of Feb. 28, 2004 exploded and sank off the Virginia Coast—violated safety practices by ordering crew members to open empty cargo tanks for cleaning. Nearly two years after the 570-foot vessel exploded and claimed the lives of 21 crew members, the Coast Guard on Jan. 3 released its final incident report on the catastrophe. Investigators blamed gross negligence on the part of the vessel’s captain for the massive loss of life and said that opening the tanks’ hatches caused highly flammable vapors to escape onto February 2006 the deck, where the crew of the Bow Mariner was working. A spark ignited the mixture of air and vapors from a gasoline additive, the investigators said. The investigation also found that Greek Capt. Efstratios Kavouras abandoned ship without sending a distress call or trying to save his crew, contributing to the high death toll. Investigators blamed the Greek company that managed the ship and the senior officers on board for the disaster. The report said there was a failure to comply with the company’s and ship’s safety, quality and environmental system that likely exposed crew members to toxic vapors. Investigators also noted there was poor communication between the ship’s Greek officers and its Filipino crew. The Singapore-flagged chemical tanker was built in 1982 and was managed by a Greek company, Ceres Hellenic Shipping Enterprises Ltd. Its owners, Odfjell USA, are headquartered in Houston. According to the Virginian Pilot newspaper, the Bow Mariner—which picked up its cargo of methyl tert butyl ether (a flammable liquid used as an additive in unleaded gasoline) in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, on Jan. 24, 2004, and unloaded part of it in New York on Feb. 25, 2004—prior to the catastrophe had been carrying 3.1 million gallons of the ethyl alcohol, along with 192,904 gallons of heavy fuel oil and 48,266 gallons of diesel fuel. While the Sweeney on Jan. 5. “Beginning this month, the AFL-CIO and its unions, together with progressive state legislators and other allies, will be introducing and pushing legislation in more than 30 states to stop large, profitable corporations—like Wal-Mart— from freeloading off their communities and shifting their employees’ health care insurance costs onto workers, taxpayers and smaller businesses. “Health care is a basic need of every family,” he continued. “It’s nothing short of immoral that big, rich companies are shirking their responsibilities to their employees—we’re talking about mothers and fathers who are pushed to tears because they can’t take their children to the doctor. And it’s happening every day.” Forty-six million Americans—most of them in working families—live without health insurance, according to Sweeney. And literally thousands more lose their insurance each day, as good-paying jobs with benefits continue to be destroyed. To make matters worse, the AFL-CIO president said, those companies that do provide insurance are increasingly shifting the cost onto workers and cutting back on the benefits they provide, pushing hundreds of thousands of workers and their children into Medicaid programs all over the country. Between 2001 and 2004, the number of uninsured people in the U.S. rose by a staggering 5 million, with nearly the entire increase accounted for by a decline in employer-sponsored health insurance coverage. Today, more than one-quarter of workers in companies with 500 or more employees do not receive employer-based coverage, according to a study by the Commonwealth Fund. “As a result, around the country, workers, taxpayers and other businesses are forced to pick up a staggering $113 billion when profitable companies refuse to shoulder their employees’ health care costs,” Sweeney said. “Workers who have family coverage are forced to pay more and more each year, and at every bargaining table, those workers lucky enough to have a union are fighting to hold on to their health care coverage. The bottom line is that our health care system is broken—but it didn’t just split open. Big companies like Wal-Mart are pulling it apart and profiting at taxpayers’ expense.” ignition source could not be determined, investigators said it probably came from one of the following: electrostatic discharge, mechanical sparks caused by metal-on-metal contact, faulty electrical equipment, hot soot or particles from the ship’s smoke stack or funnel, or even sparks from changing batteries in a flashlight. Because the tanks had not been washed or mechanically ventilated, the concentration of vapor was well above the “upper explosive limit” for methyl tert butyl ether, the report said. Opening all the cargo tank hatches permitted vapors to escape at deck level, exposing crew members to a greater risk of an explosion from an accidental spark. The ignition produced two major explosions less than two minutes apart that began at 6:06 p.m. Feb. 28, 2004. The blasts resulted in catastrophic structural damage to the vessel and caused immediate flooding that sent crew members who had survived a series of explosions into the icy water. The explosions were heard on shore, more than 50 miles away, and witnesses from a passing tanker that arrived first on the scene described a ring of fire extending for hundreds of yards from the stricken ship. At around 6:30 p.m., the Coast Guard received its first and only distress call from one of the Bow Mariner’s Filipino crewmen and quickly launched a search and rescue mission. The ship sank in one hour and 32 minutes. The flight crew of Coast Guard divers who responded to the scene quickly plucked six survivors out of the sea. They immediately were transported to a makeshift triage center set up at the Ocean City, Md. Municipal Airport and later to area hospitals. Eighteen other crew members on the Bow Mariner weren’t as lucky. Searchers recovered only one other body following the explosion. Three crewmen who were recovered died from expoContinued on page 6 Seafarers LOG 5 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 1:34 PM Page 6 Seafarers Credited by Gen. Schwartz TOTE’s Northern Lights Sailed in OIF for 2 Years The commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) praised the efforts of mariners aboard the SIU-crewed Northern Lights in a letter to Seafarers-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE). TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Norton A. Schwartz wrote to TOTE Chairman and CEO Robert P. Magee concerning the crew’s excellent performance in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Northern Lights, a roll-on/roll-off vessel that normally operates in the Jones Act trade, supported U.S. troops for more than two years while under charter to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. General Schwartz cited the “superior support” of the unlicensed and licensed mariners as well as that of the company and its officials. “Early in the Iraq deployment, the Military Sealift Command sought commercial support and your company answered the call,” General Schwartz wrote on Oct. 26, 2005. “Since 18 February 2003, six weeks after the start TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Norton A. Schwartz has been quick to credit the U.S. Merchant Marine for its support of U.S. troops. of the deployment of forces to Iraq, SS Northern Lights was under charter to MSC. She continuously operated in support of U.S. forces since that time, never missing a commitment. No other ship, government-owned or commercial, has operated as long in support of these critical operations. Special Guest aboard Manulani Seafarers recently welcomed U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator John Jamian (second from right) aboard the Manulani. Jamian said he sailed on the Matson ship for a few days and that the SIU members aboard “took great care of me and fed me very well.” Pictured in the crew mess are (from left) Assistant Cook Ruben Siclot, Chief Steward Stephen Valencia, Jamian and Chief Cook Jose Guzman. Runaway-Flag Ship Captain Violated Safety Practices Continued from page 5 sure and other injuries. Kavouras, 51, whose body was among those missing after the explosion 50 miles east of Chincoteague on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, was one of three Greek officers aboard ship and drew much of the criticism from investigators. However, also contributing to the disaster “was the failure of the operator, Ceres … and senior officers of the Bow Mariner to properly implement the company’s and vessel’s Safety, Quality and Environmental System,” investigators said. For example: Cargo tanks were not fixed in stationary positions or neutralized of their chemical activity as required; procedures for cleaning tanks were not followed; procedures for entering confined spaces were not followed; the failure of one of two required 6 Seafarers LOG blowers used to disburse vapors was not reported; monthly fire drills were not conducted; training was scheduled and recorded in the minutes of a safety committee meeting but not actually held. “Opening of all of the hatches for the empty cargo tanks, as was done on the Bow Mariner, fails to conform to any known customary marine practice,” investigators wrote. “Because the tanks had not been washed or mechanically ventilated, the concentration of vapor was very high and certainly above the upper explosive limit for the MTBE. Opening all of the cargo tank hatches permitted vapors to escape at deck level, where the crew was actively working. This exposed them to toxic vapors and increased the likelihood of an explosion to initiate from an accidental spark.” Investigators also cited significant culture problems between “During the charter period SS Northern Lights made 25 voyages and 49 port calls,” he continued. “She carried 12,220 pieces of military gear totaling 81,000 short tons and covering over 2 million square feet. “Those statistics clearly demonstrate the value that the U.S.-flag shipping industry brings to the Defense Transportation System. At 200,000 square feet of cargo space, this ship has nearly the capacity of the Fast Sealift Ships, has speeds approaching those of the Navy’s Large, Medium Speed RoRo ships, and had a perfect record of reliability. Having this asset enabled us to improve readiness by keeping ships of the Ready Reserve Fleet available for other contingencies as needed. “You and your team of professionals showcased the U.S.-flag industry at its best,” General Schwartz concluded. After one of the vessel’s first deployments in 2003, Recertified Steward Steve Dickson, proving that humor remained even as the Northern Lights endured numerous alerts in Kuwait, noted that the U.S. Marines on board “are well-trained and polite. They have been learning shipboard lingo, such as the floor is called the deck, and the wall is a bulkhead, left is the port side and right is the starboard. They already know the salty language.” As of early January 2006 no fewer than a dozen SIU-crewed ships remained activated in support of U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Seafarers on the Northern Lights fulfilled their duty as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. Notice: Mariner Credentials Extended in Gulf The U.S. Coast Guard on Jan. 17 announced that the agency is extending the expiration dates of credentials held by merchant mariners impacted by the effects of Hurricane Katrina until Feb. 28, 2006. The authority for this temporary relief measure was included in the Coast Guard Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-141). Details are contained in the notice published in the Federal Register on Jan. 17, 2006 (available on the internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/f edreg/frcont06.html). This measure applies to certain mariners whose credentials expired on or after March 1, 2005, or will expire before Feb. 28, 2006. The requirements are as follows: „ Credentials are automatically extended for mariners whose home of record is listed as Alabama, Mississippi or Louisiana on their merchant mariner credentials. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials. „ Credentials issued by Regional Examination Center New Orleans are automatically extended. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials. „ Other mariners who believe their ability to renew their credentials in a timely manner has been adversely impacted by Hurricane Katrina should contact any Regional Examination Center to establish their eligibility for an extension. If credentials were lost or damaged due to Hurricane Katrina, mariners may apply to any Regional Examination Center to receive a duplicate credential that will bear the same expiration date and information as the lost or damaged one. Mariners whose home of record is Alabama, Mississippi or Louisiana may receive a waiver of the fees for issuance of duplicate credentials. All mariners whose credentials are within one year of expiration are encouraged to submit renewal applications as early as possible. Mariners may contact any Regional Examination Center with questions regarding these temporary measures, for a copy of the Federal Register notice, or for any other assistance. The Regional Examination Center locations and phone numbers are: the officers and crew. The Filipinos said they were treated with disrespect by the officers and were constantly threatened with being fired. The report goes on to state that the vessel’s senior officers, all Greek, were abusive to the junior officers and crew, all Filipino. “The survivors clearly feared the Greek officers, and each stated that they would obey any order from them, even if they knew the order to be unsafe,” the investigators said. The chief cook and his assistant said the fear of the Greeks extended to the galley. Reynaldo A. Tagle, 51, a messman, said the officers were verbally abusive and constantly threatened to send him home if he did not work harder or faster. Chief Cook Dominator M. Marentes, 57, likewise feared losing his job, the report said. “While these may have been the usual complaints of the lowest ranking crewmen aboard ship, there can be no question that such fear can lead to a shipboard culture where safety takes a backseat to preserving one’s livelihood,” the report said. “Filipino officers did not take their meals in the officer’s mess, were given almost no responsibility and were closely supervised in every task,” according to the report. The second assistant engineer, identified in the report as Edimar L. Aguilar, 48, working aboard a Ceres ship for the first time, was upset that he was chastised on his first day aboard because he inquired about his management and administrative duties. The attitude toward Filipino officers and crew was not limited to the Bow Mariner, the Coast Guard said. As part of the investigation, Jerry R. Crooks Jr., senior investigator for the Marine Safety Office in Norfolk and the investigating officer for the Bow Mariner, wrote that he visited a sister ship, the Bow Transporter, in Singapore, and observed many of the same attitudes. “The Filipinos were only permitted to speak to the investigating officer and Singapore offi- cials in the presence of the senior officers, leading to obvious nervousness,” Crooks wrote in the report. “Nevertheless, several crew members made statements confirming the same cultural divide existed aboard the Bow Transporter.” The Coast Guard recommended that its report be sent to the governments of Greece, the Philippines and Singapore, as well as to the owners and operators of the ship and international and American shipping interests. The U.S. attorney’s office in Norfolk issued subpoenas to get them to speak before a grand jury, but only after promising immunity from prosecution. The Coast Guard cited Ceres for pollution and has recommended a fine of $11,000, said Crooks, the senior investigator. That case is pending. The Bow Mariner explosion was the worst of four tank ship explosions that occurred worldwide between December 2003 and June 2004, resulting in a total of 27 deaths. Anchorage, Alaska - (907) 271-6736 Baltimore - (410) 962-5132/5147 Boston - (617) 223-3040/41/42 Charleston, S. C. - (843) 720-3250 or (800) 826-1511 Guam - (671) 339-2001 Honolulu - (808) 522-8264 Houston - (713) 948-3350/51 Juneau, Alaska - (907) 463-2458 San Pedro, Calif. - (310) 732-2080 Memphis, Tenn. - (901) 544-3297 or (866) 777-2784 Miami - (305) 536-6548/49/6874 or (800) 982-9374 New Orleans (temporarily operating in Memphis, Tenn.) (901) 544-3941 New York - (212) 668-7492/7864/ 4970/6395 Portland, Ore. - (503) 240-9346 Oakland, Calif. - (510) 637-1124 San Juan, Puerto Rico (787) 729-2376 Seattle - (206) 220-7327 St. Louis - (314) 539-3091 Toledo, Ohio - (419) 418-6010 February 2006 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:51 AM Page 7 SIU-Crewed Lummus Supports U.S. Troops The SIU-crewed 1st Lt. Jack Lummus is the flag ship for the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three. The vessel, home-ported in the Guam/Saipan area of the Western Pacific, is one of MSC’s 17 container and roll-on/roll-off ships and is one of the 36 ships in the prepositioning program. The Lummus and its sister prepositioning vessels are configured to transport supplies for the U.S. Marine Corps. They were built or modified beginning in the mid1980s and are forward-deployed to the western Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Collectively, the ships contain nearly everything the Marines need for initial military operations— from tanks and ammunition to food and water and from fuel to spare parts and engine oil. Following a recent voyage, the vessel tied up in Guam. While the Lummus was in port, SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus met with crew members, discussed their concerns and conducted a union meeting. The photos which appear on this page were taken while the vessel was docked. Taking in the proceedings during the meeting are, front, left to right, ABM Steve Wilson Jr. and Chief Steward Greg Williams. In the back row are AB Pankiatou Oleg and Chief Cook Gennady Dragunov. Below: ABs Denny Manns, left, and Ray Fanning prepare to power wash the deck of the Lummus. Pumpman Dan Kresconko maintains radio contact during fueling operations. Fleet Support Command Established The U.S. Military Sealift Command reported that a “significant benchmark” in MSC’s transformation was reached Nov. 13, 2005 when Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, headquartered in Norfolk, Va., was officially established. MSFSC’s mission is to staff, train, equip and maintain MSC government-owned and -operated ships worldwide and to support other MSC assets as directed by MSC’s commander. Some of the functions previously performed by MSC’s area commands are being combined and transferred to MSFSC. The new command will manage the repair and maintenance processes aboard MSC’s 38 government-owned and -operated ships, including the repair and maintenance of all shipboard installed communication systems. Engineering, comptroller and contracting functions will also be executed by MSFSC. In addition, personnel administration aboard government-owned and-operated ships—for both the active duty military and the civilian mariners—is an MSFSC responsibility. MSC’s Afloat Personnel Management Center, located in Virginia Beach, Va., has been realigned under the command of MSFSC and is now the Human Resources and Manpower Directorate for the organization. MSFSC headquarters is expected to be fully staffed with about 500 employees by April 2006. SA Mac Brown prepares to launch an all out cleaning assault in the galley. ing the SIU formed a coalition to ensure that employees would have effective representation as this process continued. The unions through many discussions and legislative efforts have tried to persuade DOD that these changes and regulations would substantially harm employees. The SIU and the licensed maritime unions fought hard to convince DOD that CIVMARS are a unique group of employees and should remain exempt from the NSPS. That exemption was granted for all but “Part I”—the labor relations portion of these regulations. The regulations implementing the program severely limit collective bargaining rights for bargaining unit employees and their representatives. Despite the arguments made by NSPS staffers, the regulations provide very little protection for employees who may come up against disciplinary and other employment issues. Much of the current collective bargaining agreements will be eradicated if the regulations are implemented as DOD expects. Once DOD published the final regulations and indicated their intent to implement this program, the unions had no other choice but to file a lawsuit to try and stop the regulations. A judge was scheduled to hear an oral argument on January 24, 2006. The unions understand that a decision may be made as soon as February 15, 2006. The union will continue to provide information to CIVMARS about the NSPS. In addition, up-tothe-minute information is available on the coalition’s web site at http://www.uniteddodworkerscoalition.org/. NSPS Update Wage Update Throughout 2005, the union kept CIVMARS advised about the Department of Defense’s NSPS (national security personnel system) program. DOD introduced this program in February 2004. It was proposed to substantially change how pay, performance and labor relations issues were carried out throughout all of DOD’s agencies. Approximately 30 federal sector unions includ- Federal law requires that each year the union must provide MSC with private sector maritime wages. To do this, the union gives MSC letters containing the wages and 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. February 2006 Electrician Bruce Callaghan monitors the gauges in the engine room. Steward Assistants Minnie Thomas, left, and Ray Baluyot talk about their latest culinary creations. Cook/Baker Evelyn Tayag, left, and SA Ryan Anderson are busy baking cookies for the next meal. CIVMAR News SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus, second from right, conducts a meeting with the crew of the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus in Guam. In October 2005, the union provided MSFSC with the wage information for its review and action. The union has been requesting information as to when there will be an announcement regarding 2005-2006 wages. The agency representative recently stated MSFSC had met with the Department of Defense but would not release any information to the union about those discussions. As soon as the union secures an update regarding the status of CIVMAR wages it will disseminate that information. Union Files Health and Safety Grievances The union has filed two health and safety grievances on behalf of SIU East Coast CIVMARS. The first grievance was filed on behalf of CIVMARS sailing on board USNS Spica. The union received a communication advising that the ship had a severe infestation of cockroaches. The infestation was one of the worst that shipboard personnel had encountered. The insects created health hazards in the galley when they were found in the food, cooking and eating utensils. Because it remained untreated, the infestation then spread from the galley to the rest of the vessel. Some shipboard supervisors appeared unconcerned when this issue was raised by several unlicensed CIVMARS. On the same day the union learned of this problem it contacted the APMC and requested an immediate investigation and treatment of the infestation. The union was advised that environmental health personnel had boarded the vessel and done an inspection along with the report. Extermination treatments, the union was told, started immediately. The union is still waiting for a formal response to its grievance. It has an information request pending regarding the report that was produced and other questions about the amount and type of chemicals used to treat the infestation. Thanks to the efforts of the CIVMARS who reported this issue, the union took very quick action to assist in ensuring that this important health and safety issue Chief Cook Gennady Dragunov readies the main course for the lunch meal. is addressed. The CIVMARS who reported this issue to the union made it clear that they did so to protect their own health as well as that of their shipmates, and to prevent illnesses and other health concerns aboard the Spica. If CIVMARS have concerns about a specific health or safety issue aboard a vessel, do not hesitate to contact your union official or send an e-mail to civmarsupport@seafarers.org. The second health and safety grievance was filed on behalf of CIVMARS reporting to the CSU East. MSFSC uses several hotels in the area but selected as the main hotel housing CIVMARS one located at Military Circle. Along with complaints made by East Coast unlicensed CIVMARS, an inspection by SIU Government Services Representative Maurice Cokes revealed that this hotel was in a dangerous neighborhood. Many crimes have been reported in this area and the union learned that someone was robbed at the hotel. Additionally the rooms were dirty and the furniture was in bad shape. Linens were not clean, drug paraphernalia was found in a room and one CIVMAR reported seeing roaches. The union believes that this hotel provides substandard accommodation to CIVMARS. It filed this health and safety grievance and requested a report that had been produced by an environmental protection officer to evaluate the conditions. The union is now waiting for a response to its grievance. It will continue to monitor the conditions at the hotel. While normally there are not many health and safety grievances that come to the union’s attention, monitoring such issues is one of the most important services that the union can provide to its membership. Those efforts will be most successful if CIVMARS take the time to make SIU Government Services Division representatives aware of shipboard and shore-side habitability conditions. Finally, do not be afraid to make such reports. The union in most cases can keep the mariner’s name confidential while notifying the Command of a problem in working towards its resolution. Seafarers LOG 7 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 2:25 PM Page 8 2005 Great Lakes Sailing Season Comes to an End A s most of the lakers began laying up in January for the icy winter months, the Seafarers who ply these vessels on the Great Lakes were able to look back on a good year, noted SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak. In addition to the busy Lakes season, the union in June welcomed new shipboard jobs when SIUcontracted American Steamship Company added a twelfth vessel—the Burns Harbor—to its fleet. The 1,000-foot self-unloading vessel primarily sails between Duluth, Minn. and Burns Harbor, Ind., carrying steel and steel byproducts. According to the Lake Carriers’ Association, which represents 12 American corporations that operate 54 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes, shipments of coal totaled 42.7 million tons in 2005, an increase of 7 percent compared to the previous year. SIU members crew many of the cargo vessels represented by the Lake Carriers’ Association, carrying the raw materials that help drive the nation’s economy: iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, limestone and cement for the construction industry, and coal for power generation. Furthermore, the lakers sail under the Jones Act, a law which mandates that cargoes carried from one U.S. port to another must be carried on U.S.-flag, U.S.-built and U.S.crewed vessels. The winter lay-up period will allow time for maintaining the vessels—a key factor in the long lifespan and exemplary safety record of the Great Lakes fleet. Sporting the Stars and Stripes on his hardhat is Bosun Charles Neigebauer, working on the deck of the St. Clair in Superior, Wis. Conveyorman Terry Pyrlik inspects the conveyor belt underneath the boom aboard the St. Clair in Superior, Wis. Bill McAndrews is a deckhand aboard a Great Lakes Towing tug in Buffalo, N.Y. First Mate Leo Bonser proudly displays the new soda machine recently installed aboard the dinner cruise vessel Detroit Princess, docked in downtown Detroit, Mich. From the left aboard the tug Sandusky and barge Cleveland Flats are Deckhand Clarence Brazzell, First Mate Leo J. Bonser and SIU Algonac Patrolman Ken Horner. Tim Burke is a recertified bosun, pictured working aboard the Adam E. Cornelius in Detroit, Mich. The American Spirit called on the port of Detroit on Dec. 1. Above: DEU Amin Quraish (left) observes DEU Mousa Ali being lowered in the bosun’s chair to the pier as the St. Clair prepares to dock in Superior, Wis. At right: AB Robert Mason retrieves the chair aboard the vessel. 8 Seafarers LOG Leonel Gutierrez catches up on the latest news in the Seafarers LOG while on the tug Sandusky and barge Cleveland Flats. Gutierrez is a deckhand aboard the vessel, which was docked in Detroit, Mich. February 2006 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:59 AM Page 9 More SIU Snapshots from The Great Lakes SIU Representative Don Thornton (seated) and 2nd Cook Maccine Bell review some paperwork aboard the Adam E. Cornelius in Wyandotte, Mich. Engineer Edd Carlson works aboard a Luetdke Engineering Co. vessel in Cleveland, Ohio. You can tell it’s getting near lay-up time by the frozen eye in the line. The American Spirit glides under the Ambassador Bridge on the Detroit River in early December. Paul Paton is the 2nd cook on the J.A.W. Iglehart in Toledo, Ohio. Tug/Barge Combo Transports Windmill Parts The most recent addition to the Laken Shipping Corp. of Cleveland, Ohio fleet is the tug Sandusky and its barge, the Cleveland Flats. Managed by SMT (USA), the tug and barge combo moved out of the port of Milwaukee in late September, powered by new twin diesel engines. The Cleveland Flats was loaded with tower sections for wind turbines, to be delivered to upstate New York. The tug Sandusky pushes the barge Cleveland Flats through the Welland Canal. Jamie Long is the captain of the tug Sandusky. The tug and barge combo is ready to depart the dock. Cargo is firmly secured on the deck of the Cleveland Flats. The newly re-powered tug (3,000 hp) Sandusky and its barge, the Cleveland Flats, are the most recent addition to the Laken Shipping Corp.fleet. Right: The unit passes under the Garden City Skyway Bridge in St. Catharines, Ontario. February 2006 Seafarers LOG 9 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 5:43 AM Page 10 Remembering a War Hero Katrina Claims Life of SIU Retiree Alberto Rocha For many who witnessed Hurricane Katrina from the comfort of their living rooms while watching the tragic events unfold on television, it was the unimaginable. For many residents of the area who lived through it, it was a nightmare. And for countless others, the flooding that took place in the Gulf Coast region marked the end of their lives. And so it was for SIU Pensioner Alberto Rocha who, at 87, lost his life in his New Orleans home during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was a somewhat ironic end for Rocha, who served on a submarine during World War II. The sub was torpedoed, and Rocha rescued at least a dozen of his fellow mariners, yet no one was there for him when he was left, presumably to drown in the flood waters of New Orleans. Born in São Paolo, Brazil in 1918, Rocha was one of 21 siblings (each one beginning with the letter “A.”) He joined the union in 1943 in the port of New York and later moved to New Orleans, where he lived with his wife, Maria. He sailed in the deck and engine departments, retiring from the union in 1973. He last sailed as an FOWT aboard Waterman Steamship Corp’s John Penn. Much of the information about Rocha in this article was given to the Seafarers LOG by Julia Ewens, a good friend who, with her husband, Ralph Ewens (a former NMU bosun), befriended Rocha and considered him their adopted grandfather for the past 21 years. Ralph and his first wife were neighbors of the Rochas in New Orleans’ 9th ward. When Ralph’s wife died suddenly at 41 years of age, he became quite distraught, Giving Thanks with Fellow Seafarers and Alberto and Maria Rocha were very kind to him and helped him through this difficult time. When Julia married Ralph in 1985, she, too, got to know the Rochas well and helped repay the kindness that they had shown her husband in his time of need. But, as Julia said to the LOG, “kindness like his can never be repaid in anything but kindness.” And so the Ewens helped the Rochas in whatever ways they could. “Alberto was very loyal,” Julia said. “His word was his bond.” Alberto Rocha retired from the SIU in 1973. He did some maintenance work for a local hospital and helped people in the neighborhood. “He could tell some of the funniest stories of things he did as a seaman,” Julia Ewens reminisced. Rocha’s wife later was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and Julia was always there to help take her to her doctors’ appointments and whatever else she could do to ease the pain. Maria died in 2000, and the Ewens continued to look after Rocha, making sure his accounts were in order and he had been to the grocery store. In February, Julia’s husband, Ralph, died as well, and Rocha insisted that it was too much for Julia to continue being his caretaker and that he should go to an old-age home. But Julia remained as loyal to Alberto Rocha as he had been to her, often driving 25-30 minutes from her home in eastern New Orleans to make sure all his affairs were in order. With Hurricane Katrina forecast to hit New Orleans in late August 2005 and an evacuation called for, Julia did not hesitate to leave, as she had done in past evacuations. Rocha, however, who had lived through Hurricane Alberto Rocha Betsy in 1965, wasn’t about to leave his home. And he did survive the hurricane, which did little damage to the area. Even when the levee finally broke and water began rising in his home, he still thought he was going to be OK, he told neighbors. Julia is still trying to adjust to the loss. She identified and claimed his body (by tattoos on his right arm and chest), and he was given a full military burial. She will mail the flag that covered his coffin to his sister Albertina in Brazil. SIU members, pensioners and their families gathered at the union hall in Houston Nov. 22 and at the hall in San Juan, P.R. Nov. 23 to share in pre-Thanksgiving festivities. Members at both halls donated their time and talents to help conduct the events, which featured traditional holiday menus. Approximately 130 people attended the feast in Houston, while an estimated 50 participated in San Juan. Photos from the respective events are shown below. HOUSTON SAN JUAN Pictured from left to right are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Father Sinclair Oubre and SIU Representative Robert Troy. Father Oubre, an active SIU member who also serves as president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States, gave the blessing before the meal. Retiree Luis Roman (right) and his nephew Ezequiel Ocasio Members, officials and their families are ready for the buffet. Odalys Vallejo (wife of SIU Chief Cook Juan Vallejo), Wildalis Rivera (secretary at the San Juan hall) and Maria Crespo (wife of Port Agent Amancio Crespo) Seafarers, officials and guests QMED José Quiñones and Port Agent Amancio Crespo Retiree Ralph Moore helps set up for the dinner. 10 Seafarers LOG Chief Stewards Henry Manning and Grant Bazile, Retiree Joe Clark and Chief Steward Saundra Leonard (inset) were among those who volunteered to help ensure the gathering’s success. AB Kevin Farrell and Port Agent Amancio Crespo Seafarers and their families enjoy the feast at the San Juan hall. February 2006 �2006-February.qxp 1/28/2006 3:07 PM Page 11 Celebrating With the SIU The port of Wilmington continued its yearly tradition of visiting SIU members aboard various vessels on Christmas Day. This past Dec. 25, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox stopped off at four Crowley tugs in Long Beach: the Leader, Master, Scout and Admiral. From the left are Engineer George Cox, Capt. Rick Cavalier, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Mate Roger Stewart, Mate Dave Verschoor and Mate Chad MacAuley. It was a small but nevertheless cheerful group that celebrated the holidays at the New Orleans hall this year. And while they enjoyed in the festivities, their hearts, prayers and thoughts went out to those who were unable to join them in welcoming the new year. These photos were sent to the LOG by AB Arthur Machado. SIU VP West Coast Nicholas Marrone (left) conducts the swearing-in ceremony for Tony Marino (holding his new book) at the SIU hall in San Francisco. Looking on are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Jesse Solis Retires After 44 Years in Maritime Jesse Solis (right) enjoys his retirement party and reminiscing with the good friends he’s made over the years, like QMED David Hamilton. The wording on the cake says it all: “We will miss you Jesse!” Solis is joined by his son and two daughters. February 2006 After 44 years working in the maritime industry, Jesse Solis was treated to a couple retirement parties by his friends and fellow Seafarers. One was held at the Dispatcher Jesse Solis Wilmington union hall in September. He officially retired Nov. 1. Solis, 70, began working as a steward aboard ships like the Monterey and some of the early Delta Lines vessels as a member of the Marine Cooks & Stewards union. He came ashore in 1978 with the merger of the MC&S and the SIU, and worked behind the counter as a dispatcher for the next 28 years. With all that experience and knowledge of the workings of the union, his absence will be duly noted. “He will be greatly missed,” said Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. Solis, who was born in Texas, is considering a return to the Lone Star State to enjoy his retirement years. Lots of well-wishers came to give Solis a big send-off for his well-deserved retirement. Some of the deck crew from the Pride of Aloha get together for a golf outing on the island of Kauai. From the left are AB Lonnie Evans, OS Christopher Vincenzo, AB Warren Asp (who sent this photo to the LOG) and AB Slade Matthews. SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (left) and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (second from right) meet SIU members aboard the Horizon Reliance during a recent servicing call. From the left are Celona, Chief Electrician James McParland, Marrone and AB Rick Grubbs. The Horizon Line vessel is on a West Coast to Far East run. Seafarers LOG 11 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 4:49 AM Page 12 TAX TIPS HOW TO PREPARE A TAX RETURN Step 1. Get all records together. ‹ Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. ‹ Itemized deductions and tax credits. ‹ Medical and dental payment records. ‹ Real estate and personal property tax receipts. ‹ Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. ‹ Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled “Your Federal Income Tax for 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. 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 Here are some of the changes that will take effect in 2005 and 2006 from the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act, the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005, the 2005 Energy Tax Incentive Act, and other tax law changes: Uniform Definition of Qualifying Child – To simplify the tax law beginning in 2005, the definition of “qualified child” changes for taxpayers who claim a child as a dependent, elects Head of Household status, or takes the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child or Dependent Care Credit. To meet this new definition, the person needs to be your child, sibling (or descendant of either), adopted or foster child. The child must be under either (1) age 19; (2) under age 24 if a student; or (3) any age if permanently and totally disabled. Also, the child must be either a citizen, resident or national of the United States and must have the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the year. The child must not provide more than one-half of his/her own support for the year. Foster Child – New rules apply to determine who is a foster child and when a foster child can be used to claim certain benefits. To claim a foster child as a qualifying child for any tax benefits, the child must be placed with a taxpayer by an authorized placement agency or by judgment, decree or other order of any court of competent jurisdiction. A foster child no longer qualifies a taxpayer to use qualifying widow(er) filing status. 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 2005 return. 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. Tuition and Fee Deduction – Individuals 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). The following highlights some of the most important provisions of the Hurricane Katrina Act and Gulf Opportunity Zone Act affecting individual taxpayers: In general, non-business casualty losses are deductible as itemized deductions to the extent they exceed 10 percent of adjusted gross income plus $100. However, these limitations are suspended for losses resulting from the hurricane and incurred in the disaster area. The 10 percent penalty imposed on premature withdrawals from IRA and other qualified retirement plans is waived for victims of a hurricane. Such individuals may withdraw up to $100,000 from those plans without penalty for distributions made after August 25, 2005 and before January 1, 2007. Also, the threshold limitations for loans from qualified employer plans for hurricane victims are increased to $100,000 or 100 percent of the account balance effective for loans made on or after September 23, 2005 and before January 1, 2007. The standard business mileage rate for charity work related to Hurricane Katrina is increased to 29 cents per mile during the period of August 25, 2005 through August 31, 2005, and 34 cents per mile for September 1 through December 31, 2005. Individuals who use their principal residence to provide housing free of charge to hurricane evacuees for at least 60 consecutive days may claim a $500 exemption for each evacuee (up to $2,000 total). 12 Seafarers LOG Presented on these two pages of the Seafarers LOG are han mariners. Included are the new deduction amounts for 2 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 web sites 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 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. line 73d 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, visit the IRS web site at: www.irs.gov. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 73b, 73c and 73d on their Form 1040. Line 73b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 73c indicates the type of account, and Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption—for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $3,200 per person. In 2005, 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 2005, 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 determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 15 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 40.5 cents per mile (48.5 cents after August 31, 2005). 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. WHAT’S NEW FOR 2005? CAUTION As of the writing, Congress is working on other tax law changes which may impact your 2005 income taxes. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. FOR SEA The charitable contribution deduction limitation for individuals of up to 50 percent of the contribution base is temporarily suspended for cash contributions made after August 27, 2005, and before January 1, 2006. Individuals who lived in the disaster area and were displaced as a result of the hurricane may elect to use their 2004 income instead of 2005 to calculate the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC). The new law doubles the HOPE Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit for individuals who attend an eligible educational institution in the disaster zones for any tax year beginning in 2005 or 2006. The Hope Credit for qualifying students will be $3,000, and the Lifetime Learning Credit increases to a $4,000 maximum. In addition, certain room and board expenses qualify. These credits are for both returning and new students. Tax credit for the installation of non-business energy property – Starting in 2006, a tax credit is available to individuals for the installation of non-business energy property, such as residential exterior doors and windows, insulation, heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners and water heaters. The credit is limited to a lifetime maximum of $500. The credit breaks down as follows: $200 of the credit can be based on expenditures for windows; $50 of the credit on any advanced main air circulating fans; $150 on any qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler; and $300 of the credit on any item of energy-efficient building property. Tax credit for residential alternative energy equipment – A tax credit is available to help individuals pay for residential alternative energy equipment. The credit is 30 percent of the cost of eligible solar water heaters, solar electricity equipment and fuel cell plants placed in service in 2006 and 2007. The maximum credit is $2,000 per tax year for each category of solar equipment, and $500 for each half kilowatt of capacity of fuel cell plants installed per tax year. Clean fuel vehicle deduction – For 2005, Internal Revenue Service allows taxpayers to claim a $2,000 deduction for purchasing (not leasing) a qualifying new (not used) hybrid vehicle. The following vehicles qualify: Ford Escape Hybrid (2005 and 2006 model year), the Honda Accord Hybrid (2005), the Honda Civic Hybrid (2005), the Honda Insight (2005), the Lexus RX 400h (2006), the Mercury Mariner Hybrid (2006), the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2006), the Toyota Prius (2006). This deduction expires in 2005. Six-month Automatic Extensions – Beginning with 2005 returns due in 2006, individuals will be able to file Form 4868 to get an automatic six-month extension of time to file. Previously, only corporations could request an automatic six-month extension, and other taxpayers were required to file for two extensions. Also, almost all states have indicated that they are following the IRS’s lead. Standard mileage rates – The 2005 rate for business use of your vehicle is 40.5 cents a mile (48.5 cents after August 31, 2005). The 2005 rate for use of your vehicle for medical care or to move is 15 cents a mile (22 cents a mile after August 31, 2005). Donations of Automobiles – Starting in 2005, there is a limit on the charitable contribution of used motor vehicles (with a claimed value in excess of $500) to the gross sales price received by the charity for the subsequent sale of the donated vehicle, rather than the fair market value. A charitable organization must provide the donor with Form 1098-C. Exemption – The amount you can deduct for each exemption has increased from $3,100 in 2004 to $3,200 in 2005. 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 2005, the phaseout begins at: „ $218,950 for married people filing jointly and qualifying widow(er) with dependent children, „ $182,450 for a head of household, „ $145,950 for single taxpayers, and „ $109,475 for married persons filing separately. The exemption phaseout threshold for 2006 and 2007 is reduced by one-third, and for tax years beginning in 2008 and 2009 by two-thirds. For the tax years beginning after 2009, the exemption phaseout is repealed completely. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS This is the standard ded there are additional sta $1,250 for an unmarried Filing Status Single. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Married filing joint retu with dependent childr Married filing separate Head of household . . . The IRS recommends ke diary listing all expense Only work-related expen by an employer can be c 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 tax cou Comm. 115 TC210[200 chant seaman was denie for the full M & IE rate that in situations where at no cost, the incidental able as an itemized dedu $3 (in the continental U ing from $1 to $53 in oth these rates, to the extent a higher deduction amou 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 cred tions are met. Different and phase-out percenta based on the taxpayer’s the number of qualifyin if any. The maximum c follows: Taxpayers with $11,450 and no qualifyi maximum credit; taxpa less than $30,338 and child—$2,604 maximum with income less than $3 more qualifying childr mum credit. If the ear reduces the income tax li a refund will be gran Taxpayers should use fo EIC to see if they are eli Dependent’s Social S Each dependent must hav number (SSN). Individua for their dependent by with their local Social istration office or calling at 1-800-772-1213. It u two weeks to receive an General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may answer questions 24 ho Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 instructions and publica Walk-In Help: IRS representatives country to help with tax q telephone. To find the lo book under “United Stat Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared agency’s taxpayer info aspects of tax-filing can The federal Tele-Tax ing about 150 topics. February 2006 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:53 AM Page 13 AFARERS e handy tax tips—some of which are intended specifically for for 2005 as well as where to get additional information. STANDARD DEDUCTION d deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, al standard deductions ($1,000 for a married person or “spouse” or married person). Note that the personal exemption deduction is $3,200. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standard Deduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 nt return or qualifying widow(er) children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,000 arate return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000 d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,300 ds keeping a log book or penses related to travel. expenses not reimbursed n 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. ax court case (Johnson v. 0[2000]) where a merdenied a full deduction E rates. The court ruled here meals are provided ental expense rate allowd deduction is limited to tal U.S.) and rates rangin other areas. In lieu of extent you have receipts, amount may be allowed. d Deductions: In 2005, s may be limited for indire than $145,950 of fedincome (or $72,975 if separately). Credit: A refundable dit (EIC) is available to who have earned income adjusted gross income year 2005, an individual ave a qualifying child to credit if certain condiferent credit percentages rcentages are provided ayer’s income level and lifying children eligible, um credit allowed is as with income less than alifying children—$390 taxpayers with income and with 1 qualifying ximum credit; taxpayers an $34,450 and with 2 or children—$4,300 maxie earned income credit tax liability below zero, granted by the IRS. use form 1040, schedule re eligible for the credit. ial Security Number: st have a Social Security ividuals may get an SSN nt by filing Form SS-5 Social Security Adminalling the Administration . It usually takes about ve an SSN. Child Child Credit: In 2005, 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, 2005, 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 single taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $43,000, and completely phase out when modified AGI reaches $53,000. For joint filers, the phaseout range is $87,000 to $107,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. In 2005, 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: ‹ 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. ‹ Traditional IRAs – The contribution limit to a traditional IRA in 2005 was increased to $4,000. If taxpayer reaches age 50 before 2006, the most that can be contributed will be $4,500. Modified TAX TIPS Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phaseout range increased to $50,000-$60,000 for single, head of household, and $70,000$80,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er). Also, solely for the purpose of figuring the $100,000 modified AGI limit on eligibility to make qualified rollover distributions from a Traditional IRA to Roth IRA, minimum required distributions from IRAs and other qualified plans received in tax year beginning with 2005 are excluded from modified AGI. ‹ Roth IRAs – The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $4,000. 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. OTHER TAX INFORMATION 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. WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP 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 2005, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A WHERE TO GET INFORMATION ion: 0 may be called for general information. IRS staff 24 hours a day. 9-3676 to order current and prior year forms, ublications. tives are available in many IRS offices around the h tax questions that cannot be answered easily by the location of an IRS office, look in the phone d States Government, Internal Revenue Service.” pared to answer questions by phone. Through the r information service, publications covering all g can be ordered. e-Tax system has recorded tax information coveropics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated February 2006 Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone 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 on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, check the status of your 2005 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. 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. personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer’s property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: ‹ 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. WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: ‹ Benefits from government welfare programs. ‹ Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, medical costs. ‹ Maintenance and Cure. ‹ Workers’ compensation benefits, insur- OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME 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. ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ‹ ance, 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. FILING AN EXTENSION Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 17, 2006, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. WHERE IS MY REFUND? In 2004, the IRS launched a new program that allows taxpayers to trace their refunds online. If taxpayer(s) have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the web site at www.irs.gov. To get the refund status, taxpayers will need to provide the information from their tax returns. You should know your Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er)) and the Refund amount (It is important to enter the refund amount exactly as it is shown on your return). WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX 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 �2006-February.qxp 1/30/2006 1:58 AM Page 14 Seafarers Win ‘Food in a Bowl’ Cook-off Three prizes were awarded to chief stewards at the first annual cook-off for ships stationed in Diego Garcia, and all three were won by members of the SIU! The Seaman’s Club in Diego Garcia played host to the event, which was sponsored by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) Diego Garcia and Capt. Tuck Hord, USN, Commander, Maritime Prepositioning Squadron. The purpose of the cook-off was twofold. First, it was a chance to get mariners together for an enjoyable event; second, it served to introduce the new Food Service Officer for Naval Support Facility (NAF) Diego Garcia, Chief Warrant Officer Arnie Limon, to the ships’ masters and stewards, who are his primary customers. The rules of participation for this event were that the recipe had to be (1) original, (2) eaten out of a bowl and (3) of a semiliquid consistency (e.g., chili, gumbo)—hence the term “Food in a Bowl.” Only one entry per ship was permitted, and enough of the recipe had to be prepared to feed 10 to 12 people. Yeoman First Class Linda Varnell at the Military Sealift Command Office spearheaded the event, going the extra mile to ensure that the first “Food in a Bowl” was a top-notch affair. The enviable job of judging was left to CWO Limon along with Left: Chili peppers marinate in a garlic dip from Chief Steward Leo Dela Cruz. Below: The cook-off taste-testing gets under way. the NSF stock control officer, Ensign Scott Schwemin, and Culinary Specialist Third Class Matthew Melius. They had an extremely difficult task, but with years of eating experience, they were able to narrow the field to three. The “Best in Show and Presentation” award went to Leo Dela Cruz, chief steward aboard the SIU-crewed William H. Pitsenbarger. His “Hawaiian Seafood Creole” (a combination of shrimp, scallops, oysters and lobster) was accompanied by some incredibly intricate food decorations. USNS Pomeroy Chief Steward Javier Delosreyes received the “Best Taste” award for his “Slammin’ Jammin’ Clammin’ Chowder,” and Chief Steward Tony E. Spain of the Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips took home the envied prize of “Hottest” with his “Voodoo Stew,” which was made with 16 chili peppers! Robert Greenwood, steward on the USNS Soderman, noted that the “Food in a Bowl” contest was enjoyed by everyone. He said he solicited his ship’s chief engineer, John Fleming, to enter his famous chicken gumbo in the competition. “Even though we did not walk away with a plaque,” Greenwood noted, “we were pleased that the gumbo was the only dish to be completely eaten up. So we know it was outstanding.” The galley gang from the Soderman also provided fresh chocolate chip cookies to “keep the energy flowing.” The “Food in a Bowl” event was a huge success with stuffed bellies and good camaraderie all around, stated Executive Officer Union Industries Show Comes to Cleveland For the first time in more than 50 years, the Union Industries Show will be held in Cleveland May 5-7. The show, now promoted under the name “America@Work,” and followed by the tag-line “100% Union-Made, American-Made Products, Services and Jobs,” will continue as it has for nearly 70 years in educating the public abut America’s best products and services, created by the best workers in the world—the men and women of organized labor. The SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers union regularly participate in the show, and this year will be no exception. Cleveland’s I-X Center will be the venue for the 2006 event. It has the advantage of being conveniently located near several large highways connecting dozens of towns and cities, like Columbus, Akron, Canton and Toledo. The America@Work show attracts between 250,000 and 300,000 visitors each and every year. While the crowds are pretty evenly divided between union members and people who do not belong to a union, many of the attendees are “conscientious consumers,” those looking to purchase products and services made by employers who care about people and the community and who provide good jobs. It also attracts an audience of all ages—high school and college students as well as young workers seeking information about employers and career opportunities, as well as more established men and women looking at the exhibits for quality appliances, automobiles, boats and luxury goods. Many of the hands-on exhibits display skills and craft work in construction, transportation, high-tech, electronics, engineering and white-collar occupations. Live music, fashion shows, frequent raffles and product giveaways are always very popular attention-getters. 14 Seafarers LOG As always, admission to the show is free. This year the hours will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. “Cleveland could be our biggest show ever,” said Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charlie Mercer. “We are excited to be working closely with the Ohio AFL-CIO and the Cleveland Federation of Labor and all the individual unions across Ohio. This region is full of fine unionized companies with great products and services, and the public is going to learn a great deal about them. The public will also learn a lot about the Alliance for Retired Americans, Working America and the important political and organizing work that our unions are doing. That, too, is a very exciting ad promising development,” Mercer concluded. Frequent raffles, like this one held at the SIU/UIW booth during the 2004 show in St. Louis, attract an audience of all ages. Awards are presented to Chief Stewards (from left) Tony Spain (hottest), Javier Delosreyes (best tasting) and Leo Dela Cruz (best presentation). Standing in back is Capt. Tuck Hord, commander, Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Two, who helped sponsor the event. Ben Metcalf of the MSC. A big vote of thanks went to all the participants who put a lot of hard work into some excellent dishes. Thanks also to Capt. Michael Finnigan, master on the USNS Pomeroy, for providing the Seafarers LOG with the photos accompanying this article. Yeoman First Class Linda Varnell (right) looks over the shoulder of Chief Steward Leo Dela Cruz holding his beautiful centerpiece of roses and tulips, sculpted entirely from fresh vegetables. 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. February 2006 �34103p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 10:43 AM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March & April 2006 Membership Meetings DECEMBER 16, 2005 — JANUARY 15, 2006 *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 2 0 8 10 2 9 32 29 1 8 8 29 9 5 0 8 19 1 38 25 3 7 9 14 4 9 25 28 2 5 6 16 26 5 21 12 7 7 28 26 4 1 3 3 1 1 15 6 3 3 4 16 5 2 0 0 5 1 11 8 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 3 7 1 7 29 19 0 6 8 19 10 2 0 6 16 0 17 21 243 260 92 171 1 0 3 2 1 5 17 15 0 6 7 7 6 4 3 4 10 0 10 10 0 1 3 6 1 5 9 13 1 4 10 6 13 0 0 2 8 3 12 11 1 0 0 5 0 1 9 7 0 1 1 8 7 1 1 0 2 2 4 7 0 0 3 1 1 3 11 9 0 5 4 6 11 0 1 1 6 0 10 4 111 108 57 0 0 3 2 0 10 21 16 0 5 10 18 8 3 1 1 22 1 16 28 1 0 4 6 1 4 6 6 1 3 1 5 5 0 2 1 4 1 4 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 6 0 0 2 2 4 0 0 0 1 2 2 3 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 3 4 6 11 4 9 20 12 1 5 8 11 19 3 12 7 7 6 16 11 175 0 1 1 2 3 0 15 5 0 0 3 9 3 0 1 1 3 0 10 9 66 0 0 3 7 0 8 21 10 0 4 4 11 8 3 1 5 6 2 17 13 123 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 76 0 0 1 4 2 2 4 14 2 3 5 7 8 0 1 3 5 4 15 10 90 0 0 0 1 0 1 9 7 0 0 1 8 9 0 1 0 0 3 2 5 47 0 0 2 0 1 0 5 10 0 3 1 7 7 0 1 1 7 1 6 2 54 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 6 0 9 7 8 0 4 3 10 6 2 1 2 10 0 9 20 165 59 28 100 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 4 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 2 3 0 5 1 0 3 3 7 0 6 20 12 0 10 3 32 7 0 8 1 6 0 14 6 1 8 1 7 1 9 17 22 0 0 6 25 13 0 16 0 7 3 15 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 3 2 0 6 7 0 3 3 6 8 1 0 2 2 1 4 4 56 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 1 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 1 3 1 4 8 8 0 4 1 11 5 0 15 0 6 0 9 6 1 1 1 6 1 6 11 9 0 0 3 7 11 0 19 0 5 1 13 5 0 0 1 5 1 5 5 8 0 3 2 7 3 1 0 1 7 0 6 10 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 5 0 9 14 1 13 62 47 1 26 23 72 24 8 0 18 35 2 59 46 5 9 10 23 4 14 41 42 2 16 13 37 26 5 13 13 12 7 50 47 5 4 2 9 1 4 34 13 5 4 12 22 11 2 0 0 8 3 17 13 465 389 169 1 0 9 8 1 12 28 29 0 12 13 27 4 7 4 7 14 2 16 14 1 4 8 13 1 6 13 23 0 7 11 15 18 6 0 2 11 1 20 22 2 1 1 8 1 4 13 14 0 3 1 12 9 1 0 0 6 0 6 15 208 182 97 0 0 6 5 0 17 33 32 1 14 15 40 14 2 6 2 39 1 29 45 1 0 2 12 0 13 8 9 1 3 6 9 12 1 3 0 6 0 14 14 0 0 1 2 1 1 5 5 1 2 4 7 7 0 0 0 1 2 8 4 65 301 114 51 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 6 10 4 0 1 4 13 0 0 0 2 9 0 11 1 1 3 3 15 1 12 33 24 0 13 7 60 11 0 9 6 14 0 28 12 6 9 4 10 2 16 30 34 0 1 9 57 22 1 12 0 14 4 26 18 26 148 162 11 86 100 0 62 252 275 545 575 339 358 407 228 242 1,036 937 592 Piney Point .............Monday: March 6, April 3 Algonac ..................Friday: March 10, April 7 Baltimore ................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Boston.....................Friday: March 10, April 7 Guam ......................Thursday: March 23, April 20 Honolulu .................Friday: March 17, April 14 Houston ..................Monday: March 13, April 10 Jacksonville ............Thursday: March 9, April 6 Joliet .......................Thursday: March 16, April 13 Mobile ....................Wednesday: March 15, April 12 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: March 14, April 11 New York................Tuesday: March 7, April 4 Norfolk ...................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: March 8, April 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: March 16, April 13 San Francisco .........Thursday: March 16, April 13 San Juan..................Thursday: March 9, April 6 St. Louis..................Friday: March 17, April 14 Tacoma ...................Friday: March 24, April 21 Wilmington ...............Monday: March 20, April 17 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SHIPMATES OF MARTIN E. HURLSTONE NMU retiree Martin E. Hurlstone recently sent a note to the LOG saying he would like to hear from old shipmates. Brother Hurlstone celebrated his 90th birthday last October and reports that he is in good health. He sailed in the steward department during World War II and then joined the NMU in 1946. He retired in 1981. He may be reached at 1110 Marshall Road, Greenwood, SC 29646. More SDRF Contributors The last few editions of the LOG included lists of individuals who contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Since then, additional contributions were received from the following individuals: David Barber James High *“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 2006 Seafarers LOG 15 �34103p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 10:41 AM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report DECEMBER 16, 2005 — JANUARY 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 10 13 6 2 12 1 0 1 45 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 6 2 0 5 0 5 0 3 1 16 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 8 6 1 5 0 0 1 24 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 1 2 5 0 5 0 3 1 17 0 7 5 0 8 0 1 0 21 15 37 6 14 42 1 1 4 120 9 10 0 3 12 0 1 2 37 1 2 0 7 1 0 1 0 12 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 2 6 6 15 6 3 16 0 0 4 50 1 3 3 7 9 0 1 0 24 1 2 3 7 0 0 0 0 13 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 1 1 2 3 0 0 1 10 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 3 1 1 0 1 1 9 Port 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 1 0 1 1 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 3 2 1 3 1 0 0 12 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 1 3 0 0 1 1 0 6 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 4 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 5 0 1 3 0 0 1 1 0 6 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 6 6 13 5 4 16 1 0 2 47 3 2 2 1 14 1 0 0 23 0 1 3 5 0 1 0 0 10 Totals All Departments 67 13 31 33 10 30 33 217 84 35 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner William McAlpine of Braintree, Mass. On the right is a photo of the Katrina Luckenbach, taken Oct. 1, 1938 at Commonwealth Pier in South Boston, along with Brother McAlpine’s certificates of discharge from the vessel in 1944. Below is the Liberty ship James Otis. AB McAlpine was aboard the vessel in 1944 when it carried two sea-going tugs to England. Fortunately, he was not on it when it ran aground in Devon, England in February 1945. 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 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 2006 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 11:32 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 DOMINICO DACUA, 66, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1989 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Dacua was born in the Philippines. He first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Dacua worked in the steward department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was on the R.J. Pfeiffer. Brother Dacua calls Kapole, Hawaii home. WILLIAM MARINO, 65, became an SIU member in 1965. Brother Marino first sailed aboard the Yorkmar in the engine department. The Mississippi native upgraded his seafaring skills in 2000 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Marino’s most recent journey was on the USNS Altair. He is a resident of River Ridge, La. he sailed on the Samuel L. Cobb. Brother Orlando lives in Virginia Beach, Va. TRINIDAD SANCHEZ, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 1967 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Sanchez first worked aboard Alcoa Steamship Company vessels. The Puerto Rico-born mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Sanchez’s most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Fisher. He attended upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center in 1996, 2000 and again in 2001. Brother Sanchez makes his home in Carolina, P.R. HENRY SCOTT, 58, joined the SIU in 1968 in New Orleans. Brother Scott first sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel. He was born in Louisiana and shipped in the deck department. Brother Scott last worked aboard the John A. Chapman. He settled in Grambling, La. LOUIS McBRIDE, 65, embarked on his seafaring career in 1970 in the port of Houston. Brother McBride first shipped aboard the Amerigo. In 1990, he completed his steward recertification training at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McBride was born in Louisiana. His last ship was the Patriot. Brother McBride resides in Ringgold, La. THOMAS STEPHENS, 65, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Stephens first sailed on the East Point Victory as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his seafaring skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. on a number of occasions. His last ship was the Cape Knox. Brother Stephens was born in Wisconsin and currently resides in Metairie, La. RODOLFO ORLANDO, 67, began his seafaring career in 1987 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Orlando’s first voyage was on the USNS Stalwart. He attended the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. on three occasions to upgrade his skills. Brother Orlando hails from the Philippines. Prior to retiring, JONATHAN STRINGER III, 64, hails from Port Arthur, Texas. Brother Stringer began shipping with the Seafarers in 1968. He upgraded his skills To submit articles, poems, photographs or letters to the editor, please send them to: Seafarers LOG 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 February 2006 often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Stringer first sailed aboard the Minot Victory. He worked in the deck department, last shipping on the Liberty Grove. Brother Stringer is a resident of Dickinson, Texas. GREAT LAKES RAY BLAHNIK, 65, became an SIU member in 1962, sailing aboard the Michigan Interstate Railway-operated Ann Arbor. Brother Blahnik, who was born in Michigan, worked as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 1999 and 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Blahnik’s most recent voyage was aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. He lives in his native state. CHARLES DeVLIEGER, 53, was born in Detroit, Mich. Brother DeVlieger joined the SIU in 1970. In 1978, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother DeVlieger last sailed on the J.A.W. Iglehart. He calls Cheboygan, Mich. home. 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. IGNACIO BLANCO, 67, began his career with the NMU in 1967, initially sailing from New Jersey. Brother Blanco was born in Honduras. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Chesapeake Bay. LEONARD JOHNSON, 65, became an NMU member in 1961. Born in Alabama, Brother Johnson joined the union in Mobile. His first vessel was the Tillamook. Brother Johnson shipped as a member of the engine department, last sailing aboard the Navigator. ANGEL MINDEZ, 64, started his NMU profession in 1963 in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Mindez originally worked on the Texaco Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1939 The SIU Tampa port agent ran into a rough one when he, along with the crew of the West Kyska, took some beefs to the local inspector and the U.S. shipping commissioner. Instead of acting on the beefs, they told the men to swear out affidavits, with the commissioner warning them that the beefs better be correct or else they would lose their certificates. “In the face of all this opposition from men who are supposed to represent all the people of the United States, and not a few, we decided to try and get some satisfaction from you,” the agent wrote in a letter to the Commerce Department. Among the beefs listed were: badly equipped slop chest, little heat in the foc’sles, bad drinking water, foc’sles awash in heavy weather, plus a steering engine which throws oil, making it dangerous to oil and clean up when the ship was underway. Mississippi in the engine department. The Puerto Rico-born mariner’s final voyage was aboard the Texaco California. JOHN VANASE, 66, first donned the NMU colors in 1959 in the port of New York. Brother Vanase’s first ship was the Constitution. He shipped in the engine department. Brother Vanase last sailed aboard the African Neptune. GILBERT VASQUEZ, 60, was born in San Pedro, Calif. Brother Vasquez began shipping with the NMU in 1978. The steward department member’s first ship was the Export Buyer; his last was the Cape Horn. PABLO ZALDIVAR, 65, joined the NMU ranks in 1968. Brother Zaldivar is a native of Honduras. He most recently sailed aboard the Golden Gate. 1951 Plans formulated several weeks ago for establishment of a steward department upgrading school in the SIU’s new headquarters New York-branch building are rapidly taking shape. According to Frenchy Michelet, chairman of the committee of steward department personnel, which met recently to discuss means of utilizing the building’s modern galley facilities to increase departmental efficiency and to train new men for shipboard duties, “real progress is being made. The upgrading school will be ready to function when our new building is completed this spring.” The committee chairman said that efforts are being concentrated on achieving a uniform system of steward department operation on all SIU-contracted ships. This Month In SIU History 1941 In an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board on the ships owned and operated by Robin Line (Seas Shipping Company), the SIU was the winner by an overwhelming majority. Of 210 men who were eligible to vote, 201 actually voted, with 199 voting in favor of the SIU. There was one crew member who voted against the union and one whose ballot was declared void. 1961 The newest SIU-manned supertanker to enter service is the Mt. Vernon Victory, currently finishing up its maiden run to the West Indies and Hawaii. The vessel has many features which meet the fancy of the crew, but at the top of the list is air-conditioning—in foc’sles especially. Then there’s a modest sized swimming pool aft near the stack; a large mess hall lounge and plenty of space in each room which is shared by two men who sleep in officer-style bunks. Seafarers LOG 17 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 11:52 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA KEYNON BRAGG SR. Brother Keynon Bragg Sr., 58, passed away Aug. 16. He joined the union in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Bragg was a member of the steward department. He first sailed aboard a States Steamship Company vessel; his most recent voyage was aboard the Thailand. Brother Bragg, who was born in Arkansas, called Wilmington, Calif. home. PHILLIP DESETT Pensioner Phillip Desett, 62, died Aug. 11. Brother Desett became a Seafarer in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member was born in Ohio. Brother Desett first shipped on the Santa Maria. Before retiring in 2004, he worked aboard a Matson Navigation Company vessel. Brother Desett lived in Pahrump, Nev. INLAND was a Crowley Towing and Transportation vessel. Boatman Peterson called Valdosta, Ga. home. GREAT LAKES CLINTON BROWN Pensioner Clinton Brown, 83, passed away Aug. 15. Brother Brown was born in Arcadia, Mich. He joined the union in 1954. Brother Brown sailed aboard Michigan Interstate Railway vessels, primarily aboard the Ann Arbor. The deck department member made his home in Traverse City, Mich. Brother Brown started receiving his retirement compensation in 1987. CHARLES GROUT Brother Charles Grout, 32, died Aug. 11. He began sailing as an SIU member in 2004. Brother Grout worked aboard Luedtke Engineering vessels. He was a native of Owosso, Mich. Brother Grout shipped in the deck department and resided in Lansing, Mich. GRAHAM EASON Pensioner Graham Eason, 82, died Aug. 7. Boatman Eason began his seafaring career in 1960. He first shipped aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Company vessel. Boatman Eason was born in New Hanover, N.C. He last worked aboard an Allied Towing vessel. Boatman Eason began receiving his pension in 1985. He was a resident of Wilmington, N.C. WALTER HANN Boatman Walter Hann, 61, passed away July 30. He joined the union in 1990. Boatman Hann worked primarily aboard Crowley Liner Service vessels. He was born in Fallsington, Pa. and resided in Newton, Pa. MICHAEL KISLAN Pensioner Michael Kislan, 76, died July 12. Boatman Kislan joined the SIU in 1975 in the port of Philadelphia. He first sailed on a Taylor Marine Towing vessel. Boatman Kislan, who was born in Pennsylvania, worked as a member of the deck department. His last trip to sea was on a Moran Towing Company vessel. Boatman Kislan retired in 1990 and lived in Philadelphia. RANDY PETERSON Boatman Randy Peterson, 53, passed away July 12. He became an SIU member in 1979 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Boatman Peterson was born in Washington state and worked in the deck department. His first ship was the Del Rio; his last 18 Seafarers LOG ALFRED MARSH EDWIN THOMAS Pensioner Ambrosio Castro, 73, passed away June 28. Brother Castro became an NMU member in 1954. He first sailed out of New Orleans aboard a vessel operated by Gatun Standard Fruit Company as a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1988, Brother Castro sailed aboard the Export Patriot. Pensioner Alfred Marsh, 74, passed away July 28. Brother Marsh joined the NMU ranks in 1957, first shipping on the Gulf Maid as a member of the steward department. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, he last sailed aboard the Galveston Bay. Brother Marsh retired in 1988. Pensioner Edwin Thomas, 82, died Aug. 12. Born in South Carolina, Brother Thomas launched his NMU career in 1942, first sailing from Charleston. He was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Marine Dow-Chemical. In 1967, Brother Thomas started collecting his pension. WESLEY CHEVANNES Pensioner Wesley Chevannes, 87, died Aug. 16. Brother Chevannes embarked on his seafaring career in 1944, first sailing aboard the Cherry Valley. Born in Panama, he last worked on the Independence. Brother Chevannes began receiving his retirement pay in 1969. JOSEPH De SILVA LOWELL APPLEWHITE Pensioner Lowell Applewhite, 78, passed away Aug. 24. Boatman Applewhite was a native of Sacul, Texas. He started sailing with the SIU in 1968, working primarily aboard G&H Towing Company vessels. He retired in 1991 and made his home in Galveston, Texas. AMBROSIO CASTRO RAILROAD MARINE HOWARD HUDGINS Pensioner Howard Hudgins, 76, died July 5. Brother Hudgins joined the SIU in 1965 in Norfolk, Va. The U.S. Army veteran first worked with Pennsylvania Railroad in the port of Norfolk. Brother Hudgins, who was born in Virginia, last sailed on a Penn Central Transportation vessel. In 1988, Brother Hudgins went on pension. He resided in Mathews, Va. 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. RODRIGO ALMONTE Pensioner Rodrigo Almonte, 86, passed away Aug. 14. Brother Almonte joined the NMU in 1942, first shipping from Port Arthur, Texas aboard the Senator Bailey. Brother Almonte worked in both the deck and engine departments during his seafaring career. His most recent voyage was aboard the Joseph Lykes. Brother Almonte was born in Mexico. He retired in 1984. DANIEL ARMSTRONG Pensioner Daniel Armstrong, 79, died July 17. Brother Armstrong began sailing with the union in 1952 from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first trip was on the Enid Victory. Brother Armstrong shipped as a member of the engine department. The Alabama-born mariner last worked aboard the Bennington. Brother Armstrong went on pension in 1988. Pensioner Joseph De Silva, 83, passed away Aug. 21. Brother De Silva first donned the NMU colors in 1942. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department. Brother De Silva’s first ship was the Jamaica; his last was the Velma Lykes. He went on pension in 1980. RILEY FREEMAN JR. Pensioner Riley Freeman Jr., 75, died Aug. 4. Brother Freeman joined the union in 1946, first sailing on the Gulf of Venezuela. Brother Freeman was a member of the steward department. Born in Marksville, La., he last worked aboard the Gerig. Brother Freeman began collecting his retirement pay in 1971. ROBERT HASELDEN Pensioner Robert Haselden, 77, passed away Aug. 25. Born in Shulerville, S.C., Brother Haselden launched his NMU career in the port of Charleston. He first sailed aboard the Export Defender. Brother Haselden became a pensioner in 1993 after sailing aboard the American Spitfire. SINCLAIR KEITH Pensioner Sinclair Keith, 80, died Sept. 13. Brother Keith became an NMU member in 1945, first sailing from Savannah, Ga. on the Ormondale. Brother Keith was a member of the steward department. He last shipped aboard the David D. Irwin. In 1986, Brother Keith started receiving his retirement stipends. SEGISMUNDO MEJIA Pensioner Segismundo Mejia, 83, died July 25. Brother Mejia began his employment with the NMU in 1943, sailing first from the port of San Francisco. Born in Honduras, Brother Mejia initially shipped on the Vernon L. Parrington. Prior to retiring in 1985, he worked aboard the Dolly Truman. ANTONIO MENENDEZ Pensioner Antonio Menendez, 80, passed away July 20. Brother Menendez was born in Florida. He joined the NMU in 1946, first shipping out of Tampa, Fla. The steward department member retired in 1972. PRIMITIVO ORTIZ Pensioner Primitivo Ortiz, 80, died Aug. 14. Brother Ortiz began sailing with the NMU in 1946 in the port of New York. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner last went to sea on the Allison Lykes. Brother Ortiz went on pension in 1991. RUFEL RAMOS Pensioner Rufel Ramos, 83, passed away Aug. 20. Brother Ramos joined the NMU in 1948. His first ship was the Ernie Pyle. Brother Ramos, who worked in the steward department, was a native of Puerto Rico. His final voyage was on the United States. Brother Ramos began receiving his retirement pay in 1969. MICHAEL STAMOU Pensioner Michael Stamou, 78, died Aug. 2. Brother Stamou began his seafaring career in 1951, first sailing from the port of Philadelphia aboard the Simon Benson. Brother Stamou was born in Greece. He retired in 1973. ROLAND STRAIGHT Pensioner Roland Straight, 85, passed away June 20. Brother Straight was a native of Bend, Ore. and joined the union in 1946 in Portland. Brother Straight initially shipped on the Marine Robin as a member of the engine department. He went on pension in 1991. ELIGIO TORRES Pensioner Eligio Torres, 83, passed away Aug. 13. Brother Torres began sailing with the NMU in 1945 in San Pedro, Calif. His first vessel was the Appomattox. Brother Torres was born in Puerto Rico and shipped in the engine department. His last trip to sea was on the Santa Ines. Brother Torres became a pensioner in 1964. DICK YIN-TING Pensioner Dick Yin-Ting, 84, died Aug. 5. Brother YinTing was born in China. He joined the NMU in 1964. Brother YinTing worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1984, he sailed aboard the Export Champion. 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 Alfonzo, Hector Berger, August Burnbage, Robert Butler, Frank Campos, Louis Daire, John Deane, Margaret DiMambro, Roger Fujon, Arthur Inscoe, Robert Ivery, James Jang, Cheng Kleinen, Martin Larsen, Carl Madrid, Carlos McGuire, Allen Pagan, Rafael Parker, Edward Pickett, Edward Quinones, Victor Ramos, Lester Rivera, Wilfred Ruiz, Hector Samet, Abbas Scotlas, Adam Scott, Eddie Showell, Velton Shun, Ho Solano, Emilio Stepien, Felix Tarvin, Eddie Tirado, Lorenzo Valencia, Jorge Welch, Orrie Yamamoto, Harry 88 79 79 74 75 79 87 63 92 85 64 88 90 75 94 86 86 81 81 80 88 77 90 90 83 74 93 102 69 102 85 91 87 76 76 Oct. 3 Oct. 2 Oct. 4 Sept. 1 Sept.10 Sept. 30 Sept. 26 Oct. 1 Aug. 31 Aug. 27 Aug. 24 Oct. 3 Sept. 10 Oct. 1 May 9 Oct. 3 Aug. 28 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Sept. 17 May 9 Sept. 17 Sept. 1 July 21 Oct. 22 Oct. 1 Oct. 11 Aug. 30 Oct. 13 May 3 Oct. 25 Oct. 18 Oct. 21 Oct. 2 Oct. 22 February 2006 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 12:12 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.. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 31—Chairman Mathew J. Bevak, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Stephen J. Bradfute, Engine Delegate Nelson Powers. Chairman reported smooth trip and reminded crew members to allow at least six months when renewing MMDs. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding rotary shipping. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. CPL. LOUIS J. HAUGE JR. (Maersk Line Limited), Dec 7— Chairman Wayne K. Green, Secretary George J. Borromeo, Educational Director David Castro, Deck Delegate Allen A. Cole, Engine Delegate Andrzej Furmanowski, Steward Delegate Richard Jefferson. Chairman reported no injuries, lost time or safety issues during voyage. He also noted availability of personal protective equipment. Educational director encouraged seafarers to attend upgrading classes at unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Captain handling ship’s fund; chairman to find out amount of money in fund. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed overtime noted. Crew thanked Port Agent Jeff Turkus for keeping them informed on union matters. Members requested e-mail access and new mattresses. Next port: Guam. DENALI (Alaska Tanker), Dec. 11 —Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Sean O'Malley, Educational Director John C. Henry, Deck Delegate James E. Murphy, Engine Delegate Corey P. Hann, Steward Delegate Dennis D. Skretta. Chairman discussed importance of SPAD. Crew members were asked to keep volume down on radios, TVs, cell phones and alarm clocks, especially while others are trying to sleep. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding wages for next contract and replacement of air filters aboard ship. Steward department given vote of thanks for excellent Thanksgiving meal. Next port: Port Angeles, Wash. FLORIDA (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 17—Chairman Barry M. Carrano, Secretary Theodore E. Quammie, Educational Director David Vega, Engine Delegate Robert Davis, Steward Delegate Daniel L. Wehr. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 24 in Charleston, S.C. Secretary thanked crew for helping maintain ship cleanliness and encouraged them to keep up good work. Educational director advised everyone to enhance seafaring skills at SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship), Dec. 11—Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Allan D. Bright, Engine Delegate Clyde McArn, Steward Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Chairman February 2006 thanked crew for good trip. He asked those departing vessel to clean rooms and turn in keys and security badges. Educational director encouraged members to watch safety films and report any items in need of repair to department head. He also urged mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed communication received from headquarters regarding furniture and contract. Vote of thanks given to chief cook for great meals. Next ports: Vancouver; Portland, Ore.; Long Beach, Calif.; Japan. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Dec. 4—Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Deck Delegate Sangie Mohamed, Engine Delegate Curtis Barnett, Steward Delegate Jessy Sunga. Chairman announced Dec. 8 payoff in Oakland, Calif. He thanked crew for smooth trip. Secretary reported that recent ship audit in Honolulu went well. He reminded everyone to check documents’ expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), Dec. 13—Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Paula S. Kaleikini, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Gary Lofton. Chairman announced ship to arrive Dec. 15 in Tacoma, Wash. for payoff, followed by blanket relief for entire crew the following day. He mentioned that Tacoma hall was collecting Christmas toys for needy children. He also advised crew to pay dues on time and recommended they contribute to SPAD. Treasurer reported $2,000 in ship’s fund. Satellite radio system is in the process of being upgraded. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Concerns raised about Tacoma clinic and costs of testing. Suggestions made pertaining to Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, especially when medical treatment is needed overseas. Crew expressed gratitude to chief steward and entire steward department for great job. One minute of silence observed in memory of departed brothers and sisters. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Dec. 3—Chairman Donald G. Rezendes, Secretary Mark S. Scardino, Educational Director James T. McParland. Chairman thanked crew members for accident-free voyage and instructed them on process of written resolutions and motions. Crew observed moment of silence in memory of late SIU Executive VP John Fay. Secretary reported payoff to take place Dec. 10 in Tacoma, Wash. Vessel to then sail for Singpore, arriving Jan. 3 for shipyard period. Reliefs can finish tours after that time. Educational director reminded Seafarers not to let documents expire as they would have to retest. Treasurer stated $903.98 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on changes to medical benefits. Suggestions made regarding pension and vacation plans as well as work on bridge rule. Members requested that mattresses be changed every three years. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and service. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 18—Chairman Salvadore J. Lagare, Secretary Louis Nicoud, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate Joemar P. Abagat, Engine Delegate Erik W. Nappier, Steward Delegate Fernando C. Onativia. Chairman urged members to read Seafarers LOG to stay current on union information. He announced ship scheduled to arrive in Oakland, Calif. Dec. 25 and sail for Los Angeles two days later. Educational director reminded mariners to allow plenty of time when renewing documents with Coast Guard. Treasurer stated $1,200 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding shipping rules and increase in pension and medical benefits. Crew requested new washing machines. Thanks given to steward department for job well done and good salad bar. Vote of thanks also given to everyone for helping keep ship clean. Crew wished all members at sea and ashore a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. After stops in Oakland and Los Angeles, ship heading to Yokohama and Kobe, Japan. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 17—Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Rex E. Bolin, Deck Delegate Othman A. Saleh, Steward Delegate Carlito S. Navarro. Chairman wished happy holidays to all SIU members and encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility and update necessary shipping documents before they expire. He reported good voyage. Secretary asked departing crew to clean rooms and change linen for next person. He thanked SA Fadel Mohamed for job well done. Educational director suggested crew members write their congressional representatives asking their support for maritime issues. Treasurer stated $230 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited) , Dec. 4—Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary James H. Rider, Educational Director Kevin Cooper, Deck Delegate Howard G. Blanks Jr. Chairman thanked crew for safe, smooth trip. He asked everyone departing vessel to clean rooms and turn in keys. Secretary reported stores for 60-day voyage were ordered and will be loaded in Norfolk, Va. He thanked all departments for their help in keeping ship clean. Educational director advised members to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility and keep all necessary shipping documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding pension benefits. Steward department thanked for great Thanksgiving dinner. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk; Newark, N.J. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 18—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel, Engine Delegate Randy D. Clark, Steward Delegate Alex- ander P. Cordero. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 23 in port of Newark, N.J. He reported all departments operating smoothly and working well together. “Keep up the good work.” Secretary told crew he appreciated their help in keeping ship clean. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance seafaring skills at Paul members expressed thanks for new upholstery and drapes and were asked to not turn on TV during meal hours. RED CLOUD (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 30—Chairman Thomas H. DeCarlo, Secretary Christine A. Cassie, Educational Director Dave D. Higdon, Deck On the Job with the SIU Pictured above and below are Seafarers aboard the new Matson ship Manulani, which entered service in 2005. Shown in the top photo are John Harvey (left) and Bob Gale; in the other is Nadia Wright. Seafarers fill the steward department positions aboard Matson vessels, although they provided additional manpower to help get the Manulani ready for its debut last spring. Hall Center and watch safety videos aboard vessel. Treasurer stated $6,280 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on danger pay for current run. Vote of thanks given to steward department for outstanding food and service. PRIDE OF AMERICA (NCL America), Dec. 10—Chairman Daniel S. Marcus, Secretary Michael D. Wiley, Educational Director Mark A. Freeman, Deck Delegate Craig J. Burmeister, Engine Department Brett B. Wilson. Chairman expressed appreciation to deck and engine personnel for “working together in a friendly and safe manner.” He noted “The Brotherhood of the Sea is alive and well on this ship.” Educational director explained process of upgrading at the Piney Point school and encouraged everyone to attend classes there. President’s report from recent LOG pertaining to passing of Executive VP John Fay and progress made during 2005 was read and discussed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate reminded crew that any problems they have should first be taken to department delegate. PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND (Alaskan Tankers), Dec. 10—Chairman John T. Mossbarger, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Thomas E. Woerner, Engine Delegate John Miranda. Bosun suggested crew have money ready to pay dues at Dec. 31 payoff in Cherry Point, Wash. Educational director reminded members to renew z-cards early and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew Delegate David G. Knutson, Steward Delegate Samuel Washington. Educational director stressed importance of education and advised members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at SIU-affiliated school. Bosun read letter from headquarters concerning contract for LMSRs— specifically portions regarding ROS and vacation benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun will check with captain on possibility of satellite TV aboard ship as well as phone that works while underway. SGT. MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), Dec. 2— Chairman Angelo J. Urti Jr., Secretary Stephen W. Roth, Educational Director Matthew D. Dewitt, Deck Delegate Donald M. Hood, Engine Delegate Robert C. Hines, Steward Delegate Carlos A. Rosales. Chairman asked crew members leaving vessel to clean cabins and supply with fresh linen. Educational director urged crew to use time off wisely by upgrading at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. USNS BRITTIN (American Overseas Marine), Dec. 4—Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Lawrence E. Winfield, Deck Delegate Donald L. Kelly, Engine Delegate Lamont Robinson. Chairman asked members departing ship to clean rooms and leave keys. Secretary reported all departments running smoothly. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Contract extension notice received and posted. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Seafarers LOG 19 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 6:34 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.) Thankful Message I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks for the generous help provided to me and my family by union brothers and sisters during our time of need following our recent loss resulting from Hurricane Katrina. Also, I would like to add a special “Thank You!” to the officers and crew of the Westward Venture for their support and generosity. The emotional and financial support we have received from the SIU (Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund), fellow shipmates and friends has been remarkable and much-appreciated. You all have our undying gratitude and appreciation. Daniel Laitinen Sutherland Springs, Texas Supporting H.R. 23 To all personnel of the SIU, I salute you and wish you a pros- perous New Year. I am very happy about the possibility of enactment of the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act (H.R. 23) to give a little help to those who are still alive, who were valiant crew members and risked their lives. Yes, by luck, some of us are still living. I started sailing in 1943, first aboard SIU ships and later with the NMU, the union through which I retired. I know that today the SIU is as much my union as the NMU was back when I was sailing. Today’s SIU members are just like those of us in the 1940s that were eager to volunteer to help the cause. I hope you will now help those few of us from that era that remain. Thank you all and God bless you. tions of work, workers and workplaces that occurred between the mid-19th and late 20th centuries. This amazing collection of photographs, augmented with audio and video, can be viewed until May 29, 2006. Please consider this letter an open invitation to your union members to tour this exhibit some time in the near future. (Admission is free.) When you visit the National Archives, of course, you can also view the Charters of Freedom—U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill or Rights—and our permanent exhibit “The Public Vaults.” Allen Weinstein Archivist of the United States Washington, D.C. Exhibit Shows How Work Has Changed I am writing to call your attention to a new and exciting exhibit at the National Archives building: “The Way We Worked.” This exhibit illustrates the transforma- Scholarship Deadline Is April 15 P is made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2006 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be evaluated. A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate are two other items that must be included in the total application package. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15. Send for your application booklet now (see coupon below) or pick one up at any SIU hall. If you sent in an application form in 2005 and were not selected for one of the scholarships, you should try again this year. You have nothing to lose—and an education to gain! lease send me the 2006 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. 2/06 20 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. The annual financial committee will be elected during the March 6 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2005 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. Ruperto Lopez Rosado Puerto Rico Two months remain until the deadline—April 15—for receipt of scholarship applications from Seafarers as well as from their spouses and children who wish to continue their education at the college level in the fall of 2006. Eight monetary grants will be awarded this year to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 and is intended to help cover the costs of attending a four-year, collegelevel course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Five scholarships are to be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. After checking for eligibility, applicants should start collecting other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2006 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the request Know Your Rights 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 2006 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 12:51 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. for the first few months of 2006. 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 March 6 March 31 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) April 17 April 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 20 March 3 Radar April 3 April 14 Recertification Bosun April 10 May 8 Steward February 6 March 6 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB February 27 March 13 March 3 March 17 Basic Safety Training - FOWT March 27 March 31 Fast Rescue Boat March 20 March 24 Government Vessels - FOWT April 3 April 7 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 6 April 3 February 17 April 14 February 13 Febrary 17 Course (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 23, 2006. Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion FOWT March 27 May 22 May 19 July 22 Junior Engineer April 3 June 23 Welding February 20 March 20 March 10 April 7 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, 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 ________________________________________________ February 2006 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. 2/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 12:28 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman — Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 669 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 669. They are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Bianchi, Tyrell Blackburn, Russell Blanks, Karel Cain, Marcus Campbell, Catherine Clark, Joseph Craig, MacGregor Davis, Margery Earhart, Robert Godwin, Richard Guerra Jr., Christopher Hoffpauir, Benjamin Hulsey, Winter Meacham, Abdmutaali Muhammad, Winston Rankin, Philip Rhule, Christopher Sahagon, Gregory Simmons, Wilma-Joy Smith, Natalie Tremblay, Morgan Tury and Damion Vaughn. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ARPA— With instructor Mike Smith (far left) are Seafarers who completed the ARPA course Oct. 25. They are (in alphabetical order) José Boza, Rafael Clemente, John Daunoras, Robert Lutz Jr., Michael Murner and Neonito Sodusta. Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Oct. 28 are (in no specific order) Duane Frosburg, Gill Sickles, Harold Harper, Ronald Whitlow, Samantha Ortiz, Hector Ortiz, Jeffrey Moore, Jonathan Ives, Felsher Beasley Jr., Christopher Keshlear, Billie Jo Munoz, Carlos Llanos, Richard Avila, Joshua Smith, Samuel Miller, Calvin Andrews Jr., Miles Partridge and William Hunt. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Under the instruction of Jim Shaffer and Herb Walling (not shown), are graduates of the tanker assistant class ending Oct. 7. They are (in no specific order) Christopher Bryant, Arthur Rogers, Carl Taylor Jr., Nathan Elliott, Gilberto Baltazar, Cornelio Bartholome, Jesse Natividad Jr., Michael Lockhart, Patrick Chalmers, Albad Colon, Bryan Vallecillo, Christopher Bean, Gregory Ball and Michael Fields. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Sept. 30 graduates of this class include (in alphabetical order) Duane Frosburg, Harold Harper, Jackie Jones, George Miller, Jeffrey Moore, Gill Sickles and Joseph Thomas. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, stands aft. HAZWOPER — Upgrading Seafarers working aboard MTL vessels who completed the Confined Space Awareness portion of the HAZWOPER course Oct. 25 are (in no specific order) Sean DeBruler, William Palmer, Robert Bouton, Howard Clark, Robert Hoffman, William Harvell, Joe Kadak, Johnny Nilsen, Robert Mills, Darren Bates, Dale Wilson, Robert Joiner, Chris Valley, Bruce Walsh, Douglas Crawford, Kenneth Graybill III, Charlie Carlson and Bruce Comiskey. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes Holding their certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab are (above left photo) Yolanda Martinez and (above right photo, from the left) James W. Buckowski, Gregory L. White and Stephen M. Berschger. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, is in each of the photos. 22 Seafarers LOG Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Trainees in Phase III of the Unlicensed Apprentice Program completed the Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course Oct. 7. They are (in no specific order) Arthur Sanders, Stravon Jordan, Franklin Rodgers, Kevin Tyson, Mikel Tittsworth, Gregory Holsey Jr., Jo-Vanio Sprauve, Richard Wright, Robert Newcomb II, Brandon Tanton, Clyde McArn, Francisco Ramilo, Howard Vick, Robert Minter, Aaron Dixon, Jo-Vanii Sprauve, Hussain Hafid and Jimmy McCall. February 2006 �34068p01_24.qxp 1/30/2006 12:46 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Marine Electrician Refresher — Fast Rescue Boat — Oct. 28 was graduation day from the fast rescue boat class for Seafarers working aboard MTL vessels. They are (in alphabetical order) Willie Allen, Crispin Carino, William Jackson, Jimmy Saloom and Marc Tomuschat. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far left. Express Marine Wheelhouse — Pictured are Express Marine boatmen in the wheelhouse course ending Oct. 6. They are (in no specific order) Michael Daniels, Phil Inman, Thomas Crockett, Parran Keane, Tom Shaw, Mark Faust, Keith Kirkeide (management) and instructor Mike Smith (far right). Radar — The six Seafarers completing the radar course Oct. 18 are (in alphabetical order) Rafael Clemente, Romeo Codillero, John Daunoras, Michael Murner, Winston Restauro and Arthur Shaw. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is third from left. Express Marine Engineers/DEUs — Boatmen from Express Marine completed their engineeer/DEU training Oct. 6 from instructor Buzzy Andrews (far right back row). They are (in no specific order) Stan Davis, William Vanzyl, Jackie Pruitt, Albin Henries, Guy Ireland, Richard Hamilton, Stephen Murray, Ed Bishop, David Harris, Mark O’Neal and Larry Tribby. James Tyson and Richard Huffman passed the marine electrician refresher course Oct. 28. With them (at far left) is their instructor, Jay Henderson. Express Marine Culinary — With their instructor, Chef John Dobson (left), are boatmen from Express Marine who completed a culinary course Oct. 6. From the left are Dobson, Timothy Thomas, Colin Bridgman, Jerold Register and Tommy Horton. STOS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Aug. 12 are (in no specific order) James Gano, Jack Gainers, Chris Doucet, Cory Gardner, Patrick Guertin, Robert Hardesty, David Bennett, Graham Jones, Francis Gallagher Jr., James Roy, Richard Crutchfield and Steven Sanderson. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — The nine Seafarers who took the Tankerman (PIC) Barge course ending Oct. 21 are (in no specific order) David Kennedy, James Buckowski, Michael Freeman, Carl Taylor Jr., Stephen Berschger, Frank Campos, Linnell Coleman, Doug Lewis and J. Stephen Lewis. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is fifth from right. Electrician — Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, Sept. 9: Amir Abubakar, Louis Bates, Arin Berthiaume, Mark Bickham, Ana Blankenship, James Brechtbill, Gregory Brown, DeWann Burton, Amber Carver, Rachel Cassell, Alicia Chambers, Justin Chandler, Anthony Chavez, Benjamin Clark, Christopher Colson, Maria-Elena Cordoba, Carrie Courtney, Christopher Crump, Jason Cullers, Rolando Delacruz, Gerren Duncan, Maryann Dymen, Kenneth Fleming and Katherine Flint. February 2006 STCW — NCL, Sept. 9: Donnell Foster, Todd Fuller, Charles Gentry, Julie Harrison, Darnell Herbert, Yohko Hiromatsu, Christophe Hudson, Joseph Hudson, Kerrin Johnson, Jamell Jones, Douglas Joseph, Mecia Kaczor, Zachary Kaili-Josue, Jacqueline Latham, Donna Leary, Gina Lee, Kristen Lew, Samuel Lewis, Alba Lopez, Antonia LouisWagner, Daniel Lowy and Kevin Mader. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Three Seafarers completed the electrician course Oct. 14. From the left are Jay Henderson (instructor) with Alton Hickman, Dave Goodpastor and Francis Quebedeaux. STCW — NCL, Sept. 9: Forest McClendon, Jeremy McKeever, Emmy Montoya, Meliton Orosco, Sherin Osman, Michelle Potts, Joseph Qumsieh, Justin Rasmusen, Darwin Reyes, Marsha Reyes, Michael Rinaldi, Miriam Rouse, Lorena Sanchez, Kalie Schlewitz, Zina Sigur, Rachel Smith, Nicholas Socket, Clevern Taylor III, Donald Thomas, Phillip Thomas, Michael Wedgley, Albert Weight and Steven West. Seafarers LOG 23 �34068p01_24x.qxp 2/1/2006 3:54 AM Page 24 February 2006 DUE ON APRIL 15 Applications for SIU Scholarship – page 20 Income Taxes — See Tax Tips for Seafarers on pages 12 and 13 Pride of America Brings New Jobs, Economic Benefits and Good Reviews For Seafarers, the NCL America cruise ship Pride of America signified new jobs even before its formal christening last June in New York. From its first days at sea en route to the ceremony, SIU members ably have filled the unlicensed positions aboard the new vessel, which can carry more than 2,100 passengers. Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus recently submitted the crew photos accompanying this story, and he also reported smooth sailing aboard the 921-foot ship, which cruises the Hawaiian Islands. Seafarers aren’t the only ones seeing the benefits of the Pride of America and its sister ship, the SIU-crewed Pride of Aloha, which also features a Hawaiian Island itinerary. Last July, Hawaii welcomed nearly 23,000 cruise ship passengers—an increase of 57 percent from July 2004, according to newspaper reports. When the Seafarers-contracted Pride of Hawaii joins NCL America’s fleet later this year, the vessels altogether will carry an The Seafarers-crewed Pride of America is estimated 8,000 passengers per week. the second ship in NCL America’s fleet. “Being able to welcome an additional thousands of people on a weekly basis will allow us to continue to grow our economy because we are almost at our capacity where our land-based accommodations are concerned,” Marsha Weinert, the state’s tourism liaison, told the Monterey County (Calif.) Herald. Such projections may have seemed anywhere from overly optimistic to outright impossible back in late 2001, when the deep-sea U.S.-flag cruise industry was halted by the attacks of September 11. But, according to NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch, the restoration of this segment of the industry was made possible by the enactment of legislation introduced by Sen. Daniel Inouye (DHawaii): the Hawaii Cruise Ship Initiative. Speaking at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department convention last summer, Veitch stated that the U.S.-flag program 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,” he declared. He added that while the NCL America fleet creates a substantial number of shipboard jobs, “The bulk of the 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 jobs- that support the operation of a ship and entertain travelers when they come to take our OS Rogelio Jamora (left) and OS Riesel Pardilla cruises.” Less apparent but potentially of great importance to national security, the maritime jobs undeniably help strengthen U.S. national defense. The NCL America vessels help maintain a pool of welltrained U.S.-citizen mariners who can crew up military support ships in times of crisis. Those U.S. crews are prominently mentioned in promotions by Union Plus, a non-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO to secure discounted goods and services for union members and their families. Through Union Plus, union members can receive reduced fares when booking cruises on NCL America ships. (The toll-free number for this benefit is 866 867-0593.) The company faced some initial growing pains in 2004, but since then has successfully refined its product—a fact not lost on professional and amateur critics alike. Both in the media and on internet message boards populated by passengers, the reviews nowadays Wiper Rolan Lagaac (left) and are decidedly favorable. Some of the OS German Nunez Unlicensed Apprentice Winston Rankin Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus is pictured magazine reviews point to the SIU-affiliaboard the Pride of America with ated Paul Hall Center as one reason Honolulu’s Aloha Tower in the background. why things have improved. In 2005, AB Maintenance Robert Marcus was the first bosun aboard the more than 3,000 students successfully Warren helps wash NCL America ship. completed the Paul Hall Center’s threedown the deck. week course given to prospective NCL America shipboard employees who fill hundreds of nonmarine positions. Left: Ordinary Seaman Leonard Gregg (left) and AB Maintenance Herbert Oquendo clean windows on the Pride of America. OS Yung Fan Haloski � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NAVY LEAGUE PRESIDENT URGES POLICY FOR STRONGER U.S. FLEET SIU OF CANADA PROTECTS JOBS MORE SHIPS DUE THIS YEAR ADDITIONAL NORTH SLOPE ACREAGE OPENED FOR SAFE OIL EXPLORATION PRESIDENT TO NOMINATE SANBORN FOR MARAD POST SIU-CREWED CAPE TRINITY RECOGNIZED FOR ACTIVE ROLE IN ENDURING FREEDOM TUG SINKING CLAIMS LIVES OF 3 MARINERS MSC BUYS 3 SIU-CONTRACTED SHIPS REPORT UNDERLINES U.S. HEALTH CARE WOES COSTS CONSUME 16 PERCENT OF NATION’S ECONOMIC OUTPUT REPORT REVEALS PROBLEMS APLENTY ON DOOMED RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIP USCG CONCLUDES CAPT. VIOLATED SAFETY PRACTICES SEAFARERS CREDITED BY GEN. SCHWARTZ TOTE’S NORTHERN LIGHTS SAILED IN OIF FOR 2 YEARS SIU-CREWED LUMMUS SUPPORTS U.S. TROOPS MORE SIU SNAPSHOTS FROM THE GREAT LAKES REMEMBERING A WAR HERO KATRINA CLAIMS LIFE OF SIU RETIREE ALBERTO ROCHA SEAFARERS WIN ‘FOOD IN A BOWL’ COOK-OFF UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW COMES TO CLEVELAND PRIDE OF AMERICA BRINGS NEW JOBS, ECONOMIC BENEFITS AND GOOD REVIEWS 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 02/01/2006 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. 68, No. 2 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b3048482ebffd0e9c4d228130e6522fd.pdf f8a8e72f96fba873118d3fbd0781c6bb PDF Text Text Volume 68, Number 3 March 2006 Seafarers Are Thanked For Gulf Relief Efforts SIU members recently were recognized during a ceremony for their key roles in hurricane relief efforts in New Orleans. More than 500 Seafarers sailed in the relief mission following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Among those honored by the U.S. Maritime Administration and the Port of New Orleans were (left photo) Chief Steward Eddie Taylor, pictured aboard the Cape Kennedy enthusiastically serving a hot breakfast to Mary Sandolph and Chico Morales of MarAd’s Central Region; and steward department members from the Empire State (below left, from left) Chief Cook Rodwell Thompson, Steward/Baker Habib Boualem, SA Wanda Kelly, SA Edward Dorsey, Steward/Baker Christopher Amigable and Assistant Cook M. Zawkari. Page 3. As they have done throughout Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Seafarers continue delivering the goods for U.S. troops. At least 11 SIU-crewed ships remain mobilized for OIF, not including vessels from the SIU’s Government Services Division, which also are involved in the mission. Others are sailing in support of Enduring Freedom. Below, the combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls delivers stores to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan Feb. 5 in the South China Sea. The carrier was on its maiden deployment for the war on terror. SIU Members (Still) Deliver For U.S. Troops A U.S. Marine in Kuwait waits for a truck to roll off the ramp of the SIU-crewed USNS Bellatrix during troop rotations in Iraq. Pages 10-11. 9th T-AKE Ship Ordered Page 3 Lykes Motivator Honored Page 4 Memorial Funds Established Page 4 Questions Surround Ferry Disaster Page 5 �President’s Report Ferry Disaster’s Lessons Reading some of the first news reports about the sinking of the Panamanian-flag ferry Al Salam Boccaccio 98 last month in the Red Sea, I kept hoping that the articles were wrong. The disaster itself, which looks to have claimed more than 1,000 lives, is bad enough. But the circumstances, which include unofficial allegations of incompetence by crew members and abandonment by the captain, make it even worse. Investigations on this scale typically take a long time, and that’s to be expected when you consider Michael Sacco not only the scope of the disaster but also the potential liability. It will take time before all the facts are known. Still, the earliest media coverage of the Feb. 3 sinking near Egypt included some very disturbing points. Passengers said they not only weren’t assisted by the crew, in some cases they actually were told either to remove their life jackets or not to bother putting them on in the first place. This was despite the fact that the ferry was on fire and taking on water. Survivors also said that the captain didn’t attempt to return the ferry to shore even after the fire started. They claimed that the captain and crew “just went off in the lifeboats and left us.” We may never know about this, as the captain is among the missing. However, one of the ship’s officers said that the crew’s inability to handle firefighting operations caused the sinking. Again because of the nature of the investigation, it still isn’t clear whether any of the crew members had undergone safety training. But it seems safe to say that no matter their backgrounds, they couldn’t have handled the shipboard emergency any worse. Can you imagine an American crew reacting like that? Can you imagine U.S. mariners not knowing how to handle a fire and then running away while innocent passengers were left on their own? The SIU doesn’t work that way. The U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole doesn’t operate that way. I often describe our membership as the best-trained mariners in the world. That’s not just a catch-phrase, it’s the truth. We’re held to a higher standard when it comes to shipboard safety. We exceed a lot of the government’s requirements anyway, through many of the safety courses offered at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Accidents happen. They can happen to anyone. But in this business there’s simply no excuse for not being prepared. That’s especially true on a passenger vessel of any kind. On that note, I remain proud of the mandatory safety training offered at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point for all of the crew members heading to the SIU-contracted NCL America ships. The school provides U.S. Coast Guard-certified safety training that includes lifeboat, crowd control, fire fighting, first aid, CPR and much more. And if you don’t pass the course, you don’t set foot on those ships. The rest of our membership also is committed to safety. Thousands upon thousands of Seafarers have completed STCW Basic Safety Training at the Paul Hall Center. They and others routinely execute shipboard fire and boat drills and other safety exercises designed to help ensure that if an emergency arises, they’ll react with speed and efficiency. If all foreign-flag crews consistently were held to the same high standards as we are in the U.S., our industry would be a lot safer. In part, that’s why our union always has been active in the International Transport Workers’ Federation—an organization dedicated to protecting transportation employees all over the world. At its core, the ITF is about doing the right thing. It’s about treating people fairly and promoting safety and productivity for the benefit of all concerned. The SIU remains fully on board with the ITF’s goals, and that’s why it was so sickening to read about the Al Salam Boccaccio 98. In this day and age, with the safety training that’s available and the sophisticated shipboard equipment that can help save lives, a disaster like this one shouldn’t occur. Through our unwavering commitment to safety for all mariners around the globe, we’ll do everything possible to help make sure it never happens again. Volume 68, Number 3 March 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG ITF Inspectors Team Up, Secure Back Pay for Crew The multinational crew of the Panamanian-flag gambling ship Island Casino recently received more than $81,000 in back pay, thanks to the work of inspectors from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). SIU ITF Inspector Tony Sacco and fellow inspector Enrique Lozano (based in Mexico) late last year answered a call for assistance from mariners aboard the gaming vessel, which normally sails around the Caribbean Islands. The crew hadn’t been paid since mid-October and was concerned that they wouldn’t be paid at all. After initial attempts failed to secure the back wages, Sacco prepared to have the ship arrested in early January. The Island Casino’s Jacksonville, Fla.-based owner then paid the total amount due to the mariners (a crew that included Filipinos, Mexicans and Americans). “The crew was very happy that the ITF delivered,” Sacco noted. “We also assisted in rectifying a shortage of food and water on the ship.” The SIU is an ITF affiliate and actively has supported the federation’s efforts for decades—most prominently the ITF campaign against so-called flags of convenience (FOCs), but also including global outreach for crews facing any unfair treatment. In 2004 (the most recent year for which complete data is available), ITF inspectors worldwide recovered $25.1 million in back pay for mariners. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel serves as vice chairman of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section. He recently participated in the successful meetings of the international shipowners’ Joint Negotiation Group, which bargained for a contract covering 55,000 mariners on more than 3,200 vessels. The ITF itself was founded in 1896 and now consists of more than 600 transport trade unions in 137 countries. ITF member unions represent more than five million workers. A flag of convenience ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. According to the ITF, 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.” On its web site, the federation notes, “The ITF 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 Recommenda- tions; and 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.” 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 can’t communicate effectively with each other, putting safety and the efficient operation of the ship at risk. “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,” the ITF notes. “Globalization has helped to fuel this rush to the bottom. In an increasingly fierce competitive shipping market, each new FOC is forced to promote itself by offering the lowest possible fees and the minimum of regulation. In the same way, ship owners are forced to look for the cheapest and least regulated ways of running their vessels in order to compete, and FOCs provide the solution.” In the long run, the federation aims to eliminate the FOC system and establish “a regulatory framework for the shipping industry.” Meanwhile, the ITF will continue 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; 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; (and) individually strengthen affiliated unions, in all aspects, so as to ensure the provision and delivery of a greater degree of solidarity in the campaign.” ITF’s Seafarers’ Trust Celebrates 25 Years of Helping Mariners The Seafarers’ Trust, the ITF’s non-political charity arm which exists solely to improve seafarers’ welfare, reached its 25th anniversary on Jan. 18. Since its founding in 1981, the Seafarers’ Trust has donated $120 million to good causes, according to the federation. In a news release, the ITF noted that the 2,250 projects sponsored by the Trust in that time include 144 grants for new seafarers’ centers and mission facilities, 482 grants for the refurbishment and rebuilding of existing facilities for seafarers, and helping to supply more than 1,000 minibuses that take mariners from remote docksides to missions, accommodation, health centers and visitor attractions. The Trust also sponsors the World Maritime University in Malmo, the Seafarers’ International Research Centre in Cardiff, the International Seafarers’ Assistance Network, and the Seafarers’ Health Information Programme. It has funded groundbreaking work in ship-to-shore communications and mariners’ health. Tom Holmer, administrative officer of the Seafarers’ Trust, explained, “We’re delighted to reach our silver jubilee, proud of what has been achieved—often alongside outstanding partners such as the Mission to Seafarers, the Apostleship of the Sea and others— and mindful of the continuing struggle to improve seafarers’ lot.” Chris York, national director of the Apostleship of the Sea, commented, “The Apostleship of the Sea worldwide offers many congratulations and sincere thanks to the ITF Seafarers’ Trust for their work for seafarers’ welfare over the last 25 years. The generosity and farsightedness of the Trust has helped maintain many small endeavors in maritime welfare whilst promoting more and more cooperative and ecumenical ventures, thus making the outreach of the Apostleship of the Sea and our colleagues in the International Christian Maritime Association more and more effective over time. We look forward to the continued and vital support of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust in future years.” Natalie Wiseman, International Shipping Federation secretary, said, “The Trust has been an active partner over the last 10 years in the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare, alongside government bodies, religious organizations, the ISF and the ILO. In this capacity it has helped to provide sport, health and welfare provision for seafarers.” Holmer concluded, “There can be no better time than now to set our priorities for the coming years. This will include a new emphasis on taking welfare services closer to seafarers on board ship. As turnaround times have reduced we have seen the need for the accommodation we used to fund shrunk. We need to be getting out there, meeting seafarers and finding out what they need.” The Seafarers’ Trust is funded by the profits from the investments of the ITF Welfare Fund, as well as the profits from its own Trust fund. It is dedicated to the support of seafarers’ spiritual, moral and physical wellbeing, irrespective of nationality or religion. March 2006 �Seafarers Honored for Relief Efforts MarAd Approves Medals for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ Members of the SIU’s deep sea and inland divisions were among those honored Jan. 30 during a ceremony jointly sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the Port of New Orleans. The event, which took place in New Orleans, recognized individuals and organizations for their relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina last summer. Approximately 100 people, including a half-dozen Seafarers and SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, participated in the ceremony. “It was a good turnout and good recognition, for sure,” said Seafarer Raymond Schwartz, who sails as a captain with Crescent Towing, one of the companies commended at the event. “A lot has been done to get the port back up and running.” A spokesperson for the port of New Orleans said that as of early February, the port was operating at about 80 percent of capacity. “The ceremony was fantastic,” said Chief Steward Eddie Taylor, who has worked aboard the Cape Kennedy throughout the relief operations. “It was a good feeling, recognizing everybody that had a part in the recovery, no matter how big or small. Give the port and everyone else who had a hand in the ceremony praise for doing it.” “What struck me during the ceremony was the appreciation for so much cooperation and productivity under very difficult and unique circumstances,” Judd said. “After the hurricane, things could have fallen apart very easily, but it didn’t happen. Everybody found a way to make it work.” Seafarers sailed aboard at least 14 vessels that were involved in Katrina relief operations, whether the ships already were in the area when the hurricane struck or were activated later. SIU boatmen from Crescent Towing played crucial and immediate roles throughout the port, particularly during the storm’s immediate aftermath. Those mariners and others were recognized at the ceremony by featured speakers including John Jamian, acting administrator of MarAd; Gary LaGrange, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans; and Rear Admiral Robert Duncan, commander of the Eighth U.S. Coast Guard District and commander of the agency’s Maritime Defense Command Eight, which is based in New Orleans. Seafarers received certificates of appreciation, and MarAd also announced that it has approved the awarding of the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement to the crews and operating companies of the agency’s ships that supported recovery efforts from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement was established in 2002, and is awarded to members of the maritime industry who have “given extraordinarily valuable contributions to the merchant marine,” according to the agency. “The men and women who crewed and operated these ships provided relief and care to the Gulf Coast at a critical time, and they have brought great honor and distinction to the U.S. Merchant Marine,” said Jamian. “They moved quickly into the stricken area and provided food and shelter for thousands of rescue and recovery workers, and demonstrated the extraordinary capability of the U.S. Merchant Marine 9th T-AKE Ship Ordered Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division received good news when General Dynamics NASSCO announced it has received a $317 million Navy contract to build a ninth T-AKE dry cargo/ammunition ship. The San Diego-based shipyard made the announcement Jan. 31. The Seafarers-contracted T-AKE vessels are a new class of combat logistics force ships also known as the Lewis and Clark class. Nine of the ships have been ordered through NASSCO and there are options for three additional vessels. According to the shipyard, the first T-AKE, the USNS Lewis and Clark, was launched in May 2005. The second T-AKE, the USNS Sacagawea, is in full-rate production and will be launched on May 23, 2006. Construction on the third T-AKE, to be named the USNS Alan Shepard in honor of the first American in space, began last September. The T-AKEs are 689 feet in length and 105.6 feet in beam, with a design draft of 29.9 feet. The ships can carry almost 7,000 metric tons of dry cargo and ammunition and 23,500 barrels of marine diesel fuel. The vessels will provide logistic support in port and at sea. They will transfer cargo—ammunition, food, fuel, repair parts, and expendable supplies and other materiel—to station ships and other naval forces at sea. The first ship in the T-AKE class, the USNS Lewis and Clark, was christened in May 2005. March 2006 and industry to respond in a crisis.” Designated recipients are crews and officers of six Seafarers-contracted ships from MarAd’s Ready Reserve Force: Cape Kennedy, Cape Knox, Cape Vincent, Diamond State, Equality State and Wright; three training ships from state maritime academies: State of Maine, Empire State and Sirius; and one other ship from MarAd’s National Defense Reserve Fleet, Texas Clipper II. The management companies are Keystone Shipping, Pacific Gulf Marine, Inter- ocean American Shipping, Ocean Shipholdings, and Crowley Liner Services. Schwartz was among the first on the scene even before the storm hit. After reassuring his family that he was determined to work through the hurricane along with his fellow SIU boatmen, he noted an odd feeling while driving from a New Orleans suburb into the city. “People were evacuating by the thousands. I felt weird—I was basically the only one on the road heading south.” Nevertheless, although Schwartz and his wife now joke about it, his commitment (and, undoubtedly, those of his fellow members) caused some concern among family members before the storm. “Like I told them, it’s what we do. Otherwise the maritime industry —the maritime family—will suffer more losses. We’re in the business to prevent problems from happening. A lot of people don’t understand that.” Schwartz helped secure the SIU-crewed RRF ships Cape Kennedy and Cape Knox throughout the hurricane. Those vessels later served as bases for hundreds of relief workers. Chief Cook Credits Fellow Members On Empire State Chief Cook Sal Ahmed recently wrote to the Seafarers LOG to commend his fellow steward department members aboard the Empire State. That vessel played a very active role during Hurricane Katrina relief operations in New Orleans, beginning shortly after the storm through late January. “I believe the entire crew are heroes for their response to the call, and for their effort in helping feed thousands of the victims in New Orleans,” Ahmed said. “They deserve two thumbs up. The U.S. Maritime Administration also recognized our help by giving a certificate of appreciation to every crew member aboard our vessel.” Ahmed particularly offered congratulations and appreciation to the entire steward department for putting together special meals throughout the holidays. Among the SIU members sailing in the galley gang during that time were Steward/Bakers Lovie Perez, Habib Boualem and Christopher Amigable; Chief Cooks Frederick Saffo, Clarence Mack, Adele Williams, Lashanda Brown, Archie Gerald and Rodwell Thompson; Cook/Bakers Mike Watts and Theodore Smith; Assistant Cooks Florentino Caballero, German Oliva, Julia Williams, M. Alzawkari and Abdulla Quaraish; and Steward Assistants Edward Dorsey, Angel Bernardez, Wanda Kelly, Simeon Eligio, Mohammed Yahya, Majed Alsharif, and Wadeea Alnasafi. Chief Cook Archie Gerald Right: Assistant Cook Julia Williams, SA Wanda Kelly Pictured from left to right on the Empire State are SA Majed Alsharif, SA Simeon Eligio, Assistant Cook Abdulla Quaraish, SA Mohammed Yahya, and Assistant Cooks German Oliva and Florentino Caballero. SAs Angel Bernardez and Edward Dorsey Cook/Bakers Theodore Smith and Mike Watts Seafarers LOG 3 �Lykes Motivator Honored for Rescue The crew and captain of the Seafarers-contracted Lykes Motivator on Feb. 4 were the recipients of the American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy for their role in rescuing three mariners from stormy seas. Capt. Richard Johnson and the Motivator’s crew displayed superior seamanship last year when they saved the lives of three Swedish sailors whose sailboat had foundered in the stormy Atlantic seas. Seafarers aboard the Motivator during the rescue were: Bosun James McRevy; ABs Michael Weber, John Saturday, Jerome Williams, Richard O’Brien and Brett Sunderland; Electrician Chavalier Maycock; MEMAC Alcido Lopes; Wiper Willie Clemmons; Chief Steward Walter Darensbourg; Chief Cook Francisco Da Cruz and GSU Clifton Washington. The Seamanship Trophy, which recognizes extraordinary seafaring skills by American mariners, was presented during a luncheon at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Brooklyn Patrolman Joseph Baselice accepted the award on behalf of the union. Vice Adm. Joseph D. Stewart, Merchant Marine Academy superintendent, and Capt. Warren Leback, chairman, American Merchant Marine Museum and a former U.S. Maritime Administrator, presented the award to Soresi and Baselice. On March 29, 2005, the Lykes Motivator was returning from its regular run to Europe when it received a message from the U.S. Coast Guard to change course and come to the assistance of a sailing vessel that was reportedly sinking. The sailboat needing assistance was the 37-foot Aurora, which had set out from Bermuda bound for the Azores Maritrans Establishes 3 Memorial Funds Article Recognizes Co.’s Quick Response SIU-contracted Maritrans on Jan. 24 announced that the company has established memorial funds in honor of each of the three crew members who lost their lives at sea when the tug Valour sank off the coast of North Carolina. The memorial funds are as follows: Ron Emory Memorial Fund c/o Citizens Bank 652 North DuPont Highway Milford, DE 19963 Fred Brenner Memorial Fund c/o Wachovia Bank Martin Plaza Financial Center 1442 Martin Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21220 Richard Smoot Memorial Fund c/o Fifth Third Bank 1008 Oak Street Kenova, WV 25530 For those interested in contributing to these memorial funds, checks may be mailed directly to the accounts listed above. Alternatively, any donations that are received by Maritrans at 302 Knights Run Ave, Suite 1200, Tampa, FL 33602, will be sent to the specified memorial fund account. In the absence of a specific designation, funds will be equally distributed to the three memorial accounts. (Please contact Jennifer Waldman of Maritrans at (813) 209-0686 with any questions regarding the memorial funds.) The SIU in late January made contributions to each of the three funds. The Valour sank on Jan. 18 in severe weather. Longtime Seafarer Emory (sailing as an AB/tankerman), former SIU member Brenner (chief mate) and Smoot (chief engineer) perished, while six others survived. The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the tragedy, which 4 Seafarers LOG struck during the pre-dawn hours off the coast of Cape Fear, N.C. Meanwhile, a detailed article in the Feb. 5 edition of the newspaper St. Petersburg Times credited Maritrans both for its response to the accident and for its overall safety record. Writer Steve Huettel pointed out that the accident “marked the company’s first deaths since 1988 and the only loss of a tug in its 78-year history.” He further noted that the same day of the sinking, the company flew survivors’ relatives to Wilmington, N.C. so they could meet with the crew members. The SIU also quickly dispatched an official to Wilmington who helped console the survivors. Additionally, Seafarers-contracted Cape Fear towing brought the survivors to shore and also assisted in the successful recovery of the Valour’s barge, which had separated from the tug during the storm. “When rescued crew members reached shore, each was handed a cell phone and $750 cash to replace clothes and belongings lost on the Valour,” Huettel wrote. “Maritrans dispatched grief counselors not only for families and survivors but to crews of its 16 vessels and workers at offices in Tampa and Philadelphia. The company flew executives, survivors and their spouses to all three funerals.” The writer also observed that Maritrans Chief Executive Jonathan Whitworth—whose own father died in a marine accident when Whitworth was 14— “ached to tell families the fate of their loved ones. But he insisted on waiting to talk with the captain of the Valour aboard a tug that rescued most of the crew,” because of lessons learned from the West Virginia mine tragedy earlier that same month when family members mistakenly were told that most of the trapped workers survived. with three Swedish sailors aboard. Bad weather damaged the Aurora’s mast and gravely limited the boat’s ability to maneuver. The Aurora began to take on water, and its crew sent out a distress signal. About five hours later, lookouts aboard the Lykes Motivator spotted the foundering sailboat some 218 miles northwest of Bermuda. The sailboat was listing badly on its starboard side, still taking on water. When the endangered sailors spotted the Motivator, they managed to lower a small rubber dinghy into the stormy seas, which were reportedly running at 12-15 feet with winds squalling in excess of 30 knots. They first began to shuttle some of their personal gear to the Lykes Motivator, which Captain Johnson had maneuvered into position to provide leeward protection for the dinghy. The gear was winched aboard the cargo ship by its crew. After the last run between vessels, however, the dinghy nearly capsized, tossing one of the Swedish sailors into the rough waters. He soon drifted aft of the Motivator, whose crew swiftly responded to the peril and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joe Soresi (second from left) and SIU Brooklyn Patrolman Joe Baselice (third from left) accept the 2005 American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy on behalf of the captain and crew of the Seafarers-contracted Lykes Motivator. The award was presented Feb. 4 during a luncheon at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Making the presentation were former U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. Warren Leback (left) and Vice Adm. Joseph Stewart (right), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy superintendent. retrieved him using the ship’s crane with a rescue basket attached to its line. The other two mariners, who managed to stay in their dinghy, subsequently were retrieved without further incident. After the three sailors safely CIVMAR Notice: Retiring Abroad The union’s Government Services Division understands that as CIVMARS consider retirement, some may be interested in retiring and living abroad. For those CIVMARS who are eligible for Social Security benefits during retirement, it is important to plan carefully. While there are many locations to which the Social Security Administration will send your check, there are some countries where Social Security will not provide this benefit to Americans living abroad. This is a complicated topic and should be considered watchfully. Details are contained in a booklet titled “Your payments while you are outside the United States,” which may be obtained from your local Social Security office or by visiting www.SocialSecurity.gov. That web site also contains details about this issue. were aboard, examined and attended to, the Lykes Motivator resumed its course for the U.S. As it departed the area, the Aurora’s mast was seen being ripped completely off, and the sailboat soon succumbed to the sea. The swift and professional actions of the captain and crew of Lykes Motivator undoubtedly prevented the likely loss of human life. The Academy administers the selection process for awarding the American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy. The trophy, an ornate sterling silver cup, is on permanent display at the American Merchant Marine Museum on the Academy’s Long Island campus. Winners receive a plaque representing the trophy. SIU/UIW Official Robert O’Keefe Dies at 76 With 26 years of service as a union official, Robert L. O’Keefe of River Vale N.J., passed away Jan. 23 of respiratory failure. He was 76. O’Keefe began working in the SIU claims department at the Brooklyn hall in 1960, where he was the supervisor of former SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma. “He was a good boss, a really great guy to work for,” said Delma, who then reminisced that he was sometimes playfully fearful of O’Keefe, who would come into the office following a weekend and show Delma some of the wrestling moves his young sons had taught him. Later on, in the late ’70s, when O’Keefe was working as a representative of the United Industrial Workers (UIW), an affiliate of the SIU, Delma and he used to travel to some of the contracted shops including Paulsen Wire and Rope or one of the other shops in Pennsylvania. “It was 4 a.m. when we started driving,” Delma said, “in the middle of an ice storm. But Bob kept going.” UIW National Director John Spadaro, who worked closely with O’Keefe on medical claims issues as well as contract negoti- ations for the Atlantic region, remembers O’Keefe’s good outlook on life. “If you were feeling down, he knew how to raise your spirits,” Spadaro said. “He’d start his day with ‘top o’ the morning to you.’ He was always so positive.” O’Keefe played an important role in negotiating the contracts for the old Hussman Refrigeration Co. (now Victory), where Spadaro was working at the time. When Spadaro later came on as a UIW rep in 1985, he and O’Keefe sat side by side at many negotiation sessions. “It was always a pleasure working with him,” Spadaro continued. “He will be sadly missed by me and all those who knew him.” O’Keefe, who was an assistant vice president of the UIW, retired in 1986. “He lived and breathed union business,” said one of his sons, Dennis O’Keefe, “and loved telling stories of the people he worked with and the beefs he participated in.” His wife, Evangeline, predeceased him. Surviving are his children Brian R. O’Keefe of Denver, Col.; Michael P. O’Keefe of Westwood, N.J.; Patrice M. Archambault (and her This photo of Asst. VP Robert O’Keefe was taken at the UIW 7th quadrennial convention in Piney Point, Md. in 1985. husband, Roy) of Wilmington, N.C.; Dennis P. O’Keefe (and his wife, Karen) of Boiling Springs, S.C.; Karen E. Hilla (and her husband, Daniel) of Wilmington, D.C.; Timothy P. O’Keefe of Arlington, Va; and eight grandchildren. Following a funeral liturgy at the Church of St. Andrew in Westwood, N.J. on Jan. 27, interment took place at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, N.J. Contributions in his memory may be sent to St. Andrews Human Concerns, 120 Washington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675. March 2006 �Ferry Passengers Were ‘Abandoned’ More than 1,000 Dead or Missing in Red Sea Disaster More than 1,000 people are dead or missing following the Feb. 3 sinking of the Panamanian-flagged Egyptian ferry Al Salam Boccaccio 98 in the Red Sea. Although the official cause of the disaster had not been determined as of press time for the Seafarers LOG, more than a few sources have reported that a fire in the vessel’s hold coupled with the crew’s inability to extinguish it were the likely culprits. News reports indicated that passengers accused the captain and crew of negligence, saying the captain abandoned ship before ensuring the passengers had left. They also asserted that crew members prevented them from donning life jackets and didn’t assist them into lifeboats. (The captain is among the missing.) One survivor told the Gold Coast Bulletin, “We were wearing life jackets but the crew told us there was nothing wrong and ordered us to take them off. They took the life jackets away. When the boat started to sink, the captain took a lifeboat and left.” Another survivor said the captain was the first to leave the sinking vessel, and the crew of roughly 100 “just went off in the lifeboats and left us.” Built in 1970, the 11,800-gt vessel on Feb. 2 departed Dhuba, Saudi Arabia and was steaming to a port in Safaga, Egypt when the tragedy occurred. It was carrying 1,450 people, most of whom were Egyptians working in Saudi Arabia. The remaining passengers were said to be pilgrims returning from Mecca. Coastal stations last had con- tact with the ship at around 10 p.m. the same evening and did not receive any SOS from the crew. Al Salam Boccaccio 98 later disappeared off radar screens near the Saudi coast and never made its 3 a.m. docking time at Safaga. Survivors of the incident have alleged that the disaster was caused by a fire breaking out below decks. According to Lloyds List, witnesses reported that fire erupted about 90 minutes into the vessel’s overnight journey. It is not clear where the fire started or its size. Some say it began in the car deck, while others claim it ignited in the engine room. Some survivors have suggested that the ship was engulfed in smoke and passengers were running onto the decks wearing life jackets and begging the crew to turn the vessel around and return to Saudi Arabia. The captain, survivors said, made no attempt to return to shore, opting instead to continue on to Egypt while the crew tackled the flames. The surviving third officer on the ship, Rani Kamal, told the Arabic news channel Al-Arabiya that “…the ferry sank because of firefighting operations. Water flooded the garage [car deck] ... and it pooled on one side. Then the water increased and increased until the ship listed sharply,” he said. The ferry apparently was owned and operated by Cairobased Al-Salam Maritime Transport, although at least one news source claims that Panama-based Pacific Sunlight Marine Inc. is the official owner. According a British expert on fighting ship fires who spoke on condition of anonymity, in the kind of rough weather the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 experienced before it went down, it would only take two or three inches of water on the deck to set off what is called a Free Surface Effect. A Free Surface Effect is a phenomenon whereby a small amount of water inside the vessel starts slopping from side to side, making the ship rock. Even a small amount of water sloshing back and forth below decks can seriously affect a ship’s stability. As the vessel rolls, the water pours to one side, which moves the ship’s center of gravity. If this moves beyond a critical point, the ship cannot right itself and will overturn. Returning to the issue of the fire, the expert said that although methods for fighting ship fires could vary according to the sophistication of the vessel— ranging from the use of inert gas to douse flames to hoses and hand-held extinguishers—ships nonetheless obviously should be equipped with the means to put out a fire. This is especially important on ships such as the Al Salam Boccaccio 98, a rollon/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel with a large open space for cars, where fires can easily spread. Another expert said that the ferry’s chances of surviving were reduced by modifications made in the 1980s, when two more passenger decks were added. The vast majority of the ship was standing out of the water, with little below the surface to keep it stable. Compounding the problem were the high winds, Health Care Costs Affect Everyone The AFL-CIO and other groups that fight to protect workers’ rights continue calling attention to the nation’s health care crisis. Among other efforts, the federation recently launched a state-level campaign to promote good, affordable health care for all Americans. As part of the campaign, the AFL-CIO pointed out the fact that the United States spends almost twice as large a share of its economy on health as other rich countries do, yet 46 million Americans —one in six— go without health insurance. This is one issue that will continue to be watched closely by all sectors of business, whether public or private, including those in the automotive sector. General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. indicate that soaring health care costs have contributed to the financial crises that are forcing them to close plants and lay off thousands of workers. Ford spent $3.1 billion in 2004 on health care, and the company expects that expense to have reached $3.5 billion in 2005. GM is expected to have spent $5.6 billion on health care in 2005, which covers slightly more than 1 million people. The United Auto Workers and Ford have reached a tentative March 2006 agreement to reduce Ford’s health care costs—similar to the deal they struck last October with GM—by shifting more of the health care expenses to workers and retirees. Under GM’s pact, active workers will forgo future pay raises and retirees will pay higher out-of-pocket costs to help GM reduce health costs that the company says represent $1,500 for every vehicle it builds. Ford’s health care deal with the UAW is expected to be much the same. The UAW now will move to DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group, which also has requested relief from rising health care costs for its workers and retirees. The UAW’s Chrysler Council decided to move forward with negotiations once talks with Ford were concluded. Other unions all across the country are in similar circumstances as they prepare to negotiate labor contracts. In Passaic County, N.J., for example, the county is entering into negotiations with 11 of its 22 employee unions, representing more than half the county’s workers. “Negotiating with the unions on health costs is going to be one of the big savings,” said the chairman of the county budget committee. No one seems to be immune from these escalating expenditures. Some of the 9.2 million beneficiaries of the Military Health System (MHS)—which includes active duty and retired military employees—may face an increase in out-of-pocket expenses for health care based on proposals being considered by the administration. Details were expected to announced at a later date. Whatever the specific situation, health care—as the public has known it in the past—is basically gone. The days of having full benefits, medical and dental, with no worry of co-pays or prescription drug costs, are no longer. Polls now indicate that health care is consistently a top issue of concern for U.S. citizens. A 2005 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed nearly 40 percent of Americans were “very worried” about paying more for medical care and health insurance. Six out of 10 worry about going bankrupt because of a major illness. And between the years 2000 and 2005, health insurance premiums rose 73 percent while workers’ income increased only 15 percent. which may have further tipped the vessel. Officials from the protection and indemnity club that will pay compensation claims on those who lost their lives say the vessel had more than enough lifesaving equipment on board. According to news reports, the Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association said it ordered a full condition survey on the vessel early last year and found the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 fully complied with all safety equipment requirements; that management and training was satisfactory; and that the owners had properly carried out and completed all necessary maintenance. However, according to further reports, the Italian firm that certified the ship’s seaworthiness is facing prosecution in France for allegedly failing to carry out proper checks on the Maltese-flagged tanker Erika which broke up off the coast of France six years ago. One of the Al Salam Boccaccio 98’s sister ships sank in the Red Sea last October after a collision with a Cypriot tanker. In a related development, a ferry captain several days following the tragedy said he refused to help the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 in order to protect his own passengers. Salah Jomaa told Egypt’s Al- Ahram daily that the crew of the stricken ship asked for help, but he steered clear to avoid a “second catastrophe.” “I [made] the decision not to turn around to protect the lives of the 1,800 passengers on board,” he said. Jomaa said that the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 had radioed his vessel, the Saint Catherine, asking him to turn around and mount a rescue effort. However, he said he was afraid that doing so would result in the sinking of his own vessel, “especially as the weather conditions were bad and the waves high.” Jomaa said he warned all other ships in the area of the impending disaster and requested that they come to help. Help, however never came. According to several sources, the rescue effort was not launched until seven hours after the Al Salam Boccaccio 98 sank. Angry relatives of passengers killed during the ocean tragedy on Feb. 3—frustrated by the lack of information about their loved ones—attacked the offices of the vessel’s owners. A mob broke into Al-Salam Maritime’s offices in Safaga and began throwing the facility’s contents onto the street. They destroyed furniture and attacked a fire engine before riot police used tear gas to restore order. ILO Weighs Maritime Standards The International Labor Organization last month examined a draft convention on maritime labor standards which, if adopted, would “represent the most sweeping and comprehensive global legal instrument ever forged regarding the world’s shipowners, seafarers and maritime nations,” the ILO said in a news release. The 10th maritime session of the ILO’s International Labor Conference was scheduled for Feb. 7-23 in Geneva (ending after the deadline for this issue of the Seafarers LOG). Such maritime sessions are conducted every 10 years, while the ILO’s annual labor conference meets every year. Delegates elected Jean-Marc Schindler, director-general for Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport, Tourism and the Sea, France, as president of the Conference. Dierk Lindemann (on behalf of employers) of Germany, Brian Orrell (representing workers) of the United Kingdom and Tatsuya Teranishi (governments) of Japan were elected vice presidents of the conference. Delegates were to consider a new, single “framework convention” on maritime labor standards that consolidates and updates more than 65 international maritime labor standards adopted since the ILO was founded in 1919. In his speech to the assembly, Schindler characterized the meeting as “a new and unique event in the history of this organization” and said the convention marked “the first attempt to create the global instrument for a specific sector of industry.” He also referred to the two major principles of the convention: allowing signatory governments discretion as to the way in which they implement the seafarers’ rights, but setting out firm obligations on governments to respect those rights—backed up by a detailed enforcement system. ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said the convention “would be an effective, modern and global response for a truly global industry. This is a major step forward in assuring better protection of workers, a level playing field for shipowners and an effective instrument for governments in providing decent conditions to seafarers. In sum, greater clarity, productivity, safety and security for all.” According to Somavia, the maritime session “seeks to ensure the relevance of ILO standards in this era of the globalization of production and work” and “may provide the impetus and support for similar innovative and balanced approaches in other areas.” Some 1,000 participants representing governments, workers and employers from 100 of the ILO’s 178 member states were set to discuss the draft convention, with voting expected on the closing day. Each member country has the right to send four delegates to the conference: two from government and one each representing workers and employers, each of whom may speak and vote independently. Seafarers LOG 5 �Survivor AB Gerard Costello (pictured last year during a safety exercise in Baltimore) battled through four-plus years of cancer treatments. AB Costello Credits Health Plan For Helping Him Beat Cancer Seafarer Gerard Costello had more than enough to worry about beginning in 2002 when he was diagnosed with a rare and most serious form of cancer. Through that struggle, he not only appreciated the treatment afforded him through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), he drew strength and comfort from it. Lately, the news couldn’t be much better for Costello, who sails as an AB. During the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., he announced that his cancer is in remission— and also showed that he hasn’t lost his sense of humor. “Initially I was given three months to live,” Costello, 44, said at the meeting. “My wife and children are grateful now, to some degree.” Following the meeting, and also in a recent letter to SIU President Michael Sacco, Costello recalled that he has suffered through treatments for eight tumors. “I only have one At the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Seafarer Gerard Costello (center) shared the good news that his cancer is in remission. With him after the meeting are (from left) SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. left, but this time they’re calling it stable,” he said. “It’s been almost a year since I’ve grown another tumor. They had been coming every three months, like clockwork.” While not minimizing his struggle, Costello was liberal with his praise for the SHBP and the union. “The mental and physical hardships that accompany such treatments for cancer have put a strain on my family for over four years,” he said. “The benefits and support I have received from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and the unwavering support from the Baltimore hall have been immeasurable in their level of professionalism in any and all situations and areas of concern. “As for the medical plan, the SIU alone has provided the absolute highest level of medical expertise in the field of cancer,” continued Costello, who joined the union in 1997 after previously sailing as a CIVMAR with the U.S. Military Sealift Command. “I have survived in large part by taking comfort in the fact that the medical plan provided the best of a knowledgeable and skilled team of doctors. For the services and support afforded me by the outstanding staff of our medical plan, and by my Port Agent Dennis Metz and the staff Union Membership Grows For the first time in six years, the number of people belonging to unions increased in 2005. The quantity of American workers holding membership in labor unions last year rose by 213,000 to 15.7 million, according to figures released Jan. 20 by the U.S. Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in its annual report. It was the first hike in the organized labor work force numbers since 1999. The bureau also said the median weekly earnings of full-time union members was about 29 percent more than nonunion workers’ pay and that union members’ pay rose by 2.6 percent last year, compared with only 1.6 percent for nonunion workers. The news of the membership increase was welcomed by the 53-union, 9 million-member AFLCIO, the country’s largest labor federation. Reacting to the BLS report, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney in a prepared statement said, “The AFL-CIO is pleased that the 2005 union membership numbers, released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics today, show a significant increase of 213,000 union members in the last year … reversing a trend of decline in recent years as good union jobs disappeared. In a political climate that’s hostile to workers’ rights, these numbers illustrate the extraordinary will of workers to gain a voice on the job despite enormous obstacles.... “But despite glimmers of hope, conditions for America’s workers are still bleak,” he continued. “As growth in the ‘McJobs’ economy and downsized pensions make unions even more important to workers, too few workers can exercise their choice to have a voice at work. Nearly five times as many workers—57 percent—say they would join a union tomorrow as the percentage that actually has union representation. The AFL-CIO renews its call for Congress to recognize the will of America’s workers to gain a voice on the job, and restore workers’ freedom to form unions by passing the Employee Free Choice Act without delay.” 6 Seafarers LOG Despite the increase in overall membership numbers last year, labor’s share of the total workforce in 2005 was unchanged at 12.5 percent. The number of union members grew at the same rate as the number of all wage and salary workers, including managers and executives who under federal labor law are not eligible for union membership. The majority of last year’s increase was in the government arena, especially at the state and local level, where union worker membership rolls grew by 163,000 to 7.4 million workers. The union share of public sector workers edged up to 36.5 percent from 36.4 percent, the BLS said. In the private sector, the percentage of union members slipped to 7.8 percent in 2005 from 7.9 percent, even though the number of union members grew by 50,000 to 8.3 million. The most union-dense states were New York (26.1 percent), Hawaii (25.8 percent), Alaska (22.8 percent), Michigan and New Jersey (20.5 percent each). States with the thinnest union presence in their workforces were South Carolina (2.3 percent), North Carolina (2.9 percent), Arkansas and Virginia (3.3 percent each) and Utah (3.9 percent). Also reflected in the report was the changing face of the American labor movement, which has become more female and minority and less male and white in the last 20 years. Last year’s growth was entirely among women union members, whose numbers grew by 222,000. The percentage of female union members rose to 11.3 percent in 2005 from 11.1 percent, while male union membership declined to 13.5 percent of workers from 13.8 percent. In 1983, the bureau said the percentage of male union members was 10 percentage points higher than female union members. Although white workers made up the bulk of union members with 12.5 million, the union membership rate among black workers was highest at 15.1 percent, compared with 12.2 percent for white workers and 10.4 percent for Hispanic workers. of the Baltimore hall whose care and assistance to both myself and my family have been invaluable throughout this extreme time of distress, I cannot thank them enough.” Costello concluded with a word of credit for SIU President Sacco: “Your tireless efforts to secure the best possible medical care for the membership of our great union—in a time of health insurance crisis in America—is indeed a testament to your leadership and care for this organization and its members. As I write you this letter, I am continually improving…. I will forever be indebted and grateful…. this organization saved my life.” This isn’t the first time Costello faced a life-and-death struggle. During the mid-1980s, while working as a CIVMAR, he was washed overboard approximately 500 miles north of the Azores. He survived even though it was mid-December and the water “was kind of chilly,” Costello recalled. “He is an inspiration,” Metz said. “When he walks into the union hall, he always has a smile on his face. Even when he was given three months to live, you wouldn’t have known it.” Articles Expose Tactics Of FOC Cruise Line Miami-based Carnival Corp. is the world’s largest cruise vacation company. The travel giant commands more than half the world’s cruise business through 12 subsidiaries, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise, Holland American and Cunard Line. The lion’s share of this business is conducted from North American points of embarkation, including Miami, Port Everglades, Port Canaveral and Tampa in Florida; Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif.; New York; Galveston, Texas; New Orleans, Seattle and others. In 2004, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 8.12 million passengers boarded cruise vessels in the United States for international destinations. Carnival’s 2004 profits were a cool $1.85 billion. And while much of the company’s success directly can be attributed to management and marketing, recent news articles suggest that an equal if not greater portion must be credited to other factors—relaxed U.S. tax laws and the recruitment of inexpensive labor from poor world nations are among the most prominent. Because Carnival’s vessels are registered under the flags of a foreign nation (Panama), it is exempt from American labor laws. Additionally, it is free of some environmental regulations and can avoid paying corporate income taxes in the U.S. In 2004, Carnival reportedly paid taxes only on revenues from Princess and Holland America’s sales of U.S. hotel and tour packages. This payment amounted to $47 million or a mere 2 percent of Carnival’s net income. Deep sea SIU member Kevin W. Conklin recently brought a series of articles to the attention of the Seafarers LOG that addressed these issues. Published by Brevard County, Fla.’s Florida Today, the pieces among other things provided many behind-the-scenes insights on how the runaway-flag cruise ship business operates. Especially noteworthy were points made relative to the plight of Carnival’s shipboard employees. Through their words and photos, Florida Today journalist John A. Torres and photographer Craig Rubadoux told the uncompromising human story about how sacrifice and hope go handin-hand with exploitation and despair. When vacationers board any of Carnival’s 21 cruise vessels, they encounter accommodations comparable to those one might expect to find in a high-class hotel. Behind the scenes of these plush settings and red carpet treatment, however, is an overworked and vastly underpaid crew. Although extremely diversified, no American mariners can be found among their ranks. The crew is completely international and hails mainly from developing countries—upwards of 100 different nationalities round out a typical Carnival vessel crew. Many among those who comprise the company’s workforce (33,000 shipboard employees across its 21-ship fleet and another 3,500 employees at shore side offices in Miami and Miramar in Florida, and Flay and Colorado Springs, Colo.) spend long stretches of time away from their loved ones. The crew members’ objective is a simple one: attempting to care for their families and preventing them from experiencing the sting which accompanies poverty. Ross A. Klein, a university professor and author of “Death by Chocolate: What You Must Know Before Taking a Cruise,” last year published “High Seas, Low Pay Working on Cruise Ships,” an article which closely scrutinizes the cruise industry. Klein has taken 30 cruises since 1992 and is keenly aware of the Continued on page 7 March 2006 �Federal Funds Allocated for Port Security More than $2 billion has been allocated for port security across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the White House’s fiscal year 2007 budget request. Overall, the request calls for $58.3 billion for the DHS, a 6 percent or $3.4 billon increase over FY 2006. The $2 billionplus portion that was earmarked for port security primarily is for Coast Guard port security activities such as Maritime Safety and Security Teams and harbor patrols. In addition, ports are among the infrastructure assets protected through DHS Targeted Infrastructure Protection (TIP) grants. Taken as a whole, the budget How FOC Cruise Ships Operate Continued from page 6 plight of cruise crew members. “The reality for many cruise-ship workers is certainly not carefree, nor fun,” he wrote. “While the working conditions for officers, cruise staff, and those working in the shops and casinos are adequate, if not good, the experience of those working in the dining room, cleaning rooms, in the galley, and below deck is quite different. “These workers are often paid substandard wages, have marginal accommodations, survive on inadequate food, and live under a system that is rife with abuse and uncertainty,” he said. Carnival crew members— who may be, for example, cooks, stewards, electricians or laundry workers—work up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week for 10 months at a time for salaries as low as $75 a month. That’s why many of them depend on tips from passengers for the lion’s share of their income. The company provides medical care for employees on board ship, but often it’s minimal. Workers who are injured or become sick can find themselves out of a job with little money and no further medical benefits. Aside from the foregoing conditions, other practices also are rampant aboard Carnival vessels. According to Klein, “Carnival Cruise Line requires workers who interact with passengers to pay a $50 deposit for their uniforms. According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation, some companies charge employees a ‘security bond’ of up to $750, supposedly to stop desertion or to cover the consequent U.S. immigrationservice fine a company gets charged. The bond can extend the amount of work time a worker spends just covering expenses to six out of the eight or 10 months on board.” Klein also says, “Cruise lines have typically restricted the ability of workers to engage in collective action by hiring staff from multiple countries, and from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In those few cases where workers have joined together, they have met with harsh resistance from the companies.” March 2006 provides $2.7 billion for the Coast Guard’s homeland security programs, a 16 percent increase over the 2006 level. This request includes $1.8 billion for ports, waterways, and coastal security. The FY ’07 request of $668 million in homeland security grants to states is less than the FY ’06 enacted level, but, according to the Office of Management and Budget, “these programs’ effectiveness will be sustained by continuing to allocate funds based on risk and threat, and ensuring that states and localities are targeting their funds to the priorities identified in the National Preparedness Goal.” Two officials representing America’s public seaports weighed in on the FY ’07 budget request. Kurt Nagle, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and Bernard Groseclose, president and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, appeared at the National Press Club Feb. 7. They suggested that similar to last year, the president’s 2007 budget proposal recommends lumping the security infrastructure needs of seaports with those of trains, trucks, buses and other public transit into a new and consolidated Targeted Infrastructure Protection program. “The federal share of the seaport facility security funding partnership needs to be increased, not reprogrammed and diluted,” said Nagle. “Another top federal priority should be to adequately fund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keep the nation’s deep-draft channel maintenance projects on schedule. Simply put, we believe all authorized channel projects with positive benefit-cost ratios should be maintained at their authorized project depths.” Nagle noted that the economy, safety and national defense of the United States depend largely on how well the country can protect its seaports and ensure deep- draft shipping access to them. He said that although airports, first responders and research and development centers receive most of the federal attention and funding for security and terrorism prevention, seaports—which support 5 million jobs and annually handle $2 trillion worth of cargo and more than 8 million cruise ship passengers—remain largely under-funded at the federal level. As a result, they must divert limited port resources to pay for enhanced security, often at the cost of improving their facilities to handle fast-growing trade volumes. Elsewhere, the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in late January conducted a field hearing on the National Strategy for Maritime Security. The purpose of the hearing, held in Camden, N.J., was to continue oversight of federal programs intended to enhance security in the maritime domain. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Craig Bone and Mark O. Hatfield Jr. of the Transportation Security Administration testified that maritime security encompasses threats from all criminal or hostile acts and involves collection of information relating to all aspects of maritime activities. William Boles, director of security at the Port of Wilmington, Del., testified regarding the challenges and successes of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. Lisa Himber, vice president, Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, testified regarding disconnects in development of the National Strategy and in the port security grant program, among other things. Dr. Scott Glenn, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, testified about the possible use of compact high frequency radar to enhance maritime domain awareness. Ford Announces Massive Job Cuts Management’s Failure Leads to ‘Disappointing and Devastating News’ Ford Motor Co. in late January announced what it described as a sweeping restructuring plan that would shut down 14 factories, eliminate as many as 30,000 jobs and hopefully tackle its declining market share and rising costs that led to robust losses in its North American operations. The restructuring—which officials say will restore profitability by 2008—is Ford’s second in four years and comes in the wake of a major overhaul by General Motors Corp., which plans to cut 30,000 workers by 2008 and close all or part of 12 plants. Under Ford’s first plan, the company closed five plants and cut 35,000 jobs, but its North American operations failed to turn around. Overall, the U.S. auto industry in the past five years has shed 200,000 jobs, or 15 percent of its workforce. “The restructuring plan announced by Ford is extremely disappointing and devastating news for the many thousands of hard-working men and women who have devoted their working lives to Ford,” Ron Gettelfinger, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), said in a statement released shortly after Ford went public with its restructuring plans. “The impacted hourly and salaried workers find themselves facing uncertain futures because of senior management’s failure to halt Ford’s sliding market share. “The announcement has further left a cloud hanging over the entire workforce because of pending future announcements of additional facilities to be closed at some point in the future,” said the union president. He said the job cuts and future announcements of plant closures still are being discussed with the second-biggest U.S. auto maker and warned, “Certainly, today’s announcement will only make the 2007 negotiations all the more difficult and all the more important.” The union said it would seek to strictly enforce job security agreements that exist with Ford. Gettelfinger said that Ford’s latest plan, like its predecessor in 2002, concentrated on cutting capacity when “the focus should instead be on striving to gain market share in this competitive market by offering consumers innovative and appealing products.” Under the company’s existing contract with the UAW, workers at the idled plants will continue to get most of their pay and benefits until a new contract is negotiated next year. The UAW already has granted historic concessions to Ford and GM that would allow the automakers to cut their multibillion-dollar health care costs. The most recent agreement, which raises drug co-payments for active workers and establishes monthly premiums for retirees, was ratified by a slim 51 percent majority at Ford and 61 percent at GM. “Today’s announcement by Ford Motor Company is tragic for the employees who have invested their lives in Ford and devastating for all working people,” observed AFLCIO President John Sweeney. “For decades, autoworkers have defined what it means to have a middle class job in America. The evisceration of good, middle class jobs is the single biggest crisis facing our nation today. “That’s why we are organizing as never before to demand the attention and action it will take to restore respect for work and workers in this country,” he continued. “Thank goodness the Ford employees have a strong union to give them a voice and a place at the table to ensure their needs are addressed in this difficult situation.” The federation president added, “Workers cannot and should not be expected to bear the burden of the competitive pressures on the auto industry. Instead of trying to shrink its way to profitability, Ford should innovate— developing new products and technologies to regain market dominance. “Our elected officials also have a role to play,” Sweeney concluded. “Now is the time to enact a national health plan that will provide the affordable, quality health care working families need, while helping companies compete in the global marketplace.” Canadian Auto Workers President Buzz Hargrove described the cuts as “a shocking, painful blow.” One plant in Canada is on the closure list. The Canadian union already has negotiated 1,100 job cuts at Ford, including the closure of a Windsor casting plant in 2007, during a collective bargaining session earlier this year. The agreement also discussed the possibility that Ford’s Essex engine facility in Windsor would end production of an older V6 engine, along with efforts to replace it with a new-generation model by 2008. Analysts warn that the Ford and GM cuts will ripple through the economy because the auto industry supports so many other jobs— those producing steel, rubber, glass, electron- ics and other auto parts, for example. The relatively high wages of auto workers, combined with good health and pension benefits, also fuel local spending, which supports retail jobs. As a result, economists estimate that every 100 U.S. auto industry jobs support 460 other jobs, a relatively high “multiplier effect” compared with other industries. “These cuts are a painful last resort, and I’m deeply mindful of their impact,” Chairman and Chief Executive Bill Ford said in announcing Ford’s new job cuts. According to Ford Americas President Mark Fields, the architect of the plan, the following facilities initially have been targeted for closure: „ The Ford assembly factory St. Louis, where approximately 1,900 union members are employed. This facility, which builds the Ford Explorer and a similar Mercury SUV, will cease operations during the first quarter of this year. This plant was on the chopping block four years ago, in a previous Ford restructuring announcement. „ An assembly plant near Atlanta will close at the end of this year. The facility builds large sedans and employs more than 1,800 hourly workers. „ The Wixom, Mich. assembly plant is slated for closure during the second quarter of 2007. It employs 2,600 workers who build the Lincoln LS, the Lincoln Town Car and the Ford Thunderbird. „ Other plants to be idled and eventually closed through 2008 are Batavia Transmission in Ohio and Windsor Casting in Ontario. Ford later this year will choose two more plants to be idled. The company also will reduce production to one shift at its St. Thomas assembly plant in Ontario. All of the plant closings and job cuts are scheduled to be completed by 2012. Besides the facilities named during January’s restructuring announcement, analysts also have predicted that assembly plants in St. Paul, Minn. and Cuautitlan, Mexico could be at risk for closure because of the products they make. Ford said that in addition to the job cuts and plant closures, it plans to achieve $6 billion in material cost savings by 2010 as part of its restructuring. Seafarers LOG 7 �Meeting recently at the SIU hall in Houston are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, Capt. Rodney Nix of G&H Towing Co. and SIU VP Dean Corgey. The Industrial Challenger shifted from the Bahamian flag to the U.S. flag in 2002 and last year was renamed the Ocean Atlas. Still crewed by Seafarers, the 393-foot heavy lift vessel is operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine and is enrolled in the new Maritime Security Program (MSP). MSP ships contribute to the operation of a commercial U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed fleet engaged in the international trade, thus ensuring the government’s access to these critical assets during times of war or national emergency. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU Left: The heavy lift vessel Blue Marlin enters Pearl Harbor, Hawaii with the Sea Based X-Band Radar (SBX) aboard after completing a 15,000-mile journey from Corpus Christi, Texas. The SBX, which will undergo maintenance in Pearl Harbor, is one-of-a-kind within the SIU-contracted fleet. Part of a U.S. operation called ground-based midcourse defense (GMD), the radar it carries is designed to intercept and destroy long-range ballistic missiles aimed at the United States. The SBX will eventually make its home port in Adak, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) chats with Robert Redford at a mid-November fundraising event in San Francisco for Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Redford spoke to the group about the importance of participating in and maintaining special interest coalitions to protect workers’ rights in California. Left: Ceremonies for the Alaskan Legend took place Nov. 12 at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The fourth Alaska-class tanker will transport cargo from Alaska to the West Coast and is set to debut mid-year. Santa (Recertified Bosun Tim Burke) made the rounds aboard the Adam E. Cornelius over the Christmas holiday. Above, he visits with OS Mohamed Ali; below, he shares a chuckle with AB/Wheelsman Dan Bryant; and below right, he charts a course with Capt. Steve Draper. The smaller photo shows him without his red suit. Special thanks from the bosun and crew of the SS Cleveland were given to Chief Steward Christina Mateer (center) and her galley gang. At left is GSU Justin Burgess; at right is GSU Terry Lane. Over the busy holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving and going through Christmas and New Year’s, she kept the holiday spirits high, decorating both the officers’ and crew mess halls with her personal touches—followed by some delicious meals—all with a big smile. Even the menus (see inset) were prepared with care. 8 Seafarers LOG March 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April & May 2006 Membership Meetings JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 13, 2006 *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 0 0 7 9 3 8 31 23 0 11 11 35 9 2 2 5 20 1 36 28 4 10 4 21 6 3 25 21 2 7 13 19 14 5 4 3 12 8 31 27 1 2 1 7 1 2 19 8 0 4 3 16 9 0 1 2 3 2 15 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 4 4 0 5 27 17 0 14 7 17 5 3 0 6 19 2 21 25 241 239 101 177 1 0 4 5 1 9 10 15 1 5 5 13 9 1 1 3 11 1 15 11 0 1 4 7 4 5 8 18 1 4 4 6 12 5 2 3 5 3 11 4 4 1 1 5 0 2 6 5 0 0 0 11 3 0 2 2 3 2 5 10 1 0 6 3 1 8 13 5 0 5 4 11 5 1 1 4 6 0 13 8 121 107 62 0 0 2 3 2 7 13 11 0 5 7 19 7 4 2 0 21 1 16 27 1 0 0 2 1 8 6 12 0 7 2 8 14 0 2 2 4 0 6 5 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 5 0 0 1 5 5 0 0 0 0 1 3 4 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 6 5 13 3 5 16 22 0 5 3 8 9 2 10 6 9 3 20 17 164 2 2 0 4 0 1 3 1 2 4 2 11 6 0 0 1 4 2 5 8 58 1 0 4 5 0 0 25 14 0 2 6 12 2 0 0 3 9 2 11 8 104 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 95 0 1 3 3 2 3 4 9 0 0 2 4 7 1 1 2 4 0 7 8 61 1 0 0 3 0 3 8 5 0 1 0 8 2 0 1 2 3 0 2 6 45 0 0 2 2 0 1 7 1 0 1 6 7 1 1 2 3 6 0 18 5 63 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 3 1 8 14 8 0 6 5 8 5 1 5 2 17 0 15 10 147 80 30 111 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 5 1 0 0 0 4 0 7 0 0 2 2 8 0 7 13 16 0 4 4 22 8 0 7 0 9 1 15 4 3 3 1 10 2 2 16 12 0 4 4 18 9 0 31 0 9 1 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 0 0 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 0 4 0 4 4 4 1 2 1 2 5 0 1 1 4 0 4 6 45 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 5 4 0 0 0 1 1 4 3 22 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 1 2 5 0 5 7 6 0 3 1 11 1 0 11 1 3 0 6 3 1 3 1 2 0 1 1 6 0 0 6 5 2 1 21 0 2 0 7 4 0 0 1 2 0 2 5 4 1 2 2 9 5 0 1 0 7 0 10 7 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 0 12 17 4 15 59 45 1 21 20 74 23 8 2 14 33 1 62 42 4 3 3 8 1 3 38 12 2 4 10 20 13 2 1 2 5 3 24 12 457 398 170 1 0 6 7 0 13 25 35 1 14 11 23 8 6 4 5 17 2 17 17 0 4 7 14 4 7 16 31 1 10 12 15 20 7 1 3 12 4 22 14 4 1 2 8 1 2 9 11 0 1 1 14 7 1 1 0 6 2 9 14 212 204 94 0 0 3 4 1 16 27 30 1 12 13 44 13 5 3 0 40 2 26 52 0 0 2 11 1 13 9 14 0 7 7 12 17 1 2 1 6 0 13 12 0 0 1 2 1 1 7 9 0 1 4 5 7 0 0 0 1 2 6 4 58 292 128 51 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 6 4 0 1 4 8 0 0 0 2 11 0 12 1 0 3 3 12 1 9 33 27 0 13 10 56 16 0 3 5 18 1 29 12 5 9 3 16 3 11 39 31 0 5 4 58 21 0 22 0 17 3 22 18 22 122 140 22 66 63 0 52 251 287 531 548 333 405 336 188 225 1,013 981 602 *“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 2006 5 10 8 30 7 6 45 37 3 14 18 38 27 8 5 10 15 11 52 49 Piney Point .............Monday: April 3, May 8 Algonac ..................Friday: April 7, May 12 Baltimore ................Thursday: April 6, May 11 Boston.....................Friday: April 7, May 12 Guam ......................Thursday: April 20, May 25 Honolulu .................Friday: April 14, May 19 Houston ..................Monday: April 10, May 15 Jacksonville ............Thursday: April 6, May 11 Joliet .......................Thursday: April 13, May 18 Mobile ....................Wednesday: April 12, May 17 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: April 11, May 16 New York................Tuesday: April 4, May 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: April 6, May 11 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: April 5, May 10 Port Everglades.......Thursday: April 13, May 18 San Francisco .........Thursday: April 13, May 18 San Juan..................Thursday: April 6, May 11 St. Louis..................Friday: April 14, May 19 Tacoma ...................Friday: April 21, May 26 Wilmington ...........Monday: April 17, May 22 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SANFORD “CHUCK” KLAVANO Please contact Larry Helfrich at (206) 440-0470. Help Locate Pensioners The Seafarers Plans office is attempting to locate nine SIU pensioners who were affected by the hurricanes in the Gulf region last year. They are: Silverio Arana, Rosemary Davis, Jorge Giraud, Herbert Hebert, Mandred Herman, Rodolfo Lopez, Hildebrando Mendoza, Charles Stanford and Robert Thomas. Anyone who can reach any of these individuals is asked to request that they contact the Plans office toll-free at 800-252-4674, option 4. Inland Career Opportunities: Immediate Job Openings The SIU has immediate openings in the inland division. Interested individuals who possess either a 1,600ton master’s license (with near coastal or ocean endorsements) along with an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) STCW certificate; or a designated duty engineer (DDE) 5,000 hp or greater license are encouraged to contact Bart Rogers at the union’s manpower office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5317 for additional information. Congratulations to the Casugays This month AB Josefino (Jerry) Almoro Casugay and his wife, Erlinda, are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Casugay, who has been an SIU member since 1968, currently is working aboard the Intrepid; Erlinda is a pre-K teacher in the Vallejo (Calif.) school district. The couple have five children and six grandchildren. Seafarers LOG 9 �U.S. Marine Corps vehicles are unloaded from the USNS Bellatrix in Kuwait. The USNS Soderman is one of more than 100 SIU-crewed ships that have supported U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The R vesse rolling for t Infant the glo At Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, the USNS Red Cloud off-loads coalition combat equipment and supplies after returning from deployment in Iraq early last year. The vessel is still sailing in support of OIF. Pictured from left to right are the Seafarers-crewed USNS Fisher, USNS Benavidez and USNS Bob Hope, each of which has been a part of OIF. Seafarers Proudly Serve as Part of America A heavy-duty bulldozer rolls off the Northern Lights during an offload of U.S. Army military vehicles while pier-side in Karachi, Pakistan. The combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls and the fast combat support ship USNS Rainer (out of view) conduct replenishments with the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan last month. Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk monitor refueling hoses from the underway replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl. 10 Seafarers LOG As U.S. troops continue carrying out Seafarers remain on the job wherever and women in America’s armed forces. As of early February, SIU members w OIF. Those ships included the USNS Ben USNS Mendonca (operated by AMSEA); (Maersk Line, Limited); the Westward Ven and the Cape Douglas (Crowley). Seafarers unfailingly have answered th the present. At the height of OIF’s sealift on the move, carrying materiel and military 2,000 SIU members sailed aboard those ve That type of support for U.S. troops not earliest days. In fact, it was during Wo Eisenhower first referred to the U.S. Merc Whether serving in OIF, Operation En needed, today’s Seafarers uphold that lega Editor’s note: Most of the photos accom Navy’s U.S. Military Sealift Command. So during earlier phases of OIF. Boxes are moved during a replenishment at sea involving the USNS Niagara Falls and the USS Ronald Reagan. March 2006 �Ready Reserve Force el Cape Taylor loads g stock in late January he U.S. Army’s 4th ry Division in support of obal war on terrorism. The USNS Pomeroy takes part in cargo operations for OIF. Pictured in the Republic of Korea, the USNS Watson is ready to load an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle—along with lots of other materiel. A U.S. Marine Corps High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) bound for Iraq is off-loaded from the USNS Altair in Ash-Shu’aibah, Kuwait. a’s Civilian mariners aboard the combat stores ship USNS Concord prepare pallets to be transferred to the fast combat stores ship USNS Rainier during a replenishment at sea. their assignments in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), d whenever needed, steadfastly supporting the men and ere sailing aboard no fewer than 11 vessels involved in avidez, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Fisher, USNS Seay and the USNS Pomeroy, USNS Red Cloud and USNS Sisler nture and Independence (Interocean American Shipping); e call for OIF from the first activations in 2003 through component, more than 100 Seafarers-crewed ships were y personnel to key locations. During that time, more than essels. t only isn’t new for the SIU, but dates back to the union’s rld War II that both President Roosevelt and General chant Marine as America’s “fourth arm of defense.” nduring Freedom or any other mission in which they’re acy. mpanying this story are courtesy of the U.S. Navy or the ome were taken earlier this year, while others were taken March 2006 A Seahawk helicopter picks up cargo pendants from the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan during a vertical replenishment with the MSC combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 13, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 12 Seafarers LOG TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Port 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 11 12 2 5 9 1 0 4 44 1 4 3 4 10 0 0 0 22 2 1 3 2 0 1 2 0 11 3 12 2 2 10 0 0 4 33 Port 0 3 1 0 4 0 0 0 8 0 2 3 2 0 1 2 0 10 0 3 1 1 6 1 1 1 14 19 36 5 15 42 2 1 3 123 10 11 2 7 17 0 1 2 50 3 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 10 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 1 7 6 12 3 5 20 0 0 5 51 1 7 3 6 11 0 1 0 29 1 2 3 7 0 0 0 0 13 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 5 2 2 8 0 0 2 21 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 0 10 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 2 6 Port 1 7 5 0 1 0 0 1 15 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 6 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 14 1 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 6 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 6 3 3 3 2 8 0 0 1 20 0 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 6 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 0 6 7 15 4 2 9 1 0 0 38 4 2 1 1 12 1 0 0 21 0 1 3 5 0 1 0 0 10 Totals All Departments 79 38 23 68 16 21 27 212 100 33 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Mack D. Brendle of Bastrop, La. It is a picture from the early ’50s of “Babe” Torrey and Mack Brendle aboard the Irene Star (one of the U.S. merchant ships that sailed into the war zone during the Korean conflict). The vessel was at anchorage in Instanbul, Turkey at the time. In a note accompany the photo, Brendle notes that Torrey was the deck engineer aboard ship; Brendle was the bosun. Torrey later passed away. Brother Brendle, who is a veteran of the U.S. Navy in World War II, joined the SIU in the port of Lake Charles, LA in 1955. He attended the Piney Point (Md.) Crews Conference in 1972 and graduated from the bosun recertification program at the unionaffiliated school in September 1974. Born in Bastrop, Brendle, now 78, retired from the union in 1979. 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 2006 �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 DEWITT, 60, joined the SIU in 1968. Brother Dewitt was a member of the steward department, initially sailing aboard the Afoundria. The New Jersey native upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1995, 1998 and again in 2001. Prior to retiring, he shipped on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Dewitt makes his home in Seattle. PETER FRIED, 55, was born in New York. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1972, working in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Fried, who shipped in the engine department, was a frequent upgrader at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Fried calls Howell, N.J. home. JERRY GANT, 51, became a Seafarer in 1975 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gant first shipped on the USNS Maumee. The steward department member, who hails from Jacksonville, Fla., upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He last went to sea aboard the Guayama. Brother Gant is a resident of his native state. ROBERT HAGOOD JR., 56, joined the SIU in 1968. Brother Hagood was born in Columbus, Miss. and worked as a member of the deck department. His first ship was the Van Horizon. Brother Hagood upgraded his skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. and completed the bosun recertification course there in 1980. He now lives in Kingman, Ariz. Brother Hagood last sailed aboad the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. LESTER HOFFMAN, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1967. Brother Hoffman’s first voyage was aboard Hudson Waterway’s TransChamp. Born in Louisiana, he shipped as a member of the deck department, most recently on board the USNS Algol. Brother Hoffman makes his home in Bay City, Mich. CARL MERRITT JR., 70, embarked on his seafaring career March 2006 in 1967 in Baltimore, Md. Brother Merritt was born in North Carolina and worked in the engine department. His initial voyage was on the Bradford Island. Brother Merritt attended classes at the Paul Hall Center on four separate occasions. He calls Baltimore, Md. home. ROBERT MUNROE, 65, hails from Ludlow, Mass. Brother Munroe became an SIU member in 1961. His first ship was the Cantigny; his last was the LNG Taurus. Brother Munroe sailed in the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 1979 and 1980 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Munroe lives in Springfield, Mass. JOSEPH SMITH, 66, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1962, initially shipping aboard Waterman Steamship Corporation vessels. Brother Smith was born in North Carolina. The steward department member upgraded his skills twice at the Piney Point training center. Prior to his retirement, Brother Smith worked on the Ascension. He is a resident of Stockton, Calif. RAY WILKES, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1991. Brother Wilkes first sailed aboard the USNS Tenacious. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills frequently at the maritime training facility in Piney Point, Md. Brother Wilkes last worked on the USNS Stalwart. He makes his home in Pensacola, Fla. INLAND ROBERT ALBURTUS, 68, was born in New Jersey. He joined the Seafarers in 1987 and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Port Imperial Ferry Corp. Boatman Alburtus shipped in the deck department. He currently resides in Toms River, N.J. MICHAEL DOWNEY, 62, began sailing with the union in 1979. Boatman Downey first worked aboard Mariner Towing Company vessels. He upgraded his seafaring skills on three occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Born in Ontario, Canada, Boatman Downey now calls Madeira Beach, Fla. home. BILLY PEPPERS, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1977. Boatman Peppers’ first ship was the Seabulk Tanker; he most recently sailed aboard a Higman Barge Lines vessel. A native of Tennessee, Boatman Peppers is a resident of Beaumont, Texas. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. RAFAEL AVILES, 59, joined the NMU in 1979. Born in Las Piedras, P.R., Brother Aviles began sailing from the port of San Pedro, Calif. His most recent trip was aboard the Cape Hudson. CONSTANTIN BACZU, 68, hails from Romania. Brother Baczu became an NMU member in 1963 in Tampa, Fla. The steward department mariner first shipped on the Canterbury Leader. Prior to retiring, Brother Baczu worked aboard the Amoco Virginia. KERRY BUSH, 64, began his seafaring career in 1969, first sailing from the port of Mobile, Ala. on board the Texaco North Carolina. He is a native of Honduras. Brother Bush most recently worked aboard the Lykes Navigator. DAVIS CHISHOLM, 65, embarked on his NMU career in 1969 in Houston. Brother Chisholm was born in Grand Cayman. His first voyage was on the Gulf Spray. Brother Chisholm was a member of the engine department. ESTELLA CRAWFORD, 65, was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Sister Crawford joined the union in 1981. Her first ship was Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1947 The Seafarers International Union forged ahead in gains for seamen recently by signing a pact with seven steamship companies providing for a 6 percent wage increase for all hands. The new agreements supplement those signed on October 23, 1946. The new contracts were overwhelmingly ratified by the membership in regular meetings held on Wednesday, March 12. They include Alcoa, South Atlantic, Eastern, Seas Shipping, Bull, Baltimore Insular and Smith and Johnson lines. The 6 percent wage increase is retroactive to January 1, 1947. the Texaco Wisconsin. In 2001, Sister Crawford attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Her most recent trip to sea was aboard the Kenai. JAMES VON HAESLER, 60, started shipping with the NMU in 1980 from the port of San Francisco, Calif. Brother Von Haesler’s earliest journey was on the Mallory Lykes. The engine department member was born in California. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Clark, Lester 70 Feb. 1 Robinson, Verna 65 Jan. 1 Rogers, Herbert 69 Jan. 1 by members of the SIU. The eight former Sea-Land ships are stationed around the country and are designed to move heavy military equipment such as tanks and other supplies in rapid deployment. The ships have a top speed of 33 knots and are powered by steam turbine engines…. The conversion included installation of several decks for vehicle and cargo storage, a flight deck with helicopter landing platform, two side ports with hinged platforms and a portable ramp, and twin cranes fore and aft. This Month In SIU History 1962 Preliminary planning for a brand new union hall and shipping center for Seafarers in the vast Hampton Roads area has begun. The new construction would further the SIU’s continuing building program in all ports. A Norfolk facility would add another important link to the network of new halls developed on the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf during recent years. Announcement of the planned construction follows the formal opening of a new building in Houston this month. 1986 The eighth and final former SL-7, the USNS Pollux, converted for the Navy’s TAK-R Fast Sealift Ship program, was dedicated at Avondale Shipyard in March. These fastest cargo ships in the nation’s fleet are all manned 1991 The SIU-crewed integrated tug-barge Frances Hammer received a commendation from the U.S. Navy for being the first merchant vessel to enter liberated Kuwait City despite the fact the harbor area was not free of mines and other potential hazards. U.S. Navy Captain R.A. Crooks of the Military Sealift Command commended the crew for its efforts. “Your support to the Military Sealift Command and other military personnel assigned to the port area was outstanding,” Crooks wrote the vessel on March 20 after its one-week stay from March 11 to March 17. “By allowing these personnel to utilize your facilities, they were able to keep their equipment fully operational despite the hazardous environmental conditions that threatened to curtail harbor clearance operations.” The Ocean Shipholding vessel was sent to Kuwait’s capital city to deliver 120,000 barrels of water for the citizens and allied forces there. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA KASMOIN AMAT Pensioner Kasmoin Amat, 84, passed away Aug. 4. Brother Amat became an SIU member in 1957 in New York. He was born in the Philippines and sailed in the deck department. Brother Amat’s first ship was the Steel Age; his last was the LNG Aries. He retired in 1970 and made his home in New York. WILLIAM BOLLING Brother William Bolling, 51, died July 12. Brother Bolling began working with the Seafarers in 1976 in New Orleans. His first voyage was aboard a Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessel. Brother Bolling shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions. The deck department member was born in Louisiana. Brother Bolling’s last ship was the Liberty Wave. WILLIAM CASSEL Pensioner William Cassel, 67, passed away July 15. Brother Cassel joined the union in 1987 in New York. He initially sailed aboard the USNS Dutton in the engine department. Brother Cassel was born in Indiana and lived in Edwards, Miss. He most recently shipped on the Green Mountain State. Brother Cassel began collecting his pension in 2003. HWO CHEN Pensioner Hwo Chen, 86, died July 27. Brother Chen was born in China. He started sailing with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1959 in the port of San Francisco. Prior to retiring in 1979, Brother Chen worked aboard the Santa Mariana in the steward department. He was a resident of San Francisco. CHRISTIAN CHRISTENSEN Pensioner Christian Christensen, 89, passed away May 6. Brother Christensen joined the SIU in 1947, first sailing in the deck department of a Terminal Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Christensen went on pension in 1999 after sailing on the Endurance. He resided in Fremont, Calif. BURTON CHURCHILL Pensioner Burton Churchill, 79, died June 18. Brother Churchill began his seafaring career in 1967, first sailing aboard the Henry. A native of Illinois, Brother Churchill was a member of the deck department. His last voyage was on the Pride of Texas. Brother Churchill started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. He lived in Slidell, La. LORENZO FORGERON Pensioner Lorenzo Forgeron, 78, passed away Sept. 28. Brother Forgeron became an SIU member in 14 Seafarers LOG 1952 after serving in the U.S. Navy. The Canadian-born mariner shipped in the deck department. Brother Forgeron’s first vessel was operated by Pocahontas Steamship Co. He began his retirement in 1994 and called Seattle home. BENNY FRATELLO Pensioner Benny Fratello, 89, died July 13. Brother Fratello began shipping with the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Los Angeles and worked as a member of the steward department. Brother Fratello started collecting his pension in 1969. He made his home in Jonesboro, Ark. ROBERT HUNTER Pensioner Robert Hunter, 76, passed away May 21. Brother Hunter launched his seafaring career in 1972, sailing from the port of San Francisco. He worked primarily aboard ships operated by American President Lines such as the President Truman and the President Adams. Brother Hunter retired in 1995. He was a resident of New Waverly, Texas. ROBERT HYER Pensioner Robert Hyer, 82, died June 16. Brother Hyer joined the SIU ranks in 1942 in New York. The Pennsylvania native first shipped aboard a Terminal Steamship Co. vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Hyer’s last voyage was on the Newark. He went on pension in 1985. Mill Creek, Wash. was his home. WILLIAM JONES Pensioner William Jones, 86, passed away July 13. Brother Jones was a native of Kentucky who began shipping with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Houston. His first vessel was the Kyska. Brother Jones worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Westward Venture. Brother Jones began receiving his retirement stipends in 1990. He resided in Seattle. CURTIS KLAFERT Brother Curtis Klafert, 46, died July 12. Born in Illinois, he joined the SIU in 1977 in Piney Point, Md. A member of the deck department, Brother Klafert first shipped aboard the Overseas Natalie. He last sailed on the Kopaa. DAVID MESSICK Brother David Messick, 63, passed away May 26. He became a Seafarer in 1978 in New Orleans. Brother Messick was a Texas native. He first worked aboard the Overseas Natalie in the deck department. Brother Messick’s last ship was the Sandy Bay. ERNEST MONEYMAKER Pensioner Ernest Moneymaker, 81, died June 24. Brother Moneymaker joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed primarily on vessels operated by Sea-Land Services, including the Los Angeles and the Galveston. Brother Moneymaker was born in Tennessee. He made his home in Thailand and started collecting his pension in 1989. SALVADOR O’NEILL Pensioner Salvador O’Neill, 79, passed away June 20. Brother O’Neill joined the ranks of the SIU in 1978 in New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner shipped in the steward department. Brother O’Neill first sailed aboard the Santa Mariana. Before retiring in 1987, he worked on the Borinquen. Brother O’Neill resided in Bronx, N.Y. CHARLES SMITH JR. Brother Charles Smith Jr., 58, passed away July 14. He launched his seafaring career in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Smith first shipped aboard the Santa Magdalena. The steward department member was born in California and last worked aboard a vessel operated by Matson Navigation. STANFORD SMITH SR. Pensioner Ricardo Pacheco, 68, died July 7. Brother Pacheco became a Seafarer in 1960. He began sailing aboard vessels operated by Tankers and Tramps Corporation as a member of the engine department. Brother Pacheco was born in Puerto Rico. He last shipped on the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Pacheco retired in 1990 and lived in Ponce, P.R. Pensioner Stanford Smith Sr., 91, died Aug. 13. Born in Louisiana, Brother Smith was a charter member of the SIU, having joined in 1938 in New Orleans. He first sailed aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel, working in the steward department; his last voyage was on the Carolina. In 1979, he retired and settled in his native state. STANLEY PALFREY JOSEPH SNYDER RICARDO PACHECO Pensioner Stanley Palfrey, 80, passed away May 15. Brother Palfrey embarked on his SIU career in 1951. His first vessel was the Steel Flyer. Brother Palfrey was born in Louisiana and worked as a member of the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Sam Houston. In 1991, Brother Palfrey retired and settled in Amite, La. HENRY PERKINSON Pensioner Henry Perkinson, 75, died April 12. Brother Perkinson began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 on the Abibua. The Houston native worked in the deck department. Before retiring in 1988, Brother Perkinson sailed aboard the Senator. He called Crosby, Texas home. OLIVER PITFIELD Pensioner Oliver Pitfield, 80, passed away May 21. Brother Pitfield was born in Biloxi, Miss. He joined the SIU in 1965, initially sailing on the OMI Missouri. Brother Pitfield shipped in the deck department. His last ship was the Seabulk Power. The U.S. Navy veteran went on pension in 1990 and made his home in Houston. LLOYD RICHARDSON Pensioner Lloyd Richardson, 84, died Oct. 27. Brother Richardson donned the SIU colors in 1944 in the port of Norfolk, Va., first sailing on the Golden City. Brother Richardson worked as a member of the deck department. His last ship was the Eric G. Gibson. Brother Richardson, who was born in Richmond, Va., called Sea Level, N.C. home. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986. Pensioner Joseph Snyder, 93, passed away June 26. Brother Snyder joined the union in 1946. His first ship was the Steel Vendor. Brother Snyder, who was born in Pennsylvania, was a member of the deck department. He last sailed on board a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. Brother Snyder began collecting his retirement pay in 1978. He lived in Oceanside, Calif. JOSEF STEPHAN Pensioner Josef Stephan, 74, died July 4. Brother Stephan became a member of the MC&S in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. He shipped in the steward department aboard such ships as the Santa Maria and the Independence. Brother Stephan was born in Germany. He retired in 1990 and made his home in Walnut Grove, Calif. FELIX VALENTIN Pensioner Felix Valentin, 73, passed away July 11. Brother Valentin started sailing with the SIU in 1969. The deck department member was born in New York. Brother Valentin last sailed on the Santa Juan. He went on pension in 1997 and resided in Magna, Utah. LAMBERT WALDROP Pensioner Lambert Waldrop, 70, died May 29. Brother Waldrop joined the SIU in 1953, first shipping as a member of the steward department aboard the Alcoa Polaris. Brother Waldrop was born in Florida. Prior to retiring in 1989, he worked on the President Taylor. Brother Waldrop lived in his native state. JAMES WELCH Pensioner James Welch, 89, passed away July 5. Brother Welch joined the SIU in 1951 in New York. His first voyage was aboard the Steel Rover. Born in Maine, Brother Welch was a member of the engine department. He last sailed on the Borinquen. Brother Welch, who was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., started receiving his pension in 1990. INLAND SIBI LeBLANC Pensioner Sibi LeBlanc, 80, died Oct. 7. Boatman LeBlanc was born in Abbeville, La. He sailed primarily aboard Moran Towing Co. vessels in the deck department. Boatman LeBlanc retired in 1987. He called Port Arthur, Texas home. OLAF ROSE Pensioner Olaf Rose, 85, passed away April 2. Boatman Rose, who was born in Kentucky, embarked on his career with the union in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. He worked primarily aboard C.G. Willis Inc. vessels. Boatman Rose settled in Bayboro, N.C. and went on pension in 1983. GREAT LAKES RAYMOND BUZWAH Pensioner Raymond Buzwah, 77, died July 7. Brother Buzwah began sailing with the SIU in 1962, joining in Detroit, Mich. The steward department member first worked on board the Overseas Joyce. Before retiring in 1992, Brother Buzwah shipped aboard the William Roesch. He made his home in Ontario, Canada. PAUL WERYNSKI Pensioner Paul Werynski, 77, passed away April 2. Brother Werynski began his seafaring career in 1960 after serving in the U.S. Army. He worked primarily aboard American Steamship Company vessels, sailing as a member of the steward department. Brother Werynski was born in Toledo, Ohio and retired in 1982. He still called Ohio 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 AGE DOD Abraham, Willie 91 Dec. 25 Archbold, Alfredo 75 Nov. 29 Barahona, Alberto 94 Dec. 29 Barron, James 78 Jan. 1 Brown, George 78 Jan. 28 Cases, Antonio 67 Dec. 22 Castro, Maximo 86 Jan. 14 Chavez, Frank 92 Dec. 22 Cheknas, Gus 93 Nov. 21 Cisneros, Rudolpho 52 Dec. 13 Davidson, Ralph 82 Dec. 7 Davis, James 85 Dec. 31 Fanchi, Amerigo 90 Dec. 14 Gani, Mohamed 86 Jan. 2 Gonzalez, Herminio 90 Jan. 20 March 2006 �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 PIONEER (USS Transport), Dec. 1—Chairman Elkanah B. Ladia, Secretary Hazel Johnson Jr., Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Deck Delegate Carl T. Motley, Engine Delegate Antonio F. Simon, Steward Delegate Erik Marlowe. Chairman posted President Sacco’s report from Seafarers LOG for everyone to read. Educational director led discussion on options for obtaining prescription medication and studied contract issues. Treasurer stated $550 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman spoke to crew concerning conduct to and from vessel and about need to set time for each watch to go ashore and return. Seafarers requested increase in food budget for 28-man crew. Special thanks given to Chief Steward Johnson, Chief Cook Marlowe, and SA John Damphier. Crew also thanked Capt. Timothy Delong for job well done. Next port: Bayonne, N.J. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 26—Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Christina A. Mateer, Educational Director Terry Lane, Deck Delegate Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Steward Delegate Terry Love. Bosun noted that he and captain were very pleased with Seafarers in all departments. Secretary reported excellent trip and expressed gratitude to crew members for working hard. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new chairs in crew lounge and repair of ice machine and washing machine. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great barbecue, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Next ports: Houston and Galveston, Texas. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), Dec. 28 —Chairman Michael E. Brown, Secretary Mary L. Smith, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll Jr., Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman discussed communications sent to headquarters and Houston hall pertaining to draws. Secretary thanked all hands for helping maintain cleanliness of ship. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. Suggestions were made regarding new contract, particularly with respect to wages, pensions, vacation, e-mail, slop chest and postal service. JEAN ANNE (Interocean American Shipping), Dec. 18— Chairman Daniel Davenport, Secretary Samuel P. Sinclair, Deck Delegate Robert W. Knowlton, Engine Delegate Louis A. Punch, Steward Delegate Ingra L. Maddox. Chairman asked all members to pass along questions, comments or beefs directly to delegates, so they can be addressed properly. Crew thanked Steward Sinclair for providing gourmet entrees and extraordinary baked breads and pastries. Secretary requested clarification March 2006 about grandfather clause pertaining to initiation dues. Steward delegate reported morale is excellent with arrival of new steward. “Quite simply, he’s the best.” Next port: Hawaii. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG Ship Management), Dec. 24— Chairman Marco A. Galliano, Secretary Obencio M. Espinoza, Deck Delegate Donald R. Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members looking into possibility of getting satellite dish for TV. Two bikes were purchased for crew use. All mariners were encouraged to upgrade seafaring skills at Piney Point school. Next port: Galveston, Texas. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaskan Tankers), Jan. 8—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Donnell Lewis, Educational Director Leland O. Peterson, Deck Delegate Manuel Espinoza, Steward Delegate Randy Proctor. Chairman notified crew members of last chance to submit suggestions for upcoming contract negotiations. He announced new satellite dish expected in Long Beach, Calif. and updated them on status of computer to be installed in crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from LOG read at meeting regarding passing of John Fay. Crew dis- cational opportunities available at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Information requested about cost of living increases in pension benefits. Next port: Oakland, Calif. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), Jan. 15—Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Pablo C. Alvarez, Educational Director Ronald A. Garber. Chairman announced Jan. 23 payoff following meeting with patrolman. Secretary discussed the importance of contributing to SPAD. Educational director urged crew members to renew seamen’s documents in timely manner and take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point facility. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Letter from headquarters read and posted for everyone to read. Recommendations made regarding medical and pension benefits as PETERSBURG (Interocean American Shipping), Jan. 12— Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, Educational Director Jeffry P. Stuart, Deck Delegate Noel R. Camacho, Steward Delegate Michael C. Munoz. Educational director suggested members check their college credits while upgrading at Piney Point school. AB Chris Dionio voted in as new ship’s treasurer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew warned to be careful in laundry room during painting process. During a recent stopover in Puerto Rico, Seafarers aboard the El Yunque include (clockwise from top left) ABs Adrian Surrillo-Diaz and Ruben Gonzales; Chief Cook Juan Vallejo-Hernandez; the crew following payoff meeting; and UMM Argelio Perez-Borroto. WILSON (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 23— Chairman Andrew Jones, Secretary Robyn A. Anderson, Deck Delegate James M. Wray, Engine Delegate Nicholas K. Doffoh, Steward Delegate Edward J. Aguigui. Chairman read president’s report from the cussed negotiations of 2001 contract, which was partly was dedicated to attaining enhanced health benefits. They expressed thoughts on negotiating new contract. Bosun asked shipmates to close house doors softly, particularly during working hours and at night. Steward department was thanked for fine cuisine. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Long Beach, Calif. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Jan. 8— Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Roger D. Linasan, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Khaled Munassar, Steward Delegate Reynaldo Recarte. Chairman announced Jan. 17 payoff in Oakland, Calif. Next foreign trip will possibly take them to China shipyard for three weeks. Secretary thanked crew for good trip and for helping keep ship clean. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of edu- OCEAN ATLAS (Pacific Gulf Marine), Jan. 27—Chairman Maurice D. Hetrick, Secretary André Zene, Educational Director Allen D. Parker, Deck Delegate Donald A. Stickens, Steward Delegate Leroy Jenkins. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance skills at seafarers-affiliated training facility in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All departments expressed gratitude to union for helping bring ships on South American run under U.S. flag. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), Jan. 29—Chairman Roger C. Tupas, Secretary Ronald P. Drew, Educational Director Norman A. Arquillano, Steward Delegate Jack A. Hart Jr. Chairman announced Feb. 4 payoff in Newark, N.J. Educational director advised everyone to attend Piney Point school to upgrade skills necessary to remain competitive. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new washer and dryer along with new stereo for crew lounge. Crew members complimented steward department for job well done, especially chief cook for his extra efforts. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. Aboard the SIU-Crewed El Yunque Ackerman, Steward Delegate Cirilo S. Centeno. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 3 upon arrival in Houston. He reported good trip with great food, thanks to hard work by steward department. He reminded crew members to separate plastic items from other trash. Secretary thanked mariners for helping keep lounge and mess hall clean and asked them to tidy up rooms and leave fresh linen for next person. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun talked about president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fantastic Thanksgiving and Christmas Day meals. for safe trip and for helping keep ship clean. Secretary reminded crew members to straighten up rooms and leave new linen for next person. Educational director advised members to start renewal process early on z-cards. He also talked about upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Captain now in charge of video library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions for new contract made regarding expanded medical coverage. well as purchase of computer for crew. Vote of thanks give to ship’s crew for smooth trip to and from Djibouti. Next port: Galveston, Texas. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), Jan. 15—Chairman Michael R. Hester, Secretary James Tucker. Chairman announced Jan. 22 payoff upon arrival in Long View, Wash. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to attend classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. All mariners departing vessel were asked to clean rooms for next person. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), Jan. 2—Secretary Franklyn D. Cordero, Educational Director Michael A. Scinto, Steward Delegate Melvin W. Hite. Chairman thanked all departments QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Jan. 22—Chairman Konstantinos Prokovas, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Steward Delegate Eddy D. Rustandi. Chairman announced Jan. 30 payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. and was happy to report safe trip with no accidents or injuries. Educational director reminded everyone to take advantage of educational opportunities available at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and thanked steward department for “truly remarkable meals.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Electrician requested spare parts for vacuum cleaner. Recommendations made regarding medical, dental and pension benefits. Next port: Norfolk, Va. USNS BRUCE HEEZEN (Horizon Lines), Jan. 29— Chairman Franz C. Eder, Secretary Edgardo H. Ong, Educational Director Robert P. Rosa. Secretary led discussion on safety procedures aboard vessels. Educational director talked about training courses available at Paul Hall center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun clarified questions pertaining to prescription benefits and pension plan. Seafarers LOG 15 �Aboard the Steel Rover in 1948 Know Your Rights Editor’s note: Brother Bart Misuraca of Brooklyn, N.Y. contributed an article in the Sept. 3, 1948 of the Seafarers LOG and thought current readers of the paper might enjoy reading it, too, and seeing how shipboard life has changed. Originally titled “Girls and Gripes Highlight Steel Rover’s Far East Run,” it is reprinted here. You have asked for stories and photos for the LOG, so I’m going to give you as much detail as I can to go with this picture of our trip to India aboard the Steel Rover. We left New York with a swell bunch of SIU men. Nearly the entire crew had full-books with plenty of experience, so when we secured ship, everything went along smoothly—even got a compliment from the chief mate on a job well done. It sure looked like a good start for a trip. When we got to Port Said, there was martial law ashore, and everyone was required to remain aboard. But as usual, the bumboats came along side with their watered whiskey Our next stop was Karachi, India, where those of us who were looking forward to going ashore for a nice cool drink were badly disappointed. We found stench and filth and unpleasant conditions all around. I might add a warning to SIU men hitting this port—stay away from the native Indian town. We have one crew member in bad shape now because he wandered in there. Changes Came We dropped anchor in Bombay next, and the mate changed his attitude. Things were run bell to bell, so we changed the name of the ship to the SS Steel Slavery. When we finally tied up after a week, all hell broke loose. Our famous captain, “Schooner Guy” Barnhard, started throwing logs at us till it got as hot as the Chicago fire. But the crew kept up the SIU spirit by seeing to it that the ship remained in good shape. Bombay had its pleasant side for us, too—let’s talk about that. There were wine, women and song. And I mean good wine. An Italian ship tied up alongside, so I and a wiper, who understands the lingo, went aboard and traded cigarettes [for wine]. All went smoothly until the utility man got gassed up until he felt like superman—someone then laid him out on the deck for a nice long sleep. Then we have a character whom we call Flash Gordon— you’ll hear more about him when the ship hits New York. This phony claims he has been going to sea for 20 years, but he still doesn’t know the bow from the stern. To top it off, he is the mate’s boy and a great reporter —if you know what I mean. He plays pirate on lookout and imagines he sees submarines. He would swear on a stack of bibles that the Rock of Gibraltar is in the Indian Ocean, and he thinks there is a rabbit aboard ship. So stand by with a straight jacket when we get back. The DM fell in love with a sweet looking Anglo-Indian gal, who stood on the pier crying her eyes out as we pulled out. We had a tough time holding Don from jumping overboard after her. Love leaves sweet sorrows. The crew’s pantryman from the Bronx probably rates the title of the ship’s great lover. He can’t resist the temptation of beautiful women. He caught a nice cold. Well I guess I have covered most everything, but you will hear from me with more news from Calcutta, for I hear all the girls are moving from Bombay to Calcutta to meet the boys of the Steel Rover. I’m going to rig a lantern at the gangway later on. — Bart Misuraca 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. 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. 3/06 16 Seafarers LOG 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 2006 �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 March through June of 2006. 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 March 6 April 17 May 29 March 31 May 12 June 23 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) April 17 April 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival April 3 May 15 April 14 June 2 Radar April 3 April 14 Radar Renewal (one day) April 24 Course Junior Engineer April 3 June 23 Welding March 20 May 8 April 7 May 26 Recertification Bosun April 10 May 8 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB March 13 April 10 March 17 April 14 Basic Safety Training - FOWT March 27 March 31 Fast Rescue Boat March 20 March 24 Government Vessels - FOWT April 3 May 15 June 26 April 7 May 19 June 30 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* April 3 June 5 April 14 June 16 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, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 beginning March 6, 2006. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Basic Auxiliary Planning Ops FOWT Start Date Date of Completion March 27 May 22 June 16 July 14 March 27 May 22 May 19 July 22 UPGRADE 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, 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 ________________________________________________ March 2006 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. 3/06 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 670 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 670. They are (in alphabetical order) AlexStephen Amarra, Jayson Cottrille, Abner Diaz-Torres, Eddie Flood, Ernest Frank III, Sean Fox, Timothy Hetz, Maxine Howard, Michael Lais, Gil Lawrence, Ceresa Moreno, Shawn Orr, Dennis Rivard, Reylan Tendido, Stephon Thompson, Joseph Daniel and Akia Wilcox. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Dec. 9 are (in alphabetical order) Chris Bryan, Richard Cannady, Gordon Grant, Steven Hurden, Ramsey Ingram, Mark Keblis, Perry King, Louis Kramm, Kenny Potts, Anthony Roca, Patrick Ryan, Perry Schroff and Kenneth Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, stands at far right. Bridge Resource Management— The six MTLX boatmen who recently completed this course are (in no specific order) John Emmel, Patrick O’Brien, Joshua Ellis, Glen McCann, Michael Tarbox and Scott Murdock. Not pictured are MTLX staff member Igor Loch Jr. and instructor Herb Walling. FOWT — Graduating from this course Nov. 11 are (in alphabetical order) Troy Davis, Elvin Ellis Jr., Herman Fleischman, Brandon Granger, Cynthia Harris, Michael Hill, Davis Kelch, Joshua Lampke, John McIntosh, Jonathan Miller, Robert Ott, James Perkins, Stephen Riccobene, Jonathan Scurry, Scott Spilman, Steben Torres, Bon Vannaxay, Ron Westerfield and Matthew Wright. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back row) are students who completed the welding course Nov. 11. They are (in no specific order) Geoffrey James, Kenneth Lockhart and Romel Reyes. HAZWOPER — MTLX boatmen who completed the HAZWOPER course Nov. 11 are (in no specific order) John Emmel, John Leslie, Michael Maibaum, Jerry Bishop, Michael Tarbox, Scott Murdock, Mike Wiley, Scott Libby, Jeff Maszk, Marc Aikin, Vincent Whitehair, Patrick O’Brien, Joshua Ellis, David DeBruler, Robert Reeder, Jay O’Crotty, Edwin Schlink, Ken Stanton, James Suomela, Glen McCann and Kevin O’Leary. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Computer Lab 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 Holding their certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab are (from left) Christopher Mosley, Geoffrey James and Musid Musleh. With them (at right) is their instructor, Rick Prucha. 18 Seafarers LOG another student may take that place. Fast Rescue Boat — Nov. 4 was graduation day for MTLX boatmen in the fast rescue boat course. They are (in alphabetical order) John Lesie, Scott Libby, Michael Maibaum, Jay O’Crotty, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Reeder, Edwin Schlink and Mike Wiley. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is seated at left. March 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge — The MTLX boatmen who took this course ending Nov. 18 are (in no specific order) Edwin Schlink, John Emmel, James Suomela, Robert Bouron, Ken Stanton, Michael Tarbox, Joshua Ellis, Kevin O’Leary, Scott Libby, Igor Loch Jr., Jason Loch, Vincent Whitehair, Glen McCann, Mike Wiley Patrick O’Brien, Scott Murdock, John Leslie, Robert Reeder, Jay O’Crotty and Michael Maibaum. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is at far left. Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher — John Bonifas (right) worked with instructor Jay Henderson to complete the marine electrical maintenance refresher course Nov. 11. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Nov. 11 graduates of this class include (in alphabetical order) Daniel Anderson, Rafael Borja, Christopher Bryan, Richard Cannady, David Grasso, Regie Ignacio, Michael Jarvi, Michael Morita, Christopher Mosley and Musid Musleh. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. Safety — Boatmen from Express Marine completed the damage control portion of the safety class Nov. 4. They are (in no specific order) Frederick Register, Billy Sawyer Sr., Ronnie Fulcher, Wiliam Edwards, Roland Mason Jr., James Dixon Sr., James Dixon Jr., Donald Stutzbach, Pierre Daigle, Dennis Gaskill Jr., Gil Pruitt, Ernest Ross, Christopher Blake Jr., Foster Watts, Robert Perosse, Leslie Anderson and Oswald Smithwick. Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher — Working their way through this refresher course, which ended Dec. 9, are (in alphabetical order) Greg Alvarez, Sergio Ayala, Edward Fore, Wayne Gonsalves, Kenneth Lockhart, Randolph Patterson and Pedro Santiago. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at left, back row. Specially Trained OS — Tony Sevilla Specially Trained OS — Graduates of the STOS course ending Oct. 7 include (in no specific order) De’Aris Henry, William Clifton, John Burns, Glenard Chaney Jr., Robert Hardesty, Nicole Geideman, Robert James, Daryl Alvin, David Anderson, Mark Bickham, Terrance Dunn, Sylvan Harris and Fermin Baltazar. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, stands fourth from right. Specially Trained OS — Graduates of the STOS course ending Dec. 16 include (in no specific order) Norman Lucas II, Fausto Aranda, Mohamed Mosed, Dominic Gilmartin, Isaac Garrido, Richard Kight, Daniel Manning, George Marshall, Agustin Manzo, Anthony Anderson, Christopher Bean, Ken Ada, Chris Cain and Alex Banky. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Their instructor was Stacey Harris (not pictured). March 2006 (far left) was the instructor for the STOS class ending Dec. 16. The students are (in no specific order) Dean Bettis, Philip Smith, Carlos Ramirez, Gabe Williamson, Jacob Kamp, Ivan Zapata, Ryan Scott and Garrett Phillips. Specially Trained OS — Alaskan fishermen who received their STOS certificates of completion Dec. 16 are (in no specific order) Bruce Dunbar, Jorel Zellweger, Patrick Langdon, Douglas Sams, Stephen Snapp, James Brigherti, Carolina Crenna, Brett Lange, Mark Nugent, William Richmond, Kevin Anderson and SIU member Edgar Elegino. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is standing at far left. Seafarers LOG 19 �Volume 68, Number 3 March 2006 Upgrading at the Paul Hall Center Take advantage of the upgrading courses available at the Paul Hall Center. See page 17 for a schedulee of upcoming classes. Sh h ip p boo arr d T raa in n in n g FFocuses occ uss ess on n Sa a fee tyy Shipboard Training Safety Using the wheelhouse aboard the SIUcrewed Cape Washington as their classroom, Seafarers from the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath (docked side-by-side in the port of Baltimore) met for several days earlier this year for a safety training session conducted by representatives from Crowley Maritime Corporation. Noting that all accidents can be prevented and that everyone is responsible for safety, Charles F. Nalen, vice president, environmental, safety, quality assurance at Crowley, and Capt. Margaret M. Reasoner, senior port captain at Crowley, led the job safety seminar. A number of well designed handouts guided the lectures, starting with Crowley’s safety policy and then going through various hazards, controls, concerns and requirements for those working on deck, in the galley, handling dry cargo or performing engineering or petroleum Seafarers from the SIU-crewed Cape Washington and Cape Wrath join union and company officials for a shipboard safety training session conducted by Crowley personnel. operations. Information also was presented on operations in extreme heat and cold conditions and the necessary personal protective equipment required in each case. McKinley Jones, recertified steward aboard the Cape Washington, said “I found the training to be very educational—with some good safety tips. I didn’t know about different ways to step across objects, and I plan to carry what I learned back to my family—beyond shipboard life—and into everyday life.” Bosun Rick James agreed. “The course was very effective in learning about safety operations at sea and was very beneficial to the crew in general.” One of the handouts pertained to incident investigation—to determine the real root causes of an undesired event that results in injury to people, damage to property or the environment, or loss of service. Another was a job safety analysis handbook, which is designed to improve the safety of all personnel and provide Crowley employees with guidance on how to apply job safety analysis in the day-to-day conduct of assigned jobs. Effective communication also was stressed as a way to promote the health, safety and security of all employees. Training such as this, in addition to the safety courses available at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., help make SIU members the besttrained mariners in the world. If we think accidents will happen— they will happen. Safety training can help prevent accidents in all activities aboard ship like the ones shown at left and below. Everyone is responsible for safety. Gathering for a group shot following the training program are Seafarers from the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath, along with SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (third from right) and Crowley VP Charles Nalen. The shipboard safety training session was conducted by Capt. Margaret M. Reasoner (left) and Crowley VP Charles F. Nalen (above) aboard the Cape Washington. All accidents can be prevented. The training seminar was conducted aboard the SIU-crewed Cape Washington (right), which is docked in Baltimore alongside the Cape Wrath. � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF INSPECTORS TEAM UP, SECURE BACK PAY FOR CREW ITF’S SEAFARERS’ TRUST CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF HELPING MARINERS SEAFARERS HONORED FOR RELIEF EFFORTS MARAD APPROVES MEDALS FOR ‘OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT’ CHIEF COOK CREDITS FELLOW MEMBERS ON EMPIRE STATE 9TH T-AKE SHIP ORDERED LYKES MOTIVATOR HONORED FOR RESCUE MARITRANS ESTABLISHES 3 MEMORIAL FUNDS SIU/UIW OFFICIAL ROBERT O’KEEFE DIES AT 76 FERRY PASSENGERS WERE ‘ABANDONED’ MORE THAN 1, 000 DEAD OR MISSING IN RED SEA DISASTER ILO WEIGHS MARITIME STANDARDS HEALTH CARE COSTS AFFECT EVERYONE AB COSTELLO CREDITS HEALTH PLAN FOR HELPING HIM BEAT CANCER ARTICLES EXPOSE TACTICS OF FOC CRUISE LINE UNION MEMBERSHIP GROWS FEDERAL FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR PORT SECURITY FORD ANNOUNCES MASSIVE JOB CUTS MANAGEMENT’S FAILURE LEADS TO ‘DISSAPOINTING AND DEVASTATING NEWS’ SEAFARERS PROUDLY SERVE AS AMERICA’S FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE ABOARD THE STEEL ROVER IN 1948 SHIPBOARD TRAINING FOCUSES ON SAFETY 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 03/01/2006 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. 68, No. 3 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/baff9282d60bf2d13ec8d19d5ca85772.pdf 49a00f010f863ddbbb2a519361f67064 PDF Text Text Horizon Lines to Charter 5 New Vessels Volume 68, Number 4 — Page 2 April 2006 MTD Executive Board Meetings Military, Gov’t Leaders Reaffirm Merchant Marine’s Essential Roles Representatives from Congress, the administration, the military and the labor movement offered high praise for the U.S. Merchant Marine during the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 24-25 in San Diego. Speakers pointed out that U.S. Merchant Mariners continue delivering the goods whether for hurricane relief operations, national defense mobilizations or routine but important commercial cargo runs. Pictured clockwise beginning at upper left are General Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Vice Admiral David Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and MTD President Michael Sacco; U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.); executive board members and other audience members; and AFLCIO President John Sweeney along with President Sacco. Pages 3, 11, 12, 13. ITF Secures Back Pay For Crew of FOC Ship The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) recently secured more than $200,000 in back pay for crew members from a so-called flag-of-convenience (FOC) vessel that had been detained in Houston. Many of the mariners are pictured at right, aboard the runaway-flag Taxiarchis Sierra. SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung helped lead the effort to assist the crew. Page 5. Union Mourns Steve Judd USNS Mercy Preps for Mission Page 4 Page 24 �Horizon Lines Charters New Ships President’s Report Support for Maritime Evident While it’s normal to hear from supportive guest speakers at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings, I found the most recent sessions exceptionally encouraging. Talk about good news! Captain Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), announced that his company is strongly looking into investing in 17 new U.S.-flag ships Michael Sacco that would sail in the Jones Act trades. OSG already is scheduled to operate 10 other new ships —the tankers being built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. General Norton Schwartz, the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, talked in detail about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s outstanding performance in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He also emphasized the excellent cooperation that exists between our industry and the military, and declared his full support for U.S. mariners. Vice Admiral David Brewer, who served as commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command until his recent retirement, offered similarly powerful and enthusiastic backing for the U.S. Merchant Marine. He said that we have been nothing short of indispensable in helping America fight the war on terrorism. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta discussed another key role filled by U.S. mariners. Namely, supporting hurricane relief efforts along the Gulf Coast for victims of Katrina and Rita. Secretary Mineta couldn’t have been more appreciative or more genuine in commending the U.S.-flag industry. Of course, we were very fortunate to hear from other prominent speakers from Congress, the administration and the labor movement who also discussed not only the U.S. Merchant Marine but also various issues affecting all working families. When you put it all together, it’s obvious that the SIU and the U.S. maritime industry as a whole have done an outstanding job—and we’re looking at a bright, bright future. I’m especially glad that 20 or so rank-and-file SIU members, including members from our Government Services Division, attended the meetings. They heard for themselves the great impression that the MTD unions have made on our military leaders and elected representatives. They got a firsthand look at how grassroots campaigns, combined with their own outstanding work aboard ship, have helped revitalize an industry that some people never believed would flourish again. I’ve always been confident about what lies ahead anyway, but it was impossible to leave those meetings without feeling even more optimistic. We’ve come a long way and we have a lot to look forward to. As I said to the executive board, sometimes it may take longer than others to accomplish our goals, but there is no doubt that we ultimately will come out on top. Tragic Loss About a week after the meetings, we suffered a huge loss when SIU Assistant Vice President Steve Judd died in an accident. For those of you who knew Steve, you already understand that we could fill this whole newspaper with kind words about him and it still wouldn’t be enough. Steve was exceptional. He had such a bright future, and that’s one reason why his death hit us so hard. Steve had a lot of things going for him, but to me nothing stood out more than how hard he worked. He was totally, absolutely committed to this union and this membership. He didn’t take shortcuts. He never gave up and he never complained. We will move forward with heavy hearts—but we will move forward. I think it’s completely true to say that Steve Judd would have wanted nothing less than for us to continue giving our all for the betterment of the Seafarers International Union. He was the kind of guy who always put the union—our team, our SIU family—ahead of individual interests. We can honor his memory by doing the same. Volume 68, Number 4 April 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers-contracted Horizon Lines on March 17 announced an agreement in principle to charter five new U.S.-flag ships for 12year terms from Ship Finance International Limited. The five vessels are expected to join Horizon Lines’ fleet beginning in early 2007. In a news release, Horizon Lines described the foreign-built ships as being “of a proven, international design” and noted that each will carry 2,800 20-foot equivalent containers and have 23-knot service speed. “The five new vessels will be deployed in Horizon Lines’ weekly service linking the U.S. West Coast with Guam and Asia, upgrading the current ‘TP1’ service that is being served with five Jones Act-qualified vessels today,” the company observed. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker described the charters as “certainly a very positive development for our union and for the U.S.-flag fleet. Bringing in new tonnage, whether in the form of replacement ships or outright new additions, is good for job security. In the bigger picture, it’s also good for our country’s national defense capabilities and for economic security.” Charles G. “Chuck” Raymond, CEO and president of Horizon Lines, said, “As we embark on our fleet enhancement strategy, this is a proud and historic day for Horizon Lines. The enhanced service will provide us with additional space and faster transit time ILO Adopts Innovative Maritime Convention The International Labor Organization (ILO) during its 94th International Labor Conference in Geneva realized a momentous achievement when it overwhelmingly adopted a new comprehensive work standard for the world’s maritime sector. In what ILO Director-General Juan Somavia labeled a landmark development in the world of work, the body during its Feb. 7-23 meetings agreed (by a vote of 314-0 with four abstentions) to establish the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention as the worldwide code for countries doing business in the international maritime trades. The vote evidenced the unwavering support by delegates from more than 100 countries representing seafarers, shipowners and governments. Following the vote, some hailed the Convention as a new “Bill of Rights for Seafarers.” “This is a big step in the right direction for our entire industry,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who serves as vice chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Section. “An agreement like this will help ensure that the world’s seafarers are less likely to be exploited. The international maritime community is speaking with one voice and sending the message that government, shipowners and maritime unions will not tolerate substandard shipping... This Convention is an important part in raising the quality of life at sea and must be ratified by all governments, including the United States.” “We have made maritime labor history today,” Somavia said of the action taken by ILO. “We have adopted a Convention that spans continents and oceans, providing a comprehensive labor charter for between the U.S. West Coast and Guam, as well as the return voyage from Asia to the U.S. West Coast.” In its press release, the company added, “The introduction of this new tonnage also allows the carrier’s Jones Act vessels to be used as reserve capacity to meet seasonal and dry-dock needs, as well as to respond to potential new opportunities such as coastwise container service.” By July of next year, Horizon Lines plans to operate 17 ships and to have four vessels in reserve status. Currently, the company operates 16 U.S.-flag vessels on routes linking the continental United States with Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. the world’s 1.2 million or more seafarers and addressing the evolving realities and needs of a sector that handles 90 percent of the world’s trade. “What’s more, we have established a socioeconomic floor to global competition in the maritime sector,” he continued. “This initiative can also provide the impetus and support for similarly innovative and balanced approaches to addressing the need to make globalization fair in other sectors of the world of work.” In addition to ILO Director-General Somavia, the Conference also heard statements from four special guests: IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos; Jacques Barrot, vice-president for transport, European Commission; Zuyuan Xu, vice minister, Ministry of Communications, China; and Karin Yrvin, deputy minister of trade and industry, Norway. Each spoke highly of the new convention and its positive international implications. The new Convention clearly sets out, in plain language, a seafarers’ “bill of rights” while allowing a sufficient degree of national discretion to deliver those rights with transparency and accountability, according to the ILO. It also contains conditions which enable it to keep in step with the needs of the industry and help secure universal application and enforcement. The Convention’s specifications will help to meet the demand for quality shipping, which is crucial to the global economy and will apply to all ships engaged in commercial activities with the exception of fishing vessels and traditional ships (such as dhows and junks). The new Convention is designed to encourage compliance by operators and owners of ships and strengthen enforcement of standards at all levels, including provisions for onboard and onshore comContinued on page 8 Financial Committee Okays Records A committee of rank-and-file members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during the March union meeting in Piney Point, Md., has reviewed the SIU’s financial records for the year 2005 and found them in good order. Serving on the committee were Bosuns William Henderson and Norman Tourtellot, ABs Gerard Costello, Walter Harris and Raymond Henderson, Deckhand William Kelly and Oiler Michael Joel. In its report, 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-to-day 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 an SIU official are pictured last month at union headquarters. Standing left to right in the front row are Bosun William Henderson, AB Gerard Costello, Oiler Michael Joel, Deckhand William Kelly and SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta. In the back row are Bosun Norman Tourtellot, AB Raymond Henderson and AB Walter Harris. April 2006 �U.S. Fleet’s Progress, Value Emphasized MTD Speakers Credit Mariners for Defense, Humanitarian Missions Whether it’s in hurricane relief missions or the ongoing war on terrorism—or in routine commercial cargo operations—the U.S. Merchant Marine continues demonstrating its tremendous value to the nation. That message was delivered by many of the guest speakers during the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings Feb. 24-25 in San Diego. Representatives from Congress, the administration, the military and the labor movement all cited the merchant marine’s importance to America’s national and economic security. In addition, the guest speakers and MTD President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, covered other key issues including health care, political action, pension security, job safety, protecting workers’ rights, supporting our troops and more. The MTD is composed of 24 international unions and 24 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing 5.5 million working men and women. In order of appearance, the following individuals addressed the executive board: AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; United Mine Workers Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Kane; U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.); Capt. Robert Johnston, senior vice president, Overseas Shipholding Group; James McGregor, president, Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.; Eugene Magee, chief of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Reserve Fleet Division; Doug MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (right) listens as Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, commends the U.S. Merchant Marine. General Schwartz also noted the effective cooperation between the military and U.S. maritime industry. Dority, retired president of the United Food and Commercial Workers and current head of coalition America’s Agenda; Communications Workers of America Vice President Ralph Maly; U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta; Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command; U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii); Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (DS.C.). Sacco opened the meeting by briefly reviewing some of the industry’s recent accomplishments along with ongoing challenges. He noted that the prior SIU Members Crew Up 3rd NCL America Ship Seafarers already are working aboard NCL America’s newest cruise ship—the Pride of Hawaii, which is scheduled to reach the United States in late April. The Pride of Hawaii—advertised as the largest U.S.-flag passenger ship ever built—is slated to stay in Baltimore for at least a week and then sail to Los Angeles for its christening. The vessel will join its sister ships, the SIUcrewed Pride of America (christened last summer) and Pride of Aloha (2004) in offering sevenday cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. The Pride of Hawaii was floated out of Germany’s Meyer Werft dock Feb. 19 and berthed at the shipyard’s outfitting pier for final touches before sailing along the River Ems to Eemshaven for sea trials March 11. After a series of initial voyages, the Pride of Hawaii will begin its regular inter-island schedule, probably in June. “This is another great development with more new jobs for our union,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “SIU members already are doing an outstanding job aboard NCL America’s other ships, and there’s April 2006 no doubt the tradition will continue aboard the Pride of Hawaii.” “Consumers will now have the choice between three different NCL America ships in Hawaii,” noted Colin Veitch, NCL America’s president and chief executive officer, “each with its own personality and style but all delivering incredible inter-island freestyle cruises.” At more than 93,000 gross tons and with a passenger capacity of nearly 2,400, the Pride of Hawaii and its sister ships are creating thousands of American jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits to Hawaii and to the United States in general. In fact, with this third vessel, NCL America is providing employment for some 4,000 shipboard personnel. While all three of the vessels offer seven-night cruises to Hawaii’s four main islands, the Pride of Hawaii will depart from Honolulu on Mondays. And like the Pride of Aloha, which departs Sundays, and the Pride of America, which departs Saturdays, the new ship offers many of the same amenities and “freestyle” options in its choice of MTD meetings had taken place right before the AFL-CIO convention last summer which saw several unions leave the federation. “I thought the disaffiliations were a mistake then and I’m even more convinced they’re a mistake now,” he stated. “Whether it’s a month from now or a year from now or whatever length of time, I hope that the AFL-CIO regains all of the unions that left. That’s the best course of action for everyone, most importantly the rank-and-file members. “But whether or not that happens, our federation will survive,” Sacco continued. “We’re already proving it. In particular, we scored quite a few victories during the elections in November. That was a big test, coming so soon after the disaffiliations, and we passed with flying colors.” He further pointed out that soon after the MTD convention last July, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita battered the Gulf Coast. In response, “Members of MTD unions were among the first on the scene in New Orleans, helping local hospitals and rescue workers even before Katrina was finished. Since that time, thousands of our union members have aided in relief operations. Many thousands more donated money Members of the MTD executive board and guests—including rank-andfile Seafarers—attend the department’s recent meeting in San Diego. restaurants and other shipboard and excursion activities. One of the differences, however, is the expansive suites aboard the newest vessel, each of which includes a private courtyard with pool and whirlpool, concierge service, and much more. Both the Pride of Aloha and the Pride of America have dramatic artwork painted on their hulls. The Pride of Hawaii features a distinctive and equally vivid look. To celebrate its name, the hull artwork features a hula dancer on one side and a conch shell blower on the other. Each is joined by a lei—a welcome symbol of Hawaii, made up of yellow, red and orange hibiscus blossoms. On all three NCL America ships, union members and their families can secure reduced fares through Union Plus, a nonprofit organization founded by the AFL-CIO. In fact, since NCL America and Union Plus first teamed up last summer, thousands of union members have taken advantage of the discounted rates. The toll-free number for this benefit is (866) 867-0593. As previously reported, NCL America faced some relatively brief growing pains in 2004, but since then has successfully refined its product—a fact not lost on professional and amateur critics alike. In the media and on or contributed clothing, food and supplies.” See pages 11, 12 and 13 for full coverage of the MTD executive board meetings. Other achievements and activities since the convention included the christening of new U.S.flag vessels and the continued support of U.S. troops involved in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. “When we’re called upon, we will deliver the goods any time, anywhere,” the MTD president said. Turning toward some of the key goals of not just the MTD but the entire labor movement, Sacco mentioned improving workplace safety, securing affordable health care for all citizens, and reinforcing the freedom to join a union. On the latter issue, the Employee Free Choice Act—proposed legislation with strong bipartisan support—remains a prime focus of the MTD along with the AFLCIO. The freedom to join a union “is a right that has been weakened under mountains of red tape and legal ploys, but it’s a right that must be truly and fully restored,” Sacco declared. “More than any other approach, giving workers a real opportunity to choose union representation may be the quickest and most effective way to organize new members. “It may take longer than we’d like, but we can and will accomplish all of these goals. Together, we won’t be denied.” The SIU-contracted Pride of Hawaii, ready for sea trials along the River Ems, is the newest NCL America vessel. internet message boards populated by passengers, the reviews these days are very favorable. Some of the magazine reviews point to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center as one reason why things have improved. In 2005, more than 3,000 students successfully completed the Paul Hall Center’s three-week course given to prospective NCL America shipboard employees who fill hundreds of non-marine positions. NCL America Raises Money for Hawaii Charities SIU-contracted NCL America recently reported that the company last year raised $250,000 for local Hawaii charities via a special charity cruise on the Seafarers-crewed Pride of America. The money raised on the charity cruise (which took place last summer) benefits three Hawaii non-profit organizations, according to the company. Those organizations are the Child & Family Service; the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement; and the Kapi’olani Children’s Miracle Network. Nearly 1,200 people sailed on the charity cruise, according to NCL America. Guests enjoyed a full evening and morning of culinary delights at the Pride of America’s eight different restaurants and bars. NCL America donated the use of the U.S.-flag ship and all operational, food and beverage services and amenities for the cruise. Seafarers LOG 3 �Steve Judd: Remembering One of the Best New Orleans Official Served the Membership With Integrity, Energy The SIU suffered an enormous loss March 5 when Assistant Vice President Contracts Stephen W. Judd, one of the union’s most dedicated and well-respected officials, died unexpectedly in Metairie, La. He was 45. News of his death caused an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from SIU members and officials alike. Most emphasized Judd’s personal kindness and integrity along with his absolute dedication to rank-and-file Seafarers. Judd, who comes from a family of SIU members, joined the union in 1978 and sailed in the inland division with Crescent Towing. He started as a deckhand and AB, quickly earned a U.S. Coast Guard license and then sailed as an SIU captain before eventually coming ashore as a patrolman in 1991. He served as the union’s port agent in New Orleans beginning in 1997 and was promoted to the assistant vice president’s post late last year. He was a key figure in the SIU’s organizing victory at E.N. Bisso culminating in 1994—a protracted battle and clearly one of the union’s most noteworthy SIU Assistant VP Contracts Steve Judd (left) joins Mobile, Ala. Port Agent Ed Kelly at the SIUNA convention in Piney Point, Md. in 2002. At the time, Judd served as the union’s New Orleans port agent. organizing wins in recent memory. SIU President Michael Sacco said Judd’s dedication, talent and loyalty were second-to-none within the union. “He was devoted to his work and he loved what he was doing,” Sacco stated. “He dedicated his whole life to the SIU. He was appointed as assistant vice president because of the great work he’s done and his leadership qualities. He was trustworthy—it was easy to have confidence in him.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez recalled that Judd stood up for every member, regardless of circumstance. “He wanted to make sure everybody got representation,” Tellez said. “A company guy once questioned why he was pushing on behalf of a member whose situation looked like a lost cause, and Steve said, ‘Everybody needs a chance to be heard.’ He was as tenacious as a pit bull in those situations.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel pointed out that Judd “was born and bred in the SIU. He grew up on the boats and was always a true believer in the union. He was always looking out for the other guy and never was one to back down…. He was a great boatman, and when he came ashore he carried those same qualities servicing the members. Obviously he’s going to be missed. My sympathies go to his wife and the rest of his family.” Dean Corgey, vice president of the SIU’s Gulf Coast Region, said Judd’s death “is the greatest tragedy I’ve seen since I’ve been with the SIU, losing such a standup guy at such a young age. He had so much promise, such a great future. It was an honor to work with him. He had the heart of a lion and unquestioned integrity. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for the membership.” Seafarer John Bilich, currently sailing aboard the Delta Mariner, knew Judd since 1979. They sailed together and later served on negotiating committees when Judd worked as a union official. “Steve was immediately respected by all his peers when he started as a deckhand,” Bilich said, noting that Judd continued earning the admiration of union and company personnel alike throughout his career. “If you didn’t smile at least once in his company, you didn’t listen well enough. He was a man of his word and a rising star. He will be sadly missed.” Another member, David Merida, knew Judd since they attended the same high school in the 1970s. “Anything he did, he did it 110 percent,” said Merida, who joined the union in 1982. “I’ll always remember his willingness to help people, his unselfishness. His integrity could never be questioned. He might have been small in height and weight, but he was a very powerful official when it came to getting your attention and talking shop.” George Tricker, SIU vice president contracts, said Judd “set the highest standard for representing this membership. Whether he was defending a seaman’s rights or pursuing a grievance, his tireless efforts and tenacity reflected his commitment to this organization. Steve’s knowledge of the issues and the membership’s needs were invaluable during negotiations. I will forever carry his example.” Chris Westbrook, the union’s New Orleans port agent, first met Judd while sailing as an engineer at Bisso. “I knew him from both sides, as a member and (later) as a co-worker, and also as a friend,” Westbrook remembered. “He was a fantastic guy, a great mentor and he passed along a wealth of knowledge. He loved the union and he was a dedicated servant to the membership, to his family and to his friends. Steve was truly an exceptional person.” Ed Kelly, SIU port agent in Mobile, Ala., described Judd as “one of the most thorough individuals I ever met, and also the fairest person I ever met. He was a Appreciation If it’s true that we are best measured under adversity, Steve Judd showed his real colors on the heels of Hurricane Katrina. He couldn’t have shined any brighter. Steve finagled his way back into New Orleans right after the hurricane, while the city was incapacitated. He did so in large part because he wanted to take care of the damaged SIU hall on LaPalco Boulevard, and to help look after family members as well as help in his neighborhood. Throughout the ensuing weeks we often spoke by phone, partly so that I could get updates for the Seafarers LOG but equally because we were friends. As Steve matter-of-factly described the hardships and the devastation—not to mention the endless, difficult work at the start of the recovery—he occasionally would pause and say, “But I don’t want to sound like I’m complaining. Plenty of other people are worse off. I’m grateful just to have food and water.” As always, he was 100 percent sincere. And as always, he was giving all his time and energy to help others, whether they were family members or Seafarers or neighbors or even strangers. Professionally, Steve was a godsend to the LOG office. If we needed a particular type of photo or had to contact members on short notice, I always felt comfortable turning to Steve for help. He not only delivered, he did so with a warm, welcoming attitude that superbly reinforced the notion that we 4 Seafarers LOG really are one big family. Thank heaven I occasionally had chances to reciprocate. Neither of us minded long phone conversations, and that helped enable us to solve most of the world’s problems a few times over, or so it seemed. Steve was especially interested in the health care crisis, specifically because he wanted to help educate the membership about this most serious issue. We discussed it for hours, sharing newspaper articles from across the country, reviewing members’ feedback, taking candid looks at the LOG’s coverage and how it might improve. Personally, Steve was as decent a man as I’ve ever known. There are too many examples for this space, but, just to share one: He preceded me in recovery from nicotine addiction, and proved a helpful but never pushy long-distance mentor. When I finally broke free from tobacco’s clutches, Steve’s positive reinforcement felt priceless. *** Steve Judd’s obituary was written at least 40 years too soon. I don’t claim to have known him better than his contemporaries in the Gulf, but I knew him well enough to submit a first-person tribute for the first time in my nearly 15 years at the LOG. That is my homage to Steve, whose exceptional character remains a powerful reminder of just how much good we can do. Steve Judd (second from left) celebrated the opening of the SIU hall on LaPalco Boulevard in April 1999 along with Seafarers, officials and guests. Here, he is pictured with (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco; Brother Judd’s wife, Nancy; his brother, AB Willie Judd Jr.; and his father, SIU Retiree Willie Judd Sr. unique individual and it was easy to get close to him. You didn’t have to know him very long to know what kind of person he was.” SIU Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski credited Judd with being “a consummate professional. There was never a situation where he couldn’t handle himself. He had an answer, and if he didn’t he knew where to go to find it.” SIU Political Director Terry Turner said, “To me, Steve was what the SIU is all about: bright, personable and hard-working. During the Katrina disaster he was the first one back in the hall, shoveling mud and debris so that we could start the operation of getting members out to open up the port. He worked with the federal and state agencies as well as the Coast Guard to help ensure that the port would open and recovery could begin. He was a true hero and I will miss him.” Funeral services took place March 9 at Bultman Funeral Home in New Orleans, followed by interment in Garden of Memories Cemetery in Metairie. An online guest book is available at www.legacy.com. Brother Judd’s surviving family includes his wife, Nancy Lee Nolle Judd; parents William S. Judd Sr. (an SIU retiree) and Esther Boutian Judd; and Brother William S. Judd Jr., who sails with the SIU. Steady as She Goes Written by AB Johney August IV In Tribute to Steve Steady as she goes I heard the Pilot say Just follow my commands I am the Way Fear not rough weather We shall prevail Cause I am the rudder, the tiller, The wind and the sail I’ll steer you to a place Where heaven and oceans meet A place of serenity and happiness Like “Fiddler’s Green Retreat” Steady as she goes I am the lighthouse in the blue abyss That guides you at night When you are troubled I shine ever so bright That’s my voice you hear Calling you near Like a foghorn in the distance So faint yet so clear Hard left? Or hard right? Full ahead? Or full astern? Come to me I am the peace that you yearn I am the ebb and the flow of tide That favorable knot current that you ride I say to you, “I am that I am” As the beginning joins the end So shall the end join the beginning Safe passage…. Calm seas…. Our port of call is near! Steady as she goes — Jordan Biscardo April 2006 �Crews Earn More Kudos for Relief Missions Seafarers from the Cape Vincent, Cape Victory and Empire State recently were recognized for their respective efforts in relief missions following last year’s hurricanes in the Gulf region. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MarAd) on March 9 conducted a hurricane relief cere- U.S. mariners answered the call for hurricane relief beginning immediately after Katrina and Rita. Among those who recently sailed on the Cape Vincent were (from left) Capt. David Scott, GSU Walter Wise, Chief Steward Ronnie Hadnott, Chief Cook Charles Curley, GSU Enrique Agosto, 2nd Cook Bridget Burkhalter and GSU Daniel Miller. Scott also offered special thanks to galley gang members who sailed on the vessel earlier in the relief mission: Francisco Sanchez, Pete Hernandez, Leo Battiste and Reynaldo Bernardez, who helped supply more than 11,000 extra meals. Displaying awards aboard the Cape Vincent are (from left) ABs Brian Jones, Thames Solomon and Anthony Smith, Bosun Darryl Sutton and Capt. David Scott. mony for Empire State crew members, who had just completed a six-month deployment in New Orleans. Mariners received certificates of achievement and commemorative Ready Reserve Force medallions at the ceremony, hosted at the State University of New York. MarAd also donated a plaque to be displayed on the vessel. Both the Cape Vincent and the Cape Victory were honored Jan. 31 by the City of Beaumont, Texas for their relief roles following Hurricane Rita. The ships and crews received a Congressional Proclamation from U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) along with a plaque from the city, a public service award from the Beaumont Police Department and a certificate of appreciation from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. A day earlier, Cape Vincent crew members and other Seafarers were recognized in New Recertified Bosun Jamie Miller (left), AB Kaled M. Saleh and Bosun’s Mate Malek G. Mohamed prep the hull of the Empire State. Orleans during a ceremony jointly sponsored by the port and the Maritime Administration. That ceremony honored mariners involved in Hurricane Katrina relief operations. “The crew has done an excellent job and deserves recogni- Mariners from the Empire State are honored March 9 at the State University of New York. The vessel aided in hurricane relief along the Gulf Coast for six months. Federal Court Says No to NSPS ITF Gets $240,000 In what a coalition of labor orga- the International Federation of In Back Pay for Crew nizations described as a victory for Professional & Technical Engineers Department of Defense workers worldwide, U.S. Federal District Court Judge Emmet G. Sullivan recently blocked the Pentagon from moving forward on the National Security Personnel System (NSPS). Via a late-February news release, the United DoD Workers Coalition noted the court found that the new rules fail “to ensure even minimal collective bargaining rights.” Specifically, the court determined that DoD regulations allowing the DoD to ‘take whatever actions are necessary to carry out the mission’ by creating issuances to override labor agreements failed to ensure collective bargaining under the statute. In the context of bargaining itself, the court held that subjecting union officials to the same standard as the average employee restricted vigorous advocacy and invalidated this regulation. The court further enjoined the new National Security Labor Relations Board on the grounds that this Board, as DoD envisioned it, did “not satisfy Congress’ requirement for an ‘independent third party’ to review labor management disputes.” The 36 member unions of the United DoD Workers Coalition (UDWC), which includes the SIU and represents the overwhelming majority of DoD’s 700,000 plus workforce, applauded Judge Sullivan’s decision. Gregory Junemann, president of April 2006 tion,” noted David Scott, master of the Cape Vincent, who submitted some of the photos accompanying this story. Altogether, more than 500 Seafarers sailed in the relief missions, aboard no fewer than 14 ships. (IFPTE), said, “I applaud Judge Sullivan for his reasoned and well thought out ruling.” John Gage, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), stated, “I’m proud of the work done by our coalition of AFL-CIO unions and independent unions across the country. The judge’s decision is a decisive victory for the coalition. I would hope the DoD would not appeal the judge’s decision but give up the quest to change the personnel system and sit down with unions again to decide on a system which supports collective bargaining.” Rick Brown, national president of the National Federation of Federal Employees, said, “This is a great victory for the unions of the coalition. Judge Sullivan’s decision clearly shows that employee rights in the workplace are not a threat to national security.” UDWC Chair and AFL-CIO Legislative Representative Byron Charlton capped off the comments, stating, “The decision by Judge Sullivan is further vindication of the UDWC member organizations’ position that the DoD had far exceeded its so-called ‘authorization for change’ authority. I want to thank every UDWC member organization for its support in the long struggle to maintain workplace democracy. We recognize that this important decision is a very critical step in this process.” The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in February secured $240,000 in back pay for 17 mariners aboard the runawayflag vessel Taxiarchis Sierra that had been arrested in the port of Houston. A 21,000–dwt Cyprus-flag bulker/log carrier, the Taxiarchis Sierra on Feb. 10 was arrested by SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung, who works out of Houston, for unpaid wages and failures on the part of the mariners’ crewing agencies to forward previously authorized funds to their respective families in Sri Lanka. Built in 1985, the Greek-owned vessel is operated by Argosy Ship Management. Aung on Feb. 8 received a call from Rev. David Wells of the Port of Houston Seafarers Center. Wells had offered to provide phone service for crew members aboard the seized vessel who wanted to contact their families. (Most didn’t have shore passes.) The vessel’s captain refused Wells’ offer, perhaps fearing that the crew would call the ITF. Wells deemed the captain’s refusal suspicious and decided to go aboard the vessel to visit the crew. Once on board, Wells learned, among other violations, that the crew had not been paid in four months. Without hesitation, he contacted Aung. Going immediately to the aid of the crew, Aung boarded the vessel and met several individuals including the captain. He had a U.S. Coast Guard team inspect the ship and later had the Taxiarchis Sierra arrested. During his investigation, Aung discovered that the vessel’s managers had not only failed to pay the crew in accordance with their ITF contract, but also that they had been stealing about $28,000 from crew wages each month. The ITF inspector demanded that the company pay all wages, back pay and repatriation costs. Further, Aung demanded that the owners take no action against the seafarers for seizing the vessel and demanding their contractual rights. According to Aung, the Taxiarchis Sierra master claimed that the unpaid wages were simply a matter of miscalculations. Lawyers retained by the SIU, working in conjunction with the ITF, intervened and negotiated not only the payment of previously earned wages for the crew, but also arranged for repatriation to their home countries and protection from blacklisting by their crewing agencies. Sixteen of the crew members were from Sri Lanka while one hailed from Egypt. Mary Ann Starks, one of the attorneys retained on behalf of the crew, reportedly told Trade Winds that her clients were happy with the terms of the negotiations and pleased that Piraeus, Greece-based Argosy “stepped up to the plate” to do the right thing. The $210,000 recovered in back wages for the crew included some $55,000 that Stark says the owner had advanced in an attempt to halt the arrest. An additional $30,000, which members of the crew initially paid to their crewing agencies, also was secured for a total collection of $240,000. The crew was repatriated Feb. 27. According to Trade Winds, Starks said that crew members paid “deposits” of $3,000 each to their crewing agencies prior to taking jobs aboard the Taxiarchis Sierra. These monies could be forfeited unless the owner provided certification that they had fulfilled their contracts before quitting the ship. Supposedly because of high unemployment in Sri Lanka since the December 2004 tsunami, crewing agencies there demand high deposits for fear seafarers will jump ship in Western ports, Starks said. Seafarers who fear losing the deposit may also be reluctant to protest short wages or poor working conditions. Aung thanked the Port of Houston Seafarers Center, the U.S. Coast and Port of Houston security personnel. “Individuals from these agencies have good hearts,” Aung said. “They tried to help the crew members any way they could including providing food and beverages to the stranded Continued on page 8 Seafarers LOG 5 �Lakes Bosuns Attend Annual Meeting The winter months on the Great Lakes, when ships are often laid up for four to six weeks, has proven to be a good time for the bosuns working aboard SIUcrewed American Steamship Company (ASC) vessels to get together and discuss the important issues of concern to them about their work environments. This year’s annual two-day meeting of the Great Lakes bosuns took place in early March at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Sponsored by the SIU and ASC, the sessions gave everyone an opportunity to confer on certain common issues or problems and clarify contractual questions. Safety discussions, which cen- The bosuns listen to a number of informative presentations including those on safety and the use of synthetic wire. tered around maintaining safe working environments and accident avoidance, were held, led by Laurie A. Montante, risk management assistant at American Steamship Company and Thomas S. Anderson, assistant vice president of fleet operations at that company. This year, a special presentation was given by John Sheehan, director of outside sales at Puget Sound Rope, pertaining to the benefits of using synthetic wire versus the standard rope wire. SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski and SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak attended the meeting along with the following bosuns: David Barber, James Joyce, William Mulcahy, David Greig, Charles Neigebauer, Albert Brzezinski, Ron Bochek, Tim Burke, Scott Gallagher, Paul Gohs, Jeff Eckhart and Mike Keogh. Seafarers who attended the annual ASC bosuns’ meeting at Piney Point are (from left, front row) David Barber, James Joyce, William Mulcahy, David Greig, Charles Neigebauer, (second row) Al Brzezinski, Ron Bochek, Tim Burke, SIU VP Tom Orzechowski, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Scott Gallagher, Paul Gohs, Jeff Eckhart and Mike Keogh. MSC Welcomes New Commander Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr. is the new commander of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC). Reilly replaced Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III in the post March 10 during a 1 p.m. change of command ceremony at the historic Washington Navy Yard in the nation’s capital. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen presided at the event while Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, delivered remarks. SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker represented the SIU at the ceremony. Brewer, an unyielding supporter and vocal advocate of the U.S. maritime industry and the SIU, retired following 36 years of distinguished naval service. He had served as the commander of MSC since August 2001. Reilly, a native of Winnetka, Ill., comes from a family with more than a century of service in the U.S. armed forces. He graduated from the University of Washington and was commissioned in 1975 through the Navy’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program. As the new MSC commander, Reilly will be responsible for a fleet of more than 120 govern- Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr. 6 Seafarers LOG ment-owned and chartered ships, as well as a workforce of more than 10,000 civil service and military personnel—including SIU CIVMARS—operating worldwide. MSC ships transport critical fuel, supplies and ammunition to U.S. Navy ships underway and to U.S. forces ashore around the globe; preposition military equipment at sea to ensure rapid delivery to U.S. forces in support of possible future contingencies; and perform myriad at-sea special missions such as charting ocean bottoms and conducting undersea surveillance. In recent years, MSC has been at the forefront of the global war on terrorism, delivering 85.7 million square feet of combat power and more than 8.4 billion gallons of fuel to U.S. war fighters around the globe. This represents enough cargo to fill a bumper-tobumper line of mid-size sport utility vehicles stretching from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, and enough fuel to fill the Empire State Building more than 30 times. Much of that materiel has been delivered by SIU-crewed ships. Reilly comes to MSC from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C., where he reported in June 2004 and served as deputy assistant chief of naval operations for Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III information technology. Throughout his 31-year Navy career, the new MSC commander has served in a wide variety of assignments at sea and ashore. Reilly’s previous commands include: Cruiser Destroyer Group Two and the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, home ported in Norfolk, Va.; Destroyer Squadron Fifty, the Navy’s Arabian Gulf destroyer squadron headquartered in Bahrain; and USS Halyburton. The admiral’s shore assignments include multiple tours on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, as well as tours at the Car Carrier Jean Anne Is Named Magazine’s ‘Ship of the Year’ In its annual American Ship Review issue, the SIU-crewed Jean Anne was named Ship of the Year for 2005 by Professional Mariner magazine. The cargo carrier, owned by The Pasha Group of Corte Madera, Calif. and operated by Interocean Ugland Management, was praised for bringing new and competitive life to the Hawaii-West Coast trade lanes. It is the largest vessel ever built by VT Halter Marine at its Pascagoula, Miss. facility and is the first pure car/truck carrier constructed to meet the requirements of the Jones Act. The 579-foot vessel, which was christened early last year in the port of San Diego’s National City Marine Terminal, can carry cars, trucks and buses and othercargo—including household goods and construction equipment—on a roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) platform and can travel at speeds approaching 20 knots. On its 10 cargo decks, the Jean Anne holds 4,300 automobiles, and its stern ramp is capable of handling up to 100 tons as vehicles are driven on and off. There are three hoistable decks to handle larger vehicles like buses, 18-wheel rigs or M-1 tanks, which can be lifted upward in sections to provide greater height on the deck below. Smaller vehicles are driven up a ramp leading to an opening in the ship’s side. VT Halter President Butch King noted that the vessel’s maiden voyage in March 2005 “marked the beginning of a new transportation system that has already changed the way RO/RO cargo is delivered between the West Coast and Hawaii, in that Naval Personnel Command; duties with the operations directorate on the Joint Staff; and at headquarters, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Reilly holds a Master of Public Administration in National Resources degree from George Washington University and is a 1993 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. no other vessel on this route has the car-carrying capacity and the speed of the Jean Anne.” And while every square foot of available space is devoted to the purpose of transporting cars and trucks, there also are 18 staterooms for the officers and crew as well as a hospital, pharmacy, mess, galley, crew lounge and refrigerated space for food. The Jean Anne transports its cargo from San Diego to the Hawaiian Islands, needing only a week to complete a voyage from the U.S. West Coast and calling on the Hawaiian ports of Hilo, Kahului and Honolulu. Named “Ship of the Year for 2005” by Professional Mariner magazine in its annual American Ship Review issue, the SIU-crewed car carrier Jean Anne graced the magazine’s cover. April 2006 �Appreciative SIU Recertified Stewards Share How and Why Union, School Work for Them For the SIU’s newest class of recertified stewards, working their way to the top of their department has proven worthwhile in many ways. The dozen Seafarers in last month’s graduating class briefly shared their respective backgrounds and perspectives with fellow members and unlicensed apprentices at the March membership meeting in Piney Point. While the details varied, the stewards all expressed appreciation for how the union not only helped them find their niche but also enabled them to earn a good living and provide for their families. Many credited the school for helping them advance. Successfully completing the four-week program—considered the top curriculum for mariners in the steward department—were William Churney, Virgilio Donghit, Alphonse Dixon, Charles Fincher, Abdul Hasan, Erik Ivey, Franco Pizzuto, Joseph Jones, Michael Watts, Pedro Ramos-Mena, Dennis Skretta and Fausto Aranda. The recertification course, like most other classes at the Paul Hall Center, blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. It also includes meetings with representatives from the various departments within the union and the Seafarers Plans, along with a trip to AFL-CIO headquarters (including the offices of the Maritime Trades Department). Detailed refreshers in safety training (including fire fighting, highest caliber. I have learned many things here that have helped me in my chosen career. I also learned from the cook/bakers, chief cooks, stewards and other crew members I worked with on the ships. “To the ladies and gentlemen who will be joining this union, I want to say there is a lot of knowledge at this facility and out on the ships at sea. I implore you to take advantage of it all.” Pedro Ramos-Mena “The SIU has been good to my family and me. Almost everything I have is because of the SIU. Our union is like a guide to a better future. “I have learned a lot here at the school, and everything I’ve learned is going to help me guide others…. Apprentices, learn about and support SPAD. Work hard together as a team.” SIU officials are pictured with the union’s newest recertified stewards last month in Piney Point. Standing left to right are Alphonse Dixon, Assistant VP Gulf Coast Ambrose Cucinotta, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Charles Fincher, William Churney, Franco Pizzuto, VP Contracts George Tricker, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, Abdul Hasan, Erik Ivey, Pedro Ramos-Mena, Virgilio Donghit, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Michael Watts, President Michael Sacco, Joseph Jones, Fausto Aranda, Dennis Skretta, Executive VP Augie Tellez. first aid and CPR) and sanitary conditions are emphasized. Computer training also is a key part of the course. Other important topics include study skills, communication and nutrition. In every instance, the curriculum is designed to help stewards do an even better job when they go to their next ships. Following are some of the comments shared by the stewards last month, including remarks directed to the unlicensed apprentices at the meeting. They are presented in the same order in which the Seafarers addressed their fellow members. Joseph Jones “I’ve sailed all over the world. The SIU has helped me in a positive way, helped me better my life and my family…. To the apprentices, study hard, ask questions, listen to your supervisors and work together as a team.” Honing their skills during a culinary contest are Dennis Skretta (left), Joseph Jones (below left) and Erik Ivey. Abdul Hasan “I learned a lot during the course and improved my job skills. I like my job and being part of the SIU. I can be a good provider and still spend time with my family. God bless the SIU!” Virgilio Donghit “I was a career Navy man, a steward and cook for 26 years, and when I first retired I didn’t have much luck. Then I realized I still belonged at sea. I joined the SIU in Jacksonville as a messman, starting over. I was advised to upgrade and upgrade, and that’s what I did to once again reach my ambition. “Apprentices, do your best and think of safety first—yours and that of your brethren. Encourage your friends to join this outfit. That’s my message.” Michael Watts “I thank the SIU for opening a lot of doors for me, and I commend my classmates. To the apprentices, there is money to be made, but learn how to manage it. Don’t waste it.” Franco Pizzuto “In the 1980s I was on vacation in Hawaii when I heard about American Hawaii Cruises. I got a job with them, and after 19 years I’m still an SIU member. That says something good about this union. “I’ve upgraded many times, and each time I return to the school I see improvement. The instructors and staff are really dedicated. I hope you apprentices will take advantage of the school, because it’s all here for you.” “Apprentices, we look forward to you being out there with us because you’ll have the right training and skills.” Erik Ivey “I thank the staff here at the school. I also want people to understand that without the union we wouldn’t have any medical benefits for our loved ones. We can never forget our union leaders who go out and fight on our behalf.” Alphonse Dixon “I’ve sailed with the Navy, MSC and the SIU—all over the world, in all positions. I give personal thanks to the school staff and instructors. “To the apprentices, do you have dreams? The opportunity is right here for you. Don’t blow it. You’ve got the best team of officials right here to help you.” William Churney “I’ve learned quite a bit here and really enjoyed the training. We have great instructors, and there is so much to learn. Everyone should upgrade.” Fausto Aranda “The SIU has helped me take care of my kids, and this is a great school for those who want to get ahead in life. I learned a lot during the course and look forward to sharing the knowledge with members on ships. “God bless our apprentices. It’s a great career and a huge opportunity to be part of a great American tradition. Take pride in your learning and you’re going to see the difference the SIU makes.” Dennis Skretta “I have come to this school six times so far. The level of education here has always been of the Alphonse Dixon takes part in the “mystery basket cook-off.” The stewards’ delicacies are shown at various points during the cooking contest. Charles Fincher “This (course) has been highly educational. The Camp Springs (SIU headquarters) staff is doing a wonderful job…. I’ve been doing this for 40 years and I’d say they have some of the best instructors in the world right here at Piney Point. April 2006 Seafarers LOG 7 �ILO Adopts Innovative Maritime Convention Continued from page 2 plaint procedures for seafarers regarding the shipowners’ and shipmasters’ supervision of conditions on their vessels, as well as the flag states’ jurisdiction and control over their ships. The Convention sets minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship and contains provisions on conditions of employment, hours of work and rest, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection. Among the novel features of the Convention are its form and structure with legally binding standards accompanied by directions given by guidelines. It departs significantly from that of traditional ILO Conventions. Its amendment procedures are rapid and, most importantly, it sets out a system for the certification of seafarers’ labor conditions. Under the new Convention, ships that are larger than 500 GT and engaged in international voyages or voyages between foreign ports will be required to carry a “Maritime Labor Certificate” and a “Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance.” The declaration sets out shipowners’ plans for ensuring that applicable national laws, regulations or other measures required to implement the Convention are complied with on an ongoing basis. Shipmasters will then be responsible for carrying out the shipowners’ stated plans and keeping proper records to provide evidence of compliance with the Convention. The flag state will review the shipowners’ plans and verify and certify that they are in place and being implemented. This will put pressure on shipowners that disregard the law, but will remove pressure from those that comply. Other innovative features of the Convention include: „ Accelerated amendment procedures to update its technical provisions to address changes in the sector; „ Onboard and onshore complaint procedures to encourage rapid resolution of problems, if possible; „ A complaint and inspection system linked with the wellestablished ILO supervisory system; and, „ A modernized managementbased approach to occupational safety and health. The new Convention consolidates and updates 68 existing ILO maritime Conventions and Recommendations adopted since 1920. Countries that do not ratify the new Convention will remain bound by the previous Conventions that they have ratified, although those instruments will be closed to further ratification. The Convention received strong support from representatives of the ILO’s tripartite social partners. Brian Orrell, the seafarer vice president of the Conference from the United Kingdom, said, “We believe that the agreement we have concluded will make a significant contribution to ensuring decent work at sea and making a real difference to the lives and life chances of many of the world’s seafarers.” Dierk Lindemann of Germany, the conference vice president for the shipowners, said, “It may have seemed a long road, but we have got to the end of it and we have made history. We now have a single maritime labor standards Convention embracing virtually ITF Secures Back Pay for Crew Continued from page 5 crew who had nothing to eat aboard the vessel except potatoes and rice for a month.” Argosy Ship Management and the Taxiarchis Sierra are no strangers to the port of Houston, the ITF or to Aung. As reported earlier in the LOG, Aung in a January 2004 incident secured more than $64,960 in back pay for three crew members (electrician, bosun and AB) who were aboard the Taxiarchis Sierra. Their circumstances were virtual- ly identical to those faced by the 17 crew members in this latest incident. In a related development, it has been reported that Argosy Ship Management is again in trouble and facing a fresh round of problems just days after settling the dispute involving the 17 crew members. This time, the Greek-owned company is being scrutinized by a Singapore-based timber company for allegedly failing to deliver cargoes of logs to their designated ports in India. all we need in order to establish a uniform and acceptable regime for the world’s seafarers.” Bruce Carlton of the United States, who chaired a key committee at the meeting, said, “This Convention is unique in that it has teeth. What is fundamentally different about this Convention is that it is about quality shipping. Beyond improving the working conditions of seafarers, it is also about further marginalizing the bad shipowners who end up costing the entire industry. This is a very sound economic benefit for the entire industry.” Somavia in his closing remarks said that the Convention marked a new departure in the pursuit of a fair globalization by making “the rules of the game fair for everybody. At the same time, the market should have the necessary space to perform its key functions for the economy and for society. In the search for solutions it has become more and more evident that there can be no lasting success with purely national solutions to global problems.” The next step will be the ratification of the Convention. According to senior ILO officials, a great deal of care has been taken to make sure the Convention’s provisions are acceptable to all countries with an interest in the maritime sector. The organization hopes it soon becomes the “fourth pillar” of international maritime regulatory regime, at the side of the three key IMO Conventions: the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW); and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The Convention will become effective once it has been ratified by 30 ILO member States which jointly constitute at least 33 percent of world gross tonnage. “What we now need to do is to work together to ensure that the next stages have the same dynamism and the same strength that you have given to the formulation of the Convention,” Somavia concluded. Northern Lights Recognized For ‘Commitment’ in OIF The captain and crew of the SIU-contracted Northern Lights last month was again recognized for the flawless fashion in which it achieved its mission during a February 2003 voyage to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These latest laurels were published in a story in the Defense Transportation Journal titled “SS Northern Nights—A Lesson In Commitment.” Recounting the harrowing events which took place Feb. 20-22, the piece—based on actual verbiage from the captain’s log—affords a vivid account of what the 26-person crew, and 12man U.S. Marine Corps security detachment experienced while in the face of armed conflict. During the course of the two-day period, the vessel and its occupants endured some 10 SCUD/gas alerts. One attack took place while the Northern Lights (recently renamed the El Faro) still was being cleared by Kuwait Customs to enter the port. The remainder was registered when the vessel was tied up in port and while the crew was attempting to discharge its full load of military hardware. As reported earlier in the LOG, Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, in a letter to Seafarers-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, praised the efforts of mariners aboard the Northern Lights. Citing the “superior support” of U.S. troops by unlicensed and licensed mariners as well the company and its officials, the general’s correspondence in part said, “Since 18 February 2003, six weeks after the start of the deployment of forces to Iraq, SS Northern Lights was under charter to MSC. She continuously operated in support of U.S. forces since that time, never missing a commitment. No other ship, government-owned or commercial, has operated as long in support of these critical operations.” The Northern Lights made 25 voyages and 49 port calls during the charter period. The ship carried 12,220 pieces of military gear totaling 81,000 short tons and covering more than 2 million square feet. More GEDs Earned at Piney Point The high school equivalency program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education had a fairly modest start but has really taken off since the mid-1980s. Since 1984, more than 2,000 students have secured their GEDs through the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. The latest students to join those ranks are pictured at right and below, being congratulated by SIU officials. In the photo at right, at the March membership meeting are (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Unlicensed Apprentices Dennis Rivard and Richard Guerra, Jr., SIU VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. The other photo, taken at the February membership meeting, shows VP Tellez, SIU Atlantic Coast VP Joseph Soresi, SIU President Michael Sacco, Unlicensed Apprentices Russell Blanks and Adrian Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer Heindel and VP Tricker. Congratulations to the school’s four newest GED holders. SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung (center, wearing guest ID) helped lead the way in securing back pay, repatriation and other benefits for 17 mariners on the runaway-flag Taxiarchis Sierra. 8 Seafarers LOG April 2006 �With the Membership in Ft. Lauderdale Listening to the SIU officials aboard the Perseverance are Seafarers Alfred Polk, Chancie Ransom, Milton Israel, Leonel Lazo, Emily Whitman, Roderick French and Joe Legree. On a recent trip to Florida in mid-February, SIU President Michael Sacco joined SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel in visiting the hall in Ft. Lauderdale. All three got a chance to meet with the SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and Executive VP members in that port and Augie Tellez talk to members aboard the Perseverance. inform them of some of the latest news in the maritime industry. They also went on board the Perseverance, which was docked in Port Everglades, and got together with the crew members aboard that Maritrans vessel. Right: AB Sheldon Privin (right) has a little one-on-one time with SIU President Michael Sacco. Above left: SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel answers a question posed to him at the Ft. Lauderdale hall by Rich Williams. Above right: AB Regina Ewing listens to what the officials have to say. Port Agent Powell Appointed To State AFL-CIO Committee Bryan Powell, the SIU’s port agent in Tacoma, Wash., recently was appointed to the Washington State AFL-CIO Economic Development and Transportation Committee. The appointment is for a three-year term that expires Jan. 1, 2009. The committee examines the state’s economy and transportation issues and, in cooperation with state agencies and other organizations, examines how best to maintain a viable and robust infrastructure system that promotes a strong economy based on family-wage jobs. Powell also serves on the executive board of the Wash- Wiper Luchi Watson (left) and QMEDs Van Watler and Wendell Wilmoth (above) take an interest in the discussion led by SIU officials at the union hall in February. S.F. Port Agent Coss Retires Vince Coss, the union’s port agent in San Francisco, has retired due to health reasons. Coss joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1976, two years before that union merged into the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. He later transferred to the deck department and sailed until coming ashore to work for the SIU in 1987. Since then he served in various jobs within the union. Most recently, he was elected San Francisco port agent for the term beginning in 2005. “Vince was totally dedicated to serving the membership,” said SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. “I wish him nothing but the best in retirement.” “He was well-liked and very committed to his job,” stated SIU Assistant Vice President West Coast Nick Celona. “It was a April 2006 Vince Coss, pictured recently at the San Francisco hall, came ashore in 1987. pleasure working with Vince.” Coss, 58, said he was especially proud to have been elected port agent by the membership. He has retired to Daly City, Calif. SIU, UIW to Participate In Annual Union Show The SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) once again will participate in the annual Union Industries Show, conducted by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department. This year’s event is scheduled to take place May 5-7 in Cleveland. Seafarers-contracted NCL America and several UIW-contracted shops already have agreed to donate goods or services for the event, which normally draws hundreds of thousands of guests. The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education also will be represented at the show, hosted at the Cleveland I-X Center. This is the 68th Union Industries Show, and the SIU has participated in the vast majority of them. This year’s event is being promoted under the name America@Work, followed by the tag-line “100% Union-Made, American-Made Products, Services and Jobs.” Admission is free. “This show is living proof that great career opportunities are still available in North America, and here in Cleveland. We invite people to see all the fine products and services that are still made in the U.S. by men and women earning excellent wages and benefits, with their rights and dignity protected by good union contracts,” said Charles Mercer, president of the Union Label and Services Department. “America at Work showcases hundreds Port Agent Bryan Powell ington State AFL-CIO Maritime Section. of successful corporations where management and labor cooperate to provide value to consumers and vital services to our communities. This show is all about the wonderful things that are possible when people work together.” Hundreds of exhibits covering more than 400,000 square feet of floor space will provide a close-up look at the wide range of union occupations and the skills and training required to perform those jobs. Show-goers can chat with skilled workers in many different crafts and trades along with the men and women who serve as instructors in dozens of union apprenticeship and training programs. This year’s show also features airline pilots and travel professionals, air traffic controllers, makeup artists, cake decorators, heavy equipment operators and more. Show producers expect more than 250,000 visitors. Crowds also will be drawn by the promise of more than $1 million in giveaways, including a topof-the-line Harley Davidson motorcycle, new cars from Ford and DaimlerChrysler, groceries, tools, household goods and refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers. Members of the American Federation of Musicians will provide live entertainment for visitors as they participate in interactive displays and demonstrations, learning the secrets of theatrical makeup, glass engraving, sheet metal fabrication, “high iron” construction, electrical installations and other fascinating pursuits. Seafarers LOG 9 �SIU Members: At Sea and Ashore Christmas Aboard the Matej Kocak The Sgt. Matej Kocak was in Diego Garcia over the Christmas holidays where crew members were treated to a festive party. The Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel is part of the Military Sealift Command fleet. These photos were sent to the LOG by Steward/Baker Evelina Barnes. AB Lorenzo Allen and AB Micheal Allain QMED/Electrician Matthew DeWitt and DEU Miguel Castro Bosun Donald Hood and AB Lorenzo Allen Left: QMED Levy Calzado and QMED Dan Amesbury Everyone Must Have a Hobby AB Fritz McDuffie Thomas Larkin shipped out for many years as a QMED with the NMU. He has been retired in Florida since 1994 and plays the bagpipes with the Sarasota Highlanders of Sarasota, Fla. Larkin, who was born in Rosscommon, Ireland, and has been playing the pipes since he was 16, served as pipe sergeant of the Kevin Barry Pipe Band in Boston for many years when he was shipping out of that port. He notes, “Everyone must have a hobby.” (In the photo below, Larkin is second from the left.) Left: The crew of the Sgt. Matej Kocak poses in front of the vessel’s Christmas tree. Around the Port of San Juan This photo was taken during a recent visit to Puerto Rico by the SIU-crewed Horizon Hawaii. From the left are AB Patrick Lavin, Port Agent Amancio Crespo and AB Isaac Vega. Remembering Brother Rivera Funeral services were held Jan. 12 aboard the stern container deck of the El Yunque for SIU pensioner Pedro Juan Perez Rivera, whose ashes were scattered at sea by Bosun George Perry. At the SIU hall in San Juan are (above photo, from left) AB Victor Velez, Port Agent Amancio Crespo and AB Jorge de Santiago. At left are (from left) AB Juan Ayala, AB Joseph Dupre and Bosun Anibal Matos. Aboard the Westward Venture With a tank serving as the background aboard the Westward Venture are (from left) GUDE Flavio Castillo, the chief mate, and AB Mark Smith (who sent this photo to the LOG). The SIU-crewed vessel, which is chartered by the Military Sealift Command, was in the Indian Ocean at the time this picture was taken. 10 Seafarers LOG April 2006 �AFL-CIO MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT – EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MTD Speakers Underscore Jones Act’s Value to America OSG May Invest in 17 Additional Vessels Speakers at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 2425 in San Diego were especially strong in backing the Jones Act. Part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act (named in honor of its author, the late Senator Wesley Jones, RWash.) mandates that cargo moving between United States ports is carried on U.S.-crewed, U.S.flag, U.S.-owned and U.S.-built vessels. The cross-section of guest speakers—from labor, manage- ment and government—offered remarks highlighting numerous benefits stemming from the Jones Act. Those plusses include jobs for U.S. mariners and a boost to America’s national and economic security. Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, noted that the Jones Act “generates jobs, to be sure, but what it does fundamentally is it maintains the national defense maritime industrial base.” Perhaps the biggest surprise from the meetings occurred when Capt. Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), told the audience that his company is exploring the possibility of investing in 17 new U.S.flag ships that would sail in the Jones Act trades—in addition to the 10 domestic tankers already being built at the unionized Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. “We believe we can deliver,” Johnston stated. “We believe you can build the ships in the United States. We also believe you can crew and maintain the ships in the United States.” But Johnston also pointed out that his company at one point nearly gave up its U.S.-flag fleet. In this case, political action saved the day—Johnston said the SIU and other pro-U.S.-flag interests helped secure fair changes in tax laws that partly enabled OSG and others to keep an American-flag presence. Now, “We’ve bet $750 million on the Jones Act” in the form of the new tankers, he said. “The Jones Act is here to stay. The other thing we’re betting on is well-trained seafarers. The environment that we’re dealing with today is becoming more and more difficult. The quality of the seafarers has to continually improve. We are very happy with what we see.” Johnston was far from alone in noting the importance of the Jones Act. U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (DContinued on page 12 ‘We Could Not Have Fought this War Without You’ General Schwartz, Vice Admiral Brewer Credit Mariners for Troop Support The head of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and the outgoing commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) emphatically and enthusiastically credited the U.S. Merchant Marine for its ongoing role in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom during remarks given at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 2425 in San Diego. Gen. Norton Schwartz, com- mander, TRANSCOM, and Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, MSC described not only U.S. mariners but the overall American maritime industry as indispensable partners in protecting national security, wherever the mission occurs. Schwartz said that MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco is someone “who has excelled as a partner in matters of national defense with us.” He noted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s centuries of service to the nation and declared that mariners remain vital. “The United States Transportation Command and the defense family depend on your labor. And just as it was true in Roosevelt’s generation, you’re indispensable,” Schwartz said. Additionally, he provided a basic explanation of TRANSCOM’s mission, noting that the agency oversees distribution in the defense supply chain. Through excellent cooperation between the military, other com- ponents of government and private industry, Schwartz said, the distribution process is improving in many ways—not just fiscally, but most importantly in terms of providing materiel where and when needed. “Working together really is the way ahead for each of us,” he observed. “It’s the Defense Logistics Agency, it’s the Department of Defense, it’s the Joint Chiefs, it’s the combatant commands—one of nine of which we have—and of course it includes you in the commercial enterprises that your labor sustains. “Fundamentally, it’s bringing everybody’s best thinking together on one goal, and that is a synchronized, totally visible, simplified end-to-end defense supply chain. This may sound like campaign language, but it’s not. It’s real because people depend on bombs, beans, bullets, medical supplies and so on. People in fact that are in harm’s way.” Continued on page 12 New Course for Health Reform Is State by State America’s health insurance crisis, something that affects every working family, proved a prime topic during the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 2425 in San Diego. With health care costs easily rising much faster than incomes each year, it’s a crisis that in the long run threatens to cripple the U.S. economy. Among other efforts related to curbing health care costs and securing coverage for the tens of millions of Americans currently with no health insurance at all, the AFL-CIO is fighting back through a recently launched stateby-state grassroots campaign. The federation also is offering resistance through its support of the newly formed coalition America’s Agenda, headed by retired UFCW President Doug Dority. MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco described the health care crisis as one “that’s not going away. In fact, it’s getting worse. If you’ve negotiated a contract lately—or for that matter, if you’ve gone to the doctor— you know exactly what I mean.” Dority echoed and expanded upon those sentiments. “Every (union) president that I’ve talked to since we set up this foundation has told me that their number one domestic issue is health care— how to pay for the health care when it’s increasing at double digit inflation every year,” Dority said. “It’s something that the employers also have to address, and these are not bad employers that just want to put extra money in their pockets.” He pointed out that America’s Agenda, which includes prominent individuals and organizations from the medical community, is pushing for what is called “universal coverage” throughout the country. “You can’t solve the health and welfare problem at the bargaining table,” Dority insisted. “So we’ve developed a strategy to go out and [campaign in] some more progressive sates. They include Illinois and Massachusetts, and now we’ve reached into Maine and Vermont—all of which are moving to have universal health care in their state. “If we can get it in the state, then the federal government at some point will reach out and wrap their arms around this (by adopting a similar program). It can be done.” For instance, he reminded the audience that Medicare originally was a state-level program eventually duplicated by the federal government. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney noted that the federation last year launched grassroots campaigns at the state level ultimately aimed at securing good, affordable coverage for all. “We need a simple national health care plan that covers everybody,” he said. “If they won’t give us a fair health plan covering all families in all 50 states, we’ll give them hell in all 50 states.” U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie Continued on page 12 U.S. Maritime Industry Praised for Hurricane Relief Efforts Gulf Coast Experience Suggests Value in Separate Fleet for FEMA The American-flag maritime industry’s quick and efficient response to last year’s hurricanes that tore through the Gulf Coast drew appreciative words from several speakers at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting Feb. 2425 in San Diego. As part of the industry-wide effort, SIU members sailed aboard at least 14 vessels that were involved in relief operations following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. More than 500 Seafarers sailed in those missions, including inland members. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta said he was “proud of the way the maritime community responded to the tragedies.” April 2006 He pointed out that this marked the first time the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) “has been called to action in response to a domestic emergency. In all we sent 11 (Maritime Administration) ships to our Gulf Coast states to help with relief and recovery operations. On board were hard-working crew members from the Seafarers International Union, MEBA and AMO. In essence they became an instant hospitality industry, hosting operation centers, hosting headquarters offices, providing housing, food and other support for over 1,000 police officers, relief workers, port workers, stevedores and others.” Turning with a smile to MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco, Mineta added, “Mike, I have to applaud your foresight in supporting steward classes for SIU members. The training certainly came in handy as they served up well over a quarter of a million meals, 3,500 meals a day (to relief workers and others on the ships). I had an opportunity to see these tireless crews in action when I toured the port of New Orleans right after landfall and the storm put our fifth-busiest port, the gateway to the nation’s interior out of commission. “But because of the work of all of you, it was only temporary. I’m happy to report that the port is back to 100 percent of preKatrina levels. That is quite a turnaround and our nation owes a profound debt of gratitude to the men and women who played such a critical role in making it happen. So on behalf of President Bush and Vice President Cheney and a very grateful American people: Thank you all. Thank you very, very much for your response to the hurricane relief effort and thanks to all of you for your continued contributions to the prosperity and the wellbeing of this great nation.” Eugene Magee, chief of the Maritime Administration’s Reserve Fleet Division, said that the maritime industry’s response to the hurricanes suggests the need for a reserve fleet specifically designated for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “We are looking to create a new program very similar to the Ready Reserve Force,” he stated. “That means jobs for workers and more ships.” Magee noted that a basic tenet of the new program would see ships arriving at “ground zero” within 12 to 24 hours after a disaster. In some cases—as occurred in New Orleans with two of the Cape ships as well as the USNS Pollux—it also may be possible and even preferable for vessels “to stay and ride out the storm in port. We have a heavy-weather mooring plan that the ship managers use.” Magee indicated that FEMA officials “are very enthusiastic. They are going to take this proContinued on page 12 Seafarers LOG 11 �AFL-CIO MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT – EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MTD Speakers Underscore Jones Act’s Value Continued from page 11 U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra S.C.) got straight to the point when he said, “Thank goodness the Jones Act is still in place to protect domestic shipping interests—otherwise our economic and national security would be in direct threat. I will always stand to protect the Jones Act and our domestic shipping industry. It may be time to expand the Jones Act.” U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie pointed to the Jones Act as a potential foundation for an expanded national maritime policy. He said he is carrying the message in Congress that “maritime has to be the number one security interest of this nation. Not just port security, but shipbuilding and a merchant marine owned and operated Capt. Robert Johnston, Senior VP, OSG under the Jones Act must become a fundamental premise of American policy.” U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra (DCalif.) offered a word of thanks to mariners and others in the industry “for keeping it strong despite all the adversity that’s out there. Those of us that believe it’s the people that make our country and our industry strong pledge to you that the Jones Act will be preserved and that we will fight any waivers that are unnecessary.” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney credited U.S. maritime labor for being “so vigilant about keeping the Jones Act strong and enforced. It just makes common sense to make sure that critical ship- U.S. Rep. James Clyb ‘We Could Not Have Fought This War Without You’ Continued from page 11 Vice Adm. David Brewer, Commander, MSC Turning specifically to sealift, Schwartz lauded the value of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and also left no doubt that a strong U.S.-flag fleet is a must. “For the hundred or so ships that we have under way in a typical week, 40 percent or so and increasingly more are commercial for multiple carriers,” he stated. “Sealift is essential to victory. America’s capacity to engage its enemies at a distance, to provide humanitarian assistance at home and abroad, depends very, very much on your capabilities and know-how. The vast majority of how we get things done is through sealift. My commitment to you today and to Mike Sacco is that we will continue to work with you and with the Maritime Administration, our nation’s shipbuilders and owners to ensure that the nation’s commercial seapower is there for sustained and surge military operations.” Schwartz was a keynote speaker last year when the Alliance New York reflagged under the Stars and Stripes and enrolled in the MSP. He described the program as “brilliant” and indicated his hope that it may expand “in the not-too-distant future.” He also said that the reflagging ceremony “was truly symbolic of what I think is a rising tide of commitment to further strengthen the American Merchant Marine.” He concluded, “We’re better Gen. Norton Schwartz, Commander, TRANSCOM working as partners than we individuals. America’s capac engage our enemies at a dis depends on a strong and v merchant marine. We need counsel, your continued com ment and, of course, the able tance that you all bring with conviction to the na defense.” Vice Admiral Brewer equally passionate in desc the merchant marine’s impor “I’ve come to love this indu Brewer said. “We could not fought this war without this i try. I tell the American peopl all the time. The Transpor Command has moved the eq lent of the state of Utah durin war. That’s every man, wo New Course for Health Reform Is State by State Continued from page 11 U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) reminded everyone that health insurance was a big factor as U.S. auto manufacturers recently announced the layoffs of “not hundreds, not thousands but tens of thousands” of unionized workers. That’s despite the fact that labor, management and government alike all agree that today’s workers are more productive than ever. “If you’re more productive, you’re supposed to be sharing in the fruit of that production, but we’re not,” Abercrombie said. “We’ve got to band together. And if the American labor movement cannot do it, who is going to do it?” Doug Dority, President, America’s Agenda AFL-CIO President John Sweeney U.S. Maritime Industry Praised for Hurricane Relief Efforts Continued from page 11 gram forward.” James McGregor, president of SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., related some of the behind-the-scenes efforts that occurred during the 2005 Labor Day weekend to mobilize vessels for the relief mission. He credited the SIU and other maritime unions for helping crew up the ships right away. “You can’t run the business we’re in if you don’t have the trained and qualified (shipboard) personnel and you don’t have them ready quickly,” he said. McGregor also provided a detailed look at each of the ships used in the relief effort—from the type of vessel to the crew complement. James McGregor, President, Ocean Shipholdings 12 Seafarers LOG U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta Eugene Magee, Chief of MarA Reserve Fleet Division April 2006 �burn are as city to stance viable d your mmitassish your ational was ribing rtance. ustry,” t have indusle that rtation quivang this oman, CWA Official Provides Cingular Update ping is done by U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-crewed vessels. I wish we had similar laws when it comes to our defense industry, our oil industry, airlines and airports and our sea ports. They are simply too vital and too critical for any of them to be turned over to foreign nations, even friendly ones.” An estimated 70 percent of the oceangoing self-propelled vessels in the Jones Act fleet are militarily useful. This is crucial because when American forces defend our interests on foreign soil, 95 percent of the materiel they require moves in ships. child, all their household goods, all their vehicles, and enough fuel for them to survive for 1,000 years. That’s what you all have been doing. And that’s what the American people need to hear.” Brewer cited a recent trip to Korea and noted the extensive port construction and modernization taking place in that country. “They get it,” he said. “They understand that no nation can be a powerful nation unless you are a powerful maritime nation.” Like Schwartz, Brewer also indicated that a bigger MSP may be on the horizon. He said the current program—calling for 60 militarily useful, U.S.-flag commercial ships—“is not enough, period. I need more than that.” Communications Workers of America Vice President Ralph Maly updated the MTD executive board on the stark differences between union-contracted Cingular Wireless and its non-union competitor Verizon Wireless. Maly observed that because Verizon Communications is a union-represented company, some people are under the mistaken impression that Verizon Wireless is, too. In a resolution adopted by the executive board, the MTD noted, “Not only is Verizon Wireless a non-union company, but it also has a long record of attacking workers’ rights and blocking workers who only want to make a fair choice about union representation.” By contrast, Cingular Wireless—the nation’s biggest wireless company—respects the collective bargaining process. UMWA’s Kane Emphasizes Safety During the MTD meeting in San Diego, United Mine Workers of America Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Kane discussed the recent mine tragedies in West Virginia and the need for improved workplace safety in all industries. “There’s much that needs to be done and this union is determined that whether the accident happens in a union or non-union mine we’re going be there, because we truly speak for all miners,” Kane said. “We will not rest until all accidents are eliminated, all deaths come to an end and every miner in North America has a voice in the workplace.” MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco Brewer also said, “I have gone to the chief of naval operations and convinced him that civil service and commercial mariners are the answer to creating a stronger and better Navy.” He noted that as MSC gains vessels—including rescue ships, submarine tenders and additional prepositioning ships—it will mean more employment opportunities for civilian mariners (including those on the commercial side). With up to 14 new ships joining MSC’s fleet in the near future, “We’re talking about another 2,000 or 3,000 jobs,” he said. Finally, Brewer offered perhaps the highest measure of respect that a military officer can extend. He said that when discussing the U.S. military, “I’m not talking about just the Army or the Navy or the Marine Corps or the Air Force or the Coast Guard. I’m also talking about merchant mariners because merchant mariners are the ones who are carrying the freight. This country does not win wars without merchant mariners. They may take you for granted, but they can’t fight without you…. The maritime industry and the sailors who sail on my ships are just as powerful and just as important to the security of this nation as anybody else.” LEFT: Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command (fourth from left) gladly posed for this photo with members of the SIU’s Government Services Division along with SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (third from right) and SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler (second from left). The CIVMARS were among a number of rank-and-file members who attended the MTD executive board meeting in San Diego. RIGHT: MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (sixth from right) greets SIU members and fellow officials from Southern California following the executive board meeting. Pictured from left to right (beginning second from left) are Jason Stutes, Andrew Linares, Christina Mateer, Angelo Mateer, Robin Ballard, Emilio Palafox, Judy Chester, Warren Lombard, Carlos Solinap, Mike Sacco, Bill Stephens, John Cox, Jesselo Unabia, Sean Leeson and Vern Wallen. Ad April 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �With Crowley Boatmen in San Diego Left: AB Craig Melwing These photos were taken aboard the Sea Cloud in late February in San Diego, where SIU boatmen employed by Crowley were regrouping after one of many days spent assisting on the much-publicized APL Panama project. The foreign-flag containership has been grounded in Ensenada, Mexico since Christmas and has become something of a tourist attraction while salvage crews and other workers attempt to move it back to sea. The Sea Cloud normally operates in Los Angeles as a general-purpose ship-assist tug but recently has provided much help with the Panama. The Sea Cloud (right) and Spartan are docked in San Diego as crew members prepare for the next assignment. Right: Capt. Ed Brady AB Herman Moningka, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Capt. Ed Brady Left: Boatman Jim Tank NMU PENSION, ANNUITY & 401(K) PLANS AND NMU VACATION PLAN IMPORTANT NOTICE: Trustee, Administration and Summary of Material Modifications for the Year 2005 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 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - Co-Chairmen EMPLOYER TRUSTEES UNION TRUSTEES Thomas Murphy Marine Personnel & Provisioning, Inc. 1083 N. Collier Blvd, PMB #387 Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 393-0435 David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Seafarers International Union of N.A AGLIWD/NMU 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 AMENDMENTS & OTHER ITEMS NMU Pension Plan, Annuity Plan and 401(k) Plan: During 2005, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Changed the cash-out provision effective March 28, 2005 to stipulate that in the event of a mandatory distribution greater than $1,000 the plan will rollover the funds into a qualified retirement account. 2. Provided for a 2 percent increase at December 31, 2005 for participants active in 2006. 3. Provided a thirteenth check for every retiree or beneficiary who is eligible to receive a pension benefit with an effective pension date of August 1, 2005 or earlier. 4. Provided a special election of additional pension benefits for Hurricane Katrina victims. NMU Vacation Plan: There were no changes in plan benefits in 2005. ADMINISTRATOR Miriam Bove NMU Benefit Plans 360 West 31st Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001-2727 A LOS QUE HABLAN ESPANOL Esta noticia contiene informacion importante sobre sus derechos como marinero bajo los planes del Plan NMU Pension, Mantenimiento, y Vacacion. Si tuviera usted dificultades para comprender alguna parte de esta noticia se la explicara la misma en espanol. Esta ayuda podra recibirla en persona en la oficina principal del Plan, ubicada en el numero 360 Calle 31 Oeste Piso 3, Nueva York, NY 10001. O bien, puede comunicarse con el Representante del Plan en cualquier sucursal de la NMU . Las horas de oficina en todas estas sucursales son de 9:00 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. de Lunes a Viernes. Tambien podra escribir o llamar por telefono, si le resultara mas conveniente. No obstante, las cartas en espanol deberan ser dirigidas a la oficina del Plan de Nueva York. Las llamadas telefonicas para solicitar ayuda en espanol deberan tambien ser hechas a la oficina del Plan en Nueva York, cuyo numero de telefono es: 1-212-337-4900, o el numero de llamadas gratis: 1-888-424-4949. April 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea May & June 2006 Membership Meetings FEBRUARY 16 — MARCH 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED 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 Totals 0 0 3 14 2 9 43 27 0 7 25 39 13 5 2 3 18 2 31 23 1 5 8 12 6 14 26 20 1 12 3 29 12 1 18 11 10 2 31 19 0 4 2 4 1 1 15 9 0 3 7 10 9 1 1 0 3 1 11 8 1 0 8 5 0 5 23 18 0 11 6 19 14 5 2 3 18 2 29 20 0 4 5 5 6 8 10 8 1 8 4 15 10 2 6 2 4 5 15 12 0 2 2 2 1 0 6 3 0 2 4 6 5 2 1 0 2 1 7 0 0 2 2 3 1 1 8 9 0 4 6 17 5 3 0 3 11 2 11 7 2 0 7 21 5 19 63 47 1 14 33 77 17 7 1 11 28 1 59 42 5 11 8 33 7 14 49 41 3 13 12 44 28 7 17 17 18 8 58 42 4 4 3 6 1 4 31 18 1 5 8 21 12 1 1 2 5 2 26 17 266 241 90 189 130 46 95 455 435 172 0 0 3 3 1 5 6 12 0 4 4 15 7 1 3 3 9 0 13 12 2 1 5 6 2 3 12 16 0 4 3 10 5 5 1 2 11 3 17 6 0 0 0 4 0 4 13 4 0 3 0 7 6 0 0 0 1 1 5 7 0 0 5 1 0 8 8 11 0 7 5 3 2 1 2 4 8 0 10 8 1 3 4 2 1 5 9 10 0 5 5 3 6 2 0 2 5 1 14 4 1 0 0 4 1 2 7 2 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 3 3 5 1 0 0 1 2 0 3 7 1 0 2 2 9 3 2 1 1 4 1 11 3 1 0 4 7 1 12 22 30 1 9 7 26 13 4 4 4 14 1 21 20 1 0 6 16 4 5 17 29 1 8 7 19 17 8 2 3 16 6 24 10 3 0 1 7 0 5 11 10 0 4 1 13 9 1 1 0 4 0 6 14 101 114 55 83 82 35 53 201 199 90 0 0 1 4 0 15 18 18 1 6 6 14 5 0 4 2 21 2 16 15 0 0 1 9 6 5 6 11 0 4 3 7 16 0 5 2 4 1 9 7 0 0 2 4 0 0 3 6 1 3 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 1 2 0 5 10 17 1 3 3 13 5 0 1 0 8 1 10 22 0 0 0 5 2 6 2 4 0 1 2 4 12 0 2 1 1 0 4 6 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 3 2 0 1 5 4 0 0 0 5 5 0 0 0 5 0 5 6 1 0 1 4 1 21 37 27 1 9 14 33 13 4 4 2 46 3 28 41 0 0 2 12 5 8 9 21 0 10 4 14 20 1 5 2 7 1 15 13 0 0 1 4 0 1 5 12 1 2 4 4 6 0 0 0 0 2 3 4 148 96 30 102 52 16 41 290 149 49 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 1 0 0 5 5 1 0 0 0 3 0 4 1 2 4 2 7 2 7 23 12 0 3 5 34 9 0 26 2 15 0 19 10 5 3 2 10 1 10 12 11 1 2 5 18 17 0 18 3 6 0 16 9 0 0 1 0 0 3 4 2 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 1 5 0 4 1 1 2 1 5 0 5 9 9 0 4 3 17 3 0 5 0 7 0 11 7 2 3 1 2 0 2 6 7 0 1 2 8 4 0 16 1 3 0 4 5 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 5 2 0 1 4 8 0 0 0 0 7 0 8 1 1 5 3 12 2 12 41 25 0 8 10 61 18 0 23 3 20 1 31 10 5 9 3 22 3 13 33 24 1 5 6 41 28 0 17 2 12 3 21 21 29 182 149 26 89 67 0 41 286 269 544 633 324 400 353 164 189 987 1,069 580 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 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 Totals All Departments Algonac ..................Friday: May 12, June 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Boston.....................Friday: May 12, June 9 Guam ......................Thursday: May 25, June 22 Honolulu .................Friday: May 19, June 16 Houston ..................Monday: May 15, June 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: May 11, June 8 Joliet .......................Thursday: May 18, June 15 Mobile ....................Wednesday: May 17, June 14 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: May 16, June 13 New York................Tuesday: May 9, June 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: May 11, June 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: May 10, June 7 Port Everglades.......Thursday: May 18, June 15 San Francisco .........Thursday: May 18, June 15 San Juan..................Thursday: May 11, June 8 St. Louis..................Friday: May 19, June 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: May 26, June 23 Wilmington ...........Monday: May 22, June 19 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SUZANNE CASTONGUAY Please contact Tom Christie. You may e-mail him at gizorp1@hotmail.com. LOOKING FOR SHIPMATES Elton “Whitey” Wilde is looking to hear from any of his old shipmates who sailed with him aboard Delta, Waterman and Isthmian vessels, among others. You may write him at 813 Old Highway 11, Countryview Dr., Carriere, MS 39426. ANYONE WHO SAILED ON GLOMAR SHIPS Anyone who said aboard the Glomar Navigator or Glomar Explorer in 1973 is asked to contact John Swain at (616) 776-9920. 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 2006 Piney Point .............Monday: May 8, June 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 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 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 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 Trip Reliefs SDRF Contributions The last few editions of the LOG included lists of individuals who contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). Since then, additional contributions were received from the following individuals: Hezam Reyme Jason Brown Scott Bowmer Anthony Bartley Robert Stone Pablito Dagsa Mark Scardino Manuel Basas James Buckowski John Walsh Mark Paterson Nekeisha Patrick Otto Kurtz Delores Brown Rubin Mitchell Terrance Bing Arnolfo Bada Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report FEBRUARY 16 — MARCH 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, 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 George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 DECK DEPARTMENT 1 6 2 10 14 1 0 1 35 1 1 2 3 4 0 2 0 13 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 9 3 4 9 1 0 1 29 0 1 3 1 5 0 2 0 12 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 3 3 1 14 0 2 0 23 17 31 4 17 45 2 1 2 119 10 9 2 9 14 0 1 2 47 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 6 9 16 2 3 16 0 0 5 51 1 7 1 4 8 0 1 0 22 1 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 5 1 0 3 0 0 2 15 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 Port 0 1 1 1 5 0 0 2 10 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 1 0 1 5 0 0 2 10 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 4 1 0 6 0 0 1 12 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 1 6 9 11 4 3 9 1 0 0 37 2 5 1 1 8 1 0 0 18 1 1 2 3 0 1 0 0 8 Totals All Departments 60 19 11 51 18 11 35 207 87 20 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Russ Barrack of Jacksonville, N.C. They were taken in the spring of 1975 aboard a Hudson Waterways Corp. T-2 tanker—the first ship on which Barrack sailed. Those were the days of three men to a room and no air conditioning—“but they were great days,” he said in a note accompanying the photos. Above, in the ship’s mess hall, are (seated from left) “Recertified Bosun Gus Magoulas, Bosun Frank Swartz, OS Russ Barrack and OS Danny. Standing are ‘Whitey’ and Bosun Mario Zepeda.” Barrack, who said he hasn’t seen his fellow shipmates since that voyage in 1975, graduated from class 168 at the Paul Hall Center in 1974 and continually upgraded his skills, first to AB and finally to recertified bosun in 1993. He retired in 2002 and moved from Virginia to North Carolina. 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 2006 �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 WERNER BECHER, 71, became a Seafarer in 1966. Brother Becher, who was born in Germany, worked in the deck department. His first ship was the Connecticut. Brother Becher enhanced his seafaring abilities on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Navigator. Brother Becher calls Waveland, Miss. home. CHARLES BROWN, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 1962 in New Orleans. Brother Brown initially shipped on the Del Alba in the steward department. In 1962, the Louisiana-born mariner upgraded his skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Brown’s most recent voyage was aboard the Inger. He makes his home in St. Louis. OLIVER DOTSON, 65, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1966. Brother Dotson is a Texas native. He first worked on a Delta Steamship Line vessel as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills several times at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Dotson last sailed aboard the El Faro. He is a resident of Texas City, Texas. AMERICO GARAYUA, 60, joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Garayua first shipped on the Robin Kirk. Born in Guanica, P.R., Brother Garayua upgraded a number of times at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent voyage was on board the Horizon Crusader. Brother Garayua resides in Puerto Rico. HANS GOTTSCHLICH, 66, began his seafaring career in 1980. Brother Gottschlich first shipped from New Orleans on the Oceanic Independence. The deck department member was born in Germany. Brother Gottschlich upgraded in 2000 at the training school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent trip to sea was aboard the USNS Brittin. Brother Gottschlich lives in Florida. April 2006 WILBERT HAYWOOD, 67, joined the union in 1998. Brother Haywood’s first voyage was on the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. He is a native of Hampton, Va. Brother Haywood attended the Piney Point school in 2000 and 2001 to upgrade his seafaring skills. His last ship was the USNS Effective. Brother Haywood calls Portsmouth, Va. home. WINSTON MARCHMAN, 70, hails from San Jose, Calif. Brother Marchman became an SIU member in 1991, first sailing aboard the USNS Harkness. Brother Marchman sailed in the steward department. He upgraded frequently at the union-affiliated school. Brother Marchman makes his home in Virginia Beach, Va. Prior to retiring from the union, he worked on the SL Pride. JOSE ORTIZ, 65, joined the SIU in 1977. Brother Ortiz, who was born in Puerto Rico, first sailed aboard a Hudson Waterways vessel. He enhanced his skills numerous times at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ortiz most recently worked on the Maersk Carolina. He is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. MOSE PEACOCK JR., 60, began his seafaring career in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Peacock worked as a member of the steward department. His first ship was the Santa Maria. Brother Peacock attended classes on three occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently sailed on the SL Lighting. Brother Peacock resides in Bradenton, Fla. ALEX RELOJO, 66, was born in the Philippines. Brother Relojo joined the union in 1990, first sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded his skills in 1991 and 2000 at the Piney Point school. Before retiring he worked on the Overseas Joyce. Brother Relojo makes his home in San Jose, Calif. LOUIS SANTIAGO, 68, launched his SIU career in 1956. Brother Santiago first sailed aboard the Del Sud, where he was a member of the engine department. The Puerto Rico-born mariner attended classes in 1976 at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Santiago continues to call Puerto Rico home. BENIGNO SANTOS, 62, joined the SIU in 1974 in the port of New York. Brother Santos’ first vessel was the San Juan. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Santos lives in Oviedo, Fla. VINCENT SIGUENZA JR., 61, became an SIU member in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Hawaii, Brother Siguenza shipped in the steward department. His first voyage was on the Santa Maria; his most recent was on the Grand Canyon State. Brother Siguenza resides in Las Vegas. VAINUU SILI, 62, joined the union in 1974 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Sili’s first ship was the Santa Maria; his last was the Horizon Navigator. He was born in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Brother Sili, who upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center, worked in the steward department. He is a resident of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. INLAND JAMES RICE, 56, embarked on his SIU career in 1974. Boatman Rice first shipped on a vessel operated by CG Willis Inc. The North Carolina native upgraded his seafaring skills several times at the training facility in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Rice, who last worked aboard a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel, makes his home in Lowland, N.C. PAUL ROACH, 73, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1988 from the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Roach’s first SIU voyage was aboard the Energy Ammonia; his most recent was on the Crescent Mobile. The deck department member, who was born in Mobile, Ala., continues to reside in Alabama. GREAT LAKES DENNIS PRIDDLE, 62, joined the union in 1972. Brother Priddle sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Luedtke Engineering Company. He was born in Hazel Park, Mich. and now lives in Frankfort, 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, recently went on pension. CARSIE FAIRMAN, 67, began shipping with the NMU in 1965 from San Pedro, Calif. Brother Fairman, who is a native of Mississippi, first sailed on the Pasadena. His last ship was the Kittanning. JAMES DeCLARK, 58, joined the union in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. Brother DeClark Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 Voting on the ships of the Isthmian Steamship Company in the National Labor Relations Board election commenced on March 29. The first ship to be voted was the SS Mobile City in New Orleans, on Saturday, March 29. Within a few days, ballots were cast on the Wm. N. Byers in Galveston, the Nicaragua Victory and the Mandan Victory in Baltimore, the Thomas Cresap in New York and the Marine Fox in Seattle. All reports indicate a favorable SIU vote. (Editor’s note: The NLRB later certified the SIU as the bargaining representative of the company’s unlicensed mariners.) was born in Middletown, Pa. He most recently went to sea on the Lykes Navigator. WILLIE POMPY, 67, joined the NMU in 1968 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Pompy’s first voyage was on the Dick Lykes, where he worked as a member of the engine department. He most recently sailed aboard the Delaware Trader. TOM REAY, 56, was born in Lynn, Mass. Brother Reay became a union member in 1973. His first trip to sea, aboard the African Moon, originated from Boston, Mass. Brother Reay worked in the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Keystone Georgia. GUS WEBSTER, 65, embarked on his NMU career in 1966, first sailing from New Orleans. Brother Webster was a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement, he shipped on the Atigun Pass. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. Name Age EDP Floyd, Anthony Hernandez, Pilar 65 66 March 1 Feb. 1 ing will be automatically given their lifeboat tickets after they have sailed for the required 90 days to gain certification. 1979 The LNG Libra, the sixth LNG vessel built by Energy Transport Company, set sail on its maiden voyage to Indonesia on April 18. The 986-foot ship becomes the eighth LNG vessel to fly the U.S. flag. Like all previous U.S.-flag LNG ships, the Libra is manned by SIU seamen. Most of the Libra’s crew has had prior experience on LNG ships. This Month In SIU History 1967 The United States Coast Guard recently granted approval of the lifeboat certification training at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. In the future, examinations for lifeboat certification will be given to seamen who attend the school after their lifeboat training without a wait to allow them to build up 90 days’ sea time. Under the arrangement with the Coast Guard, seafarers who pass the examination at the end of their lifeboat train- 1995 The SIU urged Congress to enact maritime revitalization legislation this year when the House Merchant Marine Oversight Panel held its first hearing on the Maritime Security Act of 1995 (H.R. 1350) on April 6. SIU President Michael Sacco, testifying on behalf of all U.S. maritime unions, told the panel, “Enactment of maritime reform legislation is essential to our nation. Our country’s security, the survival of our industry and thousands of American jobs are at stake.” H.R. 1350 was presented to Congress on March 10 by Transportation Secretary Federico Pena. The legislation calls for a 10-year, $1 billion program that would provide annual funding for approximately 50 U.S.-flag ships. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JIM BARBACCIA Pensioner Jim Barbaccia, 83, passed away Dec. 7. Brother Barbaccia launched his SIU career in 1953 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Burbank Victory, on which he worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Barbaccia was born in New York. Prior to retiring in 1986, he sailed on the San Juan. Brother Barbaccia called Riverhead, N.Y. home. AARON FIELDS Pensioner Aaron Fields, 76, died Sept. 16. Brother Fields joined the union in 1956. Born in Louisiana, he first sailed on the Monarch of the Sea. Brother Fields retired in 1987 and made his home in Metairie, La. His last ship was the Venture. PETE HOPELAND Pensioner Pete Hopeland, 77, passed away Dec. 22. Brother Hopeland became a Seafarer in 1961 in New York. His first SIU voyage was aboard the Hurricane. Brother Hopeland, who was born in Poland, shipped in the deck department. His last voyage was on the Patriot. Brother Hopeland went on pension in 1988. He lived in Arizona. AVELINO MENDOZA Pensioner Avelino Mendoza, 67, died Sept. 20. Brother Mendoza joined the SIU in 1979, first sailing aboard a vessel operated by Anchorage Tankship Corp. Brother Mendoza, who was born in the Philippines, worked in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Florida. Brother Mendoza settled in Jersey City, N.J., and began receiving his retirement compensation in 2002. RAY MILLER Pensioner Ray Miller, 85, passed away Nov. 1. Brother Miller, a native of Hagerstown, Md., joined the SIU in 1961. He first sailed from New Orleans on board the Lafayette. He most recently worked on the Sealift Caribbean. Brother Miller was a resident of Rockport, Texas. The steward department member started collecting his retirement stipends in 1985. JOHN MOSS Pensioner John Moss, 77, died Sept. 29. Brother Moss began shipping with the SIU in 1966. His first vessel was the Bangor; his last was the Overseas Chicago. Brother Moss, who was born in Wisconsin, worked in the deck department. He became a 18 Seafarers LOG pensioner in 1994. Brother Moss resided in New Orleans. JAMES PRAYTOR Pensioner James Praytor, 80, passed away Sept. 17. Brother Praytor embarked on his seafaring career in 1956 in New York. His first trip to sea was aboard the Madaket. A native of Florida, Brother Praytor shipped in the engine department. He last sailed on the Horizon Consumer. Brother Praytor retired in 1990 and called Harvey, La. home. ALBERTO ROCHA Pensioner Alberto Rocha, 87, died Aug. 29 in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Brother Rocha, who was born in Brazil, joined the union in 1943 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Ocean Star. Brother Rocha last sailed on the John Penn. He started receiving his pension in 1973. Brother Rocha made his home in New Orleans. REYNALDO ROSETE Pensioner Reynaldo Rosete, 69, passed away Sept. 30. Brother Rosete began his SIU career in 1970 in Seattle. He first sailed aboard the Steel Executive. Brother Rosete, who was born in the Philippines, made his last SIU voyage on the Mariner. He went on pension in 2002 and continued to live in the Philippines. JAMES SHORTELL Pensioner James Shortell, 83, died Nov. 27. Brother Shortell became a Seafarer in 1952. He first worked aboard vessels operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Shortell was born in New York and worked in the deck department. He retired in 1987 and lived in San Francisco. INLAND DAVID JONES Pensioner David Jones, 74, passed away June 30. Boatman Jones joined the ranks of the SIU in 1951. The Virginia-born mariner last went to sea aboard a McAllister Towing Company vessel. Boatman Jones began collecting his pension in 1994. He was a resident of Chesapeake, Va. LLOYD ORR Pensioner Lloyd Orr, 80, died Aug. 11. Boatman Orr began his seafaring career in 1951, first working aboard American Bridge Company vessels. Boatman Orr was a native of Lecompte, La. His last voyage was on a G&H Towing Company vessel. Boatman Orr became a pensioner in 1987. He lived in Arkansas. GREAT LAKES MARVIN SCHMITZ Pensioner Marvin Schmitz, 71, passed away Oct. 31. Brother Schmitz joined the union in 1973. He first worked on Columbia Shipping Company vessels. Brother Schmitz, who was born in Wisconsin, sailed as a member of the deck department. Many of the vessels on which he shippped were operated by American Steamship Company. Brother Schmitz resided in his native state and went on pension in 1999. 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. RAYMOND ADDISON Pensioner Raymond Addison, 74, passed away Oct. 11. Brother Addison became an NMU member in 1951, first sailing from the port of New Orleans aboard the Brinton Lykes. He sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Addison, who was born in Louisiana, last worked on the Letitia Lykes. He retired in 1973. the NMU colors in 1941. Born in Jacksonville, Fla., he was a member of the steward department. Brother Floyd’s first voyage was on the Dorchester. The Florida native last worked aboard the Independence. In 1966, Brother Floyd began collecting his pension. KEMRON EBANKS Pensioner Kemron Ebanks, 74, passed away Oct. 1. Brother Ebanks joined the NMU in 1957, initially sailing from the port of New Orleans aboard the Gatun. He was born in Honduras. Brother Ebanks’ last sea voyage was on the James Lykes. He went on pension in 1993. DANIEL FEATHER Pensioner Daniel Feather, 82, died Oct. 16. Brother Feather commenced his seafaring career in 1943 in the port of New York. He first worked aboard the Eastern Crown as a member of the steward department. During his NMU career, Brother Feather also sailed in the engine department. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1973. HENRY FLOYD Pensioner Henry Floyd, 84, passed away Oct. 25. Brother Floyd donned Pensioner Jearline Porter, 76, died Sept. 25. Brother Porter became an NMU member in 1946, initially sailing from the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Black Jack; his last was the Chemical Pioneer. Brother Porter went on pension in 1993. PEDRO GIMENEZ Pensioner Pedro Gimenez, 81, died Sept. 18. Brother Gimenez joined the union in 1951 in the port of New York. He was born in San Juan, P.R. and shipped in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1968, Brother Gimenez sailed on the United States. CARLOS VIRELLA Pensioner Carlos Virella, 86, passed away Oct. 16. Born in Guayama, P.R., Brother Virella began his NMU career in 1952. His first voyage was aboard the Washington. Brother Virella sailed as a member of the steward department. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1972. ROBERT MITCHELTREE Pensioner Robert Mitcheltree, 70, passed away Nov. 20. Brother Mitcheltree began sailing with the NMU in 1971 after serving in the U.S. Army. The deck department member was born in Iowa City, Iowa. Brother Mitcheltree retired in 1999 and resided in Houston. MELVIN DAVIS Pensioner Melvin Davis, 77, died Oct. 24. Brother Davis started his NMU career in 1944. He was a native of Virginia. Before retiring in 1983, Brother Davis shipped on the American Lynx. JEARLINE PORTER JOSE MUNDO Pensioner Jose Mundo, 83, passed away Sept. 25. Brother Mundo began his career with the NMU in 1949. He first shipped from the port of Baltimore, Md. aboard the Texas Trader. Born in Panama, Brother Mundo was a member of the engine department. He last sailed on the Adventure. Brother Mundo became a pensioner in 1987. ARTHUR NETTLES Pensioner Arthur Nettles, 79, died Sept. 27. Brother Nettles embarked on his seafaring career in 1949 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The steward department member, who was born in Alabama, most recently worked aboard the Texaco Mississippi. He started receiving his retirement stipends in 1988. WALTER PIERCE Pensioner Walter Pierce, 84, passed away Oct. 22. Brother Pierce started sailing with the NMU in 1970 from San Pedro, Calif. His first ship was the Buffalo Wallow. During his seafaring career, Brother Pierce shipped in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Kittanning before retiring in 1983. 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 Andrew, Charles Aviles, Ricardo Boswell, Lawrence Burns, James Calicchio, Vincent Calvente, Victor Chamorro, Hector Coates, James Crombie, James Cruz, Bernardino Geleta, Zigmund Giraudo, Emma Grucko, Michael Guterrez, Frank Harmacey, Constantine Hazen, Charles Higgins, Haman Johnson, Lawrence Kanazawa, Ken Lawless, Joseph Leon, Pedro Lopez, Ramona Martenez, Victor Martin, Freddy McDonough, Alberto Medina, Arturo Merrill, Edwin Montanez, Francisco Morales, Alberto Nelson, Chapman Padilla, Joseph Pintor, Juan Polete, Thomas Richmond, James Rodriguez, Samuel Scott, Anthony Seifried, John Shackelford, Russell Simon, Joseph Singleton, Joseph Strom, Kenneth Taville, Harley Tenreiro, Julio Valdez, Larry Vigo, Pedro Vilbar, Sofronio Webster, Andrew Williams, Arthur Age DOD 86 90 79 82 81 87 66 94 79 84 85 94 78 83 Feb. 16 Feb. 23 Feb. 27 Dec. 9 Feb. 5 Feb. 2 Jan. 11 Jan. 11 Feb. 1 Feb. 13 Jan. 26 Feb. 26 Nov. 18 Jan. 3 78 71 88 79 82 89 95 82 81 81 78 79 71 84 84 87 85 81 88 78 84 70 92 90 78 55 80 80 86 79 86 97 80 84 Jan. 30 Jan. 16 Nov. 10 Feb. 23 Feb. 2 Jan. 29 Dec. 29 Jan. 13 Feb. 5 Jan. 21 Dec. 23 Feb. 22 Jan. 17 Jan. 8 Jan. 21 Feb. 1 Dec. 30 Jan. 31 Dec. 3 Jan. 8 Dec. 22 Dec. 18 Jan. 10 Feb. 19 Dec. 21 Jan. 8 Jan. 13 Dec. 23 Jan 21 Jan. 28 Jan. 21 Jan. 26 Feb. 7 Nov. 12 April 2006 �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), Jan. 30—Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Gregory N. Williams, Educational Director Joseph B. Callaghan, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Couture. Chairman announced arrival of ship in Guam on Feb. 1 and advised crew to be ready for heavy work schedule, including bunkers, stores and military security training. He also discussed new launch time table for Guam and Saipan. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. List of upcoming courses is in each issue of Seafarers LOG. Treasurer stated $617 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked fellow crew members for their support over last four months. Printer to be installed on crew’s computer and, hopefully, receipt of new copy machine. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Personnel), Jan. 29—Chairman Michael D. Wittenberg, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Steward Delegate Manes Sainvil. Chairman stated payoff to take place in Providence, R.I. He also spoke about changes made to health care and prescription benefits. He noted that crew members had lots of questions and requested more information and contact person. Secretary reminded Seafarers of importance to contributing to SPAD. Educational director encouraged everyone to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $2,414 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made to increase wages in next contract and lower age required to retire. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals every day. CP LIBERATOR (Marine Transport Lines), Jan. 27— Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Alvin E. Major, Educational Director Ronnie L. Day Jr. Deck Delegate Terrell Alston, Engine Delegate Manuel A. Uy Jr., Steward Delegate Alan J. Wolansky. Chairman announced Jan. 28 payoff in Houston. He led discussion of president’s report from latest LOG, and spoke about crucial role SPAD contributions play in livelihood of Seafarers. Educational director advised mariners to check document expiration dates and start renewal process early, if necessary. Treasurer stated $10,241 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made that transportation be provided from gangway to gate since taxis are not allowed on docks in Charleston. Thanks given to April 2006 steward department for job well done. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), Jan. 30—Chairman Frank P. Sena, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Engine Delegate Erik Nappier. Chairman reported that new washer and dryer had been received aboard ship. Educational director urged members to upgrade seafaring skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded them to check expiration dates on all documents and keep them current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request submitted for two reclining chairs as well as weight machines for crew and officer lounges. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good work and food. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif. SEABULK TRADER (Seabulk Tankers), Jan. 27—Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Educational Director LeBarron West. Chairman notified crew that vessel would anchor Jan. 29 on arrival in Lakes Charles, La. Payoff would take place at the dock with patrolman present. Educational director informed mariners of pullout section of January LOG devoted to Piney Point classes and descriptions of each course. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested washing machine be replaced. Members were asked to help environmental efforts by continuing to separate plastics from trash. Everyone was thanked for assisting in keeping house clean. USNS BOB HOPE (American Overseas Marine), Jan. 27— Chairman Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary Pedro R. Castillo, Educational Director Samuel Deason, Engine Delegate David M. Dunklin. Chairman stated payoff to take place Jan. 31 in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary reported smooth sailing during recent voyage. Treasurer stated $919.12 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members were asked to bring garbage to trash room on A deck before getting off ship and clean room for next person. USNS FISHER (American Overseas Marine), Jan. 22— Chairman William D. Leachman, Secretary Leslie Davis, Deck Delegate Luis A. Valerio, Steward Delegate Tamara A. Houston. Chairman reported good crew. Educational director encouraged everyone to attend upgrading classes at Seafarers-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on transportation, which appears to be changing each trip. Thanks given to all three departments for great work. Next port and port of pay- off: Charleston, S.C. ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), Feb.5—Chairman William Henderson, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish, Deck Delegate Craig A. Pare, Engine Delegate Gary J. Timmons, Steward Delegate Bernadette R. Yancy. Chairman thanked crew for a safe trip. Secretary stated stores were replenished in Houston and expressed gratitude to all aboard for a great trip. Educational director advised members to keep documents current and attend Piney Point training facility to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested installation of satellite TV and radios in all rooms. GREEN DALE (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Feb. 6— Chairman William R. Britten, Secretary Julio J. Marcone, Deck Delegate William D. Dukes, Engine Delegates Arthur L. Guy, Steward Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Chairman thanked steward department for great food during trip. He advised those leaving ship that yearly pay raise is still due and if they do not receive a check within a month, contact their hiring hall. Educational director informed crew they should take advantage of the many courses available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like internet access. Fans for rooms also would be appreciated since air conditioning is strained when in Persian Gulf. Clarification requested on OT for sanitary done outside normal working hours. Next port and port of payoff: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON CRUSADER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 25— Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Steward Delegate Richard A. Gegenheimer. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 27 in Oakland, Calif. and thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Recommendations made regarding pension and medical plans, and suggestions given for new work rules in next contract. Crew members were advised to bring up all safety issues at safety meetings. Next port and port of payoff: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Feb. 7—Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Milan Dzurek. Chairman reported SIU apprentice to leave early due to father’s illness. Crew members pitched in to help offset cost of airline ticket to East Coast. He asked that crew keep him and his father in their prayers and hoped the apprentice will return to vessel, “as he will make a good shipmate one day.” Educational director urged members to keep track of expiration dates of shipping documents and upgrade at Piney Point facility as often as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Secretary reminded departing crew to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Crew thanked steward department for barbecue and bosun for good trip. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Feb. 12— Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director David S. Fricker, Deck Delegate Gerald Freeman, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 16. Secretary thanked crew members for being good shipmates and helping keep house clean. Educational director recommended everyone keep upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $900 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held con- to utilize resources available at Piney Point school and stay on top of MMDs and passport renewal. Treasurer stated $8,172.08 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made pertaining to health care plan. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Ship Management), Feb. 4—Chairman Raymond J. Novak Jr., Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Michael E. Valdez, Deck Delegate James L. Davis, Engine Delegate Sonny Kongmany, Steward Delegate USNS Yano Stops in Baltimore During a December stopover in the port of Baltimore, these photos of the USNS Yano’s galley gang were taken. The crew members shown are (clockwise, from top left) SA Jouan Jackson, Chief Steward Brandon Maeda, SA Daniel Miller and Chief Cook Tommy Smith. cerning upcoming contract negotiations in 2006. Before voting, Seafarers should make sure to read proposed contract and understand it. Next port: Oakland, Calif. MAERSK ALABAMA (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 14— Chairman Timothy D. Girard, Secretary Osvaldo Ramos, Educational Director Alfredo O. Cuevas, Deck Delegate William P. Foley, Engine Delegate Seller T. Brooks. Chairman encouraged members to renew MMDs before they expire and contribute to SPAD as it is our voice in Washington. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower retirement age. Entire crew was commended for good voyage and safe work. Next port: Dubai. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 4— Chairman Jose F. Cahallero, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Philip R. Ayotte, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel, Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov, Steward Delegate Alexander P. Cordero. Chairman announced Feb. 11 payoff in Newark, N.J. Secretary gave a special thanks to all departments for help in maintaining safe, clean ship. Educational director urged crew Lamberto O. Palamos. Chairman announced Feb. 5 payoff in New Orleans. The next voyage will be to the Far East. He reviewed new requirements needed to maintain health care benefits. Educational director encouraged crew members to take advantage of resources available at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested direct deposit for allotment checks. Discussion held about purchase of DVDs, movie locker hours, watchstanding and pension benefits. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (LMS Ship Management), Feb. 26—Chairman Henry J. Gable Sr., Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Alfred G. Lane, Deck Delegate Tibby L. Clotter, Steward Delegate Rocel C. Alvarez. Chairman read and led discussion of president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Educational director encouraged all mariners to enhance seafaring abilities at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase wages and pension amounts. Clarification requested on working dues and what it is used for. Crew members thanked steward department for hard work and great food. Seafarers LOG 19 �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. Remembering the John W. Brown I would like to inform all SIU members about a book in print that would be of much interest to Seafarers. The title is “Shipmates: The Restoration of the Liberty Ship John W. Brown.” The book is being published in two volumes. The first volume is now available; Volume II will be on sale sometime near the end of 2006. It can be purchased on the ship (located in Baltimore at Pier 1 on Clinton Street) or at a bookstore near you. The author, Ernest Imhoff, was managing editor of the Baltimore Evening Sun and is now a crew member on the ship. Many SIU members have toured the ship while in training at Piney Point, Md. And old timers who are retired and have sailed the Liberty ships certainly would have an interest in reading about the John W. Brown. This vessel was built in Baltimore in 1942 and saw war service, duty as a school ship in New York City and now has been restored to full operating status. The book is interesting and an easy read. Ted Vargas, Oiler SS John W. Brown Seafarer Publishes Memoir As a child of the Great Depression, Cornelius “Buzz” Sawyer was born in Darlington County, S.C. in 1930, the second youngest of 10 children. By the time he finished high school in 1947, he knew he would one day fulfill his dreams of traveling the world. It all started when he dropped out of college at Kentucky State in Frankfort in 1951 and signed on with the Navy. He later joined the NMU and made his first voyage to Australia and New Zealand, stopping briefly in Tahiti and Pago Pago in the late 1960s. Over the years, after a number of voyages to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and the Caribbean, he came ashore briefly between shipping to study history in San Francisco and serve as a substitute teacher in the Norfolk public school system. He also earned a B.A. in 1972 at San Francisco State University. Even while pursuing his education, Sawyer’s first love was the sea. He retired in 1996 and continued substitute teaching for several years before returning to California and Oregon. This book is about two voyages Sawyer made early in his NMU career—in 1966 and 1967—while serving as a messman aboard the Marine Charger. He had a talent for meeting people and learning as much as he could about the places he visited, including Australia, New Zealand and Japan and then into the heart of the Vietnam War Zone. Sawyer writes about not only the crew members and daily life aboard ship, but also about all the sights and sounds of the locations he visited and the life-long friends he made along the way. At every port, he encountered various perspectives when it came to addressing Civil Rights and other relevant issues of the day. He particularly enjoyed Australia and New Zealand, and when asked to come back and stay awhile, Sawyer said, “Thanks, but America is my home. That’s where I was born and I have no intention of living any place else; not even Africa where my roots are. I may visit other parts of the world as part of my job, but America will always be home to me through the best and worst of times.” The book, which sells for $14.95, is available through amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. 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. 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. 4/06 20 Seafarers LOG 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: 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 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. 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 2006 �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 March through June of 2006. 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 April 17 May 12 May 29 June 23 April 17 April 21 April 3 April 14 May 15 June 2 Radar April 3 April 14 Radar Renewal (one day) April 24 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 22 July 14 FOWT May 22 July 22 Junior Engineer April 3 June 23 Welding May 8 May 26 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB April 10 April 14 Government Vessels - FOWT April 3 April 7 May 15 May 19 June 26 June 30 April 3 April 14 June 5 June 16 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (*must have basic fire fighting) (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 beginning March 20, 2006. Recertification Bosun April 10 May 8 UPGRADE 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, 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 ________________________________________________ April 2006 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. 4/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 671 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 671. They are (in alphabetical order) James Alaniz, Wayne Altoonian, Anthony Berry, Steven Blair, Reid Bland, Dominique Calvy, Lewis Coleman, Eutiquio Flores, Ricardo Former, Dallon Garnett, Michael Iverson, Jesse James, Demarius Jones, Ronald King, Derek King, Benjamin Mullis, Casey O’Brien, Dathennile Parker, Algernon Reed, Michael Sedita, Taufiq Wasel and Pavis Whitley. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Feb. 17 are (in no specific order) Ricky Myers, Timothy Heil, Elliott Del Aguila, Nur Holis, James Roy, Vincent Deguzman, Cory Gardner, Carlo Blaajadia, Timothy Watson, Carlos Gibbons, Sergio Gonzalez, Adam Ramey, Teresa Ward, Karberto Ramos, Joselier Itaralde, Leon Curtis III, Carlos Lucas, Vincent Hamm and Geoffrey Hall. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Chief Cook— Graduates of a recent chief cook class are (from left, front row) Elba Alfaro, Arlene Thomas, Chef John Dobson (instructor), and (back row) Paul Gelrud (galley staff), James Dewy, John Farreaux, Lisa Farreaux, Larry Bachelor and Syed Mortanza. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — One group of unlicensed apprentices who graduated from the tanker assistant class ending Jan. 20 are (in no specific order) Christina Earhart, Ryan Tompkins, Joseph Wiegand, José Rodriguez, Gustavo Brown-Costas, Cornell Harris, Martin Hamilton, Dorthea Roxas, David Moses, Conan Leegard, Clifford Cronan, Brian Finney, Francis Miller, Jesse Tornabene, Vadym Gutara, Jimmie Lee Williams Jr., Robert Hayes, Isaac Jackson, Luke Short and Amber Short. Specially Trained OS — The 15 Alaska fishermen who completed the STOS course Feb. 10, as well as the Lifeboat and STCW courses, are (in no specific order) Thomas Bruckman, Edward Chalmers, Holli O’Neal, Stanley Ness, Donald Dix, Theodore Jenks, Paul Hannan, George Slattery, Kevin Stehlik, Glenn Van Dyck, Mitchell Martin, Daniel Coffey, Michael Wolf, Norman Degner and Francisca Guillen. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is at far right. Computer Lab Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — A second group of Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever graduates of the tanker assistant class ending Jan. 20 are (in no specific order) Perry Anglin, Marvin Porter, Jeffrey Tyson, Russell Blanks, Natalie Tremblay, Robert Light, Richard Pérez, Ryan Wall, Tyson Sherman, David Vandecar, Enrique Defendini, Micheal Williams, LeGarrius Jones, Adrian Taylor, Brian Elam, Ben Hulsey, Michael Callahan, Juan Gonzalez, Terrence Sawyer and Marcus Campbell. reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may Holding his certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab is Scott Paxton with his instructor, Rick Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center) are students who completed the welding course Feb. 10. They are Scott Paxton (left) and Greg Abalos Jr. take that place. April 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge — Completing this course Feb. 17 under the instruction of Mitch Oakley (second from left) are (in alphabetical order) John Andrade, James Fekany, Kenneth Graybill, John Lee, Robert Lutz Jr., Frank Monteiro and Jeff Obney Sr. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Jan. 20 was graduation day for the 12 students in the water survival course. They are (in no specific order) Paul Gross, James Roy, Nur Holis, Budiman Chandra, Timothy Heil, Nagi Musaid, Kevin Stehlik, Rafael Irizarry, Victor Stewart, George Slattery, Ricky Myers and Yjohnzail Mack. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far right. STCW — NCL, Feb. 2: Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the tanker assistant course Feb. 17 are (in no specific order) David Grasso, Ali Ali, Yjohnzail Mack, Tracy Hill, James Pierce, Steve Kastel, Terrance Bing, Miguel Abad, Tawrence Abrams, Christopher Vincenzo, Robert Taylor, David Merida, Arthur Kately III, Eugene Edwards Jr., Joseph Williams IV, Arnold Jackson, Todd Peden, Antonio Arizala, Korron Richardson and Justin VanPelt. (Note: not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Herb Walling, is at far right. Eric Aguilar-Mendelson, Eric Aoyagi, Cris Arsenio, Rita Avila, Daniel Bamba, Michael Barr, Nicholas Beasley, Judith Benjudah, Michael Betancourt, Rolando Cadungon, Keitha Carriere, Richard Charles, Yvonda Chatman, Edgar Cortez, Andy Cosgrove, Edward Cromaz, Christina Davis, Donald Dischler, Mark Dyer, Nicholas Fairbanks and Mari Suzuki. STCW — NCL, Feb. 2: Ashley Goguen, Jason Goldman, Ellyn Groves, Carlos Gutierrez, Darwin Harris, Sehala Headley, Joshua Hefton, Michelle Helms, Desiree Jackson, Marcus Jackson, Oscar Jaime, Angela Jerde, Steven Joseph, Hakki Kavsit, Richard Kier, Mathew Kline, Lloyd Knight, Doreen Latimer, Mike Leccese, Paul Lentini and Tayler Lindsey. Specially Trained OS — Unlicensed apprentices in Phase III of the program completed the STOS course Feb. 24. They are (in no specific order) Robert Hayes, Perry Anglin, Cliff Cronan, Brian Finney, Francis Miller, Juan Gonzalez, Justin Sleaton, David Vandecar, Conan Leegard, Micheal Williams, Jeffrey Tyson, Ben Julsey, Robert Light, Richard Perez and Vadym Gutara. (Note: not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Stan Beck, is second from right. April 2006 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Completing this course Feb. 24 are Phase III unlicensed apprentices (in no specific order) Ryan Tompkins, Joseph Wiegand, Cornell Harris, Christina Earhart, Isaac Jackson, José Rodriguez, LeGarrius Jones, Jimmie Williams, Jesse Tornabene, Brian Elam, Russell Blanks, Michael Callahan, Gustavo Costas, Ryan Wall, Adrian Taylor, Tyson Sherman, Martin Hamilton and Wanda Davis. (Note: not all are pictured.) Specially Trained OS — Under the instuction of Stacey Harris (far left) are students who completed the STOS course Feb. 24. They are (in no specific order) unlicensed apprentices Brian Finey, Perry Anglin, Enrique Defendini, Natalie Tremblay and Clifford Cronan and SIU upgraders Nagi Musaid, Robert Godwin, Dionce Bright, Brian Jackson and Wilbur Williams. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 68, Number 4 April 2006 NMU Pension, Annuity & 401(k) Plans and NMU Vacation Plan Summary of 2005 Material Modifications — page 14 USNS Mercy Readies for Next Mission CIVMARS Prep Hospital Ship for Western Pacific Deployment A recent visit to the USNS Mercy in San Diego found members of the SIU’s Government Services Division expertly readying the hospital ship for a humanitarian mission to the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia this spring. SIU CIVMARS sail in all three shipboard departments aboard the Mercy. The vessel’s deployment is expected to last five months and is being coordinated with several nations. Specific locations for the ship’s upcoming operations haven’t been announced, but the mission will be carried out in conjunction with non-governmental relief organizations, according to the U.S. Navy. For this deployment, the Mercy is being configured with special medical equipment and a robust multi-specialized medical team of uniformed and civilian health care providers to offer a range of services ashore as well as aboard the ship. Like its sister ship, the Seafarers-crewed USNS Comfort, the Mercy supports medical and humanitarian assistance needs and can rapidly respond to a various situations on short notice. For instance, the hospital ship last year mobilized to help victims of the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia in late 2004. That deployment resulted in the treatment of more than 9,500 patients and 19,512 medical procedures being performed in Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea. The Mercy normally is based in San Diego. It can support various services such as casualty reception, optometry, physical therapy, burn care, and radiological, laboratory and dental treatments. The Mercy is 894 feet long and has a beam of 105 feet, 7 inches. The ship’s draft is listed at 32 feet, 10 inches; its displacement is 69,360 long tons. The vessel’s top speed is 17.5 knots. AB Oliver Jones blasts the ship’s deck. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Mercy has 12 fully equipped operating rooms, 1,000 hospital beds and a medical laboratory, among other equipment. SIU Asst. VP Government Services Chet Wheeler (right), 3rd Officer (and NMU hawsepiper) Richard Paramore AB Ovido Barongdan sands on deck. Yeoman Storekeeper Benjamin Guinto Jr. Jr. Supply Officer Reynaldo Sansano AB Dale Witham � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES HORIZON LINES CHARTERS NEW SHIPS ILO ADOPTS INNOVATIVE MARITIME CONVENTION FINANCIAL COMMITTEE OKAYS RECORDS U.S. FLEET’S PROGRESS, VALUE EMPHASIZED SIU MEMBERS CREW UP 3RD NCL AMERICA SHIP STEVE JUDD: REMEMBERING ONE OF THE BEST CREWS EARN MORE KUDOS FOR RELIEF MISSIONS FEDERAL COURT SAYS NO TO NSPS ITF GETS $240,000IN BACK PAY FOR CREW LAKES BOSUNS ATTEND ANNUAL MEETING MSC WELCOMES NEW COMMANDER CAR CARRIER JEAN ANNE IS NAMED MAGAZINES ‘SHIP OF THE YEAR’ APPRECIATIVE SIU RECERTIFIED STEWARDS SHARE HOW AND WHY UNION, SCHOOL WORK FOR THEM NORTHERN LIGHTS RECOGNIZED FOR ‘COMMITMENT’ IN OIF PORT AGENT POWELL APPOINTED TO STATE AFL-CIO COMMITTEE SIU, UIW TO PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL UNION SHOW S.F. PORT AGENT COSS RETIRES MTD SPEAKERS UNDERSCORE JONES ACT’S VALUE TO AMERICA ‘WE COULD NOT HAVE FOUGHT THIS WAR WITHOUT YOU’ NEW COURSE FOR HEALTH REFORM IS STATE BY STATE U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY PRAISED FOR HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS USNS MERCY READIES FOR NEXT MISSION CIVMARS PREP HOSPITAL SHIP FOR WESTERN PACIFIC DEPLOYMENT 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 04/01/2006 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. 68, No. 4 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3e470feff7aff8e6e9afb34dc420daf4.pdf 383759d2d4464968c0186dd8592f53fa PDF Text Text Volume 68, Number 5 May 2006 Pacific Reliance Joins SIU Fleet New ATB Christened In Mobile The SIU participated in ceremonies March 30 in Mobile, Ala. as Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the tug Pacific Reliance and its accompanying barge 650-1 (both pictured below). Together the new units form an articulated tug-barge (ATB) with a capacity of 185,000 barrels. The tug is 127 feet long, while the barge is 587 feet. Pictured before the ceremony are (inset, from left) SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly, Engineer Joe Kadak, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Deckhand Willie Allen, AB Kevin Schroder and Engineer Wallace “Scooter” Ashwood. Page 3. Union Opening Hall in Oakland Vocational Training Available to Seafarers Upgrading Remains A Key to Advancement The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved upgrading courses to mariners interested in advancing their careers. Courses are available for students in the deck, engine and steward departments, as reflected in these recent handson training photos taken at the Piney Point, Md. facility. For more information (and many more photos), see pages 12-13. The SIU is relocating its San Francisco operations to a roomy, conveniently located building in nearby Oakland, Calif. The new building, pictured above, is being tailored to the union’s needs; a tentative move-in period is set for early July. The Oakland facility has numerous advantages over the old hall on Fremont Street. Page 3. Claims Department Reopens in Piney Point Seafarers Prepare Pride of Hawaii Page 4 Page 6 �President’s Report Great Start, but Work Remains We are barely a third of the way through 2006 and already it has been a great year for the SIU. Near the end of April, there was a lot of excitement at SIU headquarters and at our affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as members, officials and employees anticipated the arrival in Baltimore of NCL America’s newest cruise ship, the Pride of Hawaii. This is the third SIU-crewed ship we have welcomed into NCL America’s fleet since 2004, and needless to say, it doesn’t get old. Michael Sacco The Pride of Hawaii is a big headline-grabber, but it’s not the only recent story signifying new and future jobs for Seafarers. This year alone we have crewed up a new ATB on the Gulf Coast and applauded the announcement of an order to build a ninth T-AKE ship that will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. We’ve kept an eye on the ongoing construction in Philadelphia where new tankers are being built, and on the West Coast where the fourth Alaska-class tanker and another Government Services ship are being completed. In case you missed it in last month’s LOG or at the April membership meetings, during the recent conference of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board, Captain Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), announced that his company is primed to invest in 17 new U.S.-flag ships for the Jones Act trades. Brothers and sisters, that is news that’s worth reporting at least twice! Around that same time, SIU-contracted Horizon Lines announced an agreement to charter five new American-flag ships beginning early next year. We’ve made progress this year in other areas, too. On the West Coast, work is being done to help us move from our old hall in San Francisco to a better facility in nearby Oakland. This isn’t a new trend: Since 1988 we have opened or relocated to new halls in Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn, Ft. Lauderdale, New Orleans, Anchorage, Joliet, Tacoma and Guam. We have refurbished several of our other halls. I’m very proud of the recognition Seafarers have received this year for their efforts assisting hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast. Once again, the SIU delivered when called upon. Even though the rebuilding process in the Gulf of course is far from finished, it was fitting that our members and other mariners were acknowledged for pitching in during the critical earliest stages. Those are just some of the highlights from the first four months of this year. We have plenty more to look forward to—and plenty of challenges to meet. No challenge—or responsibility—may be more important than our grassroots participation leading up to Election Day in November. This year, the entire U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the U.S. Senate are up for election. There are a number of state and local elections as well, including those for about three-dozen state governors. It’s no exaggeration to say that most Seafarers understand the great impact that politics has on our livelihoods. SIU members know that our industry was heavily regulated long before September 11 and before the unrelated, amended STCW convention. Since then, you could say, we have to jump through a few more hoops before climbing the gangway. Seafarers also understand that our political efforts never end. There is regular turnover at every level of government. With those changes comes the need to educate newly elected representatives about the tremendous importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Of course, it’s also necessary from time to time to remind even the most seasoned legislators about our role in boosting America’s national and economic security. That’s true not just during election years. Once again, I appreciate SIU members’ support of the voluntary fund known as the Seafarers Political Action Donation. SPAD is nothing short of essential in helping deliver the right message to the right people. At the same time, SPAD isn’t the only way that members can pitch in to help elect pro-maritime representatives. That’s why I’m confident that you will answer the call when your local SIU representatives ask for your time to assist in grassroots campaigning between now and November 7. The greater the success we have in politics, the more good news we’ll report each month. Volume 68, Number 5 May 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Coast Guard Authorization Bill Clears Conference Committee Early last month, House and Senate conferees agreed to an $8.7 billion authorization for the U.S. Coast Guard for fiscal year 2006. The conference report to accompany H.R. 889, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006, includes provisions intended to allow the agency to perform its missions involving homeland security, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, search and rescue, and fisheries enforcement. Commenting on the overall conference report, U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, stated, “This agreement provides the good men and women of the Coast Guard, who performed so well in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the resources to carry out their vital missions.” Young also chaired the conference committee. The conference report to accompany H.R. 889 includes the following provisions: „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to temporarily extend the expiration of licenses and documents for mariners that were affected by Hurricane Katrina and certificates of inspection and compliance for vessels that are inspected by marine safety offices that are located in the impacted region. The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 features components aimed at allowing the agency to perform its missions involving homeland security, among other directives. Above, Coast Guard personnel from Station New York on Staten Island patrol the waters surrounding the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor earlier this year. „ Defines (in the U.S. Code) a riding gang member on a U.S.-flag vessel as a non-U.S. citizen or permanent alien who is used to perform certain limited repair functions on the vessels. A riding gang member also is defined as someone who isn’t part of the crew; doesn’t possess a z-card or license; doesn’t perform watchstanding, automated engine room duty watch or personnel safety functions; doesn’t do longshore work; isn’t a member of the steward department; and doesn’t come from a nation named by the U.S. as a sponsor of terrorism. „ Stipulates that no ship may carry more than 12 riding gang members at once, and that companies employing foreign riding gangs must certify that they first tried to hire U.S. citizens to do the work (and that no U.S. citizens are available for the jobs). „ Provides a $1.6 billion funding level for the Integrated Deepwater Systems (Deepwater) Program, the Coast Guard’s program to replace or modernize the ships and aircraft used in the Coast Guard’s deepwater missions. „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to establish Naval Vessel Protection Zones up to 12 nautical miles offshore. „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to conduct international training and to provide technical assistance to international navies, coast guards and maritime authorities during regular Coast Guard operations. „ Authorizes the Coast Guard to inspect ferries for maritime safety purposes; „ Requires the Coast Guard to detail adequate personnel to assure that Great Lakes pilotage rates are adjusted annually. „ Requires the Coast Guard to develop a long-term plan to recapitalize the service’s polar icebreakers. „ Promotes the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on U.S.-flag vessels; „ Establishes a long-range vessel tracking system pilot project. „ Adjusts oil spill liability limits for tank and nontank vessels to reflect changes in inflation. „ Authorizes the federal government to purchase any property that was the principal residence of a member or related employee of the Coast Guard that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in the States of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, or Texas. „ Requires the Coast Guard to report to Congress on the additional costs associated with the Coast Guard’s response to Hurricane Katrina. Rep. King Pledges Support For U.S. Maritime Industry The House Homeland Security Committee chairman recently told a Washington, D.C. audience that he supports the U.S. maritime industry and that he is committed to protecting U.S. ports without losing jobs, hurting the economy or neglecting labor interests. “I stand by your industry,” said U.S. Rep. Peter King (RN.Y.) during an appearance at the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club on March 30. He said it would take cooperation throughout the maritime spectrum to secure ports and U.S.-bound cargo. “Coming from New York, we have many vulnerable areas, but none more so than our ports,” he continued. The congressman reminisced on the friends, acquaintances and constituents he lost on 9/11 and said that for many, the controversy over the Dubai Ports World deal brought home the importance of port security. King was speaking to the audience just after H.R. 4954, the Security and Accountability for Every Port (SAFE) Act, passed out of the Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cyber Security by voice vote. The House bill is the companion to the Senate version (S. 2459) introduced by U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine). King called for more radiation portal monitors and increased inspections overseas before cargo reaches U.S. ports. He also said he wants to work throughout the maritime industry on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential or TWIC card. The committee chairman told the audience that he believes there should be separate funding for port security grants, and said he believes U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), who sits on the House Appropriations Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on Homeland Security, supports this position as well. Addressing a question from former Congresswoman Helen Bentley, King said he’s taking an active role in reforming processes involving the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). He asserted that the secretary for Homeland U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) Security should co-chair it along with the Treasury Secretary. King also noted that when CFIUS was formed in 1988, it was more concerned with foreign investment than it was about homeland security. He said some level of secrecy still needs to stay in the process, but suggested that Republican and Democratic leadership in the House be kept informed on matters before CFIUS. The congressman also agreed with another questioner who said that not all fixes to port security can be legislative ones, and that the entire supply chain has to be examined. May 2006 �Crowley Christens New ATB Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand March 30 in Mobile, Ala. as Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the first of six new 185,000-barrel articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessels that the company plans to take delivery of during the next two-and-ahalf years. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly represented the union along with a number of rank-and-file members. The vessels christened were the 9,280-hp tug Pacific Reliance and barge 650-1. The event took place at the Mobile Convention Center. Constance Crowley Peabody, aunt of Tom Crowley Jr., company chairman, president and CEO, christened the 127-foot Pacific Reliance while Janet Bishop from ConocoPhillips christened the 587-foot barge 650-1. “This is state-of-the-art equipment and it represents a great addition to the SIU-contracted fleet,” noted Corgey. “I’m sure I speak for all of our other officials in saying that we’re completely confident that SIU members will do a fantastic job aboard the new ATB and the ones that follow.” According to the company, Crowley’s Petroleum Services group will charter the VT Halter Marine-built ATB from Crowley’s vessel construction and naval architecture subsidiary, Vessel Management Services, and operate it for ConocoPhillips under a three-year agreement. “We are thrilled to be expanding our ATB fleet with these new, larger, state-of-the-art vessels,” said Tom Crowley. “Our existing ATBs have performed extremely well for our petroleum customers, and we’re confident that this new ATB will provide ConocoPhillips with many years of safe, reliable and efficient transportation for their products.” An ATB has an articulated, or hinged, connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis, or plane, in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. Crowley and VT Halter Marine jointly designed the ATB SIU Contract Honored In Delta Queen Sale The Seafarers-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Company has been purchased by Ambassadors International, Inc., and the new owners are honoring the SIU collective bargaining agreement. “Effectively there is no change where the membership is concerned,” noted SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “All SIU jobs are maintained and the SIU contract remains in place.” Delta Queen itself apparently will remain as the operator of the Seafarers-crewed paddlewheel steamboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, but the company’s headquarters will be consolidated to Seattle. Bruce Nierenberg, president of Delta Queen, told the Associated Press that Ambassadors probably will move sales and financial operations to Seattle while keeping the marine and hotel operations in New Orleans. Ambassadors, which acquired Delta Queen from the Delaware North Companies, operates the 163-passenger Queen of the West and the 235-passenger Empress of the North in the Pacific Northwest through its subsidiary American West Cruises, based in Seattle. According to Delaware North, Ambassadors will acquire the three Delta Queen vessels and associated operating assets of Delta Queen for $3 million in cash, the assumption of approximately $9 million of customer deposits and the assumption of approximately $35 million of fixed-rate debt payable through 2020. The deal also includes stock considerations. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company operates historical cruise itineraries on many of America’s best known rivers, including the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland and Arkansas rivers with stops at many of America’s most historic cities, battlegrounds and estates. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company is America’s oldest cruise line, with its history dating back to 1890. The Delta Queen can carry 174 passengers, the Mississippi Queen 416 and the American Queen 436. The American Queen recently completed a special mission under charter to energy companies in support of disaster relief efforts in the Gulf Coast area. Joe Ueberroth, president and CEO of Ambassadors International, Inc., noted that Delta Queen and American West would combine to create “a national, American cruise company.” He also expressed confidence in the fleet’s “dedicated American crews.” The SIU-crewed American Queen, pictured in New Orleans, assisted in hurricane relief missions after Katrina struck last year. May 2006 The new ATB features all the latest equipment and double-hull construction. tank vessel. The barge 650-1 was built at Halter’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the Pacific Reliance at its shipyard in Moss Point, Miss. The new ATBs feature the latest systems technology and double-hull construction for maximum safety and reliability. Not only does the unit have the capability of transporting refined products, but it also can carry heated cargoes and certain chemicals which require special arrangements of vents, stripping systems, pump components and tank coatings above that normally required for product carriers. All of Crowley’s ATBs are built under the ABS SafeHull program for environmental protection. This program puts the vessel design through an exhaustive review to identify structural loads and strengthen the vessel structure. The 650-Class barges will be 27,000 deadweight tons, 587 feet in length, 74 feet in breadth and 40 feet in depth. The fully loaded draft will be 30 feet. According to Crowley, there is an electric cargo pump in each of the 14 cargo tanks to assure maximum cargo integrity and segregation flexibility; two anchor windlasses and associated equipment to enable the vessel to accommodate offshore mooring Seafarers welcome the new tug Pacific Reliance in Mobile, Ala. Pictured from left to right are (kneeling) David Lane, William Davis, Willie Allen, David Nimmer, (standing) Leo Venegas, Joe Kadak, Darren Bates, John Quagliano Jr., Wallace Ashwood Sr., Kevin Schroder, Wallace “Scooter” Ashwood, William Palmer, Bob Hoffman, Marc Tomuschat and SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly. operations; and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. The ATBs also feature a dual mode inert gas system and vapor collection system for maximum safety. A layer of inert gas covers products in the tanks to make the atmosphere too lean for combustion. An enhanced mooring system features 1,000-foot Spectratype lines on split drums with a high-speed recovery rate of 100 feet per minute. The tugs meet all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and have a foam-capable fire monitor; twin fuel-efficient 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, according to Crowley. Union’s San Francisco Operations Moving to New Hall in Oakland Spacious Facility Offers Numerous Improvements The SIU plans to relocate its San Francisco-area operations to a new union hall in nearby Oakland, Calif. this summer. The new building is scheduled for various modifications to suit the membership’s needs. Pending completion of those alterations, the move tentatively is penciled in for early July. Located at 1121 7th Street, the new hall is two stories not including a basement and is approximately 17,000 square feet. It offers more than 30 parking spaces next to the building; additional parking is available nearby. The Oakland hall is 9 miles from the union’s San Francisco hall, which is located at 350 Fremont Street. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel said the move will provide several noteworthy improvements. The Oakland hall is based in a generally more attractive area near Jack London Square, a popular community. The new hall is located within easy walking distance of the Matson pier and also is near public transportation. Additionally, the building on 7th Street will offer a “media room” for rank-and-file members that includes a television and high-speed internet hookups. It will contain a classroom for off-site training, a meeting room, a conference room and other amenities. Ample parking is available behind the new hall on 7th Street, scheduled to open this summer. The facility is 60 years old but underwent major refurbishment a few years ago, including various structural reinforcements. The interior as of late April largely was wide open, which should facilitate its upcoming reconfiguration. The union has occupied its hall on Fremont Street since 1980. More details on the upcoming move will be reported in the Seafarers LOG as they become available. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU-Crewed Hauge Honored for Safety The crew and captain of the SIU-contracted CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. on March 24 formally were recognized for their impressive achievements in the area of safe ship operations during 2005. The recognition itself, which came in the form of the 2005 Jones F. Devlin Award, originally was bestowed on the Hauge and its crew last summer. It formally was presented to Capt. Paul Zubaly by Jerry Eker, director of maritime operations, Maersk Line Limited during recent ceremonies in Norfolk, Va. Officials from the SIU, including Vice President Government Services Division Kermett Mangram and Jacksonville, Fla. Port Agent Archie Ware were on hand for the ceremony as were representatives from the U.S. Military Sealift Command. As previously reported, in addition to the Maersk-operated Hauge, 10 other SIUcontracted companies along with their top performing vessels last year were cited by the U.S. maritime industry for safe ship operations. Like the Hauge, the other vessels and their crews originally were recognized during the presentation of the 2005 Jones F. Devlin Award and the 2005 Ship Safety Achievement Awards. The event took the form the Chamber of Shipping of America’s Annual Safety Awards Luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Claims Office Reopens The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s claims office fully reopened April 3. The department is based at the Seafarersaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The claims office also includes a membership services department. More than 40 employees work in the claims office, which is reachable by phone at 800 252-4674. “We’re delighted to bring membership services back to the claims department,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “There is widespread confidence both within the department and the union that this move will result in an improvement in membership services.” Claims Director Pat Benoit stated, “We’re all very happy to be doing the job we know best and giving the members the quality service they deserve.” Employees took part in a brief but spirited re-opening ceremony following the April membership meeting. Oleta Copsey is a membership services representative. Pam Harris (left) and Tammy Smyth are among the 40-plus employees at the claims office. Riverside. The awards recognized individual ships and the women and men who crew them while performing accident-free operations. The prizes also served as incentives to promote safe ship practices aboard all American-flagged 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 George Tricker. “Such awards are SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware (center) met with tributes not only to the indi- Chief Steward Victorino Cruz (left) and Recertified Bosun vidual mariners, but also a James Foley prior to the presentation of the 2005 Jones F. reflection of the tremendous Devlin Award. jobs that the instructors and staff at our affiliated training crews for accident-free operations. school (the Paul Hall Center in Piney Twenty-six vessels representing seven Point, Md.) do in preparing students for companies received the Certificate of their careers.” Honor Award that year. Two years later, The Hauge is a roll-on/roll-off containthe award was renamed the Jones F. ership that is part of MSC’s prepositioning Devlin Award to honor the safety expert program. The vessel is 755 long and has a who thought the credit should go to the beam of 90 feet. It can sail at 16.4 knots. mariners who were achieving these In 1954, American Export Lines had a results. safety-at-sea expert who was in close assoFor more than 40 years, this award has ciation with the American Merchant been given to individual vessels that have Marine Institute. That year, he approached achieved at least two years of injury-free the AMMI board of directors requesting that an award for safety achievement at sea operation. The Chamber of Shipping of America be established. The board agreed to sponrepresents 25 U.S.-based companies that sor such recognition, and the first Ship Safety Achievement Awards were estab- own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, containerships and other merchant lished (and four vessels were honored). In 1958, that same safety officer vessels engaged in both the domestic and approached the AMMI once again regard- international trades and other entities that ing sponsorship of an award that would maintain a commercial interest in the operrecognize individual vessels and their ation of such vessels. Claims office personnel are pictured with officials from the SIU and the Seafarers Plans as the department reopens in Piney Point, Md. SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (ninth from left) and Jerry Eker, director of operations, Maersk Line Limited (seventh from left) join the crew and captain of the Hauge shortly after the award presentation. Port Official Edward Smith Dies at 79 “There wasn’t a day that went by where my father didn’t brag about the SIU and how it provided for all of us,” said Edward C. Smith about his father, Edward V. (Smitty) Smith of Severna Park, Md., who passed away March 27 of natural causes. He was 79. Brother Smith was born in Boston but moved to Prince Edward Island at a young age and served in the Canadian merchant navy during World War II. He returned to the U.S. and joined the SIU in 1947. Working in the steward department, Brother Smith served as a cook, chief cook and chief steward. He sailed from New York, New Orleans and then Baltimore. In Baltimore, he headed up the cafeteria in the union hall and later served as a port representative. Some of the SIU ships he worked on were the Boulder VicThis photo of Brother Smith was taken in the Baltimore union hall when he tory, Mankato Victory worked as a port representative there. and Robin Mowbray. 4 Seafarers LOG Brother Smith retired in 1982. “He would tell some great stories about working with Paul Hall and the Sacco brothers,” noted his son, “and he helped with the groundbreaking activities for the school at Piney Point in 1967.” Ben Wilson, who began shipping around the same time, but in the deck department, became good friends with Smith. Now retired from the union as an AB, Baltimore patrolman and port agent— and presently living in North Carolina—Wilson said the two got together whenever they could in recent years. He spoke with Smith just three days before he died. “He was a real good man and a good friend,” said Wilson. “He enjoyed his sea- Edward V. Smith in a photo taken in 1964. faring career and helping the members.” A graveside service celebrating Smith’s life was held March 31 at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Glen Burnie, Md. He is survived by his children Edward C. Smith and Tara Berman, brothers Earle and Fred Smith, and three grandchildren. SA Tiffany Thompson May 2006 �Massachusetts Health Plan Draws Federation’s Ire At a time when some 46 million Americans are uninsured, one state—the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—has unveiled a “universal health plan” which some are touting as a model for the rest of the country while others, including AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, call it bad deal for working families. Lawmakers in the Bay State’s House of Representatives on April 4 approved a health care bill making it the first U.S. state to require nearly all residents to either be insured or face consequences. House members voted 155-2 in favor of the 145-page plan; it unanimously was approved by the Senate. Under the plan, a combination of financial incentives and penalties will be used to expand access to health care over the next three years and extend coverage to the state’s estimated 500,000 uninsured residents. Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R), who may run for president in 2008, signed the bill into law April 12. The new regulation includes three key provisions meant to increase coverage. First, it is intended to modestly expand Medicaid eligibility. Second, it will offer subsidies for the purchase of private coverage to lowincome individuals and families, though the size of the subsidies has yet to be determined. Finally, those making more than three Push for ‘Belated Thank You’ Moves to House Subcommittee The House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted a hearing April 6 on proposed legislation calling for monthly payments to World War II-era merchant mariners. The SIU supports the bill, known as the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. For last month’s hearing, the SIU submitted a joint letter with other U.S. maritime unions calling for its enactment. The legislation has strong bipartisan support in both the House (210 cosponsors as of early April) and Senate (28 cosponsors). Introduced by U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), the Belated Thank You bill calls for a monthly payment of $1,000 to World War II mariners or their surviving spouses. In his testimony to the subcommittee (which is part of the House Veterans Affairs Committee), Filner said that the story of the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II is one of “patriotism, of youthful exuberance, of dedication to duty, of pride in a job well done, of bravery in the midst of battle, and sadly, of a nation who forgot these heroes for over 40 years after the war’s end.” Filner noted that merchant mariners suffered a high casualty rate (by most measures, second only to that of the Marine Corps) but kept on delivering the goods. “Without them, we would not have been able to win the war. It’s as simple as that,” the congressman said. He also pointed out that in the war’s aftermath, the U.S. Merchant Marine “became the forgotten service.” They not only weren’t covered by the GI Bill, they weren’t formally acknowledged as veterans until 1988. (Even then the recognition was incomplete. It took another decade for the government to match the cutoff date for veterans’ status for mariners with that of the armed services.) “While it is impossible to make up for over 40 years of unpaid benefits, I propose that this bill will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the Merchant Marine and offer compensation for years and years of lost benefits,” Filner added. Ian Allison, who co-chairs the citizens’ group leading the grassroots effort to pass the bill, testified before the subcommittee and also submitted the maritime unions’ letter along with other supportive statements. A merchant marine veteran of World War II, Allison said that his group (the Just Compensation Committee) represents approximately 6,300 individuals. Allison said that passage of the Belated Thank You legislation “would be the final chapter of what has been a ragged response by the government to men who placed their lives in danger as they served their country. There might be some members in Congress who are not historically informed in what happened to some 230,000 seamen, both black and white, from the end of World War II to the present. The U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II was the only service that was not segregated…. “It has been said that when one dies, so dies one’s influence and power,” he continued. “And so it was that when President Franklin Roosevelt died, his directions to his advisors that the merchant seamen of World War II should be accorded benefits like veterans of other services also died. The influence of dissenting members (of Congress) and some of the animosities left over after the war from competing services and civilian service groups prevented benefits being given to merchant seamen. Many service people who might have dug ditches in Louisiana and never stepped outside the United States got the full GI Bill, GI loans, and much more; but those who sailed the Murmansk Run, were sunk in burning oil or frigid waters of the North Atlantic got nothing. In fact, their pay, which has been reviewed countless times, stopped the moment they went into the water.” Allison told the subcommittee that the youngest of the World War II mariners today are in their late 70s, “many in poor health. The majority are men in their mid-80s. I am 86 years old and dedicating 100 percent of my time to see the record set right by passage of H.R. 23. There is still time for a grateful nation to say ‘Thank You’ to a thinning rank of men. “Sixty years is a long time for any service person to wait for proper recognition. Sixty years is a long time to spend trying to correct history written to denigrate what we thought was service to our country.” Pennsylvania Law Stipulates $500 Bonus For WWII Mariners Pennsylvania-based U.S. Merchant Marine veterans who sailed during World War II applauded last month’s signing of state legislation that calls for a one-time, $500 cash bonus to eligible mariners from that era. The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) had pushed for House Bill 58, which also was supported by the SIU. Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell signed the bill on April 12. Sponsored by Pennsylvania State Rep. John. A. Maher (R- May 2006 Allegheny/Washington), the bill calls for a $500 bonus to any U.S. Merchant Marine veteran who served during World War II and who is also a legal resident of Pennsylvania. According to the governor’s office, eligibility requirements include honorable separation from the U.S. Merchant Marine; having maintained U.S. citizenship during World War II; and not having “refused to be subject to military discipline on conscientious, political, religious or other grounds during World War II.” The adjutant general is charged with administering the act, issuing applications and reviewing applications for the bonus. Also, the adjutant general is to prepare, publish and distribute a pamphlet explaining the benefits under this act. The bonuses will be funded by a U.S. Merchant Marine World War II Veterans’ bonus fund, a restricted receipt account in the general fund. Money for the fund will be appropriated from the General Fund by the General Assembly and any money remaining in the fund on June 30, 2007, will be returned to the General Fund. The bill passed the House 1990 and the Senate, with amendments, 49-0. The House concurred 197-0. This bill becomes effective immediately, but will expire on June 30, 2007. times the poverty income (about $30,000 for a single person) will have to buy their own coverage or pay a fine. The new law is still largely a work in progress as some of its significant details—the exact definition of what it means to be able to afford insurance, as an example—will be finalized when the plan’s regulations actually are drafted. But Sweeney, the head of America’s largest labor organization, has seen enough to form a strong opinion. He and others took particular issue with Romney’s vetoing of one portion of the legislation: a $295 annual fee on businesses that don’t give coverage to their workers. “It is simply ridiculous that Governor Romney would try to solve Massachusetts’ health care problems by dumping them on the backs of working families and already stretched budgets, and then penalize them if they cannot afford it,” Sweeney said. “By vetoing language that would have required employers to pay into the health care system, he protected them from taking on even the slightest iota of responsibility. “An individual mandate to buy insurance can only work if it is paired with a guarantee of affordable, comprehensive coverage, and the language in [this] legislation falls dangerously short of that goal.” Sweeney noted that news sources including the Boston Globe have reported that the average plan cost for a single worker would be $350 a month. For someone earning $28,000 a year (the amount at which state assistance and subsidies become unavailable) that would mean paying 15 percent of his or her pre-tax income toward coverage. “For a working family that’s huge, and it’s a lot more than the meager annual assessment fee of $295 for employers who fail to provide coverage,” Sweeney stated. “But in Romney’s eyes, even that was too much to ask of his business friends. The provisions for families below 300 percent of the poverty level should be commended. But families above that 300 percent level will be forced to buy coverage they cannot afford, or accept cheaper, stripped down policies that provide coverage in name only.” The federation president concluded, “This legislation provides little hope for middle class famiContinued on page 6 Philadelphia’s Healthmark Incorporated Clinic has moved to a new building at the Navy Yard Corporate Center, a few minutes from the SIU hall on South 4th Street. Philadelphia Health Unit Parks in a Better Location The Seafarers-contracted Healthmark Incorporated Clinic has moved from Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia to a newly built facility at the nearby Navy Yard Corporate Center. The new building is located at the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. The complete address is: Healthmark Incorporated Clinic Navy Yard Corporate Center 1 Crescent Drive Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19112 Telephone (215) 952-9901 SIU members will continue receiving the same comprehensive health services that have been offered by Healthmark since the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan first signed on with the clinic in 1991. Normally, it takes only a few minutes to drive to the new facility from the SIU hall on South 4th Street. Even before stepping inside the Corporate Center, Seafarers likely will notice one major advantage to the relocation. According to Healthmark employees, parking at the old building often proved challenging—patients sometimes ended up as far as six blocks away. The new building features plenty of on-site, free parking. The improvements don’t end there, however. Healthmark has installed a substantial amount of new, state-of-the-art medical equipment. “We offer the same services as before,” said a Healthmark worker, “but this building is brand new, beautiful and spacious. The access is great and there’s no hassle with the parking.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Pride of Hawaii Makes Its 1st Transatlantic Crossing The Pride of Hawaii officially was handed over to NCL America in a ceremony last month in Eemshaven, Holland. As the American flag was raised aboard the SIU-crewed vessel, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Star Cruises (which owns NCL Corp.), was joined by NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch, and Bernard Meyer, managing partner of Meyer Werft, the shipyard that constructed the vessel at a cost of more than $500 million. “We are proud to take delivery of this beautiful new ship not only because she is our newest and largest U.S.-flagged vessel, but because she features the innovative design and tremendous consumer appeal,” said Thay. Although the delivery of the ship was initially slowed by an adjustment to its propulsion system, Veitch was pleased to welcome the company’s new addition. “We are thrilled to complete our ambitious plan of bringing three U.S.-flagged ships to Hawaii by 2006,” he said. “The Pride of Hawaii, along with Pride of America and Pride of Aloha and our one international ship, will bring around half a million passengers a year to the Hawaii islands.” Seafarers already are working aboard the Pride of Hawaii, which began its Atlantic crossing after the handover ceremony in Eemshaven. When it reaches Baltimore—its first port in the United States—it will undergo U.S. Coast Guard inspections and increase the number of crew members on board from 400 to 1,000. It then will travel to San Francisco and Los Angeles for a series of inaugural events before setting sail for Hawaii to join its sister ships, the SIU-crewed Pride MarAd Officials Tour Paul Hall Center Officials from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) toured the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education early last month. They are pictured in the left photo with students and SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left). Pictured at right are (from left) President Sacco, MarAd Chief Counsel Julie Nelson, Acting Maritime Administrator John Jamian, MarAd Director of Congressional and Public Affairs Shannon Russell, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. The school is based in Piney Point, Md. of America (christened last summer) and the Pride of Aloha (2004) in offering seven-day inter-island cruises. The vessel will leave Honolulu every Monday and will spend a day each in Hilo and Kona and two days each in Kahului and Nawiliwili before heading back to Honolulu. While not the largest ship on the seas, at 93,500 tons and with a passenger capacity of 2,400, the Pride of Hawaii comes close and will enter the history books as the largest U.S.-flagged passenger ship ever built. The new cruise ship offers many of the same amenities and “freestyle” options as the Pride of Aloha and Pride of America in its choice of restaurants and other shipboard and excursion activities. One of the differences, however, is the expansive suites aboard the newest vessel, each of which includes a private courtyard with pool and whirlpool, concierge service, and much more. Another innovation on the Pride of Hawaii is the library, which is named in honor of the United States. The United States, which entered service in 1952 and is owned by NCL, won the title as the fastest ocean liner when it smashed transatlantic speed records on its first two crossings. With assistance from the SS United States Conservancy, the library features original photographs, vintage advertisements and original lithographs from renowned marine artists, as well as wall-hanging annotations from Conservancy experts to help educate passengers about the vessel’s significance. “As one of the country’s most venerable ships from the glory days of transatlantic sea travel, the SS United States was revolutionary, faster and more technologically advanced than anything else afloat at the time,” said Veitch. The three SIU-crewed ships in the NCL fleet are creating thousands of American jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits to Hawaii and to the United States in general. Additionally, more than 3,000 students have successfully completed the Paul Hall Center’s three-week course given to prospective NCL America shipboard employees who fill hundreds of nonmarine positions. With distinctive artwork painted on both sides of its hull (a hula dancer on one side and a conch shell blower on the other), the SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii was floated out of its dock in Germany Feb. 19 and then underwent sea trials before being handed over to NCL in Holland. The vessel late last month was en route to Hawaii with inaugural stops in Baltimore, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Mass. Unveils Health Plan CIVMARS Meet in Norfolk Continued from page 5 Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division met with representatives from the union in Norfolk, Va. earlier this year to discuss several hot topics affecting CIVMARS. The meeting took place Feb. 9 at the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Customer Support Unit East. A number of the attendees are pictured above and below. SIU Government Services Representative Maurice Cokes (center) is flanked by deck department CIVMARS Abdul Rashid Yaquobe (left) and James Jones. Maurice Cokes (right) chats with CIVMARS Benito Lambert (left) and Lewis Hailey. Lambert works in the supply department, while Hailey sails in the engine department. 6 Seafarers LOG lies, choosing instead to penalize them for our nations’ failure to ensure affordable health care. This legislation sends the wrong message to other states looking for answers to their own health care crisis. Universal health care should mean just that—affordable health care for all, not just for the top and the bottom.” Under the plan, expected to take effect in July 2007, everyone who files a state tax return, beginning in 2008, will have to indicate if they have health insurance. The new law requires Medicaid and private insurers to turn over to the state lists of their enrollees each month. Anyone deemed able to buy insurance, but who is still uninsured, will face increasing penalties. During the first year, they will lose their ability to claim a personal exemption on their state tax returns. That would cost an individual about $189 and a couple filing jointly about $378. In the second year, they will be assessed half the annual cost of one of the new low-cost health plans that are supposed to be created by private insurers under the bill—a fine that would easily top $1,000. The poor and uninsured not making enough to afford the lowcost plans will be eligible for subsidies. The poorest—single adults making about $9,800 or less— will get access to insurance with no premiums and no deductibles. Those earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty line (about $48,000 for a family of three) will have access to plans with sliding scale premiums. To help guarantee that the poorest residents of Massachusetts know about the new health care options, the bill also includes $3 million in outreach funds for hospitals, clinics and community groups. A new state agency will connect people with the private insurance plans that sell the coverage, and allow people to use pre-tax dollars to purchase coverage (a tax break that mostly helps affluent tax payers who are in high tax brackets). This new agency is also supposed to help design affordable plans. May 2006 �Service Commemorates Texaco Oklahoma Tragedy A catastrophic day in U.S. maritime history took place slightly more than 35 years ago off the coast of North Carolina. On the fateful day of March 27, 1971, the NMU-crewed tanker SS Texaco Oklahoma— fully loaded with a cargo of 200,000 barrels of oil—broke in two and sank some 120 miles northeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. The 632-foot vessel, after leaving Texaco Dock 22 in Port Arthur, Texas, as it had on many previous occasions, was en route to Boston. Thirty-one U.S. mariners, including 24 NMU members, lost their lives in the tragedy. Thirteen others survived. A prayer service and luncheon marking the 35th anniversary of the event on March 31 was held at the Port Arthur International Seafarers Center. Jointly hosted by the center and the Apostleship of the SeaDiocese of Beaumont, the event was attended by Father Sinclair Oubre, director, Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont; Pumpman Willie Jacquet, one of 13 crewmen who survived the 1971 tragedy; Shwe Aung, SIU ITF inspector from the port of Houston who represented the National Maritime Union; relatives and friends of some of the Texaco Oklahoma crew who perished; and a host of others who are involved in the U.S. maritime industry. After prayer and the reading of scripture, Father Sinclair recited the names of the 31 seamen who met their fate on the Texaco Oklahoma. Seventy-eight-year- Retired NMU Pumpman Willie Jacquet, left, addresses those in attendance at the memorial service as Father Sinclair Oubre, director, Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont, listens. Jacquet is one of 13 survivors from Texaco-Oklahoma sinking. old Jacquet, who as a young man migrated to Port Arthur from Lafayette, La. to find work, then recounted some specifics of the sinking for those in attendance. Jacquet spent more than 20 years sailing as a member of the NMU “After the ship broke in two, the bow section was smashing up against the stern section,” Jacquet said, according to Port Arthur News staff writer Marilyn Tennissen. “We still had power in the back, so it was backed away. Then the bow began to drift off, there were still men on board. We just lost sight of them.” The official National Transportation Safety Board report on the tragedy was released July 26, 1972. In part, the report said “The ship was en route from Port Arthur Texas, to Boston, Massachusetts, and was proceeding at very slow speed in a severe storm when the casualty occurred. “The ship split in the vicinity of No. 5 tanks and submerged all of the crew asleep in the forward deckhouse. The forward section then reversed direction and drifted down on the stern section, destroying the starboard lifeboat before the stern section was backed safely away.” None of the 13 crew members on the forward section survived. The crew members on the stern section attempted to attract passing ships by firing flares, blinking white and red lights, and sounding the ship’s whistle. One ship responded to the light signals but no distress signals were identified and it departed. The crew also operated the portable lifeboat radio transmitter for at least 12 Ricky Koenig, far right, is the son the late chief engineer of the TexacoOklahoma who perished when the vessel went down. Also pictured are other family members and friends of some of the mariners who lost their lives 35 years ago when the ship sank. hours without knowing that the distress signals were not being received. The stern section sank at about 6 a.m. Sunday, March 28, which was the time the ship was scheduled to arrive in Boston and 27 hours after the vessel broke in two. “The crew members abandoned the stern using one 15-person inflatable raft and two rafts improvised from oil drums. About 10 hours later, a merchant vessel discovered the raft, rescued 11 survivors, and initiated an extensive rescue effort,” the report noted. “Subsequently, two more crew members that had been in the water about 32 hours were rescued. Thirty-one of the 44 crewmembers perished in this casualty.” Trainee Thornton Receives NCL Award Good training, hard work and dedication on Jan. 2 paid off for Unlicensed Apprentice LaWanda Thornton, when she was presented with the Most Valuable Player award by the captain of the SIU-crewed Pride of America. The citation was given to Thornton “in recognition of your special effort and outstanding achievements in implementing the S.T.Y.L.E. philosophy in the workplace” and was signed by the ship’s captain and Colin Veitch, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines. (S.T.Y.L.E. stands for Service, Teamwork and Yes Lead to Excellence.) This was the Holding a copy of her award, Unlicensed first time a most Apprentice LaWanda Thornton poses with the valuable player award captain and staff captain aboard the Pride of has been pre- America. sented to a we told by the cooks, chefs and utility galley staff, much our supervisors that we were the less to an SIU unlicensed best they had had in a long time, apprentice. Thornton gives much of but the captain, himself, even the credit to her training at smiled and thanked the both of the Paul Hall Center and to us when he saw how clean and her cousin, Shawana organized we kept our work Mills, who worked with area.” her at the school and Thornton wholeheartedly aboard ship. believes that without the Paul In a letter to Assistant Hall Center and her instructors Director of Manpower Pat there, none of this recognition Vandegrift, the member of would have been possible. She Unlicensed Apprentice noted that the classes, structured Class #672 wrote, “We environment, attention to detail, worked together as a team, and training in how to work just as you . . . and all of together as a class and a team our teachers at Piney Point contributed to her success. taught us. We took those “My award proves that the LaWanda Thornton (far left) was among teachings and many more many messages that our instrucother employees who won awards for tors were trying to deliver did their performance aboard the SIU- with us on that vessel and we shined. Not only were get through,” she concluded. crewed Pride of America. May 2006 The NMU newsletter reported on the sinking of the Texaco Oklahoma in its May-June issue in 1971. Happy Retirement to MarAd’s Krusa The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently said a bittersweet “farewell” to Christopher Krusa (pictured at right in Baltimore), who retired in late March after 34 years of federal work. Krusa was a maritime training specialist for the U.S. Maritime Administration. He often served as part of U.S. delegations participating in international maritime forums, and in that role he worked closely with SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton. In the early 1970s, Krusa worked as a navigational instructor at the Paul Hall Center. “Chris was totally professional and ‘by the book,’ but there’s no question he also was a true friend to the union and the school,” Heindel stated. “His retirement is a loss for the industry, but obviously I wish him the best.” Eglinton added, “Chris did great work on behalf of all U.S. mariners. He was sharp and reliable and he definitely will be missed.” Krusa received an SIU jacket (among many other mementos) at his retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C. Seafarers LOG 7 �John Lane (left) ties up the Gen. Oglethorpe in Jacksonville while (below) Ben Murphy and Heath Parker take on stores aboard the Crescent Towing & Salvage Co., Inc. tug. Seafarers At Sea and Ashore Tim Barnaby (left) and Chris Follmar stop by the Joliet hall to complete some paperwork. Both work aboard tugs operated by Great Lakes Towing. Left: With help from the local Navy League and Northwest Airlines, Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus has established a scholarship to enable students to attend the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center. The Navy League provided funding for clothing and documentation, and Northwest Airlines in Guam provided a round-trip ticket for the recipient. The first scholarship award was presented to Paul San Nicolas. Turkus hopes that four or five additional students each year will take advantage of this opportunity. Pictured with the check are (from the left) Tom Ahillen, president of the Navy League Guam; Jennifer Gauyan, sales representative for Northwest Airlines; Paul San Nicolas, the scholarship winner; Marie Lizama, sales manager for Northwest Airlines; SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus; and Larry Butterfield, Navy League board of directors and president of the Citizens Security Bank of Guam. Jacksonville-based Sea Star Line, LLC christened El Faro, the newest addition to its fleet on March 7. Formerly chartered to the Military Sealift Command under the name Northern Lights, the high-speed rollon/container vessel will be deployed as Sea Star’s third ship in the rotation between the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Capt. John Sparks (left) met with SIU officials at headquarters April 6 as he filed paperwork for his retirement. Sparks joined the NMU in 1972, then joined the SIU in 1979, sailing in both the inland and deep sea divisions. He also was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. He and his wife, Elizabeth (second from are retiring to right), Greenwood, S.C. His son Michael Freeman is an AB/tankerman with Penn Maritime. Brother Sparks discussed the Jones Act with SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) and Executive VP Augie Tellez, as well as recent trends in the inland sector and how they might impact the union and the industry as a Above: The El Faro was docked at the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal for the christening ceremony. On hand for the festivities were (from left) Sea Star Senior VP Operations Phillip V. Bates; SIU Port Agent Archie Ware; CEO Magnus Lindeback of Coastal Maritime Stevedoring; and Kathy Wiley, office manager at Coastal Maritime. At left are SIU Patrolman Joe Vincenzo and CEO Lindeback. 8 Seafarers LOG AB Rudy Harjanto (second from left) receives his full book at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. With him are SIU officials (from left) Executive VP Augie Tellez, President Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Retired SIU member Isaiah Gray (center) visits the Houston hall where he poses with VP Dean Corgey (left) and Assistant VP Jim McGee. Gray, whose nickname is “Tiger,” recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Aboard the Crescent Towing tug Bulldog, Randy Sikes (above) shows his new Training Record Book (TRB) while other crew members (below) stand on the deck. From the left are Hank Page, Jimmy Howe, Charlie Warren and Sean Keith. May 2006 �Agencies Offer Answers, Precautions for Bird Flu SIU-crewed vessels continued sailing in and out of countries where outbreaks of the highly publicized and dreaded avian influenza (bird flu)—especially among birds and domestic fowl—in recent months have become more commonplace. While Seafarers have continued to perform at the same high standard that has become their trademark in the worldwide maritime industry, they of course aren’t impervious to their environment or unscathed by events taking place around them. Public health officials and organizations from around the world—the Geneva, Switzerland-based World Health Organization (WHO) and the Atlanta, Ga.-headquartered Centers for Disease Control (CDC) among them—in recent months went to a state of high alert because of increasing concerns about the prospect of an influenza pandemic. As of press time for this edition of the LOG, bird flu—specifically the H5N1 strain—had been identified as killing 109 people in nine countries, mostly in Asia. Virtually all were infected through contact with poultry, according to the WHO. A 16year-old Egyptian girl became the latest victim April 6. The disease also killed or forced the slaughter of more than 200 million chickens, ducks, turkeys and other domestic fowl in Asia, Europe and Africa, the WHO said. During late 2003 and 2004, the poultry populations in eight Asian Countries (Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam) were hit especially hard. At that time, more than 100 million birds in the affected countries perished either directly from the disease or were killed in efforts to control the outbreaks. The virus has yet to turn up in the Western Hemisphere, but U.S. scientists and citizens alike are worried that migrating birds could spread it to the birds and domestic fowl of the United States. Their greater concern, however, is that the H5N1 strain could evolve and gain the ability to jump easily from human to human, at which point it could trigger a pandemic, resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. The following information— extracted primarily from various WHO and the CDC releases—is provided to inform and educate the entire SIU family on bird flu: What is avian influenza (bird flu)? According to the WHO, avian influenza is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, includ- SMPPP Statements Slated for Mailing The Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan is scheduled to mail annual statements to Plan participants in early May, according to SMPPP Administrator Maggie Bowen. Year-end reports from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP’s investment manager, indicate that the Plan continues doing well in the face of continuing market volatility. Interest earned on the accounts during 2005 was approximately 5 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $29.9 million. The SMPPP was founded in 1996 when the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into the standard freightship and tanker agreements. Since then, the SMPPP 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 de- May 2006 fined 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; opening balance for 2005 (which was the year-end 2004 closing balance); interest earned and administrative expenses charged; any payouts made to the member in 2005; and the closing balance for 2005 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year’s annual statement). Participants who don’t receive their year-end statement by the end of May are asked to call 800 485-3703 to verify (and possibly correct) their address. ing chickens, ducks and turkeys, very sick and kill them. Infection with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry causes two main forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The low pathogenic form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production). However, the highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100 percent, often within 48 hours. How does avian influenza spread among birds? Infected birds shed the influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with excretions or secretions. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus. Do avian influenza viruses infect humans? Bird flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but more than 190 confirmed cases of human infection with bird flu viruses have occurred since 1997. The WHO maintains updates and cumulative reports of human cases of avian influenza A, also called H5N1. How do people become infected with avian influenza viruses? Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from direct or close contact with infected poultry (domesticated chickens, ducks and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected birds. The spread of avian influenza viruses from an ill person to another person has been reported very rarely, and transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person. During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who have direct or close contact with infected birds or with surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected birds. What are the symptoms of avian influenza in humans? Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases (such as acute respiratory distress syndrome) and other severe and life-threatening complications. The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype and strain caused the infection. How is avian influenza detected in humans? A laboratory test is needed to confirm avian influenza in humans. What are the implications of avian influenza to human health? Two main risks for human health from avian influenza are: the risk of direct infection when the virus passes from the infected bird to humans, sometimes resulting in severe disease; and the risk that the virus, if given enough opportunities, will change into a form that is highly infectious for humans and spreads easily from person to person. How is avian influenza in humans treated? Studies done in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating avian influenza infection in humans. However, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these medicines. Does the current seasonal influenza vaccine protect me from avian influenza? No. Influenza vaccine for the 2005-06 season does not provide protection against avian influenza. Should I wear a surgical mask to prevent exposure to avian influenza? Currently, wearing a mask is not recommended for routine use (in public) for preventing influenza exposure. In the United States, disposable surgical and procedure masks have been widely used in health-care settings to prevent exposure to respiratory infections, but the masks have not been used commonly in community settings, such as schools, businesses and public gatherings. Is there a risk for becoming infected with avian influenza by eating poultry? There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection for avian influenza viruses. For more information about avian influenza and food safety issues, visit the WHO website at http://www.who.int/foodsafety/micro/a vian/en/. The U.S. government carefully controls domestic and imported food products, and in 2004 issued a ban on importation of poultry from countries affected by avian influenza viruses, including the H5N1 strain. This ban still is in place. For more Continued on page 11 Admiral Seiberlich Begins Final Voyage The SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine have lost a good friend with the March 24 death of Rear Adm. Carl J. Seiberlich, USN (Ret.), 84. Born in Jenkintown, Pa., Admiral Seiberlich graduated in 1943 from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., completing a Bachelor of Science degree in marine transportation. He served on two merchant vessels before being commissioned in the U.S. Navy. Admiral Seiberlich served as a navigator on the USS Mayo during World War II and witnessed the surrender of the Japanese in the Pacific at the end of that conflict. In 1952, he was recognized for his work in the development of the world’s first operational, variable depth, towed sonar. During the Cuban Missile Crisis naval blockade in 1962, he had primary responsibility for surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare. He was the only aviator in the Navy’s history qualified to land blimps, airplanes and helicopters aboard an aircraft carrier and was decorated with the Legion of Merit and the Air Medal, among other commendations. As commanding officer of the USS Hornet in 1969, he directed recovery of the astronauts, command modules and lunar samples for Apollo 11 and 12, the first two lunar landing missions. Admiral Seiberlich was the first Merchant Marine Academy graduate to achieve flag rank. His military record was exemplary. And although he retired from the Navy in 1980, following a career of more than 40 years, he continued to serve his country and its maritime needs in a civilian capacity. In 1983, Admiral Seiberlich joined American President Lines as director of military programs, and in 1994 was awarded the Vincent T. Hirsch Award for Rear Adm. Carl J. Seiberlich, USN (Ret.) Outstanding Leadership by the Navy League for his contribution in meeting the rapid, largescale sealift needs of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He continued to participate in maritime affairs, including his work as a U.S. representative to the International Standards Organization committee, which seeks to improve worldwide security for inter-modal freight transportation. He also was a member of the National Defense Transportation Association Military Sealift Committee, where he was a tireless advocate for Americanflag military sealift capabilities. Seafarers LOG 9 �Seafaring on the West Coast . . . I Ali Saleh (center) is the bosun on board the Horizon Fairbanks. In the above picture, he is flanked by Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) and VP Nick Marrone. n late February, following the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting in San Diego, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone helped service some of the vessels in nearby Oakland and Alameda. They had a chance to visit with the crews and answer any questions that were on the minds of the members. Piney Point Reunion! Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Nick Marrone meet an old friend, Freddie Reyes. All three were trainees together in 1975 at the Piney Point school. Reyes worked his way up the hawsepipe. He now holds a chief engineer’s license and sails under the AMO banner. Recertified Bosun Robert Trainor (left) and Executive VP Augie Tellez chat aboard the Maersk Lightning, which was docked in Oakland. During a shipboard meeting on the Horizon Fairbanks, Executive VP Augie Tellez responds to questions from the crew. Crew members from vessels in the RRF fleet (Gem State, Keystone State and Grand Canyon State) pose with Executive VP Augie Tellez in Alameda. Aboard the Horizon Trader are (from left) Bosun Jose Gomez, VP Nick Marrone, Executive VP Augie Tellez and QMED Joe Vasquez. Executive VP Augie Tellez poses with the Oakland shoregang while servicing the Maersk Lightning. Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Nick Marrone meet with steward department members on the Horizon Fairbanks—Chief Cook Susano Cortez (second from left) and Chief Steward Kevin Dougherty. . . . and in Puerto Rico Left: Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) and AB Jose Canales are on board the El Yunque following a payoff. Right: Bosun Luis Ramirez (left) and Chief Steward Juan Vallejo work aboard the El Yunque. Chief Cook Miguel Barbosa (right) receives his A seniority book at the San Juan hall from Port Agent Amancio Crespo. 10 Seafarers LOG Seated in the San Juan hall are (from left) Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas, Recertified Steward Carlos Sanchez and Recertified Bosun Eric Perez. AB Carlos Castillo (left) meets with San Juan Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Castillo was in the hall to pick up the necessary paperwork to enable him to fly to Singapore to board his next ship. Recertified Steward Carlos Sanchez shows his support for the MDL campaign at the SIU hall in San Juan. During the March payoff meeting, the El Yunque crew stands ready for action. May 2006 �Snapshots from the Tacoma Hall Left: SIU Asst. VP Don Anderson works the service counter at the Tacoma hall. Right: Administrative Assistant Brenda Flesner handles many inquiries from the membership. Agencies Offer Answers About Avian Flu Continued from page 9 information, see Embargo of Birds, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/embargo.htm. We have a small flock of chickens. Is it safe to keep them? Yes. In the United States there is no need at present to remove a flock of chickens because of concerns regarding avian influenza. The U.S. Department of Agriculture monitors potential infection of poultry and poultry products by avian influenza viruses and other infectious disease agents. What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk for infection from wild birds in the United States? As a general rule, the public should observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. This protects people from possible exposure to pathogens and minimizes disturbance to the animal. Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife do not rub eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water. Do not pick up diseased or dead wildlife. Contact your state, tribal, or federal natural resource agency if a sick or dead animal is found. What precautions can hunters take to reduce the risk for infection when hunting birds in the United States? Hunters should follow routine precautions when handling game, including wild birds. The National Wildlife Health Center recommends that hunters: „ Do not handle or eat sick game. „ Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling and cleaning game, wash hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products), and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game. „ Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling animals. „ Cook all game thoroughly. Top: Port Agent Bryan Powell (right) and Administrative Assistant Jim Ott talk about shipping and registration procedures. Middle: Recertified Stewards Muhammed Sani and Veronika Cardenas relax between job calls. Left: Safety Rep Joe Vincenzo prepares for a vessel servicing trip. Canada Cracks Down on Port Security Documentary Tells Port security remains a prominent topic in the United States, but Canada recently has made waves with its enforcement of entry requirements for nonCanadian-flag vessels and their crews. The Canadian regulations have been reexamined and recirculated within parts of the U.S.-flag maritime industry in an effort to comply. Also, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System in mid-March issued a notice to mariners titled “Pre Entry Information Required from Foreign-Flag Vessels” that spells out Canada’s requirements. Essentially, Canada won’t allow anyone with a criminal record (including DUI/DWI convictions) to enter the country. Vessels carrying crew members with criminal records to Canadian ports may be subject to various penalties by the Canadian government. According to Canada’s Consulate General in New York, the following individuals are “inadmissible” to Canada. This information is taken directly from the organization’s web site: “Members of Inadmissible Classes include those who have been convicted of minor offenses (including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc.), or of indictable criminal offenses (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) are considered Members of an Inadmissible Class. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offense in Canada. “Those who have received traffic violations (including parking/speeding tickets, etc.) and other minor violations (i.e., littering, etc.) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those who have juvenile convictions (convictions for crimes committed while under age 18) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offenses.” The office goes on to report that those who have been convicted of an offense in Canada and who wish to return to that country must first apply for a pardon from the Clemency and Pardons Division of the National Parole Board. Those unable to obtain a May 2006 ‘Story of America’s Seafaring Women’ Canadian authorities are cracking down on port security. Pictured here is part of Deltaport, Vancouver’s largest container terminal. pardon may still apply for a temporary resident permit. More information from the consulate on this subject is available on the internet at: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/new_york/ visas/inadmissible-en.asp Additionally, the contact information for the New York office is as follows: Consulate General of Canada 1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020-1175 Tel: (212) 596-1628, Fax: (212) 596-1790 e-mail: cngny@international.gc.ca The SIU executive board plans to meet with the SIU of Canada executive board in the near future to more closely study this situation and refine strategies for addressing it, since it impacts Seafarers. Meanwhile, masters on a number of U.S.-flag ships that sail to Canada have been reminded to send a crew list to the Canada Border Services Agency and request that it be reviewed as soon as possible to help prevent problems. Similarly, individual crew members having a criminal record or DUI/DWI conviction should notify the ship’s master prior to sailing to Canada. A new documentary, written and directed by the same person who produced the award-winning film “The Men Who Sailed the Liberty Ships,” looks at life aboard ship for women in the U.S.-flag industry. Maria Brooks’ newest production is an hour-long DVD titled “Shipping Out: The Story of America’s Seafaring Women.” The SIU assisted in the documentary by helping arrange shipboard interviews and also donating to the project. The show was broadcast on various PBS stations in March as part of Women’s History Month, and it has received several very positive reviews. One labor publication described “Shipping Out” as “a comprehensive, spirited look at the women of today who sail the seas for a living. The video documentary opens with striking images of intrepid women on tankers and tugs, climbing on board containerships, piloting through dangerous waters, and yes, even cooking up a gourmet meal in a ship’s galley. “Over the next 56 minutes, the viewer gets to know a dynamic, diverse group of women who have been drawn to the merchant marine, not just in the last 20 years since significant restrictions have been lifted on women’s access to these jobs, but as far back as the late 1800s, when women disguised themselves as men to be able to ship out.” Brooks said she found it “refreshing” to meet her interview subjects. “I was awed by their daunting, their daring. It’s as if they’ve tested themselves and proven something to themselves,” she said. “Shipping Out” is available on DVD for $24.95 plus $4 mailing. Make checks payable to: Waterfront Soundings Productions, 3252 Kempton Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. An accompanying study guide (sporting a union bug) is available for $5.00 or can be downloaded for free at www.shippingoutvideo.com. For more information send email to WFSoundings@aol.com. Seafarers LOG 11 �DECK DEPARTMENT TRAINING SAFETY/SPECIALTY TRAINING 12 Seafarers LOG In an era when training for mariners is more important than ever, the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers cutting-edge courses designed to help students advance their careers. Based in Piney Point, Md., the school features upgrading classes in all three shipboard departments—deck, engine and steward. The Paul Hall Center also conducts safety and specialty courses for all mariners such as basic and advanced fire fighting, STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), oil spill containment and much more. Overall, the school runs more than 40 U.S. Coast Guardapproved classes. Named after an outstanding past president of the SIU, the Paul Hall Center opened in 1967. In addition to the upgrading courses, the school also is known for its unlicensed apprentice program, available to students just entering the industry. The center also provides academic support and boasts programs for a GED and college degrees. In addition, it features a program for military veterans who possess sea time that can help them transition into the U.S. Merchant Marine. For those already sailing, upgrading is the way to go. Combined with Coast Guardrequired sea time, upgrading courses such as AB, QMEDPumpman, Certified Chief Cook and many others help enable mariners to advance their ratings and earn a better living. ENGINE DEPARTMENT TRAINING May 2006 �STEWARD DEPARTMENT TRAINING For More Information on Upgrading „ Visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org for up-to-date course dates and class descriptions. „ Check page 21 of this edition of the LOG for upcoming course dates. Every issue of the LOG includes such a list. „ Contact the admissions office at Paul Hall Center Admissions Office P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674-0075 or by calling (301) 994-0010, extension 5220 May 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �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. Remembering the Luckenbach I was quite surprised when I saw the picture of the Katrina Luckenbach [February 2006 LOG, page 16] In 1945, I was aboard the J.L. Luckenbach and loading for the South Pacific. For the benefit of the younger brothers and sisters of today’s merchant marine, following are some of the conditions under which we worked: 1. There were nine watchstanders to a room—with one fan. 2. The shower was on the stern—with no door. 3. The showerhead produced lots of steam and very little water. 4. One day out to sea the refrigerator quit. My first thought was: this is going to be a long, hot, hungry trip. 5. Another day at sea, a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew had the fire out in 15 minutes, but damage was done. We bobbed around for two days. During this time, however, there was news that the war with Japan would be over soon. The engineers made some temporary repairs and we limped back to New Orleans on one screw (this was a twin-screw ship with 7 hatches). Upon arriving at the anchorage in New Orleans, a big party was going on in town. You could hear the hollering all the way out to the ship. Know Your Rights But guess what: they did not let us ashore. So the boys found out how to get beer out of the No. 6 hatch—and we had our own party. I would like to mention that I had my 17th birthday on this ship as well. The following day or so, the NMU pulled us off the ship and I thought to myself, good. I walked over to the SIU hall and caught the Waterman ship Antinous. My last ship was the Gopher State in 1991. Gene T. Lachappelle Big Bay, Mich. Above is a copy of Brother Lachappelle’s certificate of discharge from the J. L. Luckenbach, dated Aug. 27, 1945 in New Orleans. 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 14 Seafarers LOG 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 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea June & July 2006 Membership Meetings MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2006 *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 0 0 6 8 2 7 31 36 0 12 11 34 10 3 0 7 17 1 30 26 241 1 0 3 9 2 4 21 25 1 4 7 12 7 1 3 2 5 2 10 10 4 5 7 15 6 5 24 26 2 10 7 18 26 3 6 6 7 7 30 17 231 1 1 3 5 4 7 11 15 0 5 3 14 13 1 2 1 7 2 19 12 1 2 2 9 2 3 19 7 2 1 3 13 4 1 1 3 4 2 11 4 94 1 0 2 2 0 3 5 5 1 1 1 7 4 0 2 1 1 0 4 7 129 126 47 0 0 5 5 2 10 19 11 0 4 4 22 11 2 1 0 25 1 19 23 0 0 0 7 0 6 2 11 0 4 2 10 9 0 2 2 4 1 7 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 164 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 2 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 2 5 0 4 2 71 2 1 10 7 1 6 15 12 0 9 4 34 12 0 4 2 10 1 13 4 18 2 3 2 4 4 7 23 19 0 3 3 21 12 0 24 0 5 0 13 12 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 5 4 3 10 23 21 0 6 14 19 5 3 0 5 13 1 23 14 169 Trip Reliefs 161 0 3 2 4 1 1 9 3 1 2 2 3 4 0 1 4 3 0 5 4 52 1 1 0 1 0 3 14 18 1 1 7 10 7 2 2 4 11 0 19 7 109 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 3 1 8 11 14 1 5 3 9 6 1 2 0 4 0 8 12 92 1 1 4 4 2 4 4 9 1 3 2 6 3 3 0 4 3 2 13 8 77 0 0 1 1 0 0 5 2 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 1 0 5 4 27 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 9 0 4 2 7 4 1 0 1 2 1 7 7 49 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 2 0 8 7 6 0 4 7 13 6 0 0 2 16 0 11 18 101 0 0 0 3 1 2 2 5 0 4 0 3 6 1 2 0 1 0 7 3 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 2 2 3 1 3 11 10 0 2 4 10 4 0 14 1 8 0 8 4 0 2 2 5 0 4 2 7 0 2 0 7 11 0 26 0 2 0 9 7 0 0 1 2 0 6 6 3 0 3 2 4 5 1 2 0 6 0 6 8 0 0 7 19 4 11 71 55 0 19 28 76 20 5 1 9 29 1 59 50 4 10 12 35 12 12 51 45 3 14 14 42 33 6 7 10 15 11 58 37 2 2 2 9 2 4 36 19 1 4 8 23 12 2 1 1 6 4 24 16 464 431 178 0 0 4 13 2 7 23 33 1 7 10 23 12 1 4 6 13 3 23 15 1 0 7 12 6 7 23 32 0 8 6 23 19 6 4 1 15 6 27 12 3 0 2 4 0 7 10 9 1 4 1 11 8 0 3 2 5 0 4 13 200 215 87 1 0 5 6 3 23 38 27 1 6 6 35 14 4 5 1 45 3 32 42 0 0 1 13 4 12 8 24 0 9 6 19 22 0 4 4 7 2 11 12 0 0 1 5 0 1 7 7 1 2 3 5 7 0 0 0 0 1 3 9 55 297 158 52 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 3 9 4 0 1 3 6 1 0 0 2 8 0 6 3 3 4 10 12 2 15 36 23 0 10 7 68 22 0 12 3 17 2 27 11 5 5 2 17 7 13 39 26 1 5 7 37 23 0 15 1 14 1 21 22 29 147 157 15 87 86 0 47 284 261 563 575 316 377 365 169 213 1,008 1,088 578 *“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 2006 Piney Point .............Monday: June 5, July 3 Algonac ..................Friday: June 9, July 7 DECK DEPARTMENT 3 3 3 5 1 7 15 14 1 7 4 12 13 2 12 13 8 4 16 18 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore ................Thursday: June 8, July 6 Boston.....................Friday: June 9, July 7 Guam ......................Thursday: June 22, July 20 Honolulu .................Friday: June 16, July 14 Houston ..................Monday: June 12, July 10 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 8, July 6 Joliet .......................Thursday: June 15, July 13 Mobile ....................Wednesday: June 14, July 12 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 13, July 11 New York................Tuesday: June 6 .................................Wednesday: July 5* .................................(*change created by Independence Day holiday) Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 8, July 6 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 7, July 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: June 15, July 13 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 15, July 13 San Juan..................Thursday: June 8, July 6 St. Louis..................Friday: June 16, July 14 Tacoma ...................Friday: June 23, July 21 Wilmington ...........Monday: June 19, July 18 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals ARTIS GILMORE Please get in touch with Diane Murphy at 52 Heath Lane, Bath, Maine 04530. SDRF Contributions The last few editions of the Seafarers LOG included lists of individuals who have contributed to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (DSDRF). Since then, additional contributions were received from the following individuals. Kevin Nolan Joshua McDaniel In addition, a contribution was made by the American Maritime Officers in memory of Brother Stephen Judd. HIPAA Privacy Notice The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a comprehensive federal law which established standards and requirements for the electronic transmission of medical claims and mandated the adoption of privacy rules to protect the confidentiality of personal health information. The purpose of HIPAA’s privacy rules is to safeguard “Protected Health Information” that is shared between hospitals, doctors’ offices, and health plans. The HIPAA Privacy Rules give Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan participants more control over their health information, limit the use and release of health or claim records, and establish appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy of health information. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Notice of Privacy Practices is available on the seafarers.org web site or by requesting a copy of the notice from the Plan. If you wish to request a copy of this notice, you may write to: Privacy Officer, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 8 17 1 4 15 0 3 2 50 2 2 0 0 8 2 1 0 15 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 3 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 17 2 5 9 1 3 3 44 0 1 1 0 2 2 2 0 8 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 5 0 4 1 0 4 2 1 0 12 17 33 2 15 46 0 1 1 115 11 10 2 9 19 0 1 2 54 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 2 1 0 3 0 0 1 7 7 16 2 4 19 0 0 4 52 2 7 0 3 8 0 0 0 20 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 6 1 1 7 0 0 0 18 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 6 Port 2 4 1 0 3 0 0 0 10 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 6 1 1 4 1 0 2 17 0 1 0 1 3 1 1 0 7 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 7 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 8 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 5 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 7 0 1 1 0 5 0 0 0 7 9 16 5 3 11 2 0 0 46 2 7 1 2 9 1 0 0 22 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 5 Totals All Departments 85 26 21 62 15 18 26 213 96 17 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Andrew Messana of Framingham, Mass. The picture at right was taken aboard the SS John Gallup, a Smith & Johnson Steamship vessel, in December 1947. The voyage was from New York to Lisbon, Portugal with a load of grain. In a note accompanying the photo, Messana, who sailed aboard the vessel as an FOWT, noted that the ship and its crew had just spent 18 days in Lisbon and that it was “one of the best crews I ever sailed with.” The John Gallup paid off that voyage in New York in January 1948 and then laid up. The photo at left shows mariners from the SS Steel Advocate, an Isthmian Steamship Co. vessel, in March 1948. This was a 4½month trip from New York to the Far East, the ship’s first trip under an SIU contract. While in Bombay, India (see Bombay’s most famous monument, the Gateway of India, in the background), the crew rented bicycles (complete with monkeys) for the day. It, too, was a good trip with a great crew, according to Messana, who continued to sail as an FOWT on that vessel. The Steel Advocate paid off in Philadelphia in June 1948. Brother Messana was a member of the SIU from 1946 to 1962. May 2006 �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 KLAUS AHMELS, 66, joined the union in 1965 in New York. Brother Ahmels sailed in the deck department aboard vessels including the Maiden Creek and the Jacksonville. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Ahmels was born in Germany and makes his home in Neihart, Mont. PETER CZICHOMSKI, 65, became an SIU member in 1998 in New Orleans. Brother Czichomski first sailed on the Maersk Colorado. He was a deck department member and last worked aboard the Achiever. In 1999 and 2000, Brother Czichomski upgraded his skills at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The German-born mariner now calls Lafayette, La. home. LORIE CHRISTMAS JR., 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1964 in New York. Born in New Orleans, Brother Christmas shipped in the engine department. His first ship was the Los Angeles. Brother Christmas attended the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. on numerous occasions. He is a resident of Marietta, Ga. JUAN GONZALEZ JR., 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of Houston. Brother Gonzalez’s first voyage was on the Windjammer Polly. Born in Progreso, Texas, he worked in the steward department. Brother Gonzalez enhanced his seafaring skills in 2001 at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Trinity. Brother Gonzalez is a resident of his native state. NORMAN JOHNSON, 65, joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Johnson first sailed on the Maunalei in the steward department. He upgraded his seafaring skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Johnson was born in California and last worked aboard the Kauai. He lives in his native state. ARVEL JONES JR., 65, joined the SIU in 1991 in Piney Point, May 2006 Md. Brother Jones first sailed on the Equality State in the engine department. He was born in Birmingham, Ala. Brother Jones’ most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Washington. He lives in Cherokee Village, Ark. WILLIAM KRATSAS, 64, became an SIU member in 1959 in the port of Baltimore, Md. Brother Kratsas first sailed on the Dorothy. The deck department member was born in Newport News, Va. Brother Kratsas attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 1982 and 2000. Prior to his retirement, he sailed on the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Kratsas resides in LaPlace, La. MOHAMED MUTHANNA, 71, launched his SIU career in 1982 in New York. Brother Muthanna was born in Yemen and shipped in the steward department. His first voyage was on the Aleutian Developer. Brother Muthanna last worked aboard a Bay Ship Management vessel. He upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Muthanna makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. OREN PARKER, 70, hails from Louisiana. Brother Parker began his seafaring career in 1993 in New Orleans, first shipping on the USNS Regulus. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 1995 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Parker last went to sea aboard the Liberty Glory. He makes his home in Mississippi. JAMES ROSE, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1970 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Rose first sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. The steward department member was born in New York. Brother Rose most recently shipped on the Dewayne T. Williams. He enhanced his skills in 1988, 2000 and again in 2001 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point. Brother Rose resides in Pittsburgh, Pa. LAWRENCE ROSE, 71, joined the SIU in 1990. Brother Rose upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. His first ship was the Cape Horn. Brother Rose is a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. Prior to retiring, he worked on the 1st Lt. Harry Martin. Brother Rose now calls Melbourne, Fla. home. MOHAMED SALEH, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. Brother Saleh worked in deck department. Born in Arabia, his most recent voyage was on the Horizon Consumer. Brother Saleh makes his home in San Francisco, Calif. EFSTRATIOS ZOUBANTIS, 69, became an SIU member in 1966 in New Orleans. Brother Zoubantis sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He first sailed aboard a Gulf Canal Lines vessel. Brother Zoubantis was a deck department member. Born in Greece, he last shipped on the Sulphur Enterprise. Brother Zoubantis attended classes at the SIU-affiliated school in 2000. He makes his home in Slidell, La. INLAND HARRY BRYAN, 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1984. Boatman Bryan shipped primarily on Crowley vessels. The New Jersey native currently resides in Hazleton, Pa. ALBEN WASH, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 1980 in New Orleans. Boatman Wash worked primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship Co. vessels as a member of the steward department. He hails from Kentucky and resides in Natchez, Miss. GREAT LAKES PAUL ALLERS, 67, was born in Michigan. Brother Allers joined the union in 1963. He sailed pri- marily aboard vessels operated by Arnold Transit Company. The deck department member now lives in Mackinaw City, Mich. CICERO DOOLEY, 62, was born in Arkansas. Brother Dooley joined the NMU in 1967, initially sailing from San Pedro, Calif. His first ship was the Adelphi Victory; his last was the Cape Victory. Brother Dooley shipped as a member of the steward department. CARMEN POWELL, 66, became an SIU member in 1969. His first ship was the Del Valle. Brother Powell shipped as a member of the engine department in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. The Michigan-born mariner last sailed on the Indiana Harbor. Brother Powell calls Manistique, Mich. home. RAYMOND SHAFFER, 67, became an NMU member in 1995. Brother Shaffer’s first voyage was aboard the Cape Henry. He was born in Pennsylvania and worked in the engine department. Brother Shaffer most recently shipped on the Cape Decision. DONALD SAUSMAN, 58, joined the union in 1965 in the port of Duluth, Minn. In 2002, Brother Sausman attended the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. to enhance his seafaring skills. His first journey to sea was aboard the Huron Portland Cement. Brother Sausman shipped in the deck department, most recently on the Presque Isle. He continues to live in his native state of Minnesota. 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. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1941 The S.S. Robin Moor, an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-flag vessel to be sunk by the Germans (May 21). The crew was given 20 minutes by the German submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboats, and were approximately one mile from the ship, the German submarine torpedoed the Robin Moor, sinking it. The attack eventually helped lead to all American-flag ships being armed and supplied with gun crews. ARNOLD SMITH, 70, began his employment with the NMU in 1966 in the port of New York. Brother Smith first shipped on the Coastal Crusader. His most recent voyage was aboard the Argonaut. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Frazer, Thomas 65 April 1 Linwood, Elwood 64 Mar. 1 Marcelle, Max 68 April 1 Thompson, Charles 65 Mar. 1 Waldron, Basil 70 April 1 Williams, Wilfredo 64 Mar. 1 man per working day. Each Seafarer will collect his vacation pay from the central fund on the prorated basis of the number of days worked during the previous 12-month period. 1961 Danish seamen, whose strike ended May 15, have thanked the SIU for its support. In a cable from Copenhagen to SIUNA President Paul Hall, the Danish seamen’s unions expressed appreciation for “your fraternal cooperation and demonstration of sympathy.” The strike of the Danish Sailors and Firemen’s Unions ended early this month when the Danish transport unions voted to go back to work. The Danish seamen here turned to May 15 after ratifying their new contract. The strike in U.S. ports was supported by American maritime unions including affiliates of the SIUNA and the International Longshoremen’s Association. This Month In SIU History 1951 Another smashing precedent was established in maritime this week when the SIU’s Atlantic and Gulf District won from a majority of its contracted operators agreement to a revolutionary, industry-wide plan which guarantees all Seafarers two weeks of paid vacations for each 12 months of service. Under terms of a memorandum agreement signed on May 15, the operators granted the union’s demand for a vacation plan that will assure Seafarers of an opportunity to collect their vacations on the basis of the time worked, regardless of how many companies they are employed by throughout the year. As a result of the precedent-making agreement, the operators will pay into a central fund an amount—as yet undetermined—for each 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 in runaway-flag tankers…. The SIU is leading a campaign to muster Congressional support to strengthen the Jones Act. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA RESTITUTO BERNADAS Pensioner Restituto Bernadas, 84, passed away Oct. 2. Brother Bernadas joined the union in 1952 in New York. His first ship was the Arizpa, on which he worked in the engine department. Brother Bernadas, who was born in Philadelphia, last sailed aboard the Aurora. He retired in 1985 and lived in New Orleans. ROBERT BLACKWELL Pensioner Robert Blackwell, 74, died Dec. 24. Brother Blackwell began his seafaring career in 1967, first sailing on the Steel Vendor and most recently sailing aboard the Patriot. The engine department member was born in Idaho. Brother Blackwell retired in 1997 and made his home in Yreka, Calif. LEONARD CHING dence and later, when it was renamed the Independence. Brother Gibbons started receiving his pension in 1990. He made his home in Walden, N.Y. sailed on a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Jones was a native of Elizabeth, Pa. His last voyage was aboard the Overseas Arctic. Brother Jones lived in Trinity, Texas. ROBERT GOODSON PABLO LOPEZ Brother Robert Goodson, 58, passed away Jan. 16. He began his seafaring career in 1994 in the port of Houston. Brother Goodson first worked aboard Crowley Towing of Texas vessels. He was born in Texas and sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Goodson most recently shipped on the Florida. He settled in Pasadena, Texas. Pensioner Pablo Lopez, 83, passed away Dec. 17. Brother Lopez joined the union in 1951 in Seattle. He was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. Brother Lopez first sailed on a Bull Steamship vessel. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Overseas Harriette. Brother Lopez resided in King, Wash. MASON HALL ARTHUR MAILLET Pensioner Mason Hall, 83, died Oct. 16. Brother Hall began his SIU career in 1944 in the port of Norfolk. His first ship was the Golden City; his last was the Santa Magdalena. Brother Hall resided in his native California. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1983. Pensioner Arthur Maillet, 82, died Nov. 14. Brother Maillet became a Seafarer in 1951, first sailing aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. The engine department member was born in Marksville, La. He last sailed on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Maillet started receiving his retirement stipends in 1984 and made his home in Destrehan, La. Pensioner Leonard Ching, 80, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Ching became a member of the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1960 in the port of San Francisco. He initially shipped aboard a States Steamship vessel. Brother Ching was a native of Hawaii. The U.S. Army veteran retired in 1988 after sailing on the Lurline. He called Honolulu home. Brother Robert Hall, 50, passed away Jan. 20. Born in Oakland, Calif., he joined the union in 1997 in San Francisco. Brother Hall shipped in the engine department, initially aboard the Sumner. His most recent voyage was on the Equality State. Brother Hall made his home in California. TOMMY CUFFEE DOLPH HOLM Brother Tommy Cuffee, 32, died Nov. 9. He joined the SIU in 1997 in Norfolk, Va. The Virginia-born mariner sailed as a member of the deck department, primarily on vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping, including the Flickertale State and Cornhusker State. Brother Cuffee was a resident of his native state. Pensioner Dolph Holm, 78, died Nov. 7. Brother Holm was born in Iceland and began sailing with the SIU in 1951 in New York. Brother Holm initially shipped with Isbrandtsen Company as a member of the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Houston. Brother Holm retired in 1987. He called Babylon, N.Y. home. JOHN FEDIOW Pensioner John Fediow, 93, passed away Nov. 27. Brother Fediow was born in Plains, Penn. He joined the SIU in 1951 in New York, first sailing aboard the Trinity. He worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1977, Brother Fediow shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. He continued to live Pennsylvania. ERNEST GIBBONS Pensioner Ernest Gibbons, 80, died Dec. 7. Brother Gibbons joined the SIU ranks in 1980. He was born in Cornwell, N.Y. and worked in the steward department. Brother Gibbons sailed on the Independence for most of his career, first when it was called the Oceanic Indepen- 18 Seafarers LOG ROBERT HALL CLEO JONES Pensioner Cleo Jones, 70, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Jones became an SIU member in 1957. Born in Alabama, he worked in the steward department. Brother Jones first sailed on the Alcoa Polaris. Before retiring in 1997, he shipped on the Overseas Valdez. Brother Jones was a resident of Houston. WILLIAM JONES Pensioner William Jones, 89, died Oct. 12. Brother Jones embarked on his seafaring career in 1944. The engine department member first DONALD MORGAN Pensioner Donald Morgan, 63, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Morgan began his SIU career in 1967. He was born in Baltimore and shipped in the engine department. Brother Morgan first sailed on the Steel Vendor; he last sailed on the Overseas Chicago. His home was in Brinnon, Wash. JOHNNIE OPRY Brother Johnnie Opry, 55, died Dec. 2. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and joined the union in 2001 in Houston. Brother Opry shipped aboard the Commitment and the Lawrence Gianella as a member of the deck department. He called Galveston, Texas home. PHILIP PARDOVICH Pensioner Philip Pardovich, 70, passed away Nov. 8. Brother Pardovich became a union member in 1958 in New York. He sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions as a member of the engine department. Brother Pardovich’s final voyage was on the Newark Bay. The New York native was a resident of Florida. FLOYD PAYTON Pensioner Floyd Payton, 78, died Nov. 11. Brother Payton joined the ranks of the SIU in 1966. His first voyage was on the Jefferson City, where he worked in the steward department. Brother Payton was born in North Carolina. Prior to retiring in 1992, he sailed on the Innovation. Brother Payton called Norfolk, Va. home. MICHAEL PIERCE Brother Michael Pierce, 56, passed away Nov. 20. He joined the union in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Pierce’s first voyage was aboard the Diamond State. The engine department member most recently worked on the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Pierce lived in his native state of Louisiana. RICHARD RIGNEY Pensioner Richard Rigney, 77, died Oct. 16. Brother Rigney started sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 from the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Robin Hood. A member of the deck department, Brother Rigney was born in Maryland. He last went to sea on the Long Island. Brother Rigney, who made his home in Bel Air, Md., retired in 1993. JOHN RODRIQUEZ Pensioner John Rodriquez, 78, passed away Oct. 3. Brother Rodriquez joined the MC&S in San Francisco. The steward department member, who lived in California, retired in 1978. VINCENTE ROMAN first sailed aboard the Seagarden in the deck department. Brother Spears last worked aboard the Horizon Consumer. He began his retirement in 1996 and was a resident of New Orleans. SENETENARI TAEOTUI Pensioner Senetenari Taeotui, 75, died Dec. 12. Brother Taeotui became a member of the MC&S in 1978 in the port of San Francisco, first sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes. The steward department member, who was born in Samoa, last worked aboard the Constitution. Brother Taeotui lived in San Francisco and went on pension in 1983. WILLIAM TALBERT Brother William Talbert, 55, passed away Nov. 11. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1998 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Talbert first sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce in the deck department. He was born in Seattle. Brother Talbert’s last voyage was on the USNS Regulus. He made his home in Yorktown, Va. HEINZ ULRICH Pensioner Vincente Roman, 80, died Dec. 22. Brother Roman began his SIU career in 1966. His first voyage was aboard a Victory Carriers vessel. Born in Ponce, P.R., Brother Roman worked in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Pioneer. Brother Roman, who continued to make his home in Ponce, went on pension in 1990. Pensioner Heinz Ulrich, 85, died Nov. 7. Brother Ulrich joined the SIU in 1949 in the port of New York. The German-born mariner shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Ulrich first went to sea aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. His last trip was on the LNG Capricorn. Brother Ulrich made his home in New York. He started receiving his pension in 1990. CHARLES SHAW SR. JOSE VIOLANGO Pensioner Charles Shaw Sr., 80, passed away Sept. 26. Brother Shaw commenced his seafaring career in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. The deck department member was born in Maryland. Brother Shaw first sailed on the Oremar. Before retiring in 1987, he shipped on the Horizon Producer. Brother Shaw resided in Maurertown, Va. Pensioner Jose Violango, 82, passed away Sept. 6. Brother Violango was born in the Philippines and began his seafaring career in 1967. Brother Violango first sailed on the Eagle Traveler as a member of the deck department. His last vessel was the Horizon Tacoma. Brother Violango was a resident of Seattle. He went on pension in 1993. RUDOLH SHIELDS MAXWELL WADLINGTON Brother Rudolph Shields, 54, died Oct. 9. He started sailing with the union in 1970. Brother Rudolph’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Steel King. He most recently shipped on the Overseas New Orleans. Born in Bartow, Fla., Brother Shields lived in Jacksonville. RICHARD SPEARS Pensioner Richard Spears, 67, passed away Oct. 19. Born in Louisiana, Brother Spears joined the SIU in 1955 in New Orleans. He Pensioner Maxwell Wadlington, 90, died Sept. 11. Brother Wadlington began his SIU career in 1953, first sailing on the Government Camp. The deck department member, who was a native of Henderson, Ky., last worked aboard the Seattle. He retired in 1981 and made his home in Eustis, Fla. BOBBIE WILLIAMS Pensioner Bobbie Williams, 76, passed away Oct. 13. Brother Williams joined the SIU in 1951. He Continued on page 20 May 2006 �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. ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), March 20—Chairman Sherman Hudson, Secretary John G. Reed, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Craig A. Pare, Engine Delegate Chromer W. Jefferson, Steward Delegate William Blees Jr. Chairman advised crew members to pay dues on time. Secretary reported previous steward would be returning soon and thanked Seafarers for great trip. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of training available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested satellite radio and TVs for all rooms as well as computer in crew lounge to be used for emailing family and friends. New washer and dryer also needed. Suggestion made to have vacation payments set up for direct deposit. Vote of thanks given to steward department. CALVIN P. TITUS (APL Maritime Ltd.), March 3—Chairman Michael S. Sinclair, Secretary Adrian M. Reed, Educational Director Richard D. Hannon, Deck Delegate Duane Costello, Steward Delegate Mauricio M. Castro. Chairman informed crew of changes from current run (Singapore to Jakarta) to Red Sea run and noted that future changes are possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read e-mail regarding contract negotiations. Recommendations were made as to vacation pay and overtime wages. Heading to ports in Africa and the Middle East. CAPE DOUGLAS (Marine Transport Lines), March 12— Chairman Felsher Beasly, Secretary John D. Bukowski, Educational Director Rodolfo C. Cunanan, Deck Delegate Michael C. Penkwitz, Engine Delegate Abdallkerim Kassim, Steward Delegate Alfonsa Eligio. Chairman reported safe trip and said ship going into ROS. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean and working together efficiently. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade at Piney Point. He reminded them that the more skills they have, the better their potential for increased earnings. He advised them to fax the form in Seafarers LOG to speed up application process. Treasurer stated $2,400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding rotation rule. Crew members requested new furniture in crew lounge and cabins along with some mattresses and refrigerators. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), March 5—Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Howard H. Hendra, Steward Delegate Wiley C. Owens. Chairman noted smooth sailing. Educational director urged all mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at the Piney Point school. He requested copy of the constitution and any letters with suggestions from crew members for next con- May 2006 tract. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated that money in ship’s fund is going toward purchase of cell phone antenna to increase reception. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. EL FARO (IUM), March 5— Chairman Eric A. Berry, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Sr. Chairman discussed safety equipment and went over ship’s new run (Jacksonville, Puerto Rico, Port Everglades). He asked crew to report any needed repairs or other problems to department heads. He thanked everyone for safe, smooth trip. Secretary welcomed crew members aboard ship. Educational director advised members to upgrade at SIU-affiliated school, so the union can continue to put out good certified mariners and keep SIU strong. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. President’s report was read and discussed. Members expressed gratitude to President Sacco for all his hard work on behalf of the SIU. Crew requested satellite be installed. Recommendation made for union to review steward department needs aboard ship. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), March 29— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Ivan R. Salis, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty, Deck Delegate Janaro N. Jackson, Engine Delegate Rafael Comesana, Steward Delegate Nelson F. Morales. Chairman announced March 3 payoff. He requested information on status of contract negotiations and copies of plans’ financial statements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from VP Contracts George Tricker was read and discussed. Suggestions made regarding rotation time and pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent food. Interesting sighting: Seafarers aboard vessel reported spotting whales as they approached Puerto Rico. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), March 19—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Isaac Vega Mercado, Engine Delegate Michael A. Watkins, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He advised crew members to be vigilant with z-cards and passports and to be sure to keep all documents current. He also reminded them to have union books and dues payments ready for boarding patrolman March 24. Secretary reported great voyage and stressed importance of safety at all times. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and to renew documents well before they are due to expire. Captain maintains joint funds and will give report at next crew meeting. No beefs or disputed OT noted. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), March 7— Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Douglas D. Greiner, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro, Steward Delegate John Padilla. Chairman discussed importance of headquarters being located close to the seat of political power. It gives the SIU access to elected officials who pass legislation that affects our industry. He urged crew members to contribute to SPAD, which supports the union’s lobbying efforts. Educational director asked all mariners to renew all documents in sufficient time to prevent loss of work. Treasurer stated $1,502 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read February 2006 Seafarers LOG concerning retirement of Wilmington’s dispatcher, Jesse Solis. Suggestion made regarding rotary shipping. It was reported that a new deep fryer was installed in galley and a new washer in laundry room. Steward department was thanked for great living conditions they maintain on board vessel. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), March 19—Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Geraldine B. Carter, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria. Chairman announced payoff March 25 in Tacoma, Wash. Port agent will be present. Secretary noted great crew and smooth trip. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. She reminded crew members that document renewal takes a long time, so start early. Treasurer stated $830.98 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report was posted on bulletin board. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Tacoma), March 19—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Engine Delegate Leo B. Bacall. Chairman announced payoff to take place Feb. 29 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked crew members for helping keep ship clean and urged them to keep dues paid and support SPAD. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point— it’s never too late to learn something new. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. INTEGRITY (Interocean American Shipping), March 18— Chairman Robert V. Bakeman, Secretary Frances Dvoroznak, Deck Delegate Carl H. Peterson, Engine Delegate Stephen J. Riccobene, Steward Delegate James C. Wadsworth Jr. Chairman expressed gratitude to fellow crew members for excellent job during clean-up following inclement weather. Members requested clarification on penalty time restrictions. Treasurer stated $1,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New gym equipment on order due to damage suffered during foul weather. Seafarers were reminded to clean up after themselves and empty lint catchers in dryers. Suggestions made for improving contract. Next ports: New York; Baltimore; Charleston, S.C. CPL LOUIS J. HAUGE (Maersk Line Limited), March 17— Chairman James J. Foley, Secretary David Vega, Educational Director John C. Brantly, Steward Delegate Richard Jefferson. Bosun stressed importance of safety (including wearing of hard hats and using proper walkways or shuttles) especially when downloading cargo and ammunition at the terminal. He also thanked crew for safe trip and recent transit through Panama Canal. Educational director offered assistance to anyone wishing to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), March 12— Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary Gerard L. Hyman, Educational Director Earl F. Ebbert, Deck Delegate Abdul Q. Gharama. Chairman thanked Seafarers for safe, smooth trip. Point, Md. Contact claims department to check status of bills. Piney Point is also the place to upgrade maritime skills. “It is your future.” No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. After reading President’s report in Seafarers LOG regarding sinking of Panamanian-flag ferry, crew members vowed continued commitment to safety. Suggestions made regarding pension benefits. Crew members requested satellite TV in each room. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), March 5—Chairman George J. Diefenbach, Secretary Alexander Galley Gang on the Hauge Two of the steward department members on the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. are (from left) SA Saleh Omar and Chief Cook Richard L. Jefferson. Read more about the Hauge on page 4. Secretary noted 60-day stores to be brought aboard in Virginia and thanked everyone for their help keeping the vessel clean. Educational director suggested members look into classes offered at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to raise pension amounts for all ratings. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Portsmouth, Va.; Newark, N.J.; Algeciras, Spain. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), March 26— Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Phillip R. Ayotte, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel. Chairman announced April 1 payoff in Newark, N.J. He reminded those departing vessel to leave cabins clean and supplied with fresh linen. He also noted the number of days since the last losttie accident: 1,112. Educational director urged members to enhance seafaring skills at Piney Point school. He also reminded them to keep MMDs current and allow plenty of time when renewing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer reported DVD players and TVs to be purchased for all rooms using money from movie fund. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), March 27—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Engine Delegate William P. Stone. Chairman discussed safety while working on deck and said to watch out for yourself and your shipmates. He urged all mariners to read union contract and get clarification from delegates on any questions. Educational director advised crew that medical bills are once again being paid in Piney Banky III, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth. Chairman thanked everyone for doing jobs well and safely. He announced March 13 payoff in Newark, N.J. and suggested Seafarers check out tax tips on pages 12 and 13 of February 2006 Seafarers LOG. Secretary asked all crew members to donate to SPAD. “When you do, you help yourself as well as your union brothers and sisters.” Treasurer stated $40 in ship’s fund and $800 in satellite fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Suggestions included that showers be fitted for mixing valves. Request made for copy of communications between company and vessel regarding OT for SIU members, and repair or replacement of crew laundry sink faucet. Certificates of recognition were awarded to Steward/Baker Banky and Wiper Carlos Bonefont. No lost-time injuries reported. Next ports: Halifax; Newark; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston. SBX-1 (Interocean American Shipping), March 7—Chairman James D. Crate, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Frank G. Guenther, Engine Delegate Eric D. Vieira, Steward Delegate Larry D. Pugh. Bosun talked about state of health care crisis and possible impact on contract negotiations. He urged members to support SPAD and become involved in labor-related issues. Secretary reported lodging claim for all crew members being paid in accordance with agreement. Educational director advised mariners to stay abreast of changes that may affect benefits and earning power. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made pertaining to tour rotation and vacation benefits. Crew requested some form of on board entertainment system. Seafarers LOG 19 �Final Departures Continued from page 18 first sailed on the Steel Apprentice. Brother Williams was a member of the deck department. Before retiring, he worked on the Star of Texas. Brother Williams lived in his native Texas and began his retirement in 1991. JAMES WILSON Pensioner James Wilson, 66, died Dec. 8. Brother Wilson joined the union in 1968. He was born in Tulsa, Okla. and shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Wilson first sailed aboard the Overseas Anchor. His most recent trip to sea was on the USNS Mt. Washington. Brother Wilson, who lived in Port Bolivar, Texas, went on pension in 2003. CARLOS ZAMBRANO Pensioner Carlos Zambrano, 89, passed away Nov. 15. Brother Zambrano launched his seafaring career in 1955 in New York. He initially worked aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Company vessel as a member of the engine department. Brother Zambrano was born in South America. His last voyage was on the Boston. INLAND RICHARD BARALDI operated by Dixie Carriers. Boatman Dantin began receiving his pension in 1981. He made his home in Harvey, La. a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. Boatman Petrlak retired in 1992 and made his home in Jacksonville. JAMES FRAZEE JOSEPH PISCITELLO Pensioner James Frazee, 75, passed away Oct. 27. Boatman Frazee embarked on his seafaring career in 1963. Born in Crowley, La., he sailed mainly aboard vessels operated by Hvide Marine. Boatman Frazee started collecting his retirement pay in 1992. He called Groves, Texas home. Pensioner Joseph Piscitello, 89, passed away Oct. 23. Boatman Piscitello became an SIU member in 1980. He was born in Framingham, Mass. Boatman Piscitello’s last voyage was aboard the American Eagle. He started collecting his pension in 1981 and resided in Massachusetts. THOMAS GUIDRY MELVIN RAINIER Pensioner Thomas Guidry, 58, died Sept. 7. Born in Orange, Texas, he joined the SIU in 1979. Boatman Guidry first shipped aboard the Seabulk Tanker. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 2005 and was a resident of Hemphill, Texas. Pensioner Melvin Rainier, 83, died July 15. Boatman Rainier was born in Virginia. He joined the SIU in 1960. Boatman Rainier last worked on a Penn Central Transportation vessel. He retired in 1982 and lived in his native state. FRANCIS HOPE CHARLIE RUPERTI Pensioner Francis Hope, 83, passed away Nov. 16. Boatman Hope joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Cape Charles, Va., he last sailed aboard a Penn Central Transportation vessel. Boatman Hope lived in Marionville, Va. and retired in 1982. Pensioner Charlie Ruperti, 74, passed away July 29. Boatman Ruperti embarked on his seafaring career in 1963. His first trip was aboard a Capital Transportation Corporation vessel. Prior to retiring in 1996, Boatman Ruperti shipped with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He was a resident in his native Virginia. JIMMY JACKSON Boatman Richard Baraldi, 61, died July 26. He joined the union in 1962 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Baraldi first went to sea aboard a ship operated by Meyle Towing Company. His last voyage was on a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Boatman Baraldi, who was born in Pennsylvania, made his home in Sickleville, N.J. Pensioner Jimmy Jackson, 73, died July 16. Boatman Jackson launched his seafaring career in 1951 in the port of San Francisco. He first worked on a P. F. Martin Company vessel in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1987, Boatman Jackson sailed aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. He resided in Kingsland, Texas. RICHARD CONNER STANLEY PAUL HARRY SMITH Pensioner Stanley Paul, 86, passed away Nov. 1. Boatman Paul started shipping with the SIU in 1962 from the port of Norfolk, Va. His last voyage was aboard a Moran Towing of Virginia vessel. Boatman Paul made his home in his native Beaufort, N.C. Pensioner Harry Smith, 78, passed away Sept. 19. Boatman Smith joined the SIU in 1962, working primarily aboard G&H Towing Company vessels. He was born in Arkansas and made his home in Texas. Boatman Smith went on pension in 1986. Pensioner Richard Conner, 87, passed away Nov. 20. Boatman Conner began sailing with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. His first voyage was aboard a Meyle Towing Company vessel, and he last worked on a vessel operated by American Towing & Transportation. Boatman Conner is a native of Conestoga, Pa. He retired in 1980 and lived in Boyertown, Pa. ORIS DANTIN Pensioner Oris Dantin, 83, died July 28. Boatman Dantin became an SIU member in 1962. He shipped primarily on vessels 20 Seafarers LOG ROBERT PETRLAK Pensioner Robert Petrlak, 81, died Jan. 3. Boatman Petrlak joined the union in 1981 in Jacksonville, Fla. The steward department member was born in New York. Boatman Petrlak last went to sea on CHARLES SHORES Pensioner Charles Shores, 90, died July 20. Boatman Shores began sailing with the union in 1961, first working on a Meyle Towing Company vessel. Born in Maryland. Boatman Shores last shipped on a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. He settled in New Jersey and became a pensioner in 1988. JAMES TODD Pensioner James Todd, 66, passed away Dec. 3. Boatman Todd began sailing with the SIU in 1963. His first ship was operated by Gulf Canal Lines. Boatman Todd was born in Amite, La. Before retiring in 1993, he worked aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Boatman Todd called Livingston, La. home. CALVIN WAGNER JR. Boatman Calvin Wagner Jr. died Sept. 1. He joined the union in 1975. Boatman Wagner began sailing aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Company and most recently worked on the Cape Florida. The Texas-born mariner was a member of the engine department. Boatman Wagner made his home in Texas City, Texas. JOHN WARD Pensioner John Ward, 79, passed away Sept. 13. Boatman Ward was born in Missouri. He joined the SIU in 1972. Boatman Ward shipped primarily aboard Maritrans Operating Company vessels. The deck department member lived in Baltimore, Md. and went on pension in 1988. JOHN WISE Pensioner John Wise, 88, died Oct. 4. Boatman Wise joined the SIU in 1964 and sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. His first voyage was aboard a National Marine Service Inc. vessel. Born in Enterprise, Ala., Boatman Wise’s most recent trip to sea was on a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. He lived in Pensacola, Fla. and retired in 1979. 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 DOD Alindato, Antonio 90 Jan. 20 Banner, Stewart 89 Jan. 16 Coulombe, Gerard 83 Mar. 7 Davis, William 79 Mar. 10 Desiderato, Nicola 80 Mar. 8 Dominguez, Lloyd 74 Mar. 1 Estay, German 76 Mar. 16 Holtz, Anthony 83 Feb. 26 Johnson, Clarence 83 Mar. 24 Johnson, Robbie 75 Mar. 6 Lindsay, Herbert 98 Oct. 25, 2005 Madarang, Felino 95 Feb. 14 Moore, William 63 Feb. 3 Nelson, Joe 71 Feb. 11 Parrilla, Juan 98 Mar. 21 Quiroga, Abilio 92 Feb. 13 Seck, Issakha 85 Feb. 26 Thompson, Isiah 82 Nov. 21, 2005 Valentine, Robert 69 Mar. 16 Varela, Alfredo 77 Mar. 10 Velez, Gilberto 93 Mar. 13 Williams, Levi 62 Feb. 12 Wyatt, Stanley 74 Mar. 7 ATTENTION SEAFARERS: STERLING SPENCER Pensioner Sterling Spencer, 58, died Sept. 14. Boatman Spencer joined the SIU in 1974. He shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. Boatman Spencer was a member of the deck department. He was born in New Orleans and lived in Harvey, La. Boatman Spencer started receiving compensation for his retirement in 2003. May 2006 �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 May through September 2006. 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 Courqse Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman May 29 July 10 August 21 June 23 August 4 September 15 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 21 August 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 15 June 26 August 7 September 18 May 26 July 7 August 18 September 29 Radar August 7 August 18 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning May 1, 2006. Junior Engineer July 24 October 13 Machinist June 5 June 23 Welding May 8 July 17 September 11 May 26 August 4 September 29 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) May 8 June 5 July 10 August 7 September 25 May 12 June 9 July 14 August 11 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB May 22 July 3 August 14 September 25 May 26 July 7 August 18 September 29 Basic Safety Training - FOWT May 29 July 24 September 18 June 2 July 28 September 22 Government Vessels - FOWT May 15 June 26 July 17 August 7 September 11 September 18 May 19 June 30 July 21 August 11 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 5 July 31 September 18 June 16 August 11 September 29 August 7 August 11 (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Engine Upgrading Courses Recertification Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 22 July 17 September 11 June 16 August 11 October 6 Fast Rescue Boat June 5 July 17 June 9 July 21 May 22 July 17 September 11 July 14 September 8 November 3 FOWT � 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 _____________________________ Bosun October 9 November 6 Steward July 10 August 7 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 ________________________________________________ May 2006 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. 5/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT — Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 672 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 672. They include (in alphabetical order) Scott Bloomfield, Nicholas Bridges, Claytain Carr, Donald Desir, Nicholas Gattuso, Phillip Lowe, Shawana Mills, Derrick Norfleet, Jonathan Rodriguez, Scott Smith, Lawrence Stanley-Dalton, LaWanda Thornton, Nicholas Vandergriff and Kevin Wimbley. Receiving certificates for completion of the FOWT course March 24 are (in alphabetical order) Miguel Abad, Anthony Alibah, Anthony Bartley, Robin Bourgeois, Robert Crosby Jr., Nicholas Dippel, Robert Hinkle, Kenneth Johnson, Timothy Johnson Jr., Arthur Kately III, Frank Lewis, Jay McGlone Jr., Christian Oding, Dean Parks, Oscar Pena, William Price Jr., Timothy Rieman, Shawn Sayers, David Spaulding, Abraham Straughter, William Wilson and Robert Young. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at far right. Damage Control — Fast Rescue Boat— Chief Cook— Graduates of a recent chief cook class are (from left) Penny Pollard, Antonio Mendez, Jack Curry Jr., Chef John Dobson (instructor) and Vidal Vallesteros. Marine Electrician — With their instructor, Stan Beck (back row, far right) are seafarers who completed the fast rescue boat course March 24. They are (in no specific order) James Kruger, Simon McCarny, Mark Leman, John Frey, Peter Madden, Darrall Rabalais and Patrick Morse. Under the instruction of Jay Henderson (far left) are students who completed the marine electrician course March 10. They are (in alphabetical order) Rahul Bagchi, Jordan Cuddy, Ron Embody, Edward Fore, Samuel Garrett, Ashley Nelson, Francis Quebedeaux, Kenneth Ross and Hector Solis. March 24 was graduation day for those completing the damage control portion of the government vessels course. They are (in no specific order) Vincent Hamm, Kipling Wise II, Miguel Abad, Raymond Jones, Yjohnzail Mack, Nur Hois, Scott Paxton, Margaret Young, Nathaniel Carr, Carlos Gibbons, Natividad Zapata, Christopher Vincenzo, Arthur Kately III, Timothy Hell, Ricky Myers, Kelly Doyle, Eugene Edwards, James Roy, Oscar Catabay, Antonio Arizala and John McIntosh. Marine Refrigeration — Graduates of the marine refrigeration course March 10 are (in alphabetical order) Stephen Bradfute, Davon Brown, Alfonza Davis, Richard Huffman, Daniel Ramirez Jr., Jeffrey Roddy, Charles Sadler and Jome Zerna. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is standing, second from left. Welding — Completing the welding course March 10 are (in alphabetical order) Xavier Alfaro, James Cedeno, Elliott Del Aguila, Geoffrey Hall, Simon McCamy, Abraham Moreira, Eldon Palmer, Kyle Pillsworth and Karberto Ramos. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing, second from right. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two groups of graduates of the tanker assistant class united for a photo March 17. They are (in no specific order) Anthony Berry, Alex-Stephen Amarra, Nicholas Bridges, Steven Blair, Catherine Clark, Wilma-Joy Smith, Gregory Simmons, Reid Bland, Karel Cain, Joseph Bianchi, Sean Fox, Tyrell Blackburn, Ernest Frank III, Ismael Gonzalez, John Davis, MacGregor Davis, Abdmutaali Muhammad, Dallon Garnett, Jesse James, Jeremy Finley, Timothy Hetz, Michael Iverson, Maxine Howard, Lee Patrick, Abner Diaz-Torres, Jayson Cottrille, Richard Guerra Jr., Michael Lais, Derek King, Winston Rankin, Ryan Vandergriff, Timothy Kauble, Lewis Coleman, Raul Morales, Akia Wilcox, Phillip Rhule, Eddie Flood, Dennis Rivard, Shawn Orr, Joseph Ward, David Meacham, Stephan Thompson, Michael Sedita, Pavis Whitley, Eutiquio Flores, Damion Vaughn, Chris Sahagon, Reylan Tendido, Casey O’Brien and Gil Lawrence. 22 Seafarers LOG May 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes STCW — NCL, March 10: Gary Albers, Jessica Allen, Nancy Badawy, Kimberly Bascon, Cherie Bessette, Alison Boehm, Jenea Brown, Quentin Collins, Stephen Collins, Garnett Davis, Tanya Dominguez, Crystal Edwards, Carin Eisenmann, Jason Enriquez, John Ferrari and Magdalena Flores. STCW — NCL, March 10: Jesse Friendshuh, Victor Garcia, Alejandro Garcia, Hector Garcia, Andrew Haladay, Jennifer Hastings, Danny Hicks, Brian Horn, Jon James, Albert Jethanamest, Conrad Jones, Amber Lander, Brian Lewis, Virron Libranda, Allison Lippert, Joseph Marodix and Jason Marshall. (Note: not all are pictured.) May 2006 NCL, March 16: Araceli Alvarez, Tierra Arnold, Mike Barkl, Nicole Bennett, Jacqueline Billesbach, Corina Blas, Lloyd Brown, Christina Burton, Michael Cajiao, Sarah Calahan, Zachariah Campbell, Kristin Cannard, Christopher Castilow, Candice Chapin, Violeta Chillous, Leon Cominski, Alin Cordasco, Jennifer Cossette, Jessica Daubenmire and Marites Davidson. STCW — NCL, March 16: Shelly McCarroll, John McMeans, Jamie Mehr, Maria Mercado, Carolyn Michael, Linda Mizuno, Michael Moreno, Patti Morgan, Sean Morris, Sarah Morrow, Amber Myrick, Todd Neelis, Maureen Nelan, Elmer Nieveras, Isaac Osei-Asibey, Ryann Paquette, Michael Perez, James Petrean, Nam Pham and John Pine Jr. (Note: not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 16: Sharlene Davis, Sarah DeCamp, Maria Ebel, Kekoa Ehia, Shannon Espinosa, Michael Gaydosh, Terrence Hackett, Justin Hornberger, Chrystal Hosler, Kandice Hubbard, Stephanie Johnson, Joseph Kent, Steven Kiefer, Brenda Leggett, Misti Levijoki, Patricia Lewis, Joe Lorenzini, Jacqueline Lovejoy, Treshanna Martin, Mikia McBride and Alan Hemmati. (Note: not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 10: Natasha Smith, Robert Sousa, Christopher Stack, Laurel Stiles, Apryl Swhear, Jennifer Taft, Stephanie Taylor, Clarissa Tengco, Teah Turner, Michael Valente, Damien Vincent, Kathleen Wilkins, Christopher Williams, Christopher Wilson, Roger Woody, Tiana Wyatt and Danny Zapanta. STCW — STCW — NCL, March 10: Gregg Massey, Paul McClure, Jennifer Mosquedo, Mark Munholland, Tyler Olivier, Brandon Olivier, Andres Oropeza, Diana Pandolfini, Anthony Paproski, Cody Powell, Jovonda Powell, Stephen Richards, Rolando Rivera, Eric Rodriguez, Brian Rosario, Charles Sadler II, Stanley Seale, Jameson Sehl and Shawn Sisson. STCW — NCL, March 16: Arthur Piotrowski, Daymon Plowman, Shauna Rafferty, Kimberly Rhoden, Christopher Saenz, Hiram Santoni Jr., Shay Schofield, Monica Shearer, Brian Smith, Megan Smith, Kevin Snauko, Meredith Stevens, Vanessa VanVorst, Johnnie Whitiker, Todd Williams and Rex York. (Note: not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 68, Number 5 May 2006 National Maritime Day May 22, 2006 In memory of American seafarers who lost their lives in service to their country Seafarers Help Keep Curtiss Ready Prepositioning Ship Supports U.S. Marine Corps T The Curtiss has supported U.S. troops in OIF and Desert Storm. Left: AB Steve Gardner he SIU-crewed SS Curtiss is one of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s two aviation maintenance logistics ships and also one of three dozen vessels in MSC’s prepositioning program. Seafarers sailed aboard the Curtiss in support of U.S. troops during earlier stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom, transporting troops and materiel to key locations in the Middle East. They also sailed aboard the Curtiss backing U.S. troops during the Persian Gulf War. A visit to the vessel in late February in San Diego found SIU members among the reduced operating status crew helping ready the Curtiss for a safety inspection by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Bosun David Collins, who sailed on several other MSC ships during OIF and also during Operation Desert Storm, said that the Curtiss crew is very serious about keeping the ship in top condition so that it’s ready for the next activation, whenever that call comes. He also noted the positive interaction between mariners and troops that he has witnessed on various Seafarers-contracted ships. “The United States Marines have a sense of humor,” recalled Collins, whose father (Don) is an SIU retiree and whose two brothers (Donnie and Darren) also sail with the union. “They work hard, but they play hard, too.” Operated by Crowley, the Curtiss is 602 feet long and has beam of about 90 feet. The steam-powered ship can travel at 19 knots and has a five-day activation period. Chief Steward Vern Wilson Bosun David Collins, SIU Port Agent John Cox and GUDE Charles Alford Left: Electrician Gary Dahl The menu is posted daily aboard ship. GUDE Charles Alford Right: U.S. Marines aboard the vessel during earlier stages of OIF creatively logged their journey. Right: Bosun David Collins comes from an SIU family. In the background of this photo is NASSCO—with two more Seafarers-contracted ships (Alaskan Legend, right, and USNS Lewis and Clark) under construction. � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION BILL CLEARS CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. KING PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY CROWLEY CHRISTENS NEW ATB SIU CONTRACT HONORED IN DELTA QUEEN SALE UNION’S SAN FRANCISCO OPERATIONS MOVING TO NEW HALL IN OAKLAND SIU-CREWED HAUGE HONORED FOR SAFETY CLAIMS OFFICE REOPENS PORT OFFICIAL EDWARD SMITH DIES AT 79 MASSACHUSETTS HEALTH PLAN DRAWS FEDERATION’S IRE PUSH FOR ‘BELATED THANK YOU’ MOVES TO HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE PHILADELPHIA HEALTH UNIT PARKS IN A BETTER LOCATION PENNSYLVANIA LAW STIPULATES $500 BONUS FOR WWII MARINERS PRIDE OF HAWAII MAKES ITS 1ST TRANSATLANTIC CROSSING SERVICE COMMEMORATES TEXACO OKLAHOMA TRAGEDY TRAINEE THORNTON RECEIVES NCL AWARD AGENCIES OFFER ANSWERS, PRECAUTIONS FOR BIRD FLU SMPPP STATEMENTS SLATED FOR MAILING ADMIRAL SEIBERLICH BEGINS FINAL VOYAGE CANADA CRACKS DOWN ON PORT SECURITY DOCUMENTARY TELLS ‘STORY OF AMERICA’S SEAFARING WOMEN’ SEAFARERS HELP KEEP CURTISS READY PREPOSITIONING SHIP SUPPORTS U.S. MARINE CORPS 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 05/01/2006 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. 68, No. 5 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/776047c80d193b100980b36c0a22599b.pdf 6f1d15513930edd82665026a471784e2 PDF Text Text 36210p01_24X2.qxp 6/1/2006 9:20 AM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 6 June 2006 Aloha, Pride of Hawaii! Newest NCL America Ship Signals More SIU Jobs Seafarers welcomed the third ship in NCL America’s fleet—the Pride of Hawaii —at the vessel’s christening May 20 in Los Angeles. SIU President Michael Sacco (far left) was one of the featured speakers at the event. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) (left in photo at immediate left, with Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay) sponsored and named the SIU-crewed ship at the pierside event. The official naming is shown in photo at upper left—pictured from left to right are NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch, Father Kahu Kordell Kekoa, Senator Inouye, Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay and Pride of Hawaii Capt. Kjell Nesheim. Pages 3, 12, 13. Seafarers Honored on National Maritime Day SIU members were honored during National Maritime Day ceremonies May 22 in Washington, D.C. In the nation’s capital, the union participated in events hosted by the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and the Propeller Club. The SIU also took part in other Maritime Day ceremonies elsewhere across the country, including in San Pedro, Calif., where SIU President Michael Sacco was the keynote speaker. Pictured above, SIU officials and apprentices from the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are joined by Rear Admiral Robert Reilly Jr., MSC commander, and Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Counsel Julie Nelson. At right, SIU Bosun Thomas Moore (center) receives recognition for sailing in hurricane relief operations from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and Acting Deputy Administrator Nelson. At left, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao reinforces her support for a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Coverage starts on page 24 and continues on page 10. It’s also mentioned in President Sacco’s column on page 2. Scholarship Winners Announced USNS Spica in Rescue Operation Pages 2, 7 Page 9 �36210p01_24X2.qxp 6/1/2006 9:21 AM Page 2 Labor Secretary Announces Training Grant President’s Report Mariners’ Heroism, Then and Now For National Maritime Day this year I was invited to speak in San Pedro, California before members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans and others who support the U.S. Merchant Marine. As usual, I appreciated the opportunity to formally discuss our industry’s proud past and bright future. Also as usual, it was even more enjoyable afterward, when I informally met with a number of old salts in the audience. Those types of meetings are the best kind, especially when they involve U.S. Merchant Mariners from the “greatest generation.” One of the points I emphasized to the entire group Michael Sacco is that the passage of time tends to sanitize parts of our history. We simply cannot let that happen to U.S. Merchant Mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. When we memorialize our mariners, we should consider not only their fates, but also the incredible challenges they faced, most notably during World War II. For younger generations, those challenges probably seem distant and maybe even limited on the pages of history books, or in the grainy footage that was shot more than 60 years ago. But for the mariners of World War II, the odds weren’t good. The fear was real. The enemy was deadly. And yet the mission was essential. In San Pedro, some of the audience members knew from experience that the seafarers of World War II were attacked from every angle. They were bombed from enemy airplanes, fired upon by enemy ships and torpedoed by enemy submarines. Many did not survive. They died in blazing explosions, in icy waters, in lifeboats that drifted away to nothing. They died defending their country. Yet the mariners of that era also pulled off the greatest sealift operation in history. They sailed in every theater, regardless of the danger. They moved more than 300 million tons of materiel. They absolutely earned the title of America’s fourth arm of defense. Simply put, they delivered when their nation and indeed the rest of the free world needed them the most. As General Dwight Eisenhower said during the early stages of World War II, “When final victory is ours there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the Merchant Marine.” Of course, the U.S. Merchant Marine’s heritage covers much more than World War II. Our mariners have been there literally since Revolutionary times, right up to today as we sail in support of our troops in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The seafarers’ names and faces have changed, and the ships look a lot different nowadays too, but our commitment never wavers. Our reliability never lessens. Our message to our troops and to the rest of our countrymen is the same: You can count on us! Equally important is the fact that America still needs to maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet to help protect national and economic security. 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. Before the Maritime Day events in San Pedro, I spent time at the christening of NCL America’s new cruise ship, the Pride of Hawaii. As you would expect, it’s a beautiful ship. It offers every luxury a passenger could want. But when I look at a ship like the Pride of Hawaii, I tend to look past the bells and whistles. What I see is the American flag flying proudly from the stern. What I see are American men and women working aboard that ship. What I see is one more reason why the U.S. Merchant Marine has a bright future. The deep sea cruise industry is a newly revitalized part of the merchant marine, but it most definitely is an important part. In fact, thousands of new jobs have been created aboard NCL America’s three U.S.-flag cruise ships— a development that helps maintain a pool of well-trained American mariners who can sail on military support vessels when needed. So in a way, I think the Pride of Hawaii pays tribute to the U.S. Merchant Marine of years past. I also believe it symbolizes the ongoing truth that the best way we can honor the mariners of yesterday and confirm that they did not die in vain is to keep the American flag flying on the high seas. For all the right reasons, the SIU continues helping lead the fight to maintain and revitalize all segments of the U.S.-flag fleet. It’s a battle we are winning, as evidenced by the recent and current construction of new cruise ships and tankers, new containerships and RO/ROs and ATBs. It’s also evident in the continued strong support from the administration, Congress and the military for key programs including cargo preference, the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program, which are nothing short of vital to the U.S. maritime industry. As I said in San Pedro, the U.S. Merchant Marine has a lot to be proud of. We also have a lot to look forward to, and you better believe the SIU will continue living up to the high standards of our brothers and sisters throughout history who never failed to deliver. Volume 68, Number 6 June 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao early last month announced a grant of almost $2.5 million to train workers for maritime occupations within the transportation industry. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), “The grant to the education and training affiliate of the Seafarers International Union is part of almost $6.3 million invested to date in the transportation sector through the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic plan to prepare workers for jobs in vital industries.” “There are many career opportunities in the maritime industry for workers with the right skills,” said Secretary Chao. “This $2.5 million grant under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative will help thousands of new and incumbent workers to acquire or upgrade their skill-sets and knowledge base to access and retain good paying jobs on board merchant vessels.” In announcing the grant, the Labor Department noted that the Paul Hall Institute of Human Development (a component of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md.) “Will take on this nationwide project to develop curriculum and learning tools for a variety of seafaring occupations, including the various logistical skill sets required of military sealift command storekeepers, as well as those needed in shipboard security and sanitation. Also an Apprenticeship Certificate of Training Program for cruise ship hospitality will be created. Some 4,000 new workers will be trained for positions as entrylevel mariners, and 1,000 incumbent workers will receive training The school features state-of-the-art equipment including a full mission bridge simulator. to upgrade their skills.” Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton stated, “This grant is going to advance our technology to improve apprenticeship training, including competency-based training. It will give students a jump-start in their vocational education and training.” Eglinton also noted that in 2003, Secretary Chao reported that she along with the Seafarers International Union and Paul Hall Institute leadership developed and approved the first-ever National Apprenticeship Standards for the maritime industry. This led to new programs offered for mariners in all three shipboard departments: deck, engine and steward. Without exception, those programs meet U.S. Coast Guard certification requirements. Eglinton concluded, “I believe this grant is an investment in America’s national and economic The Paul Hall Center offers comprehensive training for mariners. security. The U.S. Merchant Marine continues to serve as our nation’s fourth arm of defense in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, just as they have done throughout American history.” The DOL reported that “industry partners in this project include Alaska Tanker Company, American Steamship, Crowley Liner, Horizon Line, Liberty Maritime, NCL America, OSG Ship Management, and Pacific Gulf Marine. Additional partners include workforce investment boards, One-Stop Career Centers, Job Corps Centers, faith-based and community organizations, community colleges and high schools.” “As the seafaring sector evolves, maritime occupations demand workers with greater skills,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “This nearly $2.5 million grant under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative will train thousands of workers across the country for successful careers in the water transportation sector.” In a press release, the DOL pointed out, “The President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative is a strategic effort to better prepare workers to take advantage of new job opportunities in high growth sectors of the American economy. Through executive forums with leaders of expanding industries, critical workforce gaps and issues are identified. Solutions are then created in cooperation with employers, educational institutions and the public workforce system.” 4 Seafarers, 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 four Seafarers and five dependents of SIU members—for a total monetary value of $132,000. Rahul Bagchi of Ansonia, Ct. is the Seafarer selected for a $15,000, three-year scholarship. Receiving $6,000 stipends are Ken Stathos of Hollywood, Fla. and Karen Domerego of Mesa, Calif. Brian McLarnon of Wilmington, N.C. has been awarded a $5,000, one-year scholarship. The five dependents of SIU members are Renee Dunham-Jones, wife of Recertified Steward Raymond Jones; Ryan Kirby, son of deep sea member Michael Kirby; Suci Madjidji, daughter of QMED Sjamsidar Madjidji; Shaval Stewart, daughter of AB Mark Stewart; and Kayla Watson, daughter of AB/Tankerman Randy Watson. This year’s selection committee, meeting in St. Croix, V.I., 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 (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community College (retired); 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). See page 7 for brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the nine collegebound students. June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:08 PM Page 3 Great Day for the American-flag Cruise Ship Industry Pride of Hawaii Christened Amid much fanfare and celebration, the Seafarers-crewed Pride of Hawaii—the largest and most luxurious U.S.-flagged passenger ship ever built—was christened May 20 at a pierside ceremony in the port of Los Angeles by Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). Inouye, who was selected as the first-ever “godfather” of a contemporary cruise ship, “is the father of this project and its most steadfast supporter,” stated NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch in announcing the selection earlier this year, “and the introduction of the Pride of Hawaii is its crowning event. So there can be no one more fitting than he to name our newest U.S. flagship.” (The senator’s wife, Margaret, who passed away earlier in the year, christened the Pride of Aloha in 2004.) “The christening of Pride of Hawaii is the capstone of America’s return to the passenger cruise industry,” noted the senator at the official ceremony. “In addition to the significant economic benefits to the visitor industry in my state of Hawaii, Pride of Hawaii and her sister ships will have a broad economic impact throughout the United States by creating as many as 20,400 direct Crew members and guests enjoy the ceremony as SIU President Michael Sacco conveys the union’s enthusiasm for the NCL America fleet. and indirect jobs, including thousands of U.S. seafarer jobs and nearly $1 billion in annual U.S. economic activity. I am very proud to serve as Pride of Hawaii’s sponsor.” Inouye was joined by six female crew members from the vessel—all Hawaiian natives— who christened the ship with the traditional bottle of champagne. In addition to Veitch and Inouye, also addressing the audi- The christening in Los Angeles is celebrated by (from right to left) SIU President Michael Sacco, NCL President & CEO Colin Veitch, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Paul Wiedenhoeft (Commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach), U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (DHawaii), Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Councel Julie Nelson, Star Cruises Chairman Tran Sri Lim Lok Thay and his wife, Puan Sri. ence were Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay; U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Paul Wiedenhoeft; Julie Nelson, Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Counsel of the Maritime Administration; and SIU President Michael Sacco. “What a great day for the American-flag cruise ship industry,” Sacco stated. “We are proud to be here today with NCL America to celebrate this historic event. These U.S.-flag cruise ships create thousands of American seafaring jobs and represent a real partnership between NCL America, the shipboard workers and their unions.” Sacco congratulated NCL America for its confidence, commitment and partnership in the cruise ship project. “Most of all,” he continued, “I want to thank Senator Inouye and the entire Hawaii delegation for their strong leadership and their complete support of the NCL America fleet. In particular, Senator Inouye has been an extraordinary ally and a determined, powerful voice in leading the effort to deliver the Pride of Hawaii along with the Pride of America and the Pride of Aloha….Like Colin (Veitch) has said, Senator Inouye truly is the father of this project.” Sacco stated, “You all see the results: New ships. New Jobs. A boost to the United States economy. Brothers and sisters, I’d call that a win-win situation.” In concluding his remarks, Sacco said, “Last but not least, I want to offer a special welcome to the union members who are working aboard the Pride of Hawaii. That goes for the members of my union—the Seafarers—as well as the officers from the MEBA. Brothers and sisters, keep up the great work. Aloha!” Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay said, “Today marks the culmination of our effort. This is the third and largest ship in a planned threeship U.S.-flagged fleet. We have invested over $1.2 billion building these three world-class mega ships, purposely built for our unique Freestyle Cruising and outfitted to reflect the spirit and Aloha of the Hawaii Islands.” See pages 12-13 for photos of the crew and ship when the vessel docked in Baltimore. Bosun Victor Mariano signed aboard the ship in March when it was still being completed in Germany. Mariano has sailed with the SIU for 15 years, including voyages on the old cruise ships, the Independence and Constitution. He found sailing on a brand new cruise ship a totally different experience, even though most of the initial work consisted of cleaning and maintenance. “Things are going pretty well. We’ve been very busy,” he noted. Carpenter Scott Paxton agreed that the crew had been extremely busy getting the vessel Little room was left on either side of the Pride of Hawaii as the vessel went through the Panama Canal. The new U.S.-flag cruise ship has a beam of 105 feet. The largest the canal can accommodate is 108 feet. Veitch added his pride in honoring the development of the latest SIU-crewed vessel. “I’m very proud to celebrate the completion of a daring project to convert a large part of our business from the traditional model of the international cruise industry to the The pierside ceremony May 20 in Los Angeles officially signaled the entry of the Pride of Hawaii into NCL America’s SIU-crewed fleet. June 2006 much more challenging and less developed model of U.S-flag cruising,” he said, noting that NCL has consistently been at the forefront of innovative developments and breaking with tradition. ready for its debut as the newest U.S.-flag cruise ship, but said that spirits were good and everyone was doing their part. The voyage has been a “dream come true” for Colette DiMarco, a waiter from Glenwood Springs, Colo. “Not only was I being paid to learn [in Piney Point], but I’ll also be spending my birthday traversing the Panama Canal. How exciting is that!” she exclaimed in late April, when the ship stopped in Baltimore, its first U.S. port following the transatlantic voyage from Europe. After a week in Baltimore, the Pride of Hawaii set sail for Miami (NCL headquarters), through the Panama Canal, and on to San Francisco and Los Angeles for the christening. Its first port of call in Hawaii (at LOG press time) was scheduled for Nawiliwili, Kauai and then on to Hilo, Kahului and Kona before arriving in Honolulu June 3. The vessel is expected to enter service Monday, June 5, where it will join its SIU-crewed sister ships, the Pride of Aloha (which began sailing in 2004) and the Pride of America (christened last summer) in offering seven-day interisland cruises. Seafarers LOG 3 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 4 Legislature Honors Alaska Tanker Co. SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) recently added to its well-earned collection of safety awards when the Alaska State Legislature honored the organization for its consistently outstanding record. Alaska State Rep. Vic Kohring, State Senate President Ben Stevens and Speaker of the House John Harris presented ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur with a declaration commending the company for its safety-related efforts and achievements. Joining them at the May 4 ceremony in the Territorial Senate Chamber in Juneau, Alaska were Alaska Commissioner of Labor Greg O’Claray, Alaska House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz, SIU Representative Tracey Mayhew and representatives from the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial The double-hulled tanker Alaskan Legend is under construction in San Diego. It is scheduled for delivery to ATC later this year. Association (MEBA). Based in Beaverton, Ore., ATC operates six Seafarers-crewed vessels including three of the four new Alaska Class tankers built in San Diego (the Alaskan Frontier, Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator). The fourth of the new ships is scheduled for delivery near the end of this year. The commendation from the legislature “honors ATC and its employees for achieving the highest levels of safety and environmental performance while carrying Alaska North Slope crude oil from Valdez, Alaska to refineries in Washington, California and Hawaii. This outstanding record is unsurpassed,” notes the certificate. The document also points out, “ATC is the first tanker operator in the Alaska trade with its fleet comprised entirely of doublehulled ships…. ATC has also strongly supported an Alaskan hire policy since its inception in 1999. Abercrombie Receives ‘Salute to Congress’ Propeller Club Award Recognizes Maritime Advocate U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), a passionate and outspoken friend of the U.S. Merchant Marine, recently received the 2006 “Salute to Congress” award, presented by the Propeller Club of the United States. Abercrombie garnered the 22nd annual award during a dinner ceremony May 2 in Bethesda, Md. “This is the maritime industry’s premier award, and I’m honored to receive it,” said Abercrombie. “When everything is said and done, the U.S. maritime industry is a critical component of U.S. national security. I’m very grateful for this recognition of my efforts on behalf of the working men and women who make up the backbone of our nation’s merchant marine in peace and war.” The SIU was well-represented at the ceremony, as President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Assistant Vice President Ambrose Cucinotta attended on behalf of the union. Overall, an estimated 400 people were in the audience, including a number of U.S. senators and congressmen. The Propeller Club of the United States is a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to the enhancement and wellbeing SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) congratulates U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) on receiving this year’s Salute to Congress Award. 4 Seafarers LOG Pictured at the presentation in Juneau, Alaska honoring SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company are (from left) Commissioner of Labor Greg O’Claray, Senate President Ben Stevens, House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz, SIU Representative Tracey Mayhew, ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur, State Representative Vic Kohring, MEBA Representatives Joe Geldhof and Ben Goldrich, and Speaker of the House John Harris. “Since 2002, ATC ships have safely carried 43.6 billion gallons of crude oil with just 27.2 gallons of hydraulic oil escaping to the sea (as a consequence of storm damage),” the award text continues. “Furthermore, ATC has completed nine million man-hours of operation without anyone being so hurt that they were unable to return to work the next day (zero lost time injuries). This covers the period from January 2002 through February 2006 and is based on OSHA reporting standards. “The United States Coast Guard recognized ATC’s outstanding performance in 2004 when the company was awarded the Benkert ‘Osprey’ Gold Award. This award was given in recognition of ‘outstanding achievement in marine environmental protection that goes beyond mere compliance with industrial and regulatory standards.’ The Osprey is the highest environmental award given by the Coast Guard. “ATC maintains a single focus on operational excellence and for this has been recognized by its stakeholders including BP, its unions, the Prince William Sound Citizens Advisory Council, and every environmental regulatory agency in the State. “The members of the Twentyfourth Alaska State Legislature extend their appreciation to Alaska Tanker Company for its superb record of safe operation, environmental stewardship, and its community outreach program in Alaska.” Harris, Stevens and Kohring signed the document, while dozens of additional cosponsors’ names also are listed. Amendment Aims to Maintain RRF U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) uses a local newspaper to make a point during Maritime Trades Department meetings earlier this year in San Diego, as MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco listens along with the rest of the audience. of all interests of the maritime community, nationally and internationally. The organization aggressively promotes the maritime industry through many of its programs and partnering with similar organizations. Abercrombie first served in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986 and has backed the U.S. maritime industry throughout his career. He was a member of the now-defunct Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and currently serves on both the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Resources as well as several subcommittees. In accepting the award, Abercrombie noted that he is a strong supporter of the Jones Act. He also pointed out that he helped secure House passage of legislation in 2003 that facilitated the successful efforts of Norwegian Cruise Lines to launch a U.S.-flag component (SIU-contracted NCL America). Abercrombie also has backed programs which provide loan guarantees and other forms of support for the U.S. shipping and shipbuilding industries. In a news release announcing the 2006 award, the Propeller Club noted that Abercrombie “is being honored for his consistent and strong support of the United States maritime industry.” Frank Baptista Sr., international president of the Propeller Club of the United States, said, “Being from Hawaii, Congressman Abercrombie knows the importance of trade and supports those that work in the maritime industry both ashore and at sea.” Past recipients of the Salute to Congress award include Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) and Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska). During the most recent meetings of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board earlier this year in San Diego, Abercrombie pointed to the Jones Act as a potential foundation for an expanded national maritime policy. He said he is carrying the message in Congress that “maritime has to be the number one security interest of this nation. Not just port security, but shipbuilding and a merchant marine owned and operated under the Jones Act must become a fundamental premise of American policy.” An amendment contained in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007 calls for fully maintaining the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Jointly sponsored by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii) and U.S. Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.), the amendment stipulates that the “Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit to Congress by not later than March 1, 2007, a report describing a five-year plan for maintaining the capability of the Ready Reserve Force of the National Defense Reserve Fleet necessary to support Department of Defense wartime missions and support to civil authority missions.” The amendment requires that the RRF be maintained at a minimum of 58 vessels until the aforementioned report is submitted. The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act on May 11, by a vote of 396–31. The legislation now moves to the Senate. Before the AbercrombieMiller amendment had been introduced, the maritime industry newspaper Trade Winds published a story indicating that the RRF unexpectedly may face significant cuts of up to 26 vessels. It wasn’t immediately clear how those potential cuts would be in accord with the government’s stated plans from earlier this year to possibly begin a reserve fleet for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. One thing that is readily apparent, however, is the RRF’s key role in America’s national and economic security. The U.S. Maritime Administration, which owns the RRF fleet, describes those vessels as having greatly aided U.S. military operations along with relief efforts following last year’s devastating hurricanes in the Gulf. “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,” the agency notes on its web site. “The RRF has rightfully been called ‘American Seapower’s Reliant Partner.’ “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.” June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 5 Proposed Rules Issued for New Credentials Union Examining Potential Content, Methods for Issuing TWIC The implementation of the highly anticipated Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) now is one step closer to becoming reality. Two Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Agencies—the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Coast Guard—on May 10 issued proposed regulations for a biometric-based identification credential for port workers. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which lays out specific details on the program, will be published in the Federal Register in the coming days. The public will have 45 days to comment, and four public meetings will be hosted by the TSA and Coast Guard to solicit input. In a closely related matter, the Coast Guard also will publish a proposed regulation that works in conjunction with the TWIC to streamline the current credentialing process for merchant mariners. It will publish on the same day as the TWIC NPRM. The publication of these two rulemakings follows an an- nouncement last month by DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff that his agency will begin conducting name-based background checks on approximately 400,000 port workers within the United States. These checks are being presented as an immediate measure to safeguard the nation’s ports while the DHS expedites the rollout of the TWIC. “TWIC is designed to ensure that individuals posing a security threat do not gain access to our nation’s ports,” said Kip Hawley, TSA assistant secretary. “Today’s Dept. of Homeland Security Issues Maritime Infrastructure Recovery Plan The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on May 1 released a 63-page Maritime Infrastructure Recovery Plan (MIRP). The plan provides a standardized procedure for the restoration of maritime transportation systems following an incident of national significance. It includes a readiness plan aimed at promoting and maintaining preparation in the U.S. maritime community. What is the MIRP? „ The MIRP is intended to protect the American economy by facilitating the restoration of passenger and cargo flow, specifically container cargo, in the event of an attack or similarly disruptive event. Container cargo is more likely to hold perishable items in immediate need of unloading, or items that are key components in the production of consumer goods. „ The MIRP includes an exercise plan to maintain a level of preparedness within maritime field. This plan recommends periodic tabletop and field exercises, which align with existing related plans such as the National Response Plan and the Top Official program. What the MIRP is not: „ The MIRP does not address long-term interruptions for conveyances that carry primarily non-perishable cargo. In addition, certain commodities, such as liquefied natural gas and oil offer very limited options for cargo diversion, as there are just four LNG ports, and oil refineries are already operating at 97 percent capacity. „ The MIRP is not a plan for the physical recovery of a port that has been impacted by a natural or man-made incident. Rather, the MIRP protects the economy by providing guidance for redirecting container cargo traffic away from the impacted port to an appropriate alternate port. Hurricane Katrina and the MIRP The eight supporting plans to the National Strategy for Maritime Security were submitted— depending on ownership of each plan—to the White House, the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Defense for approval in June 2005, 180 days after National Security Presidential Directive 41 was signed. While the plans were in review, Hurricane Katrina struck. Although the National Strategy for Maritime Security was approved for release on Sept. 20, after which the supporting plans would be releasable at the discretion of their departments, the MIRP was held back for an additional 90-day review for lessons learned after Katrina. Katrina Findings According the DHS, New Orleans is not currently a key player in the nation’s container cargo trade since it handles just 1 percent of the nation’s container cargo. However, it represents 18 percent of the nation’s reserve cargo capacity. In the short term, Hurricane Katrina compromised the nation’s ability to divert container traffic in the event of a transportation security incident on the East Coast. To address disruptions similar to Katrina, which do not affect nationwide cargo or passenger flow to a great extent, the MIRP must either be expanded to an all-hazards recovery plan or a sister plan to the National Response Plan must be created in June 2006 the form of a National Recovery Plan, according to the DHS. Key Elements of the MIRP Within the context of container cargo and passenger vessels, the MIRP’s primary goal is to protect the U.S. economy from the effects of a maritime transportation security incident (TSI). In support of this goal, the MIRP will guide individuals designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security to help make decisions on maintaining or restoring transportation capabilities, in the event of a TSI. „ The MIRP will be activated when a TSI occurs in or near U.S. waters. The MIRP is employed when the Secretary of Homeland Security declares that an actual or threatened TSI under, in, on, or adjacent to waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction is an “Incident of National Significance,” in accordance with National Response Plan criteria. „ The MIRP reflects National Response Plan organizational structures and incident command system and unified command procedures. As such, the plan can be used for other similarly disruptive incidents requiring maritime infrastructure recovery management. „ The MIRP describes public- and private-sector roles according to relevant functional responsibilities. Recovery management takes place at the national, regional and local levels. Therefore, the plan describes recovery management considerations for the incident site and non-incident support sites, as well as for the national maritime transportation system. „ The MIRP provides for private-sector participation in decision making at all levels. The private sector owns and operates the vast majority of maritime transportation infrastructure assets, and it will decide whether to repair, replace or rebuild privately owned physical assets after a TSI. However, federal assistance may be needed to help restore critical cargo-handling infrastructure. Critical Issues Seven critical issues were identified as the MIRP was developed, which must be addressed. The following are considered high priority, according to the DHS: „ Port cargo-handling capacity information is unknown or not readily available for use in deliberations regarding recovery of the maritime transportation system following a national TSI. „ There is no national communications network or information exchange between the federal government and the private sector focused on maritime recovery management. „ The Area Maritime Security (AMS) Plans do not adequately and uniformly address critical MTS recovery management planning elements. „ Salvage capability specific to national and regional recovery is unknown. Section VI of the MIRP offers recommendations for further evaluation or implementation of these and the remainder of the seven issues of concern. The MIRP and other plans under the National Strategy for Maritime Security are available to the public and may be found on the Department of Homeland Security website. Feedback on this plan, as well as the Commerce Security and Transportation Systems Security plans may be submitted through the website or by e-mailing maritimesecurity@dhs.gov. proposed rulemaking represents a significant milestone towards putting TWIC on the fast track.” The TWIC rule proposes the following: „ TSA would collect worker’s biographic information including 10 fingerprints; name; date of birth; address and phone number; alien registration number, if applicable; photo; employer; and job title. „ All individuals with unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and vessels regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act would be required to have a TWIC. This includes longshoremen, port operator employees, truck drivers and rail workers. U.S. Merchant Mariners who hold an active Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD), Merchant Mariner’s License, Certificate of Registry or an STCW Endorsement also would be required to obtain a TWIC. „ Background checks would include a review of criminal history records, terrorist watch lists, legal immigration status and outstanding warrants. „ The TWIC would utilize socalled “smart card” technology and include a worker’s photo, name, biometric information and multiple fraud protection measures. The card would be consistent with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 201-1. It would be interoperable with other federal credentials built to those standards. „ The program is expected to cover 750,000 workers and would be funded through user fees. TSA anticipates workers would pay approximately $139 to receive a TWIC. Workers with current, comparable background checks would pay approximately $105 for the credential. A TWIC card would be valid for five years. „ Port facility and vessel owners and operators would be required to implement the TWIC into their existing access control systems and operations, purchase and utilize card readers, and update their approved security plans. The Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) rule proposes the following: „ A new MMC would combine the elements of the Merchant Mariner’s License, MMD, Certificate of Registry, and STCW Endorsement into one qualification credential. „ Although the format in which the mariner’s qualifications and the application process itself would change, the training, experience and other requirements necessary to obtain a mariner’s service qualifications would not change. „ Merchant mariners would no longer be required to visit a Regional Exam Center to submit fingerprints and identification or to take an oath when they obtain or renew their credentials, potentially resulting in substantial time and travel savings. „ The MMC would appear in certificate form with many fraud protection measures. Although the actual format of the MMC is still in development, it is expected to look much like the recently released STCW Endorsement, as well as contain many of the security features used in that new certificate. TSA laid the foundation for the establishment of the universal credential through a technology evaluation and prototype test. During the prototype test of the credential last year, TSA issued more than 4,000 TWICs to workers at 26 sites in six states. All Seafarers are reminded that the foregoing points about the TWIC and the MMC are proposals only; nothing has been finalized with respect to either credential. A great many issues have to be addressed and resolved by all stakeholders, including the SIU, which currently is examining the 277-page advanced copy of the NPRM to ascertain its input on behalf of merchant mariners. Therefore, it would be premature to speculate on what the final regulations will entail. Future editions of the Seafarers LOG, as well as the union website (www.seafarers.org) will carry this information as it becomes available. Lewis and Clark Set for Delivery The USNS Lewis and Clark (above), the first ship in the T-AKE class, completed sea trials April 25-29 off the San Diego coast and is slated for delivery to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command by the end of June. Crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, the Lewis and Clark is a dry cargo and ammunition ship. It is 689 feet long, has a beam of 106 feet and can sail at 20 knots. The vessel was built at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company yard in San Diego. Seafarers LOG 5 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 1:02 PM Page 6 12 SIU Bosuns Complete Recertification Mariners Say Course Will Help Them Hone Work Aboard Ship A dozen SIU members on May 8 realized significant milestones in their respective careers when they earned status as recertified bosuns. The mariners completed the highest level of vocational education available to members of the deck department at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. During the month-long course, the 12 Seafarers—Bosuns Reginald Watkins, Rufino Giray, Daniel Teichman, Richard Barnes, Winfred Itima, Robert Natividad, Mike Shappo, Amante Gumiran, Scott Palen, Paul Wade, Timothy Jackson and William Richards—learned more about the industry in which they work. Each now is better equipped to assume leadership roles by taking this knowledge back to their shipmates at the hiring halls and aboard individual vessels. The course included a mixture of classroom and practical training as well as visits to the union’s headquarters building in Camp Springs to meet with representatives of the various departments and to the Maritime Trades Department at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C. After being presented with their graduation certificates during the May membership meeting at Piney Point, the recertified bosuns approached the podium to address union officials, members and guests in attendance. All gave a few words of thanks for the opportunities they were afforded at the Southern Maryland-based school and emphasized that the class will help enable them to do a better job at sea. They also imparted a few personal words of insight to the unlicensed apprentices who are following in their footsteps. Watkins sails out of the port of Mobile. Ala., and has been going to sea since the early ’80s. The course was a lot of fun and very informative for Watkins, who “really enjoyed the small arms, CPR and firefighting classes.” “I joined the union in 1980 when I was 22 years old,” Watkins told those in attendance. “The union has changed my life a great deal, and I thank all of the union officials for the tremendous job they have done over the years in keeping our jobs secure. “A winner never quits and a quitter never wins,” he continued. “I wanted to be a bosun for a long time. A lot of people told me that I could not, but I did not quit because I knew if I kept knocking then the door would be opened. Well that door has opened for me today,” Watkins said. “To the trainees, work hard and pay attention while you are here so that you can learn,” he concluded. “When you go to sea, always be sure that you are loyal, hard-working and dedicated to your jobs. That way, you’re sure to be successful.” Giray proudly has worn the SIU colors for some 20 years. He sails out of the port of Honolulu, 6 Seafarers LOG SIU President Michael Sacco and Executive VP Augie Tellez join other SIU officials and members of the recertified bosuns class aboard the Seafarers-contracted Pride of Hawaii when the vessel docked in Baltimore in late April. Hawaii and initially went to sea aboard an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. “In addition to working as a mariner in the cruise industry, I also have sailed as a bosun aboard commercial ships, cable ships and container ships,” he told his union brothers and sisters. “I learned a great deal during the course, and it is an honor to be a part of this class,” Giray continued. “I’m very grateful to the people who made it possible for me to have this opportunity— President (Michael) Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez and the other members of the staff….thank you all very much.” He also expressed his gratitude to Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz and Patrolman Frank Iverson for their unwavering support. Giray applauded the school’s vocational department and its instructors for “a job well done” and expressed gratitude “to the entire Paul Hall Center staff for their accommodations and superior service while I was here.” “Study hard and ask questions,” Giray told the trainees. “You should always listen, pay attention to your superiors and work as a team. Go out there and do the very best you can, and no matter what, never give up.” Teichman is a highly seasoned veteran of the seas, having sailed for more than 43 years—the last 18 or so with the SIU. He noted that in addition to working as a member of the unlicensed crew, he previously had sailed as a mate and a chief engineer. He lauded the officers and staff of the school and throughout the SIU, as well as those at the various ports “for their work and consistent efforts to keep union jobs going here in the United States. Going to sea has enabled me to enjoy complete financial independence. “I learned a lot during this class,” continued Teichman, who sails out of San Francisco. “My eyes were opened to a great many facts about the work that goes on behind the scenes. I’d especially like to thank (SIU Vice President Contracts) George Tricker who used to be my port agent in Los Angeles and Augie Tellez who gave me an awful lot of information in the time we had together. And to Mike Sacco, thank you very much.” Turning to the trainees, Teichman said, “You need to remember all of those who have gone before you and always think of those who will come after you and take care of you. Just do your jobs when you go to sea and everything will be fine for you.” Spending time at the Paul Hall Center is becoming a regular occurrence for Barnes, who has upgraded his skills at the institution twice in the past. He sails out of the port of Tacoma, Wash. and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. “I joined the SIU in 1992 and have seven years in the U.S. Navy and a stint in the oil patch,” Barnes said. “I’ve sailed with various companies on tankers, bulkers, containerships and in capacities from AB to bosun. “I’ve been to three different countries during my career,” he continued, “but my most memorable was South Africa where I met my wife of seven years.” Commenting on his recertification instruction, Barnes offered, “I gained good insights about contracts and benefits during my training. This was a real help to me because on the ships, you don’t want to give wrong answers to questions. “The instructors were very knowledgeable and just great to be around,” he continued. “I’d like to thank the school staff for a very memorable stay here and I salute the union’s officials for their hard work during the 2006 negotiations. “To the trainees, as a bosun, I want to tell you to always be ready to give 100 percent without a squabble,” Barnes said. And when you are at sea, “there’s never a wrong question, so don’t be afraid to ask it. We’re all out there to make a living for our families, ourselves and to safeguard the future of the SIU. So always give your best,” he concluded. Itima, who previously upgraded in 2001, sails out of the port of Houston and has been going to sea for more than a quarter-century. He joined the NMU in 1989. Reflecting on his recent training, Itima stated that small arms training and other safety-related components of the course will help him do a better job aboard ship. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended this bosun recertification course,” he continued. “The school is well-organized and well-staffed, and the course content was thoroughly explained.” To the trainees, Itima said, “You must listen, respect those above you, study hard and work together.” Natividad sails out of San Francisco and previously has upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. “I have been shipping for 28 years, three years with the Navy, seven years MSC SIU Government Services Division,” Natividad shared during his turn at the podium. “I’ve sailed 18 years in the deep sea division as an OS, AB and bosun. I’ve sailed to Australia, Japan, India and South Africa.” He said that the course was very informative and beneficial and recognized several individuals who played key roles in his career to date. “I’d like to thank the SIU and its officers, my friend (SIU Assistant Vice President) Nick Celona, and the late SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco for their support,” Natividad said. “I also thank the Paul Hall Center and its staff for their education, training, jacket, hat and briefcase.” “To the trainees,” said Natividad, “study hard, ask questions and always have a reference book handy, or know where you can get the correct information that you will need. During phase two when you are at sea, listen to your supervisors and be proud to work together as members of the SIU team.” Natividad concluded his remarks by encouraging those present to contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation and the Maritime Defense League. “Through your donations, our union leaders will remain strong in their ongoing fight for political success for the merchant marine.” Shappo thanked the union leadership for its hard work over the years and the Paul Hall Center staff for outstanding accommodations and providing superb training during his classes. “I was a trainee here back in 1971,” said the newly recertified bosun, who sails from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. “I got a job out of here and they sent me to San Francisco on a containership that took me to Honolulu and then back to Oakland.” Shappo over the years has sailed to many foreign countries including Egypt where “I got to go to the Pyramids and to the Cairo Museum. I also saw King Tut’s treasures and the mummies. That was very rewarding. “When you go on the ship, the old-timers can tell you a lot,” Shappo told the trainees. “Don’t think you know everything; instead, listen to them because these guys have been at it a long time and they worked hard to learn what they have. Pay attention and try to learn from them. You can make some money out there, have plenty of time off and see the world.” Gumiran thanked the vocational staff for providing him and classmates with a very informative training experience. A member of the SIU since 1990, he sails out of the port of San Francisco. He lauded union officials for the fine job they are doing in leading the organization. Gumiran was direct and extremely matter-of-fact in his remarks to the trainees. “Do what you are told and do not be lazy, lazy and lazy.” Palen is no stranger to the Paul Hall Center. Prior to entering bosun recertification training, he upgraded his skills twice at the institution. He joined the SIU in 1992 and sails out of the port of Norfolk, Va. Palen thanked the union for providing him with the opportunities he has had so far in his career. He indicated that his training was very beneficial, and he praised the school and its vocational staff for their professionalism. He told the trainees, “The SIU will supply you with the skills you need succeed.” “I joined the SIU in 1979 when I was 18 and have been shipping for 28 years,” said Wade. “It seem like it was just yesterday that I was in Bungalow 9 getting my head shaved (as part of the entry requirements for the trainee program).” He sails out of the port of Houston and has visited ports in Africa, Northern Europe, the Philippines and Japan, among other places. Commenting on his training, Continued on page 10 June 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 1:02 PM Page 7 9 Scholarships Awarded to Seafarers, Dependents SEAFARERS Rahul Bagchi of Ansonia, Ct., who joined the SIU in 1996, is the recipient of a $15,000, three-year scholarship for SIU members. His goal is to attend SUNY Maritime College in New York or the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and become a marine engineer. Born and raised in India and completing high school there, he relocated to the United States and served in the U.S. Navy for two years, sailing on SIU’s Government Services Division ships and retiring with an honorable discharge and numerous awards. He then graduated with a 3.54 GPA from a 9month certificate program in marine engineering offered by the Maritime Training Center in Seattle, which is a branch of Seattle Central Community College. For the past 10 years with the SIU, Bagchi has sailed as a QMED. He has furthered his education by upgrading at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. while continuing to learn as much as possible on the job. He received the United States Merchant Marine Expeditionary Award for his contributions supporting American and international coalition military forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom while working on the Cape John and Gus Darnell. Bagchi hopes his scholarship winnings will allow him to complete the education he wants for the career he loves. Ken Stathos of Hollywood, Fla. has been a member of the SIU since 1993, graduating at the top of his class from the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center. His first ship was the Sealift Arctic. After sailing in all three departments, he upgraded to AB in 1998. Stathos graduated from Evergreen Park High School in Illinois and also has a certificate from Sheridan Technical in Hollywood, Fla. and a number of credits from Governors State University and Moraine Valley Community College (both in Illinois). He now has been accepted into an 18-month program at Sanford-Brown Institute in Ft. Lauderdale, and will use his $6,000 scholarship to earn an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. In an autobiographical statement accompanying his scholarship application, Stathos states he will always be grateful to the SIU for enabling him to do and see so many things. But now with a wife and new baby boy, he feels it’s time for him to come ashore and spend more time with his family. Stathos put a lot of thought into his new career and is excited about going to school to be an ultrasound technician. For AB Karen Domerego of Costa Mesa, Calif., the $6,000, two-year scholarship award will take her into the nursing field at Goldenwest College in Westminster, Calif. Domerego graduated in 1987 from Silverado High School in Mission Viejo, Calif. She got a receptionist job straight out of high school and proceeded to learn the job from top to bottom—everything from accounting, filing, benefits administration, customer service, payroll and union submittals. With that experience, she became controller at another company and then moved to Hawaii at age 30, where she took a job on the Independence, an American Hawaii Cruise Ship. That was her introduction into the merchant marine. She has upgraded numerous times since then at the Paul Hall Center, and most recently sailed as an AB aboard the Sea-Land Lightning. At a 2003 Maritime Day ceremony in Washington, D.C., Domerego received a Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and a certificate from U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert for her service as an AB aboard the Cape John during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Domerego wants to continue her education, aspiring to earn a degree in nursing. She believes a nursing degree would be a wonderful career move, especially with her love of helping people. But, she notes, she intends to keep sailing, and expressed her gratitude to the SIU for all it has done for her. June 2006 F our 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. A total of $132,000 is being offered in this year’s program. One Seafarer was awarded a $15,000 scholarship for study at a four-year college or university; two were given $6,000 stipends; and one was presented with $5,000 to complete his mate’s license. The five dependents each were awarded a $20,000, four-year scholarship. One this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the nine collegebound students. Brian McLarnon of Wilmington, N.C. is passionate about his seafaring career and is thankful to the SIU for the opportunities he has been given. He believes, however, he could advance his career and better represent the union and the maritime industry as a licensed officer. His $5,000, one-year scholarship will help him attain that goal by studying for his mate’s license at the Pacific Maritime Institute in Seattle, Wash. With a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of North Carolina in 1995 and a 1999 honorable discharge from his two years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, McLarnon has been sailing as a tankerman with the SIU since 2000. Since then, he has upgraded his skills a number of times at the Paul Hall Center, and is now ready to go the extra step to further his career. DEPENDENTS It’s been a long and somewhat difficult road for Renee Dunham-Jones of Jacksonville, Fla., but today she knows what she wants, and her $20,000, four-year scholarship will help her get it: an undergraduate degree and then a master’s degree in human services, so she can continue to counsel teenagers and young adults. As a child growing up in the inner city, Dunham-Jones aspired to be a journalist. After losing out on an opportunity for a scholarship, she dropped out of high school (although she later earned her GED) and had four children by the time she was 26. She worked her way up in a law firm to the position of supervisor of the deposition department (from which she is now retired), but along the way got mixed up in the drug scene. With a lot of hard work and self-reliance, she pulled herself up and began going out on street ministry, talking to people about God, faith and life, in general. She started college in 2004 in the field of human services, counseling and addictions and will earn her A.S. degree this summer from Florida Community College in Jacksonville. She then will continue her higher education in the fall at Springfield College in Tampa, working toward her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Dunham-Jones is the wife of Raymond Jones, a recertified steward, who has been an SIU member since 1969. He most recently worked on the Richard G. Matthiesen. Ryan Kirby, 18, graduated this month from Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, N.J. Inducted into the National Honor Society in 2004, Kirby also played soccer and baseball throughout his high school career, earning varsity letters in both. He also was a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the Spanish Club, Ambassador’s Club and Hospitality Club. Along with his rigorous academic and extracurricular activities, Kirby also found time to volunteer outside of school, including involvement with the Knights of Columbus and other charitable works. In the fall, Kirby plans to use his $20,000 scholarship to pursue his studies in civil engineering, heavily favoring the University of Maryland at College, Park, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. or Drexel University in Philadelphia. After getting his engineering license, he hopes to go into business with his brother, who is currently studying for his master’s degree in architecture. Kirby is the son of Lois and Michael Kirby, a deep sea member since 1970, who presently is working as a second pumpman aboard the Seabulk Power. Her love for school has led Suci Madjidji to consider a career in education, and she would like to have the same impact on others through teaching that her teachers had on her. Madjidji’s parents, who always stressed to her the importance of education, moved to the United States from Indonesia when she was a year old. As the 17-year-old graduates this month from Pocono Mountain West High School in Pocono Summit, Pa., she has definitely taken their words to heart. In addition to her heavy academic load, she was a member of the student council for three years, a member of the public relations committee, helped write a student council newsletter, among other activities, and was considered “a valuable team player.” Madjidji understands how fortunate she is to be able to attend college and hopes to use her $20,000 scholarship to earn a degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She is the daughter of Cut Zurnita and Sjamsidar Madjidji, a QMED who joined the SIU in 1981. It has been quite an adjustment for Shaval Stewart this year, graduating from Apopka High School in Apopka, Fla. after she and her family were forced to move from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina at the beginning of her senior year. But she kept her spirits high and did not allow the Katrina disaster to prevent her from achieving her goals in life, foremost of which is to attend college. At her school in New Orleans, Stewart had participated in the marching band, concert band and New Orleans all star marching band. While at Apopka, she was in Junior ROTC and a member of the National Honor Society. The 17-year-old would like to be the first person in her family “to attend college and to make a difference in the world.” She plans to use her $20,000 grant to study business administration and finance, and has applied to Xavier University in New Orleans, Northwestern State University in Louisiana, and Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss. Stewart is the daughter of Tracy and Mark Stewart, an inland member since 1987, who currently is working as an AB aboard Crowley Marine Service’s tug Gauntlet. Having just graduated this month from D.H. Conley High School in Greenville, N.C., Kayla Watson is now ready to tackle the demands of college. Her four-year, $20,000 scholarship will certainly help her as she pursues a career in the nursing field at East Carolina University in Greenville. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in nursing, she hopes to further her education by obtaining a master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner. Watson has always been interested in a career in the medical field and believes she has the compassion, loyalty and dependability needed to be successful in her chosen profession. The 17-year-old has an exceptional high school academic record and was one of the top students in her class. She was involved in many school and community events, including participation in the Beta Club, Latin Club and numerous honor societies. She also received several outstanding awards such as being named a Health Science Academy Ambassador, National Society of High Schools Scholar and National Honor Roll Inductee. Watson also was a member of the volunteer program at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. She volunteered at a local therapeutic horseback riding program and participated in community volunteer work with her church youth group. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, tap dancing and water skiing. Watson is the daughter of Candace and AB/Tankerman Randy Watson. Her father, an inland member, joined the SIU in 1978. He currently works aboard Maritrans’ tug Navigator. Seafarers LOG 7 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 8 Union Industries Show Attracts 200,000 Guests Annual Event Showcases Union-Made Goods and Services More than 200,000 visitors from the Great Lakes region recently converged on Cleveland’s I-X Center to see and hear how the nation’s union workers produce the goods and services that make life better for all Americans on a daily basis. The event was the 2006 AFLCIO America at Work Show. Sponsored by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, the May 5-7 event showcased the latest in unionmade-in-the-USA products including autos and accessories, motorcycles, hardware, clothing, sporting goods and furniture. Also featured were baked goods and groceries, appliances and housewares. Visitors had an opportunity to interact with airline pilots and travel professionals, air traffic controllers, makeup artists, cake decorators, heavy equipment operators and others from a myriad of different professions. The SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) shared a booth promoting both organizations as well as their respective contracted companies. Overall, hundreds of exhibits— which together covered more than 400,000 square feet of floor space—were available to afford visitors an up-close look at a wide range of union occupations and the skills and training required to perform those jobs. Show-goers also talked with skilled workers in various crafts and trades along with the men and women who serve as instructors in dozens of union apprenticeship and training programs. More than $1 million in products and services were given away during the three-day show. Among big-ticket products and services that were handed out to visitors as prizes was the SIU/UIW grand prize—an allexpense-paid seven-day Hawaii cruise for two, which was donated by SIU-contracted NCL America. Other high-priced prizes included a top-of-the-line Harley Davidson motorcycle; new cars from Ford and DaimlerChrysler; groceries, tools, household goods and refrigerators, freezers, washers and dryers. UIW-contracted companies that provided products to be placed on display and for giveaways during raffles were: Bron Shoe and Franklin International of Columbus, Ohio; Church and Dwight from London, Ohio; Kroger of Delaware, Ohio; Sealy Mattress of Williamsport, Md.; Juanita’s Foods of Wilmington, Calif.; Cott Beverages, USA of San Bernardino, Calif.; The Queen Mary Hotel of Long Beach, Calif.; La Victoria Foods of Rosemead, Calif. and Del Monte of Terminal Island, Calif. “In my view, the show was a total success,” said UIW National Director John Spadaro, who worked the event from start to finish. “Turnout was impressive each day and the people were Members of the SIU/UIW booth crew, right and behind tables, keep the guests happy as another raffle takes place. extremely friendly and courteous. “A lot of visitors stopped by our booth and asked questions about the unions and the SIU- and UIW-contracted companies where many of our brothers and sisters work,” Spadaro continued. “Hopefully the responses we provided someday might influence them to become involved in the union movement.” “It was truly an extraordinary show,” said Charles Mercer, president of the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department. “Attendance was good all three days, but we really were surprised by the turnout we had on Sunday. It was a beautiful day in Cleveland, the NBA playoffs were on television, but throngs of people still came out. We all were very pleased.” Mercer added that the event’s exhibitors were amazed by the high level of interest visitors displayed at this year’s event. “The exhibitors I spoke with said this show was perhaps the best we’ve had in recent years,” Mercer said. “According to them, visitors really got involved in the activities this year. They stopped by booths, asked exhibitors thoughtprovoking questions and generally demonstrated a keen interest in what was going on. This made for a unique experience for the exhibitors.” Just as in years past, the SIU/UIW booth was very popular among show visitors. Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland (D), fourth from left, joined the SIU/UIW contingent for a photo. With Strickland are (from left) AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive SecretaryTreasurer Frank Pecquex; UIW West Coast Region VP Herb Perez; UIW Great Lakes Region VP Bill Ellis; UIW National Director John Spadaro and UIW Great Lakes Asst. VP Bob Love. UIW National Director John Spadaro, right, calls out the name of a winner, while UIW Great Lakes Asst. VP Bob Love, left, draws another ticket. Looking into the crowd to spot the previous winner, center, is UIW Great Lakes Region VP Bill Ellis. St. Louis PMC Honors 4 Aloha from Aboard the Aloha Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio (center) submitted this photo of crew members aboard the Seafarers-contracted NCL America cruise ship Pride of Aloha. Also pictured are (from left) Assistant Carpenters Arturo Orcino Jr., Wilfredo Lansangan, Mike Tadlip and Carlos Velasquez. Remetio included a note thanking the LOG staff and encouraging fellow mariners to stay up-to-date on the latest SIU news. (We would have published the photo anyway. Honestly.) 8 Seafarers LOG Four pro-worker individuals were honored May 6 at the St. Louis Port Maritime Council’s 26th annual dinner. Pictured in the top photo are Jack Martorelli, vice president of the port council; Vergil Belfi, president of Operating Engineers Local 2 and the port council’s Labor Man of the Year; Mark Lamping, president of the St. Louis Cardinals (Management Man of the Year); The Honorable Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County executive (Government Man of the Year); Angelo Russo, retired vice president, Chemical Workers (Joseph Sacco Friend of Labor); Jerry Feldhaus, executive secretary-treasurer, St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council; and Michael Sacco, president, AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department as well as president of the SIU. Pictured at right (from left) at the event are Lt. Col. Todd Robbins of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez; Lt. Gen. Robert Dail, deputy commander, TRANSCOM; and Captain Robert Johnston, senior vice president of SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group. June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:09 PM Page 9 Spica Locates Downed Marine Helicopters The U.S. Military Sealift Command recently reported that the combat stores ship USNS Spica—crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division—conducted search and rescue operations off the coast of Djibouti, Africa on Feb. 17 after two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 heavy transport helicopters crashed. The accident occurred during a routine training mission off the coast of Djibouti, a small east African country bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, between Eritrea and Somalia. The two Marine helicopters were carrying 12 people. Two individuals survived. Both the Spica’s master and its officer-in-charge credited CIVMARS for their professional, brave response throughout the mission. From the Spica’s perspective, the ordeal began at 10:20 p.m. while the vessel was about 53 nautical miles from the reported crash site. At that time, Spica Capt. Michael Flanagan received the call to help. “We turned around and headed at maximum speed to Bab el Mandab on the Djibouti side,” Flanagan said. The Spica’s Puma helicopter pilots Dari Khosrovschahi and Wade Huddleston got airborne right away, scouring the ocean for any sign of survivors. The Puma relieved a French helicopter that had arrived earlier. The Spica was the first coalition ship to arrive on site, MSC reported, anchoring about two miles off shore. Flanagan learned that Djiboutian military members near the impact site pulled two survivors from the water. “The entire crew came alive on this. I mean the entire crew,” Flanagan added. “Everyone wanted to find these young Marines.” Shortly after 1 a.m., the Spica’s rigid hull/inflatable boat (RHIB) was launched with Deck Machinist Keith M. Larsen, Cargo Mate Raymond D. Barnett and SK3 James K. Stiles aboard. At the time, it was unclear whether the helicopters had crashed on land or at sea. They approached the peninsula very cautiously using night vision equipment. Within 20 minutes, they located a large piece of wreckage, rotor blades and the main body of one aircraft. No survivors were found. Puma pilots Don Willey and Greyson Morrow flew the second search and rescue mission. Additionally, another RHIB got under way to look for more wreckage, which again included Barnett as well as the Spica’s Radio Electronics Technician Brian Cottle and Deck Machinist Jose Rodriguez. The guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg arrived next along with an Italian vessel. U.S. Navy divers then entered the water and pulled the victims from the wreckage. “The crew members’ ability to stay calm under pressure and act professionally and courageously on short notice and in darkness, in a fast and furious operational tempo, was second to none,” said the Spica’s Officer-in-Charge Cmdr. Sidney J. Kim. “The list of heroes that night on the ship is essentially everyone,” Flanagan said. “I saw Boatswain Vergilio Dizon, exhausted, sleeping next to the RHIB cradle waiting for the crew members to return.” Chief Steward Wojciech “Ski” Wiatrowski stayed up to ensure all crew members involved had a late-night meal. The Spica carries a crew of 103 civilian and 26 military personnel and is one of MSC’s five combat stores ships. These vessels provide underway replenishment of supplies to U.S. Navy combat ships at sea. The ship is 524 feet long, has a beam of 72 feet and displaces 16,792 tons. Cooperative Efforts Result In NOAA Wage Gains Pay Schedules Announced for Mariners The SIU Government Services Division has been informed by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration that new pay schedules for NOAA unlicensed mariners have been calculated and forwarded to the National Finance Center (NFC) for approval and implementation. This means that NOAA unlicensed crew members will soon receive significant wage increases. The pay for federal service mariners is established by federal law Title 5, Sec. 5348. It is a system unique to the Federal Service and basically calls for the federal Union Plus Offers Discount for Consumer Reports Web Site Group also Promotes Union-Made Checks, Other Services Because of the SIU’s participation in Union Plus, Seafarers and their families are eligible for a new discount program offered through the non-profit organization which was founded by the AFL-CIO. The new program applies to Consumer Reports.org, the online presence of the Consumers Union. By signing up for an online subscription through Union Plus, union members and their families save 27 percent off the usual price. The discounted rate for an annual online subscription is $19; the normal price is $26. According to Union Plus, an online subscription to ConsumerReports.org includes web access to all of the content of the current issue of Consumer Reports magazine; all Consumers Union product reports; online discussions with Consumer Reports.org representatives; and side-by-side comparisons of various product models. The Consumers Union itself is a union shop—its employees are represented by the Communications Workers of America. In announcing the Consumer Reports discount program, Union Plus described the Consumers Union as “the nation’s most trusted source of consumer advice. Consumers Union operates the largest nonprofit educational and consumer product testing center in the world. With over 100 testing experts—and feedback from consumers like you— ConsumerReports.org gives you impartial buying recommendations that have helped millions of consumers protect their families from shoddy products and get the most for their money.” For more information, visit the following web address: www.unionplus.org/ConsumerReports. Through the main Union Plus web site (www.unionplus.org), Seafarers may view the numerous other discount programs and services for which they are eligible. One such program offers competitively priced union-made checks June 2006 The combat stores ship USNS Spica participates in an underway replenishment with aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. (www.unionplus.org/checks) bearing pro-labor messages. The checks are part of a larger service called the Union Shop, which offers many other union-made items including notepads, tote bags, mugs, shirts and more. “One of the best parts of the offer is that you gain the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping to protect American union jobs,” noted Union Plus Representative Valerie Lilja. “All the products are union-made, and workers at Union Shop are members of the Communications Workers of America.” Union Plus was founded by the AFL-CIO as Union Privilege in 1986. It is a non-profit entity which develops and manages programs that utilize the combined buying power of America’s union members to obtain top quality goods and services at competitive prices. Among many others, Union Plus programs open to Seafarers include those covering car rentals, education services, Dell computers, credit cards, online tax services, life insurance, Cingular Wireless phone service, and mortgage and real estate services. government to review private industry pay practices when establishing pay rates for the crews of the NOAA and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleets. Every year, U.S. maritime unions including the SIU, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) and the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) provide MSC with private-sector contracts to demonstrate the pay adjustments made by various U.S.-shipping companies. MSC reviews this information and then submits the changes to the Navy Wage Fixing Authority for approval. By regulation, NOAA follows MSC’s lead in establishing pay practices. This process takes a lot of time in a normal payroll year and in 2005 took longer than usual. The SIU’s Government Services Division worked diligently and engaged in ongoing discussions with NOAA to implement a different methodology for establishing wages that better reflects modern shipboard conditions and duties. The SIU’s formal proposal and a detailed wage analysis were sent to Rear Admiral Richard R. Behn, director of NOAA’s Marine and Aviation Operations Centers, and to other NOAA staff in late August 2005. During this process SIU Government Services Repre- sentative Kate Hunt and Rear Admiral Behn and his staff (especially Dale North, Mary Berklund and Capt. Jack McAdams) conducted several highly productive meetings. The meetings supported development of a very cooperative relationship between NOAA allowing the parties to reach an outcome benefiting all NOAA unlicensed crew members. Admiral Behn reviewed the submission and indicated his initial approval of the proposal to increase unlicensed wages across the board by 10 percent. Once that approval was made, the wage submission began making its way through the NOAA’s authorizing process. SIU representatives believe the result has been worth the wait. Within the next few pay periods, NOAA mariners will be receiving an approximately 3.6 percent (depending on locale) increase on base wages and overtime, retroactive to July 10, 2005 (this is the FY05 adjustment) and a 10 percent increase on base wages and overtime retroactive to Jan. 8, 2006. The union’s initiatives regarding all aspects of pay policies and work rules are meant to support improvement in the economic lives of unlicensed mariners and their families. The union believes that NOAA will benefit from these wage adjustments because competitive earnings in this fleet will result in NOAA becoming a premier employer in the maritime industry—and more shipboard personnel will be willing to consider positions with this agency. Full Book for Seafarer Dumlao Union Plus For general information about Union Plus programs, union members may call 1 (800) 452-9425 or (202) 293-5330 in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Detailed program information is available online at www.unionplus.org. Firsttime visitors to the site will be prompted to select their union from a list so that they may view all programs for which they are eligible. Seafarer Dominic Dumlao (center) received his SIU full book during the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Dumlao, who sails in the steward department, was given the oath by SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) and was congratulated by SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) along with other officials. Dumlao first sailed with the SIU in 2003. Seafarers LOG 9 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 1:03 PM Page 10 Seafarers Honored on Maritime Day Continued from page 24 luncheon sponsored by the Propeller Club, saluted the accomplishments of merchant mariners and paid tribute to numerous sacrifices over the years. In making the appearance, Secretary Chao became the first secretary of labor to address the Propeller Club’s National Maritime Day luncheon. The secretary emphasized the merchant marine’s critical support role in the war on terror and for U.S. Armed Forces throughout history. “Today we reflect upon the tremendous contributions merchant mariners have made to ensuring that our country is strong, safe and free,” said Secretary Chao. “When the history of the war on terror is written, the U.S. Merchant Marine will be remembered—as it has been in every war—as vital to our victory.” In her remarks, the labor secretary noted that 8,000 merchant mariners—including members of the SIU—are crewing auxiliary vessels for the U.S. Navy that supports American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Seventy-six million square feet of cargo have been delivered by the merchant marine to American troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. “As they have in every war in our nation’s history, merchant mariners are delivering the troops and supplies needed by our armed forces. The cargo they transport is precious— some of the most expensive and complex equipment in the world,” Secretary Chao said. “It takes the tremendous skills of our country’s merchant mariners to protect and transport this cargo, especially when it is at risk on the high seas.” Commenting on the future of the merchant marine, Secretary Chao said, “The 21st century holds many challenges for the maritime industry including an anticipated doubling of cargo and passenger traffic within the next two decades. Training and the collaborative partnership between management and labor will become even more important than ever before. And recently I announced a grant under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative to the [Paul Hall Center] to train workers in MSC’s traditional wreathlaying ceremony drew a large crowd to the Washington Navy Yard. the maritime industry. “The Paul Hall Training Center in Piney Point which I visited will develop curriculum and learning tools for a variety of seafaring occupations,” Secretary Chao said. “The DOL and Seafarers also will create an apprenticeship training program for cruise ship hospitality jobs.” In the commercial arena, Secretary Chao noted the three new U.S.-flag cruise ships that will cruise Hawaii. She pointed out that the Pride of America, one of those ships, “is the first brand new U.S.-flag, oceangoing passenger ship in 50 years.” Another vessel, the Pride of Hawaii, recently was christened in Los Angeles. “Together they will create about 20,000 American jobs, of which about 3,000 to 4,000 will be seafarers’ jobs,” Secretary Chao said of the three NCL America vessels. “Let me conclude by expressing our country’s gratitude for the critical role that the U.S. Merchant Marine plays in serving our country during times of war and times of peace. They do so at great personal risk and with great distinction,” the secretary said. “Their contributions are immeasurable. Even during times of peace the life of a merchant mariner is one of sacrifice—long and lonely days at sea, separated from family and loved ones.” Secretary Chao also issued a statement recognizing the contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine. It reads in part: “I urge all Americans to pause on National Maritime Day 2006 to reflect on the service of the brave men and women who serve in 12 Recertified Bosuns Graduate Continued from page 6 Wade said, “I’d like to thank the SIU, the school and staff for this opportunity. A special thanks goes to (SIU Assistant Vice President) Jim McGee and (SIU Vice President Gulf Coast) Dean Corgey down in Houston for being good friends. “To the trainees, do the best you can and try to follow directions,” Wade added. “Bosuns are not out there to pick on anyone; they’re just trying to get the job done. Be a part of the team and help them.” Jackson thanked the union officials for their continued support and expressed his gratitude to the Paul Hall Center and vocational staff for their accommodations and academic expertise. He has been a member of the SIU for 16 years. “I have been around the world many times, seen a great deal of things and have had plenty of fun,” said the mariner who sails out of the port of Mobile. “Always listen to your department heads and veteran seamen,” 10 Seafarers LOG Jackson advised the trainees. “They will teach you the best and safest way to get a job done. Work hard, learn your job well and always be willing to be a part of the team.” Richards has been sailing with the SIU since 1991. “I have sailed around the world several times and talked to everyone twice,” he told his fellow union members. “I have never wanted for anything as an SIU member,” Richards, who sails out of the port of New York, continued. “The union has allowed me to pursue my dream of seeing the world, owning a home and becoming a productive member of society.” Richards expressed his thanks to the SIU and its officers as well as the Paul Hall Center and its staff for the opportunity to attend the bosun recertification course. “This had been a memorable time,” he said. “Take advantage of this opportunity,” Richards advised the trainees. “You have made the right choice. Remember to study hard, ask questions and always remember it is a team effort.” 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. “This was a nation founded and built through the contribution of merchant mariners. They have served in every American war since the American Revolution. In every conflict, America’s merchant mariners have stood by this great nation. They continue to inspire their fellow Americans. “The nation is grateful for the United States Merchant Marine’s support of our Armed Forces. Today, more than 8,000 brave merchant mariners serve in the Military Sealift Command, crewing auxiliary vessels for the United States Navy. These ships support our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. They deliver our troops and the combat gear, fuel, and other supplies all that they need to complete the liberation and reconstruction of Iraq. All told, merchant mariners have delivered more than 76 million square feet of cargo. “In war, and in peace, the men and women of the Merchant Marine serve their nation today with the same professionalism as they have in the past. “The contributions that merchant mariners make to this nation are immeasurable, and we all recognize the sacrifices they make so we can enjoy our freedom here at home and abroad. So on National Maritime Day 2006, a grateful nation gives its thanks to the merchant mariners who sacrificed for us in the past and who honor us today with their committed service.” Wreath-Laying Ceremony Joshua M. Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, served as the guest speaker at the National Maritime Day ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. In his remarks, Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly, Jr., commander, Military Sealift Command, welcomed those in attendance and expressed his appreciation for the large turnout. Paying tribute to past and present mariners, the MSC commander said, “Merchant mariners have been a crucial part of our security and prosperity since the beginning of our nation, part of a tradition of service and patriotism, an unbroken circle of heroes. From the veterans and the fallen that we honor today, to the cadets who represent those that we will honor in the future, each and every mariner, from the able seaman standing watch to the CEO of the ship operating company—all are a vital part of that circle of service.” Admiral Reilly said that for more than half a century, the Military Sealift Command has benefited from the professionalism and expertise of America’s merchant mariners. “Whenever, wherever, when duty called, they delivered. “They’ve been out there, and are still out there today,” Admiral Reilly continued, “standing strong behind our war fighters, out at the pointed end of the spear, where combat readiness means survival as well as success, and where combat readiness depends on us and our promise to deliver; wherever, whenever. “MSC’s merchant mariners are delivering today, aboard more than 110 Military Sealift Command ships around the world,” he concluded. “We’re proud of our mariners, so it is fitting that today we express the great debt of gratitude we owe to them, the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Bosun’s Newsletter a Welcome Distraction When Recertified Bosun Daniel Teichman first wrote and distributed a shipboard newsletter, he had a simple goal. “I started it years ago, on a tanker,” Teichman recalled. “There was a lot of stress among the crew, so I wrote a newsletter to bring everybody together and give them something to talk about other than each other. That’s really the reason I still do it.” Teichman normally circulates his missives every other week when he’s sailing. The newsletter’s content usually is a mix of practical tips and observations. The formatting is very basic, along the lines of a business memo, and the title is equally to the point: “Bosn’s Newsletter.” He gives copies to unlicensed and licensed mariners alike and gets “good feedback, including requests and suggestions. Some are indifferent but most enjoy it. It does cause a lot of conversation.” The newsletter’s length varies—sometimes it’s a single page, other times it’s much longer. Below is the content of Teichman’s most recent holiday edition. (They aren’t always this sentimental. The other sample he gave the LOG covered some of the intricacies of real estate transactions.) Bosn’s Newsletter A CHRISTMAS STORY “I Believe in Santa Claus” Every trip to sea I write this newsletter to maybe lift your spirits with a little trivia, to cause conversation and debate. Whether you agree with me or disagree, it will cause you to interact with those you otherwise may not have. Here in this microcosm of society we occasionally must reach out for each other. In my family on Christmas Eve we don’t open presents (that is for the morning). Instead, for just 10 minutes we shut off the TVs and stereos, and with just the season’s warm lights we all close our eyes and try to hear the angels sing. We try to remember that it is not what you take with you when you leave this world, but what you leave behind. Yes, even in my advanced years, I believe. I must, for I am a man of the sea. I like the idea, I love the feeling and I liken this to the man for which one celebrates Christmas. You cannot see Recertified Bosun Daniel Teichman him, but you can talk to him and certainly if he lives in the hearts of man then perhaps there is a little room in there for old Chris Cringle, too. We who go to sea must believe at this time of year, and indeed at all times when we leave our loved ones, that we are there with them always. We are the sunlight in their hair to keep them warm, we are the whisper of the wind through the trees to guide them and give them comfort. We are their eagle to make their spirits soar. We must find our own comforts in what we believe, and I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower blooms and even in the darkest night, a candle burns for me somewhere to light my way home. It is my wish for each of you now and in the New Year that you find joy, in both your personal and professional lives. Seek this: demand of yourself first and not of others. Be the best friend, the best fountain of understanding, the essence of courtesy. Live your lives in a manner so when you close your eyes, you do not see any ghosts. From myself and my family, the best holiday wishes, and may your New Year be bountiful and all your dreams be fulfilled. — BOS’N June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:10 PM Page 11 SA Catalino Diaz (right) receives his first pension check from Port Agent Amanacio Crespo at the hall in San Juan. Chief Steward Juan Vallejo, who just got off the El Yunque, is ready for a vacation with his wife, Odaliz. Following a recent payoff in San Juan aboard the El Morro, Chief Cook Nelson Morales (left) and AB Roger Plaud get a jazz practice session going. Spotlight on Puerto Rico Ready for another voyage are AB Sergio Gonzalez (left) and AB Hector Serrano. They will be flying out to join the Cleveland in Poland. Chief Cook Antonio Mendez (right) shows Port Agent Amancio Crespo the diploma he recently was awarded for completion of a chief cook course at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. After 40 years as a merchant mariner, SA Americo Garayua receives his first pension check from Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the SIU hall in San Juan. Garayua noted that the maritime industry has been a big part of his life for all these years, and if he were to be reborn, he’d do it all over again! Luis Roman (left) chats with Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hall. Roman is assistant port agent and a former crane maintenance electrician for Navieras de Puerto Rico. Relaxing in the San Juan hall are QMED Orlando Herrera (right) and Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Prior to payoff and the union membership meeting aboard the El Morro, Recertified Bosun Robert Grubbs (left) and the ship’s third mate perform a routine inspection of the life boats. Recertified Bosuns (from the left) Patrick Ray, Eric Perez and Tony Mercado have a lot in common to discuss. Chief Cook Nelson Morales prepares lunch on board the El Morro prior to payoff. June 2006 Left: Port Agent Amancio Crespo is flanked by QMED/Electrician Manuel Quinonez Cardona (left), who was in the hall filing for his pension, and Capt. Felix Aguilar, an inland pensioner. Seafarers LOG 11 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:10 PM Page 12 Baltimore Welcomes F Above: A conch shell blower is painted on one side of the ship’s hull. ollowing its transatlantic voyage in April, the SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii was presented to the public for the first time in the port of Baltimore. Nearly 400 Seafarers were aboard the 93,500-ton vessel during the crossing. They worked in all three departments, practicing for the required fire and life boat tests, assisting in getting furniture in place, setting up the bars and generally helping clean up the areas and readying them for the ship’s first passengers. Approximately 600 more crew members, who completed their training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., joined the ship in Baltimore, where the vessel also underwent inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard. SIU officials and guests had an opportunity to board the cruise ship in Baltimore and get a closer look at the magnificent vessel. It also was the first time many of the waiters and bartenders got to do the jobs for which they have been well prepared and trained. From Baltimore, the ship headed to Miami and then through the Panama Canal on its way to San Francisco and inaugural ceremonies in Los Angeles before joining its sister ships, the Pride of Aloha and the Pride of America on their seven-day cruises around the Hawaiian islands. Left: Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and Waiter Vittoria Rodgers Below (from left): SIU Atlantic Coast VP Joe Soresi, Bosun Victor Mariano, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram Wiper Isaac Jackson Luxuries Abound On Board Vessel There are a lot of windows on the ship. Keeping them clean are (from left) AB Todd Peden and AB Tirso Sarmiento. The food is great, according to (from left) Asst. Reefer Engineer Romeo Ochavillo, Wiper Fidel Pascua, Engine Repairman Severino Culajara Jr., OS Carlos Navarro and Engine Repairman Emilio Ordaniel. 12 Seafarers LOG While not the largest ship on the seas, at 93,500 tons, and with 1,100 crew members and a passenger capacity of 2,146, the Pride of Hawaii comes close and, in fact, enters the history books as the largest U.S.-flagged passenger ship ever built. There are more than 1,000 cabins within the 15 decks, each of which features cherry wood finishing, refrigerators, tea and coffee makers, and large bathrooms. Two garden villas (with their own private gardens, sun decks, whirlpool, concierge service) and 10 courtyards villas (that share a courtyard, pool and sun deck) as well as one top-of-the-ship owner’s suite are options for Pride of Hawaii passengers. Additionally, some of the standard cabins can interconnect to create two, three, four or five bedroom areas suitable for small or large families. NCL’s unique “freestyle” options allow passengers to take advantage of the vessel’s 10 restaurants. Plasma screens show the status of each eatery (full, moderately busy, empty) which eliminates the need to wait for service. Food for every taste is available—from steak and pasta to elegant French bistros or sushi and tapas bars, among others. “Bar Central” is a connected martini bar, champagne and wine bar, and a beer and whisky pub. Other amenities include a spa and state-of-the-art fitness center, an internet café and large theater as well as an expansive Keiki (Kids) Club and the surf-themed Wipe Out Teens’ Club. There also is a golf pro shop, sports deck complete with basketball, volleyball and tennis courts and a photo old photographs of which is owned by The Pride of Ha leave Honolulu eve day each in Hilo an each in Kahului (on (on Kauai) before h Honolulu. Color and comfo Pride of Hawaii. courtyard pools. well appointed lib ing old photograp States, and at ri mills, set up in th user has a great June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:11 PM Page 13 s the Pride of Hawaii Left: Bosun Victor Mariano (second from right) welcomes SIU officials aboard the cruise ship in Baltimore, its first port of call in the United States. From the left are VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Mariano and Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. At work and in the messhall are (from left) Deck Repairman John Nersten; AB Bill Cornelius; AB Rigo Boggeano and Carpenter Scott Paxton. Preparing hors d’oeuvres are (from left) Chef Tournant Noel C. Mok and Executive Sous Chef Patrick Clarke (in blue) and Cook Morgan Maestas. gallery. Shore excursions are available at each port, and other activities (e.g., art auctions, health and wellness program, cooking demonstration) are offered—or passengers can simply relax and enjoy not having any schedule to follow. The interior design highlights Hawaii’s rich history and culture. The exterior hull art depicts a hula dancer on one side and a conch shell blower on the other joined by a colorful hibiscus lei. The library, named in honor of the S.S. United States (which entered service in 1952 and won the title as the fastest ocean liner when it smashed transatlantic speed records on its first two crossings) has a wide selection of reading material and some interesting hs of the S.S. United States, d by NCL. of Hawaii is scheduled to u every Monday and spend a lo and Kona and two days ui (on Maui) and Nawiliwili fore heading back to omfort abound aboard the awaii. At left is one of the ools. Above is part of the ted library with its interestographs of the S.S. United at right is a row of treadin the exerise room so the great view of the ocean. June 2006 When the cruise ship first docked in Baltimore, some of the waiters were lined up, ready to greet the guests. From the left are Katy Flint, Patti Morgan, Shannon Wright, Colette DiMarco, Jennifer Hastings, Michelle Campbell and Ryan York. Right: Junior Waiter Jamie Knaebel gets practice helping serve during the crew’s lunch. Seafarers LOG 13 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 2:21 PM Page 14 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS MEDICAL CENTER FUND This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Plan, EIN 942430964 for the year ended June 30, 2005. 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 the Trust. Plan expenses were $11,130,361. These expenses included $884,922 in administrative expenses and $10,245,439 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 3,382 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 $138,101,966 as of July 31, 2005, compared to $135,749,137 as of August 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,352,829. 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 $13,483,190, including employer contributions of $33,071, losses of $456,204 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $13,904,788 and other income of $1,535. 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 administrator’s office of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone (415) 7644990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $17.75 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 at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 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. Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(216,505) as of June 30, 2005, compared to $(453,765) as of July 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $237,260. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $620,489 including employer contributions of $595,753, earnings from investments of $128 and other income of $24,608. Plan expenses were $383,229. These expenses included $275,167 in administrative expenses and $108,062 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 information 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; telephone (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 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 730 Harrison Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94107, 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 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 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, 2005. 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 the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a trust fund. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $1,282,960 as of July 31, 2005, compared to $1,618,698 as of August 1, 2004. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $335,738. 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 $8,717,763, including employer contributions of $8,669,159, losses of $20,109 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $67,894 and other income of $819. Plan expenses were $9,053,501. These expenses included $484,559 in administrative expenses and $8,568,942 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. 14 Seafarers LOG 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 Fund, Inc., at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.75 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 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 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 June 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 2:37 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea July & August 2006 Membership Meetings APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2006 *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 2 0 5 11 5 11 45 20 0 16 10 33 15 4 1 9 17 0 32 33 2 5 5 24 6 10 29 22 3 10 9 26 14 10 26 3 10 3 36 24 3 2 0 7 3 0 13 7 0 2 7 11 4 0 1 0 1 0 7 12 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 0 3 9 1 7 27 18 0 9 9 20 11 4 0 4 12 0 21 21 269 277 80 178 0 0 3 6 0 6 20 13 1 9 12 14 7 1 2 3 7 1 13 15 1 2 3 9 3 2 12 17 2 6 4 7 15 2 3 6 4 0 15 9 0 0 1 3 1 1 10 7 0 0 0 5 13 1 0 0 2 0 3 7 0 0 3 4 0 4 14 13 1 2 4 4 4 1 3 5 5 1 11 8 133 122 54 1 0 4 3 3 9 23 11 0 5 3 20 6 1 5 1 20 1 19 29 0 0 1 4 2 3 8 10 0 2 2 6 8 2 2 1 3 1 5 10 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 3 0 2 2 6 3 0 1 0 2 0 3 2 Trip Reliefs 187 1 0 1 1 0 0 9 3 1 2 1 8 5 0 0 0 2 0 7 2 43 0 0 7 9 0 4 24 11 0 2 3 6 16 1 1 4 6 3 13 14 124 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 87 0 1 4 4 0 1 12 14 0 2 4 5 10 1 3 0 5 1 7 4 78 0 0 2 0 0 1 6 5 0 2 0 3 8 0 0 1 0 0 2 5 35 0 0 3 1 0 1 9 9 1 2 0 6 5 1 1 2 5 0 4 6 56 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 4 3 1 8 18 15 0 1 2 12 5 3 2 1 20 2 11 9 164 70 28 117 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 4 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 4 1 0 1 2 4 2 9 21 11 1 4 3 38 17 0 24 1 13 3 16 8 2 4 1 9 4 7 16 19 2 0 5 16 22 0 20 0 12 0 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 1 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 1 5 0 4 1 0 0 0 6 2 3 3 9 0 3 2 4 7 0 1 1 9 2 7 7 66 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 3 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 14 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 2 2 3 2 2 16 8 0 4 3 14 14 0 11 1 7 0 5 3 0 2 1 2 2 4 9 3 1 0 2 3 10 0 13 0 3 0 6 6 Piney Point .............Monday: July 3, August 7 Algonac ..................Friday: July 7, August 11 DECK DEPARTMENT 1 2 7 15 5 4 25 20 1 3 7 14 15 3 13 4 6 4 25 13 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 5 2 0 3 6 5 0 2 2 8 5 0 0 2 9 0 8 2 0 0 8 17 5 14 79 54 0 20 24 72 21 5 2 12 30 1 64 53 2 11 10 33 11 18 44 39 4 17 9 44 26 9 20 11 17 7 57 42 3 4 1 13 5 2 31 18 0 2 9 20 10 2 1 0 5 2 15 20 Baltimore ................Thursday: July 6, August 10 Norfolk ...................Thursday: July 6, August 10 481 431 163 0 0 5 13 2 8 27 30 0 13 16 27 12 1 4 4 12 2 25 21 2 1 4 14 7 7 18 24 2 13 4 21 20 3 3 6 13 4 30 17 1 0 1 6 1 5 13 9 1 2 1 11 11 1 2 1 4 0 3 10 222 213 83 1 0 6 7 3 21 40 22 1 9 4 38 12 2 7 2 36 2 32 51 0 0 2 8 3 9 11 18 0 4 6 15 19 2 5 3 1 1 7 12 0 0 3 5 0 0 4 6 1 4 3 6 4 0 1 0 1 0 4 9 59 296 126 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 2 8 6 0 1 2 6 0 0 0 1 5 0 4 2 3 2 7 10 2 17 34 21 1 8 5 78 19 0 24 4 20 4 31 14 3 5 1 19 8 13 35 34 2 4 7 39 26 0 22 1 15 0 23 20 25 178 157 26 97 67 0 37 304 277 591 647 319 408 428 159 239 1,036 1,074 574 Boston.....................Friday: July 7, August 11 Guam ......................Thursday: July 20, August 24 Honolulu .................Friday: July 14, August 18 Houston ..................Monday: July 10, August 14 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 6, August 10 Joliet .......................Thursday: July 13, August 17 Mobile ....................Wednesday: July 12, August 16 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 11, August 15 New York................Wednesday: July 5* .................................Tuesday: August 8 .................................(*change created by Independence Day holiday) Philadelphia ............Wednesday: July 5, August 9 Port Everglades.......Thursday: July 13, August 17 San Francisco .........Thursday: July 13, August 17 San Juan..................Thursday: July 6, August 10 St. Louis..................Friday: July 14, August 18 Tacoma ...................Friday: July 21, August 25 Wilmington ...........Monday: July 18 ..............................Tuesday: August 22* .................................(*change created by Paul Hall Day holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals DAVID BALLARD Mickey Noble, a shipmate from aboard the Steel Executive, would like to get in touch with you and catch up on old times. Call him at (415) 235-1432. RUSSELL LEE and AMERICUS BELL Leo Castro would like to hear from you. Call him on his cell phone at (713) 443-1301. Correction A photo caption in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG listed an incorrect title for Coastal Maritime CFO Kathy Wiley. The LOG regrets the error. *“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 2006 Seafarers LOG 15 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:11 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 7 6 4 1 11 1 0 3 33 0 4 0 1 12 1 1 1 20 0 2 4 0 1 0 0 3 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 8 6 1 14 1 0 3 10 1 2 0 0 2 1 1 1 7 0 2 4 0 1 0 0 4 11 0 9 4 1 5 0 0 2 21 17 30 1 14 38 0 1 1 102 9 10 2 10 27 0 1 0 59 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 3 1 0 4 0 1 1 10 5 18 1 5 20 0 0 3 52 2 6 0 2 10 0 0 0 20 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 9 1 1 6 0 0 1 22 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 1 8 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 Port 4 4 2 0 5 0 0 1 16 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 3 2 2 5 1 0 0 15 0 3 1 0 6 0 0 1 11 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 2 1 5 1 0 0 15 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 5 4 19 3 4 11 2 0 0 43 2 7 0 2 9 0 0 0 20 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 6 Totals All Departments 70 39 16 68 17 15 36 197 99 18 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Alfred Porcari of Howard Beach, N.Y. They were taken aboard the old Liberty ship Lewis Emery Jr. in 1954. The vessel was carrying coal from Japan to Korea on a 6-month trip. In the photo at right, ABs are tying up the ship in Japan. The Seafarer in the center is Agustin Tellez, father of SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. Below left: Crew members “shoot the breeze on the #4 hatch. That’s what we used to do in the old days,” wrote Porcari in a note accompanying the pictures. Below right: “The wheelhouse had portholes, so when we had to steer in tight places, like the Panama Canal, as in the picture, we had to steer on the open flying bridge.” Porcari joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1947 and retired in 1991. 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 June 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:13 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 KENNETH ADAMCZAK, 66, joined the union in 1977. Brother Adamczak initially sailed on the J.T. Hutchinson. The Michigan native worked in the engine department. In 2000, Brother Adamczak attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the El Morro. Brother Adamczak is a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. HERMAN BERGERON JR., 62, became an SIU member in 1964. Brother Bergeron was born in Louisiana. He worked in the engine department. Brother Bergeron’s first ship was the Penn Sailor. He lives in Harvey, La. RAYMOND COOLEY, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1989. Brother Cooley first shipped on board the PFC James Anderson Jr. The deck department member, who was born in Georgia, last sailed aboard the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. He now makes his home in Beaumont, Texas. WILSON GARCIA, 65, joined the SIU in 1969. Brother Garcia, a member of the deck department, first shipped on the Geneva. The Puerto Rico-born mariner upgraded his skills in 1976 and 2006 at the training school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently worked aboard the Horizon Mayaguez. Brother Garcia calls Penuelas, P.R. home. WALTER HARRIS, 65, joined the SIU in 1978. Brother Harris was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. His first ship was the Bradford Island. Brother Harris was a member of the deck department. He most recently worked aboard Tyco’s Decisive. Brother Harris resides in Baltimore, Md. ROBERT HINES JR., 66, embarked on his seafaring career in 1967. Brother Hines’ first ship was the Steel Voyager. He worked in the engine department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hines was born in Mississippi. His most recent voyage was on the Sgt. Matej Kocak. Brother Hines continues to live in Mississippi. TYRONE MATTHEWS, 66, began his seafaring career in 1965. The Louisiana native, who worked in all three departments, enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. June 2006 Brother Matthews last sailed aboard the El Morro. He is a resident of New Orleans. GARY PETERSON, 61, joined the union in 1971. In 1993, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Peterson was born in California. He makes his home in Fall City, Wash. TERRY RYAN, 67, launched his SIU career in 1990. Brother Ryan first sailed on the Presque Isle. Born in Minnesota, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 2000 and 2002. Brother Ryan last worked aboard the Horizon Trader. He calls St. Paul, Minn. home. RANDOLPH TANNIS, 65, became an SIU member in 1970, first shipping on the Western Clipper. Brother Tannis was born in Wisconsin and sailed in the engine department. He enhanced his skills on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Tannis’s most recent voyage was on the Maersk Missouri. He settled in Staten Island, N.Y. WILLIAM TURNER, 59, began shipping with the SIU in 1977. Brother Turner’s first voyage was aboard the Overseas Vivian. He attended classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. in 1967, 1982 and 2001. Brother Turner worked in the engine department, most recently aboard the San Juan. Born in New York, Brother Turner calls Jacksonville, Fla. home. MIGUEL VINCA, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 from the port of New York. Brother Vinca’s first ship was the USNS Capella; his last was the Cleveland. The Philippine-born mariner worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 2001 and 2004 at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Vinca now makes his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. INLAND PETER GOTTSCHALK, 65, joined the union in 1990. During his SIU career, Boatman Gottschalk shipped primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels. He was born in Germany and went to the Piney Point school on three occasions to upgrade his seafaring skills. Boatman Gottschalk is a resident of Houma, La. JOHNNY O’FERRELL, 58, hails from Rhode Island. Boatman O’Ferrell joined the SIU in 1965. He first sailed on board the Hanover in the deck department. Boatman O’Ferrell upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent voyage was on the Delta Mariner. Boatman O’Ferrell resides in Chickasaw, Ala. ERNEST PARKS JR., 62, first sailed aboard a vessel operated by Southern Carriers Corporation. The Virginia-born Parks upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Express Marine. Boatman Parks continues to live in his native commonwealth. CHARLES TELLER, 62, became a union member in 1973 in the port of Houston. Boatman Teller first sailed aboard a G&H Towing vessel. The deck department member attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Teller last shipped with Tampa Tugs. He resides in Hitchcock, Texas. ANDREW VEAL, 62, began his seafaring career in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Veal was born in North Carolina. He worked primarily with the Association of Maryland Pilots. Boatman Veal calls Crab Orchard, W.Va. home. GREAT LAKES DONALD BINKOWSKI, 65, joined the SIU in 1970. Brother Binkowski first sailed on the Kinsman Enterprise. The engine department member hails from Wisconsin. Brother Binkowski, who last shipped aboard the Saint Clair, settled in his native state. BAISEL KUVSHINIKOV, 64, began sailing with the union in 1971. Brother Kuvshinikov, who was born in Russia, worked in the engine department. He attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 2003 and most recently shipped on the Sam Laud. Brother Kuvshinikov is a resident of Thomasville, N.C. LEVI SANFORD, 64, joined the SIU in 1979. Brother Sanford sailed as a member of the deck department. He was born in Covington, Ga. and upgraded his skills in 2003 at the Piney Point school. Prior to retiring, Brother Sanford shipped on the St. Mary’s Challenger. He makes his home in Sweetwater, Tenn. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. 1940 In spite of claims by outsiders that it was impossible to get increases from the coastwise operators, the SIU negotiated with the coastwise companies and won increases of $10 per month plus an increase in the overtime rate of ten cents per hour for all departments. Companies covered by this agreement were Seatrain Line Inc., Range Lines, Canadian and Gulf Lines, Fall River Navigation Company and Waterman Steamship Corporation (for their coastwise ships). BENITO BONILLA, 66, became an NMU member in 1966 in New York. Brother Bonilla first sailed on the United States. He was born in Honduras. Brother Bonilla’s most recent voyage was aboard the Endeavor. NORMAN BUSH, 70, hails from Honduras. Brother Bush joined the union in 1984. His first ship was the Nancy Lykes. Brother Bush worked in the steward department, most recently aboard the Green Harbor. AHMED HAMID, 65, joined the NMU in 1966. Brother Hamid was born in Yemen. He first shipped on the Texaco Montana. Brother Hamid most recently worked aboard the Denali. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME HERMAN BEASLEY, 64, embarked on his NMU career in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. Brother Beasley was born in Louisiana. His first ship was the Zoelle Lykes; his last was the Lykes Explorer. AGE EDP Eldridge, Shirlie 65 May 1 Erazo, Roberto 66 April 1 Major, Alvin 62 April 1 Runyan, Ronald 70 April 1 Vargas, William 70 April 1 1970 Three SIU members who risked their lives by jumping into heavy seas to rescue two downed Air Force pilots have been awarded the Merchant Marine Meritorious Service Medal in Seattle. The Seafarers, sailing aboard the Anniston Victory, jumped into icy seas with safety lines to help the exhausted airmen aboard ship. The rescue occurred on Feb. 26, 1968. Gale conditions made launching of a lifeboat too risky. This Month In SIU History 1955 Full protection of Seafarers and their rights, including their right to the union hiring hall, is assured under the terms of a resolution on merger of the AFL and CIO which was approved by SIU of NA convention delegates. The resolution orders the SIU of NA to set up a committee which will represent the international and it affiliates in any discussions relating to merger questions. The committee, in turn, will report back to the respective affiliated unions and the international officers at an emergency convention if such becomes necessary. Medals were presented by Maritime Administration Representative Frank I. Huxtable to Ordinary Seamen James B. Harrington and Theodore Zieser and AB Morgan L. Jones in the Seattle union hall. 1985 It was a busy time in Newport News Shipyard in June as Seafarers readied theI PFC Dewayne Williams for a military career with the Maritime Preposition Fleet. Later in the month when the Williams steamed from the Newport marine terminal to the Pacific Coast to take part in her first military exercise, SIU members were on board. Seafarers LOG 17 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:14 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA RAYMOND ALLEN Pensioner Raymond Allen, 71, passed away Feb. 15. Brother Allen was born in Pennsylvania and joined the Seafarers in 1952. He first worked in the deck department aboard an Ore Navigation vessel. Brother Allen’s last voyage was on board the Del Brazil. He retired in 1990 and called Windsor Mill, Md. home. ARTHUR AUSTIN Pensioner Arthur Austin, 82, died Jan. 3. Brother Austin joined the SIU in 1966. The engine department member was a native of Honolulu. Brother Austin’s first trip to sea was on the Eagle Voyager. Prior to retiring in 1990, he sailed aboard the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Austin made his home in the state of Washington. JAMES BARNETT Pensioner James Barnett, 78, passed away Jan. 17. Brother Barnett embarked on his seafaring career in 1945. He first shipped on a Sprogue Steamship Company vessel in the steward department. Brother Barnett was born in Alabama. His last journey was aboard the Seabulk Power. Brother Barnett began his retirement in 1990 and called Mobile, Ala. home. ERNIE BODDEN Brother Ernie Bodden, 41, died Oct. 19. He began his SIU career in 1996. Brother Bodden initially shipped on the Robert E. Lee. He was born in New Orleans and most recently sailed aboard the Green Point. Brother Bodden was a resident of Louisiana. GEORGE BRANNAN Pensioner George Brannan, 80, passed away March 14. Brother Brannan became a Seafarer in 1944 in the port of Baltimore. He first sailed aboard the Robin Kettering. Born in North Carolina, Brother Brannan worked in the engine department. His last ship was the Adonis. Brother Brannan started collecting his pension in 1985. He resided in Upper Chichester, Pa. ALVIN CARPENTER Pensioner Alvin Carpenter, 79, died Feb. 9. Brother Carpenter joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. The Missouri native worked in the steward department. Brother Carpenter’s first ship was the Timothy Dwight; his last was the Leader. He settled in Rhode Island and began receiving his retirement compensation in 1984. GEORGE CONNELL SR. Pensioner George Connell Sr., 91, passed away Jan. 6. Brother Connell commenced his seafaring career in 1963, initially 18 Seafarers LOG sailing aboard a vessel operated by Intercontinental Transportation. He was born in Alabama and worked in the engine department. Brother Connell last shipped on the Cove Spirit. He lived in his native state and went on pension in 1981. JOHNNY CRINER Pensioner Johnny Criner, 65, died March 7. Brother Criner joined the SIU in 1986, initially sailing aboard the USNS Assurance. The steward department member was born in Oklahoma. Before retiring in 2002, Brother Criner worked on the USNS Impeccable. He called Altoona, Wis. home. MARTIN FOX Pensioner Martin Fox, 60, passed away March 25. Brother Fox joined the SIU in 1965. His first trip to sea was aboard the Kenmar. Brother Fox was born in Baltimore and shipped in the engine department. He last worked on the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Fox retired in 1994 and made his home in Dundalk, Md. GEORGE GIBBONS Pensioner George Gibbons, 78, died Dec. 25. Brother Gibbons launched his seafaring career in 1947. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Gibbons first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. His last voyage was on the Horizon Challenger. Brother Gibbons was resident in his native state of New York. He became a pensioner in 1990. ROBERT HOLT Pensioner Robert Holt, 83, passed away March 29. Brother Holt became an SIU member in 1951 in New York. His first ship was operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Holt was born in Pennsylvania. His last trip to sea was aboard the Santa Isabel. Brother Holt started receiving his retirement stipends in 1984. He lived in Pottstown, Pa. CHARLES JOHNSON Pensioner Charles Johnson, 84, died March 19. Brother Johnson was born in Kennett, Mo. He became a Seafarer in 1951, joining in the port of San Francisco. Brother Johnson initially sailed with Sprogue Steamship Company in the deck department. His last voyage was on the USNS Denebola. Brother Johnson went on pension in 1982. He called St. Louis home. JENNINGS LONG Pensioner Jennings Long, 90, passed away Dec. 17. Brother Long started shipping with the SIU in 1947. His first trip was with Martis Steamship Corporation. A native of North Carolina, Brother Long worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Long went on pension in 1980. He resided in Burlington, N.C. RICHARD McCALL Pensioner Richard McCall, 76, died Feb. 6. Brother Long joined the union in 1951 in New York. He initially sailed on a Delta Steamship Lines vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother McCall was born in Louisiana. Prior to retiring in 1986, he shipped aboard the Long Lines. Brother McCall was a resident of Mobile, Ala. JUAN OSARIO Pensioner Juan Osario, 67, passed away Oct. 23. Brother Osario became a Seafarer in 1978, first sailing on board the Santa Mercedes. The steward department member was born in Puerto Rico and continued to live there. Brother Osario last shipped aboard the Borinquen. He started collecting his pension in 1986. HIRAM PAYNE Pensioner Hiram Payne, 77, died Jan. 9. Brother Payne joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of Savannah, Ga. He first sailed aboard a vessel operated by Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Payne was born in Georgia and shipped in the steward department. His last voyage was on the Monticello. Brother Payne became a pensioner in 1978. He made his home in Winder, Ga. ANTHONY PERRY Pensioner Anthony Perry, 80, passed away Nov. 1. Brother Perry was born in Rhode Island and joined the SIU in 1973, initially sailing on the Mohawk. Working as a member of the deck department, he last shipped aboard the Horizon Navigator. Brother Perry began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. He was a resident of Pahrump, Nev. JOHN WATERS Pensioner John Waters, 66, passed away Jan. 14. Boatman Waters became a Seafarer in 1976 in the port of Houston. He was born in Charleston, S.C. Boatman Waters sailed primarily aboard Marine Contracting & Towing Company vessels. After retiring in 2001, he continued to live in South Carolina. GREAT LAKES RANSOM EHRENBERG Pensioner Ransom Ehrenberg, 86, died Dec. 28. Brother Ehrenberg was a Michigan native. He joined the union in 1963, first sailing aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. His last voyage was with Great Lakes Associates. Brother Ehrenberg went on pension in 1985 and resided in Palmer, Mich. MASOOD ELGIRSH Pensioner Masood Elgirsh, 71, passed away Oct. 14. Brother Elgirsh started sailing with the SIU in 1961 in Detroit aboard a Seatrain Lines vessel. He was born in Yemen and worked in the engine department. Brother Elgirsh’s last voyage was on the Saint Clair. He retired in 1997 and made his home in Dearborn, Mich. DAVID HUBBARD Pensioner David Hubbard, 68, died Dec. 28. Brother Hubbard joined the SIU in 1970. The Michigan-born mariner shipped in the deck department. Brother Hubbard initially sailed aboard the Hennepin. Prior to retiring in 2002, he worked on the Richard J. Reiss. Brother Hubbard was a resident of New Mexico. INLAND HENRY IRVINE PETER LOVASCO Pensioner Peter Lovasco, 84, died Jan. 18. Boatman Lovasco embarked on his seafaring career in 1980. Born in Massachusetts, Boatman Lovasco last sailed on the St. Joseph. He started collecting his pension in 1984 and made his home in Essex, Mass. ISAIAH NOTTINGHAM Pensioner Isaiah Nottingham, 88, passed away Jan. 19. Boatman Nottingham joined the union in 1971. During his seafaring career, he sailed primarily on vessels operated by Penn Central Transportation. Boatman Nottingham continued to live in his native Virginia. He went on pension in 1982. JOHN TAYLOR Pensioner John Taylor, 78, died Oct. 5. Boatman Taylor joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. He initially worked aboard an Interstate Oil Company vessel. Boatman Taylor was born in Maryland. Prior to retiring in 1988, he shipped with Maritrans Operating Company. Boatman Taylor called Princess Anne, Md. home. Pensioner Henry Irvine, 84, passed away Dec. 1. Brother Irvine joined the Seafarers in 1961. He sailed in both the inland and Great Lakes divisions. Brother Irvine first worked aboard a Price Brothers McClung vessel and last sailed on a Great Lakes Towing vessel. Born in Ogdensburg, N.Y. Brother Irvine began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1984. He called Michigan home. JUNIOR LARSON Pensioner Junior Larson, 77, died Oct. 6. Brother Larson began his seafaring career in 1977. His first vessel was the Henry Steinbrenner; his last was the Indiana Harbor. Brother Larson was a member of the engine department. He settled in his native state of Wisconsin. Brother Larson started receiving his pension in 1995. MARK SCOTT Brother Mark Scott, 47, passed away Jan. 17. He became a union member in 1999 in Seattle. Brother Scott’s first trip was on the USNS Sisler. The engine department member was born in Minnesota and most recently sailed on the Alpena. He made his home in Wisconsin. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. EVANGELISTA CRUZ Pensioner Evangelista Cruz, 92, died Oct. 19. Brother Cruz joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of San Juan, P.R. He first sailed on the Glenpool; his last ship was the Export Champion. Brother Cruz went on pension in 1976. SOLEM GREFALDIA Pensioner Solem Grefaldia, 87, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Grefaldia, who was born in the Philippines, became an NMU member in 1957, initially shipping aboard the Atlantic Trader. He worked in the steward department. Brother Grefaldia’s last voyage was on the Ashley Lykes. He retired in 1984. WELDON HAMILTON Pensioner Weldon Hamilton, 83, died Oct. 3. Brother Hamilton began his seafaring career in 1946, sailing from the port of San Francisco, Calif. The steward department member’s first ship was the Brazil. Prior to retiring in 1968, Brother Hamilton shipped aboard the Constitution. EVANGELISTA QUINONES Pensioner Evangelista Quinones, 89, passed away Sept. 8. Brother Quinones started his NMU career in 1947. His first voyage was on the Santa Rosa. Brother Quinones came ashore in 1954 as a patrolman in the port of San Juan, P.R. He retired in 1969. 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 Adams, Raven 63 Banker, Orett 86 Bauernfeind, Jane 69 Butler, Alex 86 Cruz, Estanislo 94 David, Monico 79 Efre, Jose 95 Figueroa, Modesto 80 Foster, Bender 82 Kokoszka, Valentine 89 Padilla, Jose 92 Perez, Eligio 79 Peterson, Carl 81 Sang, Jim 99 Smith, Gordon 71 Tatum, Courtney 78 Wise, Shelton 79 April 15 March 3 Jan. 10 April 19 April 1 April 21 April 15 Jan. 31 April 6 April 15 April 1 April 2 March 25 March 21 April 13 April 17 Feb. 20 June 2006 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:11 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. COAST RANGE (Crowley Liner Services), April 30—Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Tran Nee, Educational Director Carlos A. Perez Jr., Deck Delegate Travis Stringer. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Garyville, La. and urged everyone to read president’s report in April Seafarers LOG. Secretary reminded crew members getting off to clean rooms and leave fresh linen for next mariner. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and contributing to SPAD. Treasurer stated $2,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made concerning pensions. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. CP LIBERATOR (Marine Transport Lines), April 8—Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Deck Delegate Manuel A. Uy, Engine Delegate Adelmo Giusti, Steward Delegate Eusebio V. Amaya. Bosun announced April 12 payoff upon arrival in Houston. He discussed importance of education. “Democracy is based on an educated population not just people that can read and write but people that ask questions and read between the lines.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Houston; Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Antwerp, Belgium. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cableship Company), April 10—Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Lothar Wick, Deck Delegate John C. Bumgarner, Engine Delegate John W. Carson, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty. Chairman noted Tacoma patrolman visited ship last week to talk about new contracts. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $3,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Ship’s internet connection still being worked on. Once it is up and running, crew members will have an opportunity to sign up for service. This service will be separate from company e-mail. Discussion was held pertaining to current contract negotiations. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), April 29—Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Donald B. GaNung, Educational Director Clive A. Steward Sr., Deck Delegate Wilfredo Velez, Engine Delegate Marshall J. Sanford, Steward Delegate Simone J. Solomon. Discussion held concerning five new Horizon Lines ships coming out in the next year. Treasurer stated $200 in captain’s safe to be used to purchase DVDs. Clarification requested on box girder. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made to regarding next contract, including raising pension amounts due to cost of living increases and lowering medical plan’s deductible. Crew members were in agreement that recent barbecue was the best ever. Next port and port of payoff: Houston. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), April 30—Chairman Sailing on the Hauge Working aboard the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. are SA Naziruddin Patankar (top left), ACU Shanita Daniel (top right) and (below, from left) Electrician John Brantly and AB Edward Rockinger. June 2006 Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Jorge L. Falero, Deck Delegate Isaac Vega Mercado, Engine Delegate Michael A. Watkins, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced May 5 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. and asked crew to have union books and dues payments ready for patrolman. He thanked all three departments for working well together and advised everyone to keep passports and all other required shipping documents current or risk losing a job. Secretary thanked crew for great trip and reminded them to “be alert—don’t get hurt.” Educational director urged mariners to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point school. Treasurer said captain is maintaining stewardship of joint funds and will give report of totals at next crew meeting. The money currently is being used for satellite TV, among other items. Refrigerators for crew state rooms are also to be ordered with treasury funds. Crew extended thanks to Brothers Tony Rosario and Mo Ahmed for recovery of misplaced money. Sympathies of crew members went out to Brother Ray Fernandez on loss of his beloved father. Job well done by Chief Cook Salazar and SA Chucha Rodriguez. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R.; Port Elizabeth, NJ. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), April 19—Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro, Engine Delegate Pablo Albino, Steward Delegate Fernando L. Vega. Crew discussed newly implemented ID requirements for entry into port of Jacksonville. Question arose as to required payment for additional background check. Bosun encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD, particularly in an election year. Unlicensed Apprentice C.J. Curran complimented for his easy adaptation to shipboard life. His work has been excellent and he learns very quickly. Educational director advised everyone to allow significant time when applying for required shipping documents. Treasurer stated $2,235 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Condolences extended to family of former New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd. Crew advised that new washing machine does not work properly in rough seas. Chief engineer has been informed and will take care of it soon. Steward department thanked for clean ship as well as good food and excellent barbecues. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Trader), April 1—Chairman Ali A. Saleh, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Hiawatha J. Williams, Steward Delegate Efren P. Aguirre. Chairman thanked crew for safe voyage and job well done. He announced April 1 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. and congratulated crew on achieving the one-year mark without a lost-time injury. Educational director reminded members of the many classes available at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $425 in ship’s fund. Money used this trip for picnic and movies. Suggestion made to purchase new chess set and backgammon set and to check contract regarding TV sets in each room. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested broken VCR in crew lounge be replaced. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), April 23—Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Robert A. Ott. Chairman announced April 29 payoff in Newark, N.J. He thanked crew members for smooth, safe voyage. He also advised them to check expiration dates on all documents and renew early, if necessary. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew inquired as to availability of shoregang while in Newark and to have payoff on arrival in New York instead of following day. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J.; Spain. charge, ship will sail for Valdez. Bosun and steward requested union official in San Francisco to collect dues payments and take care of ship business. Secretary asked for assistance in keeping mess hall and lounges clean. Educational director reminded everyone to upgrade at union-affiliated school and keep documents current in order to avoid having to take exams over. He also urged crew members to donate to SPAD; it’s vital in the union’s fight for beneficial legislation. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. Crew requested review of medical benefits. New Charleston Pays Off in Savannah Union Rep Thornton Elliott (second from left) was aboard the Charleston when it held a payoff recently in Savannah, Ga. From the left are AB Silas Sam, Elliott, Recertified Bosun Elkanah Ladia, Chief Steward Peter William and Pumpman Clarence Verdun. As each man made sure his dues were paid up, William also was thanked for his generous contribution to the Maritime Defense League (MDL). OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), April 16—Chairman Abdulkarim F. Mohamed, Secretary Jack A. Hart Jr., Steward Delegate Carlos L. Olascoaga. Chairman announced April 24 payoff in Long Beach, Calif. following run to Portland, Ore. Secretary read letter from Executive VP Augie Tellez pertaining to future contract negotiations. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center to better themselves, their jobs and their income potential. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to President Sacco and VP Tellez for job well done on getting new ships and better contracts. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), April 30—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Engine Delegate William P. Stone. Chairman encouraged Seafarers to participate in union meetings while ashore. He also noted that copies of the contract are available at union hall. Educational director talked about educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Recommendation made to raise pension benefits. Suggestion also made to put penalty meal hour back into contract. Next port: Tampa, Fla. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International), April 16—Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Modesto Y. Rabena Jr., Engine Delegate Hernando Basilan, Steward Delegate Orlando Hill. Chairman announced April 17 arrival of ship in Kenai, Alaska. Following dis- ice machine received; still awaiting new laundry machine. USNS DAHL (Maersk Line Limited), April 1—Chairman Herman L. Reynolds, Secretary James H. McLeod. Chairman urged all mariners to read Seafarers LOG for current information about union and maritime industry and recommended everyone keep z-cards, passports, etc. up to date and contribute to SPAD. Secretary thanked crew for helping separate trash and keeping ship clean. He reported April sanitation inspection went very well and gave special thanks to bosun and deck department for helping with vessel’s stores. Educational director encouraged crew members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities and courses available at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $2,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested more information on Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Everyone looking forward to ship’s gathering for departing and newly arriving crew members. Next port: Saipan. CAPE KENNEDY (Keystone Shipping), May 1—Chairman Donald Byrd, Secretary Eddie W. Taylor, Educational Director Tran P. Luu, Deck Delegate Leandro A. Cacho, Engine Delegate Joseph Shepard Jr. Chairman advised all members to keep documents current. “You can’t sail without them.” Secretary reminded Seafarers that whatever job you are doing, safety comes first. Educational director suggested members upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Applications are available on board ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new TV antenna system for lounges, 10 foldaway cots, and copies of pension and welfare plans booklets. Thanks given to all departments for working well together. Special thanks given to Mark (radio officer) for daily news and e-mails. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:12 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. Important Message Dear Brothers and Sisters of the SIU: Recently, I was admitted to the Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center (known as “The Farm”). This came about due to bad choices that I made concerning drugs and alcohol. I had the choice to enter rehab or quit sailing. I have been sailing for quite some time with the SIU, and quitting was not the option. I entered the program reluctantly and learned how serious my problem was. I was a functioning alcoholic and was on the slow path to ruin and death. The SARC has shown me literally how to save my career and my life. I will be clean and sober and able to make the Know Your Rights right decisions in the future. The SIU and SARC care about us and will help us overcome the scourge of alcohol and drugs that can ruin our lives. If you or a shipmate has a substance abuse problem, please talk with someone about it. You will be treated with confidentiality and respect. You need not feel alone because, believe me, you are not. The Brotherhood of the Sea can save your life. A grateful SIU member LOG-A-RHYTHMS To the Old Timers by Paula Werfel Here’s to you old timers whose blood, sweat and tears Have brought this industry through many tough years. I stare at the sea and wish she would tell All the stories she has in each formidable swell. As a boy you set sail seeking adventure and spice. A man you became with many a sacrifice. The heartaches, the victories, the making of men. I’ll bet there’s not one of you who wouldn’t do it again. Missed weddings, anniversaries, births, deaths and many an event, “Job call” was hollered and off you went. Here’s to you old timers for whom I have great respect. I’ll listen with awe and wish I was ’board deck. Not for glory or medals or “hats off” from anyone. But because there was a job that needed to get done. You supplied soldiers and allies with provisions for the “fray,” Dodging torpedoes or bullets and learning quickly how to pray. Sometimes the dodge was not quick enough, A lost shipmate and friend, now that was quite rough. Aching muscles, sunburn, ornery engines and callused hands, Tight places, no sleep and rules of foreign lands. The fun that you made was “creative” for sure. The poker games, the jokes and oh ... pranks by the score. The time passed, sometimes too slowly, sometimes too fast. Each voyage with memories to tuck away with the last. Wine, women and song in some foreign port. Hard work and loneliness was more like the sort. There must be some future “old timers” among these young men, But it’ll never be for them like it was for you then. Please when you set feet on dry land and plan to retire, Pass on those good truths, the need is quite dire. I thank you for your sacrifice, hard work and the pain Through salty spray, ice, snow, gales and miserable rain. For me there’s no greater pleasure or prize Than to learn of the sea through an old timer’s eyes. This poem is dedicated to all retired seafarers. Your sea stories are awesome. I never get tired of hearing of your shipboard antics, quite arduous times, personal victories and defeats. I’ve always said I was born too late. You have brought a world to me that cannot be found anywhere else. Being a landlubber all my life, I had no idea what I was missing until you opened and shared your treasure trove of priceless booty!! For this I thank you. Paula Werfel works at SIU headquarters in the pension benefits department. 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 6/06 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 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:15 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. for June through the end of 2006. 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. Junior Engineer July 24 October 13 Machinist June 5 June 23 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 Welding July 17 September 11 October 9 August 4 September 29 October 27 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) June 5 July 10 August 7 September 25 June 9 July 14 August 11 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB July 3 August 14 September 25 November 6 July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT July 24 September 18 November 13 July 28 September 22 November 17 Government Vessels - FOWT June 26 July 17 August 7 September 11 September 18 June 30 July 21 August 11 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 5 July 31 September 18 November 27 June 16 August 11 September 29 December 8 August 7 October 16 August 11 October 20 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Courqse Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman July 10 August 21 October 2 November 13 August 4 September 15 October 27 December 8 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 21 August 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 26 August 7 September 18 October 30 July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 Radar August 7 August 18 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning June 12, 2006. Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Recertification Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Bosun October 9 November 6 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops July 17 September 11 November 13 August 11 October 6 December 8 Steward July 10 August 7 Fast Rescue Boat June 5 July 17 June 9 July 21 FOWT July 17 September 11 September 8 November 3 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 _____________________________ Academic Department Courses 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 ________________________________________________ June 2006 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. 6/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �36210p01_24X.qxp 5/31/2006 6:12 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending March 31 are (from Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 673 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 673. They include (in alphabetical order) Antoine Best, Gregory Brown, Ronald Byrd, Marion Cruzat, Mervin Cruzat, Lester Desheers, Thomas Jarrett, Nicholas Kempker, Detrell Lambey, Aaron Larson, Jesse Lewis, Robert Miskel, Orien Nelson, Derrick Norfleet, Jeffery Novak, Brendan O’Brien, Kevin Robinson, Michael Sanders Jr., Kyle McClellan, William Thomas and Penny Williams. left, kneeling) Christopher Bean, Patrick Guertin, Kemer Rojas, (second row) Adrian Cockerell, Robert Morrison, Christopher Doucet, William Devers, William Little, Jason Boyer, Keyon Kidd, Abigail Maki, Audania Bomar, John Yi, Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), (third row) Saleh Mothana, Graham Jones, Brian Saba, Timothy Eide Jr., Scott Jones and Greg Martineau. Not pictured is John Springer. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Completing this course April 14 are (in no specific order) Karen Suzuki, Frank Zoumakpe, Victor Rios, Xavier Alfaro, Milton Hollis, Eufracio Arzu, Keith Jasmine, Mark Wyn, Rudolph Miller, Mark Leman, Angel Carrillo, Carlos Valdes, Derrick Lott Sr., Roger Saxon, Robert Warren, Lamont Robinson, Melvin Smith, Francisco Palacios and Samuel McDaniel. (Note: not all are pictured.) ARPA — Under the instruction of Mike Smith (second from right) are students who completed the ARPA course April 21. They are (from the left) Jeffrey Titco, Bill Hewett and Michael Sykes. Radar — Graduates of the recent radar course are (from left) Arthur Price, Bill Hewett, Jeffrey Titco and Michael Sykes. Mike Smith (center) was their instructor. Galley/Advanced Galley Operations — Graduates of recent galley operations and advanced galley operations classes are (from left) Jay Ashun, Willie Frink, Kay Kalua, Irina Shubov, Tammy Brown, Ismael Garayua, Abdulsattar Nasser, Edvaldo Viana, Brittany Lewis, Jermeka Williams, Cheryl Lynch and Cresencio Gonzalez. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — April 14 was graduation day for the six students in the water survival course. They are (in alphabetical order) Allan Coloyan, Fred Forsythe, Rene Gil, Jaber Jaber, Patrick Thompson and Bruce White. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is seated third from left. Computer Lab Classes Any student who has registered for a class and finds— Holding their certificates of achievement for courses recently completed in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center are (from left) Jeff Leman, Alyxi Alexander, John Frey and Anthony Alibah. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, is in the center. 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 June 2006 �36210p01_24.qxp 5/26/2006 3:25 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Small Arms — Seafarers in the bosun recertification program completed the small arms training course April 21. They are (in no specific order) Richard Barnes, Daniel Teichman, Rufino Giray, Amante Gumiran, William Richards, Timothy Jackson, Mike Shappo, Robert Natividad, Paul Wade, Scott Palen, Iima Winfred and Reginald Watkins. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left. Small Arms — Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed the small arms training course April 28. They are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Bianchi, Steven Blair, John Davis, MacGregor Davis, Jeremy Finley, Ernest Frank, Dallon Garnett, Maxine Howard, Jesse James, Raul Morales, Winston Rankin, WilmaJoy Smith and Akia Wilcox. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left. Specially Trained OS — Thirteen unli- censed apprentices from Phase III of their training completed this evening course April 27. They are (in no specific order) Casey O’Brien, Ryan Vandergrift, Reid Bland, Joseph Ward, Joseph Bianchi, Wilma-Joy Smith, Abner Torres, Maxine Howard, Sean Fox, Shawn Orr, Eddie Flood, Michael Sedita and John Davis. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. Specially Trained OS — Included in the April 27 graduating class are Phase III unlicensed apprentices (in no specific order) Francisco Palacios, Dominique Calvy, Jeremy Finley, Jesse James, Karel Cain, Steven Blair, Tim Kauble, MacGregor Davis, Raul Morales, Tyrell Blackburn and SIU upgraders Patrick Tucker, Mohamed Khodeiri, Atanacio Bernardez, Gary Hirsch and Alexander Rodriguez. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. STCW — NCL, April 7: Rachid Aboulwafa, Luis Ahumada, Robert Alway, Edward Anderson, Wanda Anderson, Laura Archer, Manuel Arsenio Jr., Charles Austin, Elizabeth Ayiku, Richard Bailey, Antonio Barleston, Michael Basak, Lissa Bates, Margaret Bauras, Rachid Beldi, Nicole Belmont, Amber Benjamin, Toufik Benjeddi, Charles Bennett, Joseph Bentley and Jordan Beswick. STCW — NCL, April 20: Aurelien d’Anglejan, Chanel Daniels, Terronce DeBarros Freeman, Pedro Diaz, Alycia Distefano, Teag Drabik, Novelette DuCasse, Timmy Ducut, April Durbin, Rebekah Dykhorst, Rachid Fahmi, Paula Fanjoy, Nicholas Fernandez, Jose Figueroa Seary, Cory File, Victor Garza, Brenda Giles, Robert Glynn, Reynante Gonzales, Derijah Goss, Yukari Hadde, Kathy Hancock and Troy Hankerson. June 2006 STCW — NCL, April 20: William Bloom, Johnnie Booth, Lucette Breitenkam, Matthew Brice, Fabian Brooks, Anthony Bruce, Riffany Burd, John Burns, Shasta Byrd, Dennis Calhoun Jr., Dimitri Chenin, Ulysses Church, Llewlyn Clarke, James Collins, Felipe Colon, Jay Cook, Nicole Cordero, Maristella Cordova, Michael Crowley, Nancy Cummings and Joseph Czelusniak II. STCW — NCL, April 7: Jared Hauck, Donald Hawk, Rebecca Henckel, Joseph Henry, Diane Higginbottom, Matthew Hollis, Belinda Hoyt, Roy Jackson Jr., Mary Juszczak, Leonardo Kalesaran, Daishawn Keith, Garth Kennedy, David Kim, Christopher Klein, James Kubalanza, Donald Langwell, John Laquidara, Jessica Leati, Steven Lienhart and Tasha Lindsay. Seafarers LOG 23 �36210p01_24X.qxp 6/1/2006 8:56 AM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 6 June 2006 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SIU Pacific District Pension Plan SIU PD Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. SIU PD Seafarers Medical Center Fund — page 14 Seafarers Honored on National Maritime Day S eafarers, union officials and a large troop of unlicensed apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. on May 22 joined scores of dignitaries who witnessed and participated in four National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The events included a Maritime Day observance and medal ceremony, a Mass commemorating National Maritime Day, a Propeller Club luncheon and a wreath-laying ceremony. A forum on mariners’ welfare also took place that day. The respective events took place at the U.S. Department of Transportation, St. Dominic Catholic Church, and the Washington Navy Yard. They were sponsored by the Department of Transportation’s U.S. Maritime Administration, the Apostleship of the Sea and the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America, the Propeller Club (Port of Washington, D.C.) and the Kings Point Club of Washington D.C., the U.S. Military Sealift Command and the North American Maritime Ministry Association. National Maritime Day Observance U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, a battle-tested champion of the U.S. Merchant Marine, was the principal speaker during the National Maritime Day Observance. Following his keynote address, the transportation secretary presented U.S. Merchant Marine Medals to 28 mariners and to representatives of ship management companies for their respective efforts and contributions made during the aftermath of last year’s hurricanes in the Gulf. Nine of the medal recipients were SIU members. “I extend a special welcome to veterans of the merchant marine who served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Secretary Mineta upon taking the podium. “The nation is grateful for your service.” Focusing on the purpose of the day’s gathering, Secretary Mineta noted, “Like the military veterans who we will honor on Memorial Day, the National Maritime Day recounts the history of the sentries of our seas and their contributions to our great country. Today, we honor the achievements and sacrifices of those seafarers in times of war and in time of peace. “From our nation’s founding to the present day,” he continued, “the legacy of our nation’s merchant Left: U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao tells a Washington, D.C. Maritime Day audience that the nation continues to rely on a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Right: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta (right) presents the Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement to SIU Chief Cook Jack Curry for the mariner’s efforts in recent hurricane relief missions. mariners is woven through the fabric of American history, creating a vibrant tapestry that tells the tale of exceptional character and uncommon valor.” Recounting history, Secretary Mineta said when America’s 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain over 200 years ago, they had only 31 ships comprising the Continental Navy. “So the colonists commissioned privately owned merchant marine ships to be outfitted as war ships to add to the fleet,” he said. “These ships and their crews successfully interrupted the British supply chain supporting the defeat of the redcoats and contributing to the birth of our great nation.” Moving to the 20th century, Secretary Mineta told those in attendance of the merchant mariners’ consistent tradition of service to country. “When our country was again in need, during World War II,” he pointed out, “the merchant marine provided critical logistical assistance and carried out the greatest sealift in history. Whether in the seas of the Pacific, or the waters of the Atlantic, the support and sacrifice of these seafarers were vital to the victory of the allied forces. “This legacy of remarkable service lives on today with the outstanding efforts of the maritime industry in the global war on terror,” the transportation secretary continued. “More than 5,000 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.” Secretary Mineta noted that the same brand of noble service which merchant mariners exhibited overseas during armed conflict also flourishes in the domestic arena. “Here at home, the merchant mariner has proven himself invaluable as well,” he said. “Immediately following the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, American Merchant Nine Seafarers were honored by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration at a May 22 ceremony in Washington, D.C. Those SIU members are pictured after the event with SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (third from right) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (second from left). Mariners were among the first to answer the call for assistance by transporting emergency personnel and needed supplies to ground zero. That day, more than a half-million people were safely evacuated from lower Manhattan … [by] ferry boats, tour boats and government vessels. And in the days that followed, merchant mariners stayed the course, providing rescue and recovery support and ferrying responders into and out of lower Manhattan. “More recently, following Hurricane Katrina, merchant mariners provided critical rescue relief and recovery support as part of the hurricane response team,” he noted. Secretary Mineta said that immediately follow- Rear Admiral Robert Reilly Jr., commander of MSC, welcomes Unlicensed Apprentice James Burton and other trainees to the agency’s Maritime Day ceremony. ing Katrina, “I took the unprecedented step of activating the Ready Reserve Fleet for service to help more supplies and personnel into the Gulf Coast Region and move people out of harm’s way. The Ready Reserve ships brought in emergency cargo, generated electricity, helped to restore port activity and provided shelter and meals to relief workers. Their (merchant mariners’) hard work was nothing short of extraordinary. Teamwork was vital to these efforts, so today we would like honor this spirit of cooperation by awarding the Merchant Marine Medal for outstanding achievement to 28 seafarers for their leadership following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.” Other speakers at the Maritime Administration ceremony included Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator and Chief Counsel Julie Nelson; U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Tom Atkin, assistant to the Coast Guard chief of staff; and Federal Emergency Management Agency Acting Director of Response Division Michael W. Lowder. Maritime Day Mass After the morning observance and medal presentation, many of the event’s attendees, including SIU officials and the contingent of trainees from the Paul Hall Center, departed Department of Transportation grounds and made their way across the street to the St. Dominic Catholic Church. In that venue, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop, Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., conducted a special Mass observing National Maritime Day. Among the ministers assisting in the Mass was Rev. Sinclair Oubre, president, Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America (and an active SIU member). Maritime Day Luncheon U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, during her keynote address at the annual National Maritime Day Continued on page 10 NATIONAL MARITIME DAY 2006 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America The United States Merchant Marine plays an important role in ensuring our national security and strengthening our economy. As we celebrate National Maritime Day and the 70th anniversary of the Merchant Marine Act, we pay tribute to merchant mariners and their faithful service to our Nation. Since 1775, merchant mariners have bravely served our country, and in 1936, the Merchant Marine Act officially established their role in our military as a wartime naval auxiliary. During World War II, merchant mariners were critical to the delivery of troops and supplies overseas, and they helped keep vital ocean supply lines operating. President Franklin D. Roosevelt praised these brave merchant mariners for persevering "despite the perils of the submarine, the dive bomber, and the surface raider." Today's merchant mariners follow those who courageously served before them as they continue to provide crucial support for our Nation's service men and women. America is grateful for their commitment to excellence and devotion to duty. In addition to helping defend our country, merchant mariners facilitate commerce by importing and exporting goods throughout the world. They work with our Nation's transportation industry to share their valuable skills and experience in ship maintenance, navigation, and cargo transportation. This past year, the good work and compassion of merchant mariners also played an important role in hurricane relief efforts. Ships brought urgently needed supplies to the devastated areas, provided assistance for oil spill cleanup, generated electricity, and provided meals and lodging for recovery workers and evacuees. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day," and has authorized and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2006, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all the people of the United States to mark this observance by honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirti- eth. GEORGE W. BUSH � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES LABOR SECRETARY ANNOUNCES TRAINING GRANT 4 SEAFARERS, 5 DEPENDENTS SELECTED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS PRIDE OF HAWAII CHRISTENED LEGISLATURE HONORS ALASKA TANKER CO. ABERCROMBIE RECEIVES ‘SALUTE TO CONGRESS’ PROPELLER CLUB AWARD RECOGNIZES MARITIME ADVOCATE AMENDMENT AIMS TO MAINTAIN RRF PROPOSED RULES ISSUES FOR NEW CREDENTIALS UNION EXAMINING POTENTIAL CONTENT, METHODS FOR ISSUING TWIC DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY ISSUES MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURE RECOVERY PLAN 12 SIU BOSUNS COMPLETE RECERTIFICATION UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW ATTRACTS 200,000 GUESTS ANNUAL EVENT SHOWCASES UNION-MADE GOODS AND SERVICES SPICA LOCATES DOWNED MARINE HELICOPTERS COOPERATIVE EFFORTS RESULT IN NOAA WAGE GAINS UNION PLUS OFFERS DISCOUNT FOR CONSUMER REPORTS WEB SITE SEAFARERS HONORED ON MARITIME DAY BOSUN’S NEWSLETTER A WELCOME DISTRACTION BALTIMORE WELCOMES THE PRIDE OF HAWAII SEAFARERS HONORED ON NATIONAL MARITIME DAY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log 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 06/01/2006 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. 68, No. 6 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d6f0d6016dc6edc135526e590318960c.pdf bb4bc44aa444e73c68a2a9c472747f14 PDF Text Text 36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:14 PM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 7 July 2006 President Praises Mariners President Bush on June 19 delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and he offered strong words of support not only for the graduates but for the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. In photo at left, en route to Washington, D.C. after attending the graduation ceremony in Kings Point, N.Y., President Bush poses with SIU President Michael Sacco after their meeting in the president’s office on Air Force One. Below, President Bush addresses the audience at the academy (the SIU president is seated sixth from President Bush’s left). In his column on page 2, President Sacco reflects on the experience. White House photos by Kimberlee Hewitt Philly Tankers Reach Construction Milestones Union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard recently announced two milestones in its “Veteran Class” tanker construction program. The keel was laid for the second vessel in the U.S.-flag series (far left photo)—a ship scheduled for completion in 2007. A week earlier, the shipyard started production on the third of the 10 doublehulled tankers. Construction also continues on the first ship in the series, pictured at immediate left. Page 3. New Cruise Ship Arrives in Hawaii Christened May 20 in Los Angeles, the SIUcrewed Pride of Hawaii is the newest addition to NCL America’s fleet. The ship arrived in Kauai’s Nawiliwili Harbor early May 28 to dock in Hawaii for the first time. Before that, the vessel traveled a long route beginning at a shipyard in Germany. We’ve got lots of photos of that journey on pages 12 and 13. Moment of Remembrance On May 29 a number of SIU members participated in Memorial Day observances at sea and ashore. Those events included the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. and shipboard ceremonies conducted for the National Moment of Remembrance. At left, crew members and military personnel on the USNS John McDonnell do their part for the National Moment of Remembrance. Page 4. Standard Contract News Page 3 SIU Family Photos Page 11 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 1:45 AM Page 2 Unions Adopt Key Resolution President’s Report SIU Statement Focuses on Mariners’ Rights Our Commander-in-Chief Both personally and professionally, June 19 is a day I’ll always remember. On that date, I had the great opportunity to travel with President Bush, Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta and other dignitaries aboard Air Force One as the president flew to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to deliver the commencement address. So many things stand out about that day it’s Michael Sacco hard to know where to start. But I want every Seafarer to know that President Bush definitely understands and appreciates the absolute necessity of maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. In particular he knows that America must have a strong U.S.-flag presence in the commercial sector, partly because such action helps guarantee the ongoing presence of a pool of well-trained, loyal, U.S. citizen seafarers. His appearance at the academy, where he spent several hours, says a lot about the president’s view on our industry. As he said during his formal remarks, “America is a great maritime power, and our merchant marine has a vital role to play. In times of peace, the merchant marine helps ensure our economic security by keeping the oceans open to trade. In times of war, the merchant marine is the lifeline of our troops overseas, carrying critical supplies, equipment, and personnel.” It’s tough to imagine a stronger endorsement than that one. Behind the scenes on the airplane, President Bush was equally enthusiastic about our nation’s mariners. Simply put, he gets it. He knows we’re the nation’s fourth arm of defense, and that we remain ready to deliver the goods—anytime, anywhere. That is no small achievement when you think about how generally overlooked our industry sometimes seems. It is recognition and an approval at the highest level, and it obviously must not be taken for granted. As mentioned, other strong supporters of the U.S. Merchant Marine also made the trip from Washington to Kings Point and back. They included Secretary Mineta, as articulate a spokesman as our industry has ever had, and recently retired White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, a huge figure in advancing both the original and the expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program. For our industry, the entire day was a home run. I also want to share with the membership how warm and welcoming President Bush was throughout the entire experience, both aboard Air Force One and at the school. He could not have been any more generous with his time or any more willing to listen when we had a chance to discuss the U.S. Merchant Marine. His friendliness toward me felt genuine, and I believe 100 percent that it also reflects his appreciation for the sacrifices made by SIU members and other mariners in defense of this great nation. On a much lighter note, if you’re wondering about the perks of the presidency and what it’s like to travel with our commanderin-chief, let’s just say you never have to wait in line. The security and the overall flow from point to point were very impressive throughout the day, a true credit to all concerned. On the other hand, it’s not as easy as it looks to keep your balance when ducking underneath whirling helicopter blades, as I discovered when President Bush moved from Air Force One to Marine One, the presidential helicopter. Brothers and sisters, on June 19 I couldn’t have been happier to answer the question, “How was your day?” It was a real thrill and a real honor, not just for me but for the whole Seafarers International Union. Volume 68, Number 7 The SIU and the Seafarers International Union of Canada last month approved a joint resolution aimed at protecting mariners’ rights while respecting the modern-day realities of port security requirements. During mid-June meetings in Montreal between the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU and the SIU of Canada—affiliated through the Seafarers Interational Union of North America—officials from both unions carefully put together a statement that will serve as a guidepost for the SIU in the months and years ahead, particularly with respect to impending new requirements for mariner credentials. Among other points, the SIU asserts that the United States and Canada should recognize and accept the two countries’ respective mariner identifications. This is an important and fair step in light of the elimination of crewlist visas, which have been utilized for many years to facilitate shore leave for merchant mariners. Passed on June 16, the joint resolution notes that tighter security requirements inevitably have evolved since September 11, 2001. “The Seafarers International Union and its members, by the very nature of the work we do, have been at the forefront of these efforts to resist and to prevent acts of terrorism from spreading through international and domestic trade routes,” the unions declared. “However, mariners have also been among the most profoundly affected by the international focus on frontier and border security. For these reasons, the Seafarers International Union has determined that it is Among the meeting participants last month in Montreal were (from left) SIU General Counsel Leslie Tarantola, VPs Kermett Mangram and Charlie Stewart, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, VP René Lioeanjie, President Michael Sacco, SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz and Executive VP Michel Desjardins, UIW National Director John Spadaro, and SIU VPs Joseph Soresi and Dean Corgey. essential in the best interest of its members and mariners worldwide and in order to further the battle against international terrorism to adopt the present resolution.” The resolution notes that the International Maritime Organization (IMO), through recent amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, “has reviewed measures and procedures to prevent acts of terrorism which threaten the security of passengers and crews and the safety of the ships by issuing revised measures specifically designed to enhance maritime security.” The unions further point out that the implementation of the ISPS Code in July 2004 requires ships and ports to apply a series of specific measures to ensure the security of vessels and port facilities and to provide a standardized, consistent framework for evaluating security risks. This standardized framework is designed to permit governments to respond to perceived threat levels and vulnerability for ships and port facilities through determination of appropriate security levels and corresponding security measures. Providing additional important background, the resolution notes “that in addition to the revision of the ISPS Code, various governments expressed an urgent need to revise ILO Convention C108, Seafarers Identification Documents (SID), first adopted in 1958 and ratified by 64 countries. As a result of this expressed need, in its Conference held in London in December 2002, the IMO adopted a series of amendments to update and reinforce the security value of the SID; that the revised SID will clearly demonstrate that the holder is a genuine Seafarer and ensure that a Seafarer’s identity can be verified positively and that adoption of the revised SID would, if widely adopted by Contracting Governments, permit Continued on page 7 New Oakland Hall Opening Soon As previously reported, the SIU plans to relocate its San Francisco-area operations to a new union hall in nearby Oakland, Calif. this month. At press time, the tentative date for the new hall’s opening was Monday, July 26. The new building is located at 1121 7th Street. The phone number is (510) 444-2360 (a different area code and number than at the old San Francisco hall). By mid-June the new building had been undergoing modifications to prepare for the opening and to suit the membership’s needs. The new hall is two stories, not including a basement, and is approximately 17,000 square feet. It offers more than 30 parking spaces next to the building, with additional parking available nearby. The Oakland hall is 9 miles from the union’s current San Francisco hall, which is located at 350 Fremont Street. The “Seafarers” letters are being moved from the San Francisco hall (top photo) to the new facility in Oakland (below, left and right). July 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817_P03x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:12 PM Page 3 Std. Freightship/Tanker Contracts Due for Vote In an effort to protect and ensure the continued job security of the SIU membership, the contracts department has negotiated tentative new standard freightship and tanker agreements that will be effective from June 16, 2006 through June 15, 2011, pending ratification. The contracts will be voted on at SIU halls and aboard ship beginning this month (July). In negotiating the new fiveyear pacts, the union carefully reviewed recommendations made by Seafarers in minutes of shipboard union meetings, in minutes of monthly mem- bership meetings at the various halls, in communications to the contracts department and in sessions with Seafarers attending upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Not surprisingly, health care costs dominated the negotiations—and offsetting those costs was a huge challenge, according to SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. (See related story, page 5.) Nevertheless, the standard agreements maintain medical benefits at the top level offered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (known as the Core Plus level). Also, despite the looming specter of insurance costs, the SIU negotiating team secured wage increases in each of the contracts’ five years. More details of the new agreements and the ratification votes will be published in an upcoming issue of the LOG. Also, a number of other SIU contracts—many of which in part are patterned after the standard agreements—were expected to be finalized late last month or in early July. Bulletin Secretary Mineta Submits Resignation As this edition of the Seafarers LOG was going to press, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, an outstanding supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, submitted his resignation to President Bush, effective July 7. The entire text of the letter is available through a link at www.seafarers.org and also may be accessed via the Transportation Department web site (www.dot.gov). SIU President Michael Sacco described Mineta as “a tremendous ally through his years of public service in both the Congress and the Clinton and Bush Administrations. We will miss his friendship and his leadership.” SIU Studies TWIC, MMC Rules Proposed Regulations Call for New Maritime Credentials Officials from the SIU and its affiliated training center participated in all four public meetings recently conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Coast Guard after the government issued proposed regulations for documenting mariners and port personnel. At press time, the union was preparing formal comments on the seemingly inevitable Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC) and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The deadline for comments was July 6, though efforts were under way to secure an extension. “The union is monitoring and participating in this process with the utmost care and energy,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “We will use every resource necessary to make sure that our input is fairly considered by the appropriate agencies. Meanwhile I would ask that the membership remain patient and stay informed as this situation unfolds in the coming months and years.” Generally, the upshot for Seafarers is expected to be as follows, though this may change once the final regulations are issued by the Department of Homeland Security: The TWIC and the MMC together eventually will replace the merchant mariner document (z-card) and STCW certificate. In other words, whereas today an SIU member may be required to carry a merchant mariner document and an STCW certificate, within a few years those credentials will have been phased out and supplanted by a TWIC (currently envisioned as a card similar in size to a z-card or driver’s license) and an MMC (projected to be a larger, paper document). However, as with the rest of the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued on May 22, nothing has been finalized. SIU members are asked to keep in mind that the final regulations likely won’t be finished for at least a few months. Understandably, the proposed details for issuing the new credentials—including time-frames, July 2006 content and costs, among numerous other considerations—are under intense discussion throughout the industry. Some of those discussions took place at the public meetings which quickly were arranged after the NPRM was released. The meetings took place from May 31-June 7 in Newark, N.J.; Tampa; St. Louis; and Long Beach, Calif., respectively. Besides requesting additional time to review the NPRM and asking for additional public meetings, among the most common points and questions raised at last month’s sessions included the following: „ The new credentials were mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. „ As currently written, the new regulations would require that the TWIC program is fully in place 18 months after the final rules have been published. The MMC program would follow and be completely in place no later than 18 months after the TWIC is implemented. However, where the MMC is concerned, a mariner may continue to serve under the authority of his or her license, zcard, certificate of registry and/or STCW certificate until the first renewal or upgrade of that credential, but not later than five years after the effective date of the final rule. „ There is great concern among ship operators regarding a requirement for a TWIC reader on every vessel. Those machines are estimated to cost $10,000 apiece. „ Mariners and their unions are asking for one credential for shipboard personnel—either a TWIC or an MMC, but not both. „ Mariners and their unions also declared that because the TWIC is a security requirement, the government should pay for it. The NPRM spells out total individual TWIC fees ranging from $95 for mariners with a z-card issued after Feb. 3, 2003 to $149 for all other applicants. „ Port workers said that excessive background checks might decimate their manpower pool. „ The recordkeeping requirement for vessels and port facilities is burdensome to execute and per- haps even more difficult to enforce. Everyone entering a port facility or vessel would have to be logged in and out, and the records would have to be maintained for at least two years. „ Numerous attendees suggested TWIC applicants should not be required to travel to an enrollment center twice (once to apply for the credential and once to pick it up), although the TSA is proposing mobile enrollment centers. (The MMC would be obtainable via mail service, basically because the TSA will share information collected from TWIC Secretary Mineta addresses the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Board earlier this year in San Diego. applicants with the Coast Guard. A person would need to possess a TWIC before acquiring an MMC.) Technically there are three separate NPRMs to bring the TWIC and MMC on board. Each has its own docket for comments, with the same July 6 deadline. The proposed regulations would incorporate the new credentials into the Code of Federal Regulations (46 CFR, Parts 10, 12 and 15, covering, respectively, licensing of maritime personnel, certification of seamen, and manning requirements); authorize and explain the TWIC system; and authorize and explain the MMC program. As previously reported, the TWIC would be required for mariners and for people needing unescorted access to secure areas of a regulated port facility or vessel. The document itself is an identification card utilizing various technologies designed to make it secure and tamper-proof. It is expected to contain two electronic chips, fingerprints and a photograph, and would be valid for five years. The TSA envisions having 125 enrollment centers covering approximately 300 ports. Roughly 750,000 individuals are expected to need a TWIC, although foreign-flag vessels are exempt. The MMC would appear in certificate form with many fraud protection measures. Its format hasn’t been finalized, but the credential is expected to resemble an STCW certificate. Philly Tanker Updates: Keel Laid for 2nd Ship, Construction Starts on 3rd Union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard recently reported two more milestones in its current 10-ship tanker build program. On May 15, the keel was laid for the second vessel in the U.S.-flag series—a ship scheduled for completion in 2007. A week earlier, the shipyard started production on the third of the 10 double-hulled tankers, cutting steel for the vessel which also is scheduled for completion next year. The 10 tankers will be owned by American Shipping Corporation, a subsidiary of Aker American Shipping, and chartered to SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). They are expected to sail in the Jones Act market. Part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act (named in honor of its author, the late Senator Wesley Jones, R-Wash.) mandates that cargo moving between United States ports is carried on U.S.crewed, U.S.-flag, U.S.-owned and U.S.-built vessels. The tankers being built in Philadelphia are categorized as “Veteran Class.” Each will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 deadweight tons (dwt). The first ship is slated for completion later this year. Dave Meehan, president and CEO of Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, said, “Keel laying for our second tanker just days after start of production on our third tanker signifies another important step in advancing our yard and the 10-ship build program to new levels of efficiency and sophistication. For the first time in its history, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard now has four ships currently under construction, including three tanker vessels of the exact same design.” As part of the ceremony, coins were placed under the keel block in a practice which recreates a longstanding tradition whereby shipbuilders hide special coins in the keel section of a ship as a permanent symbol of good fortune and safe travels. Aker American Shipping CFO Jan Ivar Nielsen represented Aker in the ceremony, with Theo Mandopoulos, OSG’s site The keel-laying for the second tanker at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (above) signaled another milestone for a program in which 10 U.S.-flag tankers will be built. manager at the yard, participating from the Seafarerscontracted company. The tanker program was announced in April 2005. At that time the company pointed out that in the U.S. commercial shipbuilding sector, the order for 10 tankers is believed to be the largest of its kind. Also at that time, OSG President and CEO Morten Arntzen stated, “The 10-ship program is OSG’s first giant step to building a world-class U.S.-flag shipping business.” More recently and as previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, OSG Senior Vice President Captain Robert Johnston stated that his company is exploring the possibility of investing in as many as 17 new additional U.S.-flag ships. “We believe we can deliver,” Johnston stated. “We believe you can build the ships in the United States. We also believe you can crew and maintain the ships in the United States.” Formerly known as Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Aker Philadelphia earlier this year launched the final containership in a four-ship series being built for Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company. The 681-foot long CV 2500 containership will be named the Maunalei and upon delivery this year will join three similar vessels in Matson’s fleet also constructed at the yard and delivered between 2003 and 2005. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is located on the site of the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Seafarers LOG 3 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 4 Crews Observe National Moment of Remembrance On May 29, a number of SIU members took part in Memorial Day observances at sea and ashore. Those events included the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. and shipboard ceremonies conducted for the National Moment of Remembrance. Aboard the Freedom, while the RO/RO vessel was at sea headed for New York City, Unlicensed Apprentice Timothy Dougherty read a tribute he had penned on behalf of the entire crew. In part, he stated, “Today, we honor those heroes (our family members—fathers, brothers, uncles, sisters) fallen and present who have given us the freedom we take for granted today…. As multi-tasking Americans, we need days like this one to bring us back to reality. Our busy schedules don’t give us that time, but we have it today, and this bell ceremony with each ringing can remind us that we can strive to behave like those servicemen and women with virtues that are instilled during intense periods of military training from the very beginning of their service careers.” Freedom Captain Shawn M. Hagerty thanked Dougherty for Crew members and military personnel aboard the USNS John McDonnell take part in the National Moment of Remembrance. Following the observance aboard the Freedom, pictured from left to right are 3rd A/E J. Barto, Chief Steward Anthony Brown, Bosun Daniel Bratta, QMED Charles Bennett, AB Joseph Laine, UA Keith Parsons, SA Marcelo Alicea, UA Timothy Dougherty, Cadet B. Gilbert, Captain Shawn Hagerty, 3/M W. Payne, 1st A/E T. Hibl, Chief Cook Charles Davis, Cadet P. Wolfinger, Chief Engineer G. Benson, 2nd A/E E. Stone, and OMU Joseph Yamson. sharing his sentiments with the crew. On the hopper dredge Wheeler (SIU Government Services Division) in New Orleans, crew members gathered around the ship’s bell. After a moment of remembrance, a statement from the U.S. Maritime Administration was read, along with a reading of names of Wheeler mariners who have passed on since commissioning of the dredge in 1982. Additionally, aboard the hydrographic survey ship USNS John McDonnell, crew members met at the ship’s bell. They also rang eight bells and observed a moment of silence. “We shared a few words about those we were remembering from all branches of the armed services, the merchant marine, and the civilians who gave their lives throughout the nation’s history,” noted McDonnell Master Bob Mattsen. “We spoke of those who are continuing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.” Writing from the containership Maersk Maryland, Richard Hoey, the ship’s master, noted that crew members “paid tribute to the heroic men and women who have courageously served our country in times of war with special emphasis on the departed sailors of the United States Merchant Marine. The crew mustered on the bow to pay their admiration to those who have and continue to serve the United States. “Before the moment of silence, the crew was reminded of the historical sacrifices made by the merchant marine while gaining and maintaining our nation’s freedom. At 1500 hours, there was a moment of silence as the ship’s bell was rung eight times. Completing the ceremony, the chief cook (Benjamin A. Brooks) led the crew in a moving invocation in remembrance to those who came before us, to those in the present, and to those that will serve in the future.” Pictured aboard the Wheeler are (from left) Chief Steward Morrell Jones, Chief Engineer Brian Kavanagh, Electrician Clifford Farmer, 3rd Engineer William Kicklighter, 1st Engineer Brian Grover, Bosun Alton Dawkins and Administrative Technician Belinda Cannon. Crew members aboard the Maersk Maryland paid tribute to those who have served America in times of war, including fellow mariners. Other SIU-crewed vessels also participated in the National Moment of Remembrance. In the nation’s capital, students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education helped represent the U.S. Merchant Marine in the National Memorial Day Parade. The annual event is organized by a coalition of military, veteran and civic groups in association with the White House Commission on Remembrance. Panel Weighs Maritime Convention Students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education joined other mariners in representing the U.S. Merchant Marine at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. As part of the National Maritime Day events that took place May 22 in venues around Washington, D.C., the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) hosted a panel discussion of the newly crafted Maritime Labor Convention under discussion for national ratification. The panel met at the Convention Center of the Washington Navy Yard. The Maritime Labor Convention, adopted in February of this year, was designed to update and consolidate approximately 60 earlier agreements dating back to the 1920s. The Convention applies to all oceangoing ships with few exceptions, and is expected to take three to five years for ratification by maritime nations. Participating were (from left) Rev. Lloyd Burghart, interim executive secretary, NAMMA; Alfred “Fred” Kuffler, partner, Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP; Clay Maitland, managing partner, International Registries, Inc.; Bruce Carlton, associate administrator for policy and international trade, U.S. Maritime Administration; Joe Cox, president and CEO, American Chamber of Shipping; and U.S. Coast Guard Captain Frank Sturm. 4 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:15 PM Page 5 AFL-CIO Announces Gulf Coast Revitalization Program Billion Dollar Effort Aims to Create Good Jobs, Housing, Economic Development AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, flanked by New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, Building and Construction Trades Department President Edward Sullivan, International Longshoremen’s Association Local 3000 President James O. Campbell, AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust CEO Steve Coyle and a broad contingency of New Orleans labor, civic, religious, financial, and academic leaders on June 14 announced the AFLCIO Gulf Coast Revitalization Program, a seven-year, $1 billion housing and economic development initiative. The program is designed to produce affordable housing, promote homeownership, and create good jobs with good wages in construction and other industries for New Orleans and other coastal communities ravaged by Hurricane Katrina last year. “Labor is in solidarity with the citizens of New Orleans,” stated Sweeney. “We are here to do our part to rebuild and reunite this great city. I am proud to stand with my brothers and sisters to announce this very first significant investment by labor in the rebuilding of this city. We hope business and financial institutions will follow our lead as they did when we stepped forward after 9/11 in New York City.” “Thousands of our people have been scattered by the wrath of Katrina,” said Nagin. “We want them back home and we must provide the affordable housing, jobs and community services to make that happen. Labor is stepping forward in a big way to help us make this difficult job an attainable reality.” Adding to the announcement, Sullivan said that his organization is establishing a Gulf Coast Workforce Development Project to meet the anticipated demand for skilled workers. It is anticipated that this project will create new employment and training opportunities in the construction industry for Gulf Coast residents. The project will build a stronger union presence in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast region, while providing job skill training for residents wishing to return to the area. Joining Sweeney, Nagin, Sullivan, Campbell and Coyle in announcing the Gulf Coast Revitalization Program were AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka; AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson; Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO President Robert “Tiger” Hammond; Southeast Louisiana Building and Construction Trades Council President Donald Denese and Executive Secretary Joseph Bertucci; Louisiana AFL-CIO President Louis Reine; Mike Arnold, secretary-treasurer of the AFLCIO Investment Trust Corporation; James R. Kelly, CEO of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans; Charlotte Bourgeois, chief operating officer of Catholic Charities of New Orleans; Phil Thompson, associate professor of urban politics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Reed Kroloff, dean of Tulane School of Architecture; and Rev. Michael P. Jacques of the Society of St. Edmund, pastor of St. Peter Claver Church. The billion dollar investment plan will be carried out by three labor-backed investment and financial service organizations—the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT), the AFLCIO Building Investment Trust (BIT) and the AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation (ITC). Both the HIT and BIT invest Taft-Hartley and public employee pension funds in housing and economic development projects nationwide to seek competitive returns for their participants. The ITC provides marketing, investor relations and investment development services for the BIT. All construction projects financed by the HIT and BIT are built with 100 percent union labor. Key components of the AFLCIO Gulf Coast Revitalization Program include the following: „ Multifamily Housing: $250 million in direct financing to be provided by the HIT for the production or rehabilitation of housing. This significant finan- Penn. WWII Mariners Eligible for $500 Bonus Applications for the Pennsylvania Merchant Marine World War II Veterans bonus now are available at each county’s Veterans’ Affairs Office. The legislation, which was sponsored by Pennsylvania State Rep. John A. Maher (R-Allegheny/Washington) and signed into law April 12 by Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell, calls for a one-time, $500 cash bonus to qualified veterans. To be eligible, an applicant must be a U.S. Merchant Marine veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Merchant Marine between Dec. 7, 1941 and Aug. 15, 1945; be in possession of a DD Form 214 evidencing honorable service; and be a legal resident of Pennsylvania on April 12, 2006. The benefits will be paid from July 2006 a U.S. Merchant Marine World War II Veterans’ bonus fund, a restricted receipt account in the general fund. Money for the fund will be appropriated from the General Fund by the General Assembly, and any money remaining in the fund on June 30, 2007, will be returned to the General Fund. Applications for this bonus must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2006. All applications will be reviewed, and payments will be made by next summer. For application forms or additional information, call 1-800547-2838 or write to the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, Bureau for Veterans’ Affairs, Ft. Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002. Their web site is located at: www.dmva.state.pa.us. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney cial investment will seek to build or renovate 5,000 to 10,000 housing units, both in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities, and is expected to leverage an additional $150 million from other public and private sources. Special emphasis will be given to affordable housing, and workforce and special needs housing, as well as worker training programs in the building and construction trades. „ Commercial and Economic Development: $100 million in direct investment by the BIT for commercial real estate development in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities. BIT investments will seek to focus on hotels and other economic development projects that create jobs in construction and services. These investments are expected to leverage an additional $150 million. The ITC will also explore the feasibility of alternative housing solutions, such as manufactured and modular housing. „ Health Care and Hospital Facilities: In conjunction with other partners, the HIT will seek to invest $100 million in health care facilities and hospital construction. These investments will help reduce the significant shortage of health care facilities in the region. „ Home Ownership: $250 million will be designated through the HIT’s successful HIT HOME mortgage program to enable union members and public employees to purchase homes throughout the region. In addition, HIT will work with local community development corporations on innovative home ownership programs for low-income families such as limited equity co-ops and the Section 8 program. „ A Long-term Commitment: Demonstrating its long-term commitment to the region, the ITC has leased office space at 1100 Poydras Street, Suite 2870, in downtown New Orleans. Experienced staff will work with the city and other labor, financial and community organizations throughout the Gulf Coast region to carry out the investment program. Since September 2005, HIT, BIT and ITC staffs have spent thousands of hours in the region assessing the critical housing needs of local communities and developing ties with local governments and community organizations. As part of the commitment to the region, the ITC last month joined with Providence Community Partners—a group that includes the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, Christopher Homes, and three community development corporations (Reconcile New Orleans, Tulane/Canal Community Development Corporation and UJAMAA Community Development Corporation)—to submit a proposal to the city of New Orleans for redevelopment of 196 abandoned adjudicated properties in Tremé and Tulane/Gravier that are available for single and multifamily development. “Labor plays a vital role in the social and economic life of our community” said Hammond, president of the New Orleans AFL-CIO. “What Katrina destroyed, we will help to rebuild. Our neighborhoods have been destroyed, our citizens scattered, but our spirit and resolve are strong. This is a great program for this city, our communities and our workers.” Hammond mentioned that the local AFL-CIO will also play a role in supporting the labor-sponsored training programs for people seeking jobs in the building and construction trades. Continued Increases in Health Care Costs Affect All Sectors of American Economy The high cost of health care in this country has received lots of publicity lately. Employers are seeing double-digit premium increases annually, resulting in skyrocketing out-of-pocket expenses for their employees, including increased co-pays for office visits and prescriptions as well as high deductibles for insurance benefits. American automobile makers are one of the hardest hit segments of the population. Health care costs for General Motors Corp. (GM) workers and its retirees add $1,500 to the price of every car. Toyota’s health care costs are figured to be half that amount, still a substantial figure. In recent remarks, the president of the United Automobile Workers union (UAW), Ron Gettelfinger, told his members that they cannot ride out the automobile industry crisis and should be prepared to make tradition-breaking decisions to help rescue the industry. While U.S. companies have been moving overseas, foreign automakers have been increasing their investments in the United States, and sales of their American-made products have been increasing even faster than those of imports. As foreign-owned final assembly plants opened in the United States, foreign-based parts suppliers also expanded here. This has resulted in a reduction in the union share of the auto industry—from roughly 60 percent of the workforce in the early ’80s to about 30 percent today (even less for parts workers like GM’s spinoff Delphi Corporation, whose members were to decide by June 23 whether to accept buyouts and other retirement incentives to leave their jobs). Gettelfinger—long a proponent of national health care coverage—pointed to many reasons for the industry’s extensive health care expenditures. Bad management, coupled with Detroit’s fading fortunes, helped create a health cost crisis that has become “unsustainable” in the face of the auto companies’ declining sales. This, he said, was one reason why the UAW agreed to substantial health care concessions last year. Jobs in the UAW, which were once considered to be the envy of the labor movement for their contracts with high wages and extensive benefits, are now experiencing the same demands for givebacks that have swept other workers across the United States. In Quincy, Mass., for example, exploding health care costs for the city’s public employees was considered to be a major topic as city hall begins negotiating new contracts for its nearly 2,000 workers. The city currently covers 90 percent of the health care costs for most of its employees—a high percentage even among traditionally generous packages for public employees—but union officials fully expect the new contract to reflect a shift in how health care costs are split between the city and employees. School districts also are affected. In San Francisco, the school district faces declining student enrollment (and the resulting loss of state funds) and is seeing its worker health care costs skyrocket. The district has lost about 1,000 students every year for the past several years, and each departing student means $5,000 less in state revenue based on student attendance. That means the district will take in $5 million less next year and $10 million less in two years and therefore will have to make unpopular decisions to close more schools, lay off staff or further cut programs. But the fastest-growing financial strain, according to the district’s director of policy and planning, is the retiree health benefits. Until three years ago, teachers working in San Francisco Unified had to have just five years in the district to retire with lifetime health care benefits. In 2004, because of escalating costs, the teachers union renegotiated longer vesting periods. Teachers already in the district at that time now have to work 12 years to earn the same benefits, while new teachers must work 20 years. Policymakers and government officials agree that health care costs need to be controlled, but there has been no consensus as to the best way to go about it. The National Coalition on Health Care stated that while there appears to be no agreement on a single solution to health care’s woes, a continuing escalation in health care spending and health insurance premiums will severely affect the quality of life for employees—as well as the bottom line for many employers. Seafarers LOG 5 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 6 Engine Dept. Training Gets an Upgrade Following exhaustive efforts to logically restructure and improve its curriculum in the engine department, officials in the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s vocational department recently announced revised matrixes designed to help Seafarers advance their careers. Members currently holding any classification QMED 4 through OMED 1 are not impacted by the revised system and do not have to “retrain.” However, if they want to advance from a current classification, they will do so through the new system. The fresh career tracks consist of updated courses along with some old ones. Students may follow the paths all the way from entry ratings to licensed positions in the engine department. “The career path revisions mainly are due to Coast Guard requirements stemming from the STCW convention,” said J.C. Wiegman, Paul Hall Center assistant director of training. “Under STCW, advancement depends on practical demonstrations of skills. The training matrixes reflect those requirements.” Training essentially begins with the equivalent of “phase 3” of the unlicensed apprentice program. After completing the first three modules (and accumulating enough sea time), students may choose from among four avenues leading to certifications as QMED machinist (QMED dayworker), QMED watchstander, QMED pumpman, and QMED electrician, respectively. Simulator training—which will be used to help students in the completion of their assessments— will be a key component of this new career track. Those interested in pursuing an engine department license may continue on another track (“officer in charge of an engineering watch”) culminating in any one or more of several licenses. Simulator training will be a key component of the new career track. Students will utilize the new Haven steam simulator, the Transas electric plant simulator, the Transas slow and medium speed diesel simulator and others to assist them in completing their assessments. More information may be obtained by contacting the admissions department at the school at (301) 994-0010, extension 5202. Union, School Mourn Instructor Larry Malone The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education were saddened when Lawrence Patrick Malone, formerly an instructor at the Southern Maryland school and a highly decorated U.S. Navy officer, died May 26 in California, Md. following a long battle with cancer. He was 65. Malone, who worked at the school from January 1997 until just a few weeks before his death, coordinated many of the Paul Hall Center’s classes in addition to teaching vessel familiarization and other deck department courses. He particularly embraced the challenge of instructing unlicensed apprentices as they first entered the program in Piney Point, Md. He made a powerful, lasting impression on students, school officials and fellow instructors. “He was one of the most unique individuals I ever met,” said Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan. “He was an ex-Navy chief and he didn’t take no [stuff] from anybody. When he handled scheduling classes we never had a problem—ever. He was a great guy, and he had no tolerance for complainers.” J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the school and also a Navy veteran, said he and Malone were friends in addition to colleagues. “Larry and I met each morning at the school and discussed the plan for each day,” he recalled. “Privately, I called him captain and he called me chief. This was a mutual understanding of naval tradition and my respect for him as a mustang commander who earned the distinction of having command at sea (similar to going up the hawsepipe and becoming a ship’s master). We argued, we laughed and we tried to keep our days on an even keel over the last six or seven years. “When he was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, he was determined to beat it even though he wasn’t given much of a chance,” Wiegman continued. “He fought the battle through many ups and downs. He never forgot the school and came back frequently, as he would say, to check in on us—and finally even to say goodbye. Fair winds and following seas, captain.” Director of Training Bill Eglinton remembered Malone as “not shy. He would tell it like it was. Larry’s main crusade was trying to jump-start or motivate those kids with good potential who wouldn’t engage in class. He did a tremendous job.” Instructor David Martin knew Malone both in the Navy and at Piney Point. “Larry was an amazing man,” he said. “I can remember him when I was 20 years old and he was the gravelly voiced LTJG Bosun on the USS Kiska. We all very much respected Bosun Malone, and I remember how well he took care of his troops—us—even though we had a lot of underway commitments. He was always in my corner. “Twenty-one years later,” Martin added, “I was 6 Seafarers LOG Larry Malone (left) helped students at the Paul Hall Center to stay motivated to do their best. taking a lifeboat class at Piney Point as a retired BMCS (senior chief bosun’s mate), and lo and behold, who walked in to administer the test but Larry Malone…. I always loved working for him, and we all will miss him.” Instructor Jim Shaffer said Malone “was one of a kind, a straight shooter. I think that’s what everybody liked about Larry—he didn’t beat around the bush…. He was proud of his military career, having worked his way up through the ranks, but he wasn’t a braggart.” Shaffer said that although Malone could be demanding of students, he always treated them fairly and was quick to lend support. “If you had a job to do, he expected you to do it right,” Shaffer noted. “But if anyone needed anything, Larry was there for them. He was respected and admired by everyone here at the school and maybe feared by a couple. He’ll be missed by a lot of people.” A native of Dickinson, N.D., Malone served in the Navy for 29 years. Among other honors, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal (two Bronze Stars), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device. Malone is survived by many family members including his wife, three children, three stepchildren, five siblings and six grandchildren. A memorial Mass was conducted June 2 at St. George’s (Md.) Catholic Church; inurnment followed at Charles Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to OPIS, St. Mary’s Hospital, P.O. Box 527, Leonardtown, MD 20650; and/or American Cancer Society, St. Mary’s County Unit, P.O. Box 1032, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Engine department curriculums at the Paul Hall Center have been updated to help students advance their maritime careers while challenging them with the latest technology. Veitch and Richardson Chosen for AOTOS Awards Colin Veitch and Paul F. Richardson have been selected to receive one of the maritime industry’s most prestigious honors, the 2006 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award (AOTOS). The honorees on May 22 were announced by John Bowers, chairman of the United Seamen’s Service AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association. Veitch is president and CEO of SIU-contracted NCL America; Richardson is a container shipping pioneer and president of Paul F. Richardson Associates Inc. They led the field of nominees sought from more than 150 maritime labor, management and government officials. The duo is slated to receive their awards Nov. 3 during an industry dinner and dance in New York City. All proceeds from the event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine and those of other free world countries. The recipients will share the evening with a group of American seafarers who will be honored for specific acts of bravery at sea. “Colin Veitch, in commencing brand new passenger services flying the American flag, has shown a renewed faith in a U.S. presence on the international seas and will provide muchneeded employment for our seafarers,” noted Bowers. “We are saluting his vision and actions. “With this being the 50th anniversary year of containerization, it is significant that we recognize a true pioneer, Paul F. Richardson,” continued Bowers. “He was with Malcolm McLean, the father of containerization, even before this momentous revolution began in 1956 and today remains a vital force and participant on the worldwide transportation scene.” “Our recipients have been selected by those who 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,” Bowers added. Under Veitch’s direction, NCL America placed into service the Seafarers-crewed Pride of Aloha, NCL’s first U.S.-flag vessel, in June 2004. It was the first deep sea passenger ship to join the American fleet in 50 years. A year later NCL America welcomed the Pride of America; the Colin Veitch, left, and Paul F. Richardson have been selected to received the 2006 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award. company’s third U.S.-flag ship, the Pride of Hawaii, entered service last month. As U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta said, “Raising the Stars and Stripes over more ships raises our maritime strength and raises jobs.” NCL America’s three U.S.flag ships are expected to generate more than $828 million in U.S. economic activity and 20,400 jobs, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers study. Besides serving as president and CEO of NCL America and Norwegian Cruise Line, Veitch also is president of Orient Lines and a member of the boards of NCL Holding ASA and Star Cruises, Ltd. Richardson’s experience in transportation has been as a specialist in containerization, company management and labor. He held a key leadership role in the dynamic growth of Sea-Land Service, Inc., forging its development and serving as president and vice chairman of the innovative steamship company. In 1977, he established Paul F. Richardson Associates, Inc., an international maritime and transportation consulting firm serving various segments of the maritime industry including carriers, ports, shipbuilding companies, inland carriers, labor and labor-management groups. Today, Richardson serves on numerous boards, councils and committees including the American Bureau of Shipping, U. S. Coast Guard Foundation, Council of the Americas and other significant government commissions and committees. Established in 1942, the United Seamen’s Service 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. July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 7 Cape Decision Delivers in High-Profile Mission Brigadier General Bivens Commends Crew, Cites Support and Teamwork An SIU-crewed vessel under the operational jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command recently completed a high-visibility mission in Poland. The cargo ship Cape Decision from April 19-20 was in Szczecin, Poland, returning combat equipment used by that country’s military forces in Iraq. Seafarers aboard the 681-foot roll-on/roll-off vessel off-loaded more than 49,000 square feet of cargo belonging to members of the Polish army. Off-loaded items included more than 160 trucks, six helicopters, tanks, trailers and in excess of 100 containers of supplies. Brig. Gen. Nolen V. Bivens, in a letter to the Decision crew following its mission, in part said: “Thanks for all you do to support America’s fighting men and women. I look forward to our continued teamwork.” General Bivens is assistant chief of staff, C-3, Coalition Forces Land Component Command, Third U.S. Army. He visited the Cape Decision and its crew in December 2005. SIU-crewed MSC ships have been a familiar sight in Szczecin and other Baltic seaports since 2003 when MSC vessels began using them to load U.S. and coalition force cargo bound for the Middle East and for use in Operation Iraqi Freedom. An important partner in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Polish military forces took part in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Poland had 2,500 soldiers deployed to the region at the height of its engagement in the newly-democratized country. MSC ships since 2003 have moved nearly 430,000 square feet, or seven-and-a-half football fields’ worth, of combat equipment for these troops. “This is indicative of the enduring relationship the U.S. military has with Poland and our coalition partners in Europe,” said Capt. David K. Wright, Mariners’ Rights Resolution Continued from page 2 Seafarers to maintain a fair and essential freedom of movement in the normal conduct of their profession, while contributing to the maintenance of heightened security norms.” The General Conference of the ILO adopted the revised Convention during its Ninety-first session in June 2003 as C185, but very few countries have ratified it, including the United States, Canada and Great Britain. The SIU joint resolution continues as follows: “Considering the continuous and difficult struggle of both American and Canadian Seafarers to cross the U.S.-Canada border in this era of heightened border security; and given that the barriers have become so great that in numerous instances Seafarers are being completely denied access to the neighboring territory, and this simply because there is no generally accepted and easily available set of identity documents; “Considering that as long as seafarers have gone to sea, shore leave has been a cherished right; that vessels could not be manned should shore leave not be granted; and given that the livelihoods of many American and Canadian seafarers are presently at stake as a result of the absence of an agreed and efficient system of providing identity documents; “Considering that there have been important revisions to passport and visa requirements for Seafarers in North America and elsewhere; that there is not presently an all-encompassing maritime worker identity verification and background check system that is generally recognized by both Governments; and that neither the SIU AGLIWD nor the SIU of Canada is favorable to the present obligation imposed on their members to obtain passports and visas in order to have access to shore leave; “Considering that the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) may be the solution to the problem of estab- July 2006 lishing generalized and systematized identification criteria; “The Seafarers International Union, representing both its American and Canadian districts, hereby: “RESOLVES through each District to lobby their respective Governments in order to secure the establishment as rapidly as is reasonably possible of uniform North American regulations governing Seafarer identification, whether through the North American implementation of TWIC rules or some similar protocol; that these uniform regulations would involve a collateral agreement between Washington and Ottawa with the objective of permitting Seafarers secure access to North American ports and the territory of both the U.S. and Canada based on this uniform identity documentation; “RESOLVES that whatever form this uniform identity document will take, whether as a TWIC document or otherwise, that it will conform to the following principles: (a) that it be recognized and accepted throughout the United States and Canada; (b) that it establish uniform requirements and conditions for Seafarers, whether based in the U.S. or Canada; (c) that it impose fair and reasonable requirements on Seafarers who seek to obtain the identity document in question; (d) that the document respect, to the extent consistent with security needs, the fundamental rights, liberties and privacy of the holders of such identity document; and (e) that the document in question ensure the freedom of movement, including complete shore leave access to those Seafarers who obtain the documentation in question. “RESOLVES to undertake all actions consistent with the law, to ensure that the maritime union movement takes its proper and essential role in the protection of transport security worldwide and participates fully, together with government and industry in the war on terrorism.” commander, Sealift Logistics Command Europe. SEALOGEUR is MSC’s European area command and is responsible for overseeing the movement of U.S. Navy cargo and logistics ships in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. “It is also a great example of the important role Military Sealift Command plays in the U.S. and coalition forces’ efforts in Iraq.” Since the beginning of the global war on terrorism and operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, MSC has moved more than 88.6 million square feet of combat equipment for troops in theater worldwide—with much of it carried on SIU-crewed ships. Seafarers-crewed vessels have also helped deliver more than 8.8 The Seafarers-crewed Cape Decision recently completed a key mission in Poland. billion gallons of fuel. That is enough fuel to fill the Empire State Building nearly 32 times. Operated by Seafarers-con- tracted Marine Personnel and Provisioning, the Cape Decision is 681 long with a beam of 97 feet. It can sail at more than 16 knots. Union Plus Rolls Out Two More Programs No-cost accidental death insurance and voice broadband phone service are the latest offerings in an ever growing list of programs for union members through Union Plus. Because the SIU participates in Union Plus, Seafarers and their family members are eligible for both programs. The insurance program, UnionSecure Accidental Death, is designed to help protect the future of union members’ families and is available at no cost to union members. The Union Plus Voice broadband phone service can help union families save on phone calls—up to $400 per year depending on the plan they choose. Insurance Program Union members can enroll in the no-cost UnionSecure program simply by calling 1-800-3930864, or by visiting www.UnionSecure.com. No medical exams are needed and members are not required to purchase anything, according to Union Plus. By calling the former number or visiting the web site provided, union members’ families can get up to $5,000 worth of coverage in the event of accidental death from covered motor vehicle/ pedestrian accidents, or $1,000 of coverage for death due to any other type of accident at home, at work or while commuting or traveling anywhere in the world. Union members who already have insurance may supplement it with this coverage—at no cost to them. UnionSecure was created through a partnership between the Union Labor Life Insurance Company and Union Privilege, established by the AFL-CIO to provide Union Plus benefits. To help working families gain security, UnionSecure has developed a broad range of insurance plans that union members and retirees can afford. It chose Hartford® to provide the plans because of that company’s outstanding record. All UnionSecure plans are subject to strict oversight by the trustees of the AFLCIO Mutual Benefit Fund, who have a legal obligation to protect the interests of union members. Union Plus Benefits for SIU Members If you are a member or retiree of SIU, you and your family are automatically are eligible for Union Plus benefits associated with the following programs. For more information visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-800-452-9425. Money & Credit „ Credit Card „ Union-Made Checks „ Credit Counseling „ Your Credit Score „ Loans „ Online Tax Service Insurance Deals „ Accident Insurance „ Auto Insurance „ Life Insurance „ Pet Insurance Health & Well Being „ Health Club Discounts „ Health Savings Education Services „ Education Services Phone Service With Union Plus Voice broadband phone service, union members get all the features of normal phone service plus those offered through this program. To use the service, members need broadband internet access through a cable or DSL internet connection. Union Plus Voice offers the following benefits and more, according to promotional material sent to the SIU: „ Save up to 85 percent compared to normal phone bills „ Unlimited calling, one monthly rate „ Quick installation, easy to use Auto Advantages „ Goodyear Tire & Service Discount House & Home „ Mortgage & Real Estate „ Moving Discount „ Home Heating Oil Discounts Everyday Savings „ ConsumerReports.org Discount „ Flower Discount „ Powell’s Bookstore „ Music Discounts „ Clothing Discounts Travel & Recreation „ Entertainment Discounts „ Car Rental Discounts „ Worldwide Vacation Tours „ Cruise Discounts „ Travel Center Computers & Tech „ Broadband Phone Service „ Dell Computer Discounts „ Cingular Wireless Discount „ Internet Service Discount „ No activation fees A variety of plans are available under the program, including unlimited outbound and inbound calling across the 48 contiguous states and Canada for $22.89 per month. Other plans are available for as low as $11.89 per month. Union Plus card holders can get additional savings with unlimited calling for $199 a year or less than $17 a month. Some plans are as low as $8.33 per month and affordable international plans are also available. To sign up visit www.UnionPlus.net/Voice or call 1888-868-6818. Notice SHBP Booklets Posted, Mailed The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has posted separate, updated booklets on line at www.seafarers.org in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section. One booklet is a “Guide to Benefits” for active Seafarers; the other is a benefits guide for retirees. On the web site, the guides are in PDF format. Printed copies of those same booklets were being mailed last month to eligible members and retirees. The mailings were scheduled to be finished by early July. Seafarers LOG 7 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 8 ALWAYS READy Bosun Lynn Mallis ABOARD THE USNS SODERMAN The men and women aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Soderman continue to stand ready on a daily basis in support of the U.S. military. As one of the Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessels, the Soderman made multiple trips between the United States and the Middle East during the height of Iraqi Freedom to deliver urgently needed combat equipment and later to bring back military materiel that was no longer required in the theater of operations. Operated by Maersk Line Limited, the Soderman is one of the vessels in MSC’s Afloat Prepositioning Ship Squadron Four. The 950-foot Soderman is now forward deployed to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, loaded with Army equipment and supplies and ready for a rapid response at any given time. The photos on these two pages were sent to the LOG by Ron VonDrachek, chief engineer aboard the Soderman. The USNS Soderman in Diego Garcia OS German (Max) Maximo QMED Tristum Beeks AB Dale Harrison OS Kosar Iqbal Supply Officer Edwin (Dino) Coleman The photo at left of Chief Steward Kimberly Strate and Chief Cook Efren Matias was taken as the two were preparing for the lagoon-wide “Compsron Two Iron Chef” competition. The fact that the crew won a trophy for “Most Original” didn’t surprise anyone on the Soderman. At right is the “Best of the Best” galley gang. From the left are Chief Cook Matias, Chief Steward Strate, SA Margaret Young and SA Sarah Canon. 8 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 9 ALWAYS READy ABOARD THE USNS SODERMAN OS Enrique Defendini QMED Rutland Gale checks readings on the #2 A/C chiller. QMED Adnan Nasser and Wiper Nabil Nasser prepare for a lathe project. OS Kyle Hudson Electrician John Hunt does some troubleshooting. AB Timothy Dunn Electrician Ousmane Ka performs preventive maintenance on the generator. AB Nathan Carr AB Terrell Poole July 2006 AB Josh Wilson Seafarers LOG 9 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 10 Seafarer Weil Gets Revved Up About U.S. Merchant Marine Custom Chopper Honors Union, School, Industry When Seafarer Paul Weil decided to help publicize his industry, he did it in style. The QMED-electrician picked an unusual, eye-catching way to raise the profile of the U.S. Merchant Marine when he ordered a custom-built chopper adorned with spectacular artwork promoting the industry in general and the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education specifically. The project took longer than expected and it hasn’t come cheap. By the time Weil adds custom rims and exhaust pipes, the price tag will push $60,000. Nevertheless, Weil, a 1999 graduate of the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program, said he was very pleased with the chopper when he picked it up in late May. He certainly found an appreciative audience at the June membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., where Weil brought the motorcycle to share with fellow members, SIU officials and school staff. “I figured it would help bring attention to the merchant marine,” said the 32-year-old Seafarer. “It’s also a way of giving back to the union and the school,” which together helped him find his niche. In 2003, Weil (pronounced, as he says, “Like wait a while”) sailed for about nine months in Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard the Maersk Constellation. In the following months, he rekindled an old idea for the custom chopper as he met more and more people who knew little or nothing about the U.S. Merchant Marine. A longtime motorcycle enthusiast, Weil said the chopper features a 1500cc Super Sport engine and a hydraulic clutch and brake system that helps maintain “a clean look.” It has Seafarer Paul Weil says the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education helped put him on the right path—a big motivation behind his custombuilt chopper. Instructor Makes Point at Piney Point six gears and—theoretically— would top out at around 160 mph or more. Outlaw Customs of Prince Frederick, Md. built the chopper (topped off with an alligator-skin seat), while Pro Artworks of Upper Marlboro, Md. did the painting. The latter component is breathtaking in its detail. The fuel tank bears the U.S. Merchant Marine slogan, “In Peace and War,” along with the industry seal and a finely illustrated eagle seemingly perched above it. The rear fender carries the SIU motto, “Brotherhood of the Sea.” Beneath the seat is a ship’s wheel with “SIU” and “Class 584,” Weil’s apprentice group. Despite the monetary cost, in many ways the chopper has been a labor of love for Weil, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. A quick look at his background helps illuminate his passion for the maritime industry. Weil grew up in a tough part of Washington, D.C. and as a teenager admittedly struggled to find his direction. He earned his GED but didn’t have the time or money for college. Eventually, at the urging of a friend, he enrolled in the apprentice program, a staple of the Paul Hall Center since the school opened in 1967. Piney Point offered new challenges, but Weil eventually settled into the program and made the most of the opportunity. “Shipping was the big key” in helping him onto the right path, he said. “At the school, it all worked out for the best. Since then I’ve never had a bad ship.” As evidenced by the chopper Weil, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, plans to sail “forever” even while pursuing other business interests on the beach. The chopper’s finely detailed artwork pays tribute to the SIU, the Paul Hall Center and the industry in general. (Note: Larger, color versions of these photos are available on line at www.seafarers.org, in the Heard at Headquarters section.) project, Weil is ambitious. He operates his own shoreside business (offering catering, construction and cleaning services, among others) and plans to earn a third engineer’s license. “The sky’s the limit, but I plan to sail forever,” stated Weil. “And I already plan to design another custom chopper.” Help Keep America Secure Paul Hall Center Instructor Eric Malzkuhn (standing in top photo and at right) last month accommodated the needs of a hearing-impaired student who enrolled in the school’s EPA refrigeration certification technician course. The student was part of a group of contractors from the nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Test Center. Malzkuhn, a longtime engine department instructor at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., had previously learned sign language due to family members who also are hearing impaired. 10 Seafarers LOG ATTENTION SEAFARERS: Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 5:47 AM Page 11 Below: Eli and Alethea Rantanes with their granddaughters Chelsie (right) and Cecily stopped off at the SIU headquarters on their way home to Canton, Ohio, where Eli is on the executive board of the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II. Right: Eli, 81, sailed deep sea from 1943-53 and then on the Great Lakes for 29 more years. He shipped with the SIUNA-affiliated MFOW and later with MEBA and AMO in the engine department. He is holding a framed photograph of the WWII Merchant Marine Memorial located in Canton, which he gave to President Michael Sacco to thank him for his support over the years for merchant marine vets. 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. Right: Bosun Kervin Velazquez visits the SIU hall in San Juan with his new baby, Amaury. Right: Feb. 4, 2006 was visitors’ day at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Thomas Hampshire, a member of the unlicensed apprentice program, was visited by his wife, Mary Ellen, and their daughter Chelsea (who put on a uniform just for fun). Michael Thomas and his 12-year-old son, Matt, recently toured “Old Ironsides”—the USS Constitution, docked in the port of Boston. Thomas, who has a second mate ticket, is an SIU hawsepiper and AMO full book member who enjoys reading the LOG. SIU San Juan Port Agent Amancio Crespo joins his family at honors day for daughter Amanda (right) at her school, Christian Military Academy. Next to Crespo is daughter Cristina and wife, Maria de los Angeles. July 2006 Left: QMED Joseph Benavente, who ships out of Guam, recently brought his family to the hall. With him are his wife, Millie, 4-year-old daughter, Shainne, and newest addition, Vinitia, who was born May 17. Right: QMED Christian Rosado and his wife, Melissa, drop by the San Juan hall with daughter Keyshla. Seafarers LOG 11 �36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:19 PM Page 12 GERMANY SHIPYARD The ship was floated out on Feb. 19 and then underwent sea trials before sailing for the United States in April. MAKER BALTIMORE PORT of CALL PANAMA CANAL TO MARKET Thou of Ne f Seaf ATLANTIC to PACIFIC Officials from the SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers turned out to greet the ship when it sailed through the Panama Canal on May 11. Pictured from left to right are Omar Velarde, José F. Amador, Francisco González, Lidia Gómez, SIU VP At Large René Lioeanjie, Fernando Williams, UIW VP Orlando Diaz, Alcides Ulloa, María E. Vergara and Fernando Duran. 12 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:51 PM Page 13 LOS ANGELES CHRISTENING SIU President Michael Sacco was one of the featured speakers at the christening. He noted that the NCL America ships mean thousands of new jobs and a boost to America’s national and economic security. The SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii, NCL America’s newest cruise ship, traveled an extensive route from the shipyard to its home port in Hawaii, where it arrived May 28. Before its christening May 20 in Los Angeles, the vessel stopped in Baltimore and later transited the Panama Canal (among other stops). Photos from throughout the journey, beginning with the Pride of Hawaii’s construction in Germany (it was floated out on Feb. 19) are shown on these two pages. Extensive coverage of the christening was included in the June issue of the Seafarers LOG and also may be found online at www.seafarers.org. housands New Jobs for eafarers NCL America’s ships—the Pride of Hawaii, Pride of America and Pride of Aloha—offer cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. HAWAII HOME PORT July 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:04 AM Page 14 Health and Research Groups Trying to Tackle Avian Flu The World Health Organization (WHO) on June 15 confirmed that a young Indonesian girl who died on June 1 was infected with bird flu, taking the country’s total deaths from the virus to 38. The newly confirmed case pushed the cumulative total in Indonesia to 50 including the 38 fatalities. Bird flu has spread rapidly since late 2003 from Asia to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Earlier last month Djibouti reported its first human case of H5N1, the first confirmed human case in the Horn of Africa. Following are some facts about the H5N1 avian flu virus and its spread around the globe: „ Since the virus re-emerged in Asia in 2003, outbreaks have been confirmed in more than 48 countries and territories, according to data from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). „ Since the beginning of January 2006, more than 30 countries have reported out- „ „ „ „ „ breaks, in most cases involving wild birds such as swans. The virus has killed 129 people since 2003, according to the WHO. Countries with confirmed human deaths are: Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. In total, the virus is known to have infected 226 people since 2003, according to the WHO. Many of those who died are children and young adults. Vietnam and Indonesia have the highest number of cases, accounting for 80 of the total deaths. The H5N1 virus is not new to science and was responsible for an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Scotland in 1959. Britain confirmed a new case in Scotland on April 6. H5N1 is not the only bird flu virus. There are numerous strains. For example, an outbreak in 2003 of the H7N7 bird flu virus in the Netherlands led to the destruction of more than 30 million birds, around a third of the country’s poultry stock. About 2.7 million were destroyed in Belgium and around 400,000 in Germany. In the Netherlands, 89 people were infected with the H7N7 virus, one of whom (a veterinarian) died. „ The H5N1 virus made the first known jump into humans in Hong Kong in 1997, infecting 18 people and killing six of them. The government ordered the immediate culling of the territory’s entire poultry flock, ending the outbreak. „ Symptoms of bird flu in humans have ranged from typical influenza-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches, to eye inflammations (conjunctivitis), pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia, and other severe and life-threatening complications. Meanwhile, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) early last month announced a $5 million award to support the development of a global network to track avian influenza, with the aim of monitoring the role of migratory birds. According to a USAID release, the Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance (GAINS) will enhance international efforts to collect and analyze laboratory samples from wild birds and identify genetic changes in the virus. The entire award package totals $6 million, including a $1 million contribution from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Spearheaded by the Wildlife Conservation Society, GAINS will work in countries situated along key migratory routes to improve the collection, coordination, and laboratory evaluation of samples from wild birds. The goal of this effort is to enhance understanding of the role wild birds play in the movement of the avian flu virus around the world. In addition, GAINS will create, update, and make data available to researchers related to avian influenza surveillance and migratory bird activity. 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 “The United States is already supporting efforts to develop animal surveillance and build diagnostic and laboratory capacity in at least 25 countries,” said Dr. Dennis Carroll, director of USAID’s Avian and Pandemic Influenza Response Unit. “The GAINS program is an extension of our important work. The information GAINS produces will feed into systems to warn people about the movement of avian influenza. This network will significantly bolster our ability to support the international community in response to the virus.” The announcement supports the successful outcome of the second meeting of the International Partnership for Avian and Pandemic Influenza, held in Vienna, Austria, June 6-7. The U.S. delegation, headed by Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Dr. Paula J. Dobriansky, also included representatives from USAID, and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. “Leaders must continue to encourage their colleagues at home and abroad to be forthcoming with information critical to global response efforts,” Dobriansky said at the meeting. “Providing accurate information to international partners can significantly limit both the human and economic impacts of an outbreak.” To date, USAID has allocated $158.4 million to fight avian influenza. The agency also collaborates with other U.S. government agencies, international partners, and local governments and organizations to provide support in 46 countries. Vaccine Tested In a related development, several sources on June 14 reported that a laboratory-produced bird flu vaccine protected ferrets against several strains of H5N1 avian influenza during a study. The ferrets were immunized with a vaccine based on an H5N1 avian influenza virus isolated in Hong Kong in 2003. Injections they received protected them against a newer variant of the virus, according to researchers at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and the University of Tennessee. The study was published on the web site of the Journal of Infectious Diseases, the sources reported. Vaccine makers may not have to wait until the H5N1 virus evolves to become more contagious among people before producing inoculations for a worldwide outbreak, said the work’s authors, who include Elena Govorkova and Richard Webby. Earlier vaccine production may save lives and reduce the severity of illness, they said. “An effective influenza vaccine is urgently needed as H5N1 viruses continue to spread in Asia, not only causing an increasing number of human infections and high mortality rates, but also showing evidence of probable human-to-human transmission,” the authors wrote. Experts say a pandemic of some kind of influenza is inevitable and that H5N1 looks closer than any other virus to causing such a global wave of disease. A vaccine would provide the best protection. But flu vaccine technology is slow and unwieldy and a new vaccine has to be formulated every year to match the current circulating strains. Vaccine experts fear that they would have to wait until H5N1 changes into a human pandemic strain before they can make a vaccine against it. By then it could have infected millions. 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 July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24x1.qxp 6/27/2006 8:22 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea August & September 2006 Membership Meetings MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2006 *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 2 0 7 14 2 7 40 46 2 7 12 40 22 6 0 8 29 2 24 28 298 0 0 5 6 2 7 15 22 0 8 9 18 9 4 3 1 15 0 13 17 154 1 0 2 5 0 11 22 16 1 4 9 20 11 1 4 4 25 1 19 26 4 8 4 22 7 3 29 27 0 12 13 20 18 1 9 10 17 9 29 11 253 1 1 5 7 4 4 11 19 1 7 8 11 12 4 1 2 11 5 20 7 141 1 0 2 7 3 6 5 8 0 5 3 2 15 1 2 2 6 0 5 8 1 2 2 2 2 1 15 9 1 2 3 18 6 1 0 4 2 2 11 9 93 0 0 2 3 1 3 4 6 0 0 0 7 7 3 0 1 3 0 8 3 51 1 0 1 4 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 0 1 2 2 4 3 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 4 10 1 4 31 25 1 7 9 16 10 1 1 5 20 0 25 23 193 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 3 5 15 3 6 23 15 0 9 3 13 11 2 15 5 11 4 21 9 175 1 2 0 3 1 0 3 1 0 1 1 8 2 0 0 0 1 2 8 7 41 0 1 1 6 0 2 20 22 0 9 3 17 8 0 1 6 11 1 22 11 141 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 4 3 0 6 7 10 0 6 5 7 4 2 2 2 9 2 13 11 93 1 0 3 8 1 3 7 8 0 5 3 9 5 4 0 2 4 1 18 10 92 0 0 1 2 0 3 5 2 0 0 0 2 4 2 0 1 2 0 3 2 29 1 0 2 4 0 1 7 9 0 3 4 8 4 1 0 3 3 0 6 9 65 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 4 2 4 19 11 0 3 3 12 6 2 1 0 19 0 22 21 182 81 30 133 1 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 0 2 2 5 1 0 1 0 6 0 7 2 0 1 5 6 2 8 19 17 0 5 5 40 13 0 10 5 14 0 17 9 4 2 3 5 1 3 18 19 1 1 4 22 17 1 33 0 7 2 16 14 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 6 1 5 3 10 0 4 1 2 10 0 3 2 4 1 4 9 67 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 2 4 5 1 4 10 3 0 3 1 21 6 0 8 1 14 1 10 2 0 0 0 6 4 1 11 6 1 1 2 6 9 0 37 0 5 1 6 2 1 0 2 4 0 1 8 13 0 2 0 4 8 2 0 2 5 1 9 11 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 0 10 18 5 16 76 64 1 22 21 79 30 8 1 15 37 2 51 50 3 3 3 8 5 3 34 18 1 2 9 25 8 2 1 4 4 2 14 16 508 414 165 0 0 6 14 2 10 33 34 0 12 19 32 17 3 4 3 15 0 18 22 2 2 5 10 6 7 18 29 3 13 9 20 26 2 3 6 14 6 28 14 1 0 2 6 1 5 8 11 1 0 1 12 12 2 2 1 3 0 8 9 244 223 85 1 0 5 7 1 18 37 23 1 8 10 41 17 1 8 5 37 2 26 46 0 0 3 8 5 6 12 10 0 4 6 11 18 3 1 2 2 0 7 10 1 0 1 4 0 0 4 4 0 2 2 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 5 8 73 294 108 46 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 5 10 5 0 3 2 8 1 0 0 2 9 0 8 2 2 1 4 6 3 17 32 30 1 10 6 78 19 0 17 6 16 3 27 16 6 5 4 9 3 10 34 37 1 2 7 41 30 1 17 0 13 1 25 24 36 176 173 12 96 98 0 56 294 270 670 651 347 431 430 183 279 1,102 1,039 566 *“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 2006 3 12 9 34 13 6 38 41 4 18 17 37 27 7 11 13 20 12 56 36 Piney Point .............Monday: August 7 ................................Tuesday: September 5* .................................(*change created by Labor Day holiday) Algonac ..................Friday: August 11, September 8 Baltimore ................Thursday: August 10, September 7 Boston.....................Friday: August 11, September 8 Guam ......................Thursday: August 24, September 21 Honolulu .................Friday: August 18, September 15 Houston ..................Monday: August 14, September 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: August 10, September 7 Joliet .......................Thursday: August 17, September 14 Mobile ....................Wednesday: August 16, September 13 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: August 15, September 12 New York................Tuesday: August 8, September 5 Norfolk ...................Thursday: August 10, September 7 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: August 9, September 6 Port Everglades.......Thursday: August 17, September 14 San Francisco .........Thursday: August 17, September 14 San Juan..................Thursday: August 10, September 7 St. Louis..................Friday: August 18, September 15 Tacoma ...................Friday: August 25, September 22 Wilmington ...........Tuesday: August 22* ..............................Monday: September 18 .................................(*change created by Paul Hall Day holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals MC&S PICNIC CANCELED David Cunningham, reunion chairperson, would like to announce that this year’s Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) annual reunion has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances TALAMA MOEGA Please contact John Brown at 1-800-828-1110, ext. 1341. Inland Career Opportunities – Immediate Job Openings The SIU has immediate openings in the inland division. Interested individuals who possess either a 1,600-ton master’s license (with near coastal or ocean endorsements) along with an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) STCW certificate; or a designated duty engineer (DDE) 5,000 hp or greater license are encouraged to contact Bart Rogers at the union’s manpower office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5317 for additional information. In Texas, the SIU has immediate openings aboard harbor tugs. Interested individuals who possess either a mate or master’s license (inland) greater than 200 GRT, or are licensed as a chief or assistant engineer (6,000 hp or greater) are encouraged to contact Jim McGee at the SIU hall in Houston, (713) 659-5152. Seafarers LOG 15 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:04 AM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Port 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 3 9 2 3 10 0 0 2 29 0 4 2 0 4 1 1 0 12 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 6 Port 4 13 3 0 6 0 0 3 29 0 1 2 0 5 1 1 0 10 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 1 7 0 9 3 0 5 2 1 1 21 13 27 1 15 38 0 1 1 96 3 9 2 9 25 0 0 0 48 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 4 1 0 2 0 0 0 7 6 14 0 5 17 0 0 3 45 1 7 0 1 10 0 0 0 19 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 5 2 0 2 1 0 3 15 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 Port 2 5 2 0 2 1 0 2 14 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 2 1 1 7 0 1 2 16 1 2 1 0 6 0 1 0 11 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 4 2 3 1 1 3 0 0 2 12 1 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 6 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 1 6 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 4 16 2 4 16 2 1 0 45 1 7 0 2 14 0 0 0 24 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 5 Totals All Departments 60 27 13 55 19 16 32 186 91 17 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner William L. Nihem of Jacksonville, Fla. It was taken in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1947 on Sugarloaf Mountain. In a note accompanying the photo, Brother Nihem states that the crew members were on the SIU-contracted Liberty ship James R. Randall, making a five-month trip to four continents. Nihem is on the left; Blackie Smith is in the center. He can’t remember the name of the other shipmate. Brother Nihem joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of New York. Born in Michigan, he retired in 1982 as a chief steward. 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 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 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 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 ANDREW BALASH, 65, joined the union in 1995 in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother Balash, who sailed in the engine department, upgraded on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Balash was born in New York but calls Dania Beach, Fla. home. JAMES BLANCHARD, 65, launched his seafaring career in 1964. Brother Blanchard’s first ship was the Commander. The deck department member is a native of Mississippi. Brother Blanchard attended classes on numerous occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently sailed on the USNS Henson. Brother Blanchard lives in Mobile, Ala. RUBEN CASIN JR., 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Casin’s first voyage was aboard the Brooks Range. He was born in North Carolina and sailed in the steward department. Brother Casin upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Before retiring, he shipped on the Comet. Brother Casin settled in Nevada. FAUSTINO CASTILLO, 65, was born in Honduras. Brother Castillo started shipping with the Seafarers in 1991. He first worked on the Independence. Brother Castillo attended the Paul Hall Center in 1997, 2000 and 2001. He sailed in the steward department, most recently aboard the P&O Ned Lloyd Buenos Aires. Brother Castillo now makes his home in Houston. HENRY COLAR, 65, became an SIU member in 1963. Brother Colar’s first voyage was aboard the Cathy. He was born in New Orleans and shipped in the deck department. Brother Colar’s last trip to sea was on the Carolina. He is a resident of Marrero, La. CATALINO DIAZ, 65, hails from Puerto Rico. Brother Diaz began shipping with the SIU in July 2006 1970 in New York. He sailed in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Diaz upgraded his seafaring skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His first ship was the Halcyon Panther; his last was the Horizon Producer. Brother Diaz makes his home in Caguas, PR. FAITH DOWNS, 65, joined the SIU in 1979. Sister Downs first shipped in the inland division aboard a Delta Queen Steamship vessel. She was born in Baltimore and worked in the steward department. Sister Downs was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. Most of her career was spent aboard deep sea vessels such as the Gemini. Sister Downs calls Virginia Beach, Va. home. CHARLES FINCHER, 69, launched his SIU career in 1991. Brother Fincher’s first ship was the Overseas Chicago. The California-born mariner upgraded his seafaring skills in 1996 and 2000 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Fincher last sailed aboard the Long Lines. He is a resident of Volcano, Hawaii. HOWARD GIBBS, 71, started shipping with the SIU in 1959 in New York. Brother Gibbs first sailed on the Steel Artisan in the deck department. He upgraded his skills on a number of occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Gibbs’ most recent voyage was on the Horizon Spirit. Born in Pennsylvania, he calls Fairfield, Calif. home. RICARDO SEBASTIAN, 65, became an SIU member in 1988. Brother Sebastian worked primarily aboard the Independence in the engine department. Born in the Philippines, Brother Sebastian enhanced his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He currently lives in Honolulu. EDWARD WINNE, 66, is a New York native. Brother Winne began shipping with the SIU in 1968 in the port of Seattle. His first ship was the Santa Mercedes. Brother Winne enhanced his skills often at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the Maersk Arkansas. Brother Winne continues to make his home in New York. Wilmington, N.C., Boatman Todd worked aboard Cape Fear Towing vessels. He continues to make his home in Wilmington. INLAND RUSSELL COGNEVICH, 58, joined the union in 1974. Boatman Cognevich worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing of New Orleans vessels. He upgraded in 1984 at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Cognevich settled in his native state, Louisiana. LONNIE GAMBLE JR., 62, began sailing with the union in 1967. Boatman Gamble worked in the steward department, sailing in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He most recently worked on the Delta Mariner. Boatman Gamble attended classes on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He resides in his native Alabama. JOHN SPARKS, 57, embarked on his seafaring career in 1979 in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Sparks was born in South Carolina. He last worked aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation of Jacksonville vessel. DONALD TODD, 62, became a union member in 1975. Born in GREAT LAKES ALLAN JOHNSON, 64, joined the union in 1963. Brother Johnson worked in the deck department. His first trip to sea was on a Rockport Steamship Company vessel. Brother Johnson enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Born in Frankfort, Mich., he last sailed aboard the Indiana Harbor. He continues to live in Frankfort. 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. EUSEBIO AMAYA, 70, joined the union in 1982 in Chicago. Brother Amaya was born in Honduras. His first ship was the Amoco Indiana. Brother Amaya worked in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the Liberator. PAUL BORG, 65, became an NMU member in 1967, initially sailing from the port of San Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1948 The Seafarers International Union rocked the maritime industry this week with the dramatic announcement that the union hiring hall will be retained in its contracts with member companies of the Atlantic and Gulf Ship Operators Association. Agreement between the union and the association, representing nine major companies, came after almost three weeks of negotiations during which the SIU committee firmly refused to discuss any other issue until its demands for retention of the hiring hall had been recognized. With the central issue settled to the union’s satisfaction, discussions on other contractual issues are now in progress. Francisco. Brother Borg was born in San Pedro, Calif. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Adm. William Callaghan. LYNN BOYD, 68, hails from Los Angeles. Brother Boyd started sailing with the NMU in 1969 from the port of Seattle. His most recent voyage was on the Chesapeake Bay. KENNETH DELANCEY, 56, joined the NMU in 1968 in San Pedro, Calif. Brother Delancey’s first ship was the Keystone State. The steward department member was born in Torrance, Calif. Brother Delancey’s last trip to sea was on the Fredericksburg. MAHFOUD FAYED, 55, was born in Yemen. Brother Fayed joined the NMU in 1977 in San Pedro, Calif. His first ship was the Texaco Minnesota. Brother Fayed last sailed on the Argonaut. JAIME PABON, 56, began his seafaring career in 1974 in New Orleans. Brother Pabon’s first voyage was on the Baldbutte. He was born in New York. will be in addition to upgrading training to enable working seamen to qualify for promotions after specialized training. 1982 Construction on the SIU’s brand new six-story headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. is nearing completion. The building is located just minutes by car from downtown Washington, D.C. All of the exterior work has been completed, and interior work is moving along rapidly. The building should be ready for occupation in the next few months. The opening of this structure gives the SIU a very visible presence in Washington, where the fortune of the U.S. maritime industry is decided on a daily basis. This Month In SIU History 1967 In a report to the Atlantic and Gulf membership 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 entry-level jobs aboard American-flag ships. This 1996 Deployed on its first assignment, the SIU-crewed USNS Shughart is operating out of Newport News, Va., where it is participating in a series of military exercises. The U.S. Army support ship, operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC), recently sailed from San Diego to the East Coast. The vessel also will undergo some minor work at Newport News Shipbuilding. Earlier this year, the Shughart was converted in a San Diego shipyard. Seafarers LOG 17 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JOSEPH BILLOTTO Pensioner Joseph Billotto, 77, died March 21. Brother Billotto began sailing with the SIU in 1951. Born in Italy, he initially shipped on the Steel Fabricator as a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 2000, Brother Billotto worked on the Horizon Challenger. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. SALVATORE FRANK JR. Pensioner Salvatore Frank Jr., 84, passed away March 24. Brother Frank began his seafaring career as a charter member in 1939. The deck department member first sailed aboard a Doric Shipping Company vessel. Brother Frank was born in Connecticut. His last voyage was aboard the Independence. Brother Frank went on pension in 1984. He made his home in Barnstable, Mass. ANTULIO GARCIA Pensioner Antulio Garcia, 82, died March 9. Brother Garcia was born in Puerto Rico and joined the SIU in 1966. A member of the engine department, Brother Garcia began sailing aboard a Debardeleben Marine Corporation vessel. His last voyage was on the OMI Charger. Brother Garcia started collecting his pension in 1986. He was a resident of Land O’ Lakes, Fla. RAYMOND O’DOWD Pensioner Raymond O’Dowd, 78, passed away Jan. 6. Brother O’Dowd joined the SIU in 1946 in New Orleans. His earliest trip to sea was aboard an A.H. Bull company vessel. Brother O’Dowd was born in Utica, N.Y. He worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Achiever. He retired in 1992 and lived in Manlius, N.Y. LANIX REED Pensioner Lanix Reed, 89, died Feb. 27. Brother Reed joined the union in 1952. His first ship was the Ft. Hoskins, on which he sailed in the deck department. Brother Reed was born in Louisiana. Prior to retiring in 1982, he shipped on the Over Anchor. Brother Reed called Evangeline, La. home. FRED TIERNEY Pensioner Fred Tierney, 61, died Feb. 21. Brother Tierney joined the SIU in 1968. He first sailed on a Manhattan Tankers Corporation vessel. Brother Tierney was born in New York and shipped in the engine department. His most recent journey was aboard the Gopher State. Brother Tierney, who made his home 18 Seafarers LOG in Brooklyn, N.Y., became a pensioner in 2000. WILLIAM SISTO Pensioner William Sisto, 77, passed away Feb. 13. Brother Sisto became a Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) member in 1973. His maiden voyage was aboard the President Polk. Brother Sisto was a native of Pennsylvania. He worked in the steward department, last sailing on the Kaimoku. He went on pension in 1995 and settled in Torrance, Calif. INLAND CLARENCE LANCASTER Pensioner Clarence Lancaster, 84, passed away Feb. 24. Born in North Carolina, Boatman Lancaster embarked on his seafaring career in 1962. He was first employed aboard vessels operated by Gulf Atlantic Transport. Boatman Lancaster last shipped on an Allied Towing Company vessel. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1993. Boatman Lancaster was a resident of his native state. NORMAN SAWYER Pensioner Norman Sawyer, 72, died Feb. 21. Boatman Sawyer began sailing with the SIU in 1956. He shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Boatman Sawyer first worked aboard a Sinclair Oil Corporation vessel. He was born in Virginia but called Harbinger, N.C. home. Boatman Sawyer retired in 1995. GREAT LAKES WILLIS CAMPBELL Pensioner Willis Campbell, 79, passed away March 16. Brother Campbell launched his seafaring career in 1951 in Detroit. He initially sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel in the deck department. Brother Campbell was born in Michigan. He most recently shipped on the Susan Hannah. Brother Campbell, who went on pension in 1995, lived in Cleveland. GLOUCESTER FISHERMEN SEBASTIAN SCOLA Pensioner Sebastian Scola, 87, died March 17. Born in Massachusetts, Boatman Scola joined the union in 1980. He primarily worked aboard fishing boats in the Gloucester Fisherman’s union. Boatman Scola retired in 1982. He resided in Essex, Mass. 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. RUPERT ALEXIS Pensioner Rupert Alexis, 80, passed away Nov. 21. He joined the NMU in 1947, initially sailing from New Orleans on the St. Mary. Brother Alexis was born in Honduras and worked in the steward department. His last voyage was on the John Lykes. Brother Alexis went on pension in 1987. sailed from New York aboard a Liberty ship. Prior to retiring in 1968, he sailed on the United States. Luckenbach. Brother Niles started receiving his retirement compensation in 1968. CLYDE LANTRIP WALTER POLLARD JOSE APONTE Pensioner Clyde Lantrip, 93, died Nov. 3. Brother Lantrip started his seafaring career in 1937. His first vessel was the Coppename. Brother Lantrip worked in the steward department and was a native of Mississippi. He became a pensioner in 1976. Pensioner Walter Pollard, 71, died Dec. 10. Brother Pollard was born in Newport News, Va. He began sailing in 1955 aboard the James Bowdoin. Brother Pollard shipped as a member of the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1983. HAROLD LUKE JACK RUSSELL Pensioner Jose Aponte, 81, died Dec. 4. Brother Aponte launched his seafaring career in 1945, first sailing from the port of New York on the Nicholas Gilman. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Aponte was a member of the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the African Rainbow. Brother Aponte began receiving his retirement stipends in 1969. MARIO AYUSO Pensioner Mario Ayuso, 77, passed away Nov. 7. Brother Ayuso donned the NMU colors in 1951 in New York. His first voyage was on the Kettle Creek. Brother Ayuso was born in Puerto Rico and shipped in the steward department. He retired in 1987. TORIBIO BLANCO Pensioner Toribio Blanco, 74, died Dec. 13. Brother Blanco became an NMU member in 1965 in New York. His first ship was the Constitution; his last was the Green Harbor. Brother Blanco was a native of Honduras and sailed in the engine department. He started collecting his pension in 1998. EUGENE CAUVIN Pensioner Eugene Cauvin, 94, passed away Nov. 21. Brother Cauvin began working with the NMU in 1951 in the port of New York. The steward department member last sailed on the Brazil. Brother Cauvin began receiving his retirement compensation in 1971. CHARLES EIFFERT Pensioner Charles Eiffert, 82, died Dec. 14. He initially shipped from the port of New Orleans aboard the Jack Carnes. Brother Eiffert was born in Louisiana and sailed as a member of the engine department. His last voyage was on the Joseph Lykes. Brother Eiffert went on pension in 1967. RESTITUTO GARCIA Pensioner Restituto Garcia, 88, passed away Dec. 24. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner joined the NMU in 1945. Brother Garcia first Pensioner Harold Luke, 78, passed away Nov. 5. Brother Luke embarked on his NMU career in 1964, first shipping from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The engine department member was born in Florida. Brother Luke’s last voyage was on the Marine Princess. He started collecting his pension in 1989. Pensioner Jack Russell, 82, passed away Dec. 13. Brother Russell became an NMU member in 1942 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed on the Lewis Luckenbach in the steward department. Brother Russell was a native of Portsmouth, Va. Before retiring in 1995, he sailed aboard the Marine Princess. CONSTANTINOS MENDRINOS EDUARDO SANTANA Pensioner Constantinos Mendrinos, 84, died Dec. 7. Brother Mendrinos joined the NMU ranks in 1943 in New York. His first ship was the Stephen F. Austin. Brother Mendrinos was born in Greece. He began his retirement in 1971. Pensioner Eduardo Santana, 90, died Dec. 4. Brother Santana started shipping with the NMU in 1945. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Santana’s first ship was the Helen Whittier; his last was the Santa Elena. He began his retirement in 1966. RICHARD MONROIG Pensioner Richard Monroig, 88, passed away Oct. 5. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Monroig began sailing with the NMU in 1951 in the port of New York. He worked in the steward department. Brother Monroig went on pension in 1971. His last voyage was aboard the Argentina. 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 Alexis, Nelson 75 Apr. 24 Anglada, Carlos 80 May 12 Baker, Robert 68 Apr. 6 Bentick, Ronald 92 Apr. 13 JASPER NICHOLS Cole, Sam 90 Apr. 2 Pensioner Jasper Nichols, 92, died Nov. 3. Brother Nichols began his NMU career in 1937 in New York. His first trip to sea was on the Pennsylvania. Brother Nichols was a steward department member. He last worked aboard the United States. Brother Nichols retired in 1970. Coleman, Curtis 76 May 30 Evans, Aaron 73 May 15 Eylders, Gerritt 82 May 5 Ghany, Solomon 88 May 2 Leggington, John D. 79 May 4 Lemkuil, Norman 81 May 21 McBride, James 88 Mar. 15 Phillips, James 77 May 11 Pope, Rubin 79 May 9 Ritchie, Elmer 79 May 14 Romer, Albert 102 Apr. 6 Rosado, Pablo 80 May 17 Stankewicz, Zigmund 83 Apr. 21 Stewart, Freddie 81 Apr. 24 Turner, Noble 76 May 23 Veino, Robert 75 Apr. 25 Wellington, John 73 Apr. 24 Zuloaga, Lucio 88 May 11 WILLIAM NILES Pensioner William Niles, 86, passed away Dec. 19. Brother Niles joined the NMU in 1946 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Thomas F. Cunningham. A member of the steward department, Brother Niles was born in the Virgin Islands. His last voyage was on the Audrey July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 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. CAPE KENNEDY (Keystone Shipping), May 1—Chairman Donald Byrd, Secretary Eddie W. Taylor, Educational Director Tran P. Luu, Deck Delegate Leandro A. Cacho, Engine Delegate Joseph Shepard Jr., Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. Chairman advised all members to keep documents current. “You can’t sail without them.” He also encouraged them to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary reminded crew that safety comes first, no matter what the task is. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Those in need of applications should see the electrician. Beef noted in steward department; no disputed OT. Crew requested new TV antenna system for lounge, 10 fold-away cots and copies of health and pension plans booklets. Vote of thanks given to all three departments for job well done and working well together. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), May 24—Chairman Edward J. O’Connor, Secretary Thomas W. Milovich, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Engine Delegate Keithley L. Andrew. Chairman announced May 28 payoff in Newark, N.J. He asked crew members to clean rooms and see patrolman before departing vessel. Secretary suggested Seafarers clean up after themselves in pantry area and make new pot of coffee if they take the last cup. Educational director informed crew they can renew z-cards up to a year in advance, and it’s a good idea to do so because of the long waiting time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to separate old batteries and aerosol cans from plastics. Suggestions made regarding pension plan. Members requested new recliners in crew lounge. Four new mattresses are on order. Recommendation made to reduce seatime needed for pension benefits. Thanks given to steward department for excellent job. DENALI (Alaska Tanker Company), May 8—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Sean O’Malley, Educational Director John C. Henry, Deck Delegate Dee Poitevien, Engine Delegate Corey P. Hann, Steward Delegate Dennis Skretta. Chairman stated he was anticipating new tanker agreement next month; hoping for substantial gains. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters read and discussed. Suggestion made to eliminate vacation pay and have it incorporated into base pay. Crew members were happy to have Steward O’Malley back aboard ship. They also thanked Chief Cook Skretta for job well done. Request made to keep crew deck doors dogged and not to perform chipping by house from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Clarification requested on whether pumpmen are required to operate winches during mooring operations. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Cherry Point and Port Angeles, Wash. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), May 28— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director Monroe G. Monseur, Deck Delegate Janaro N. Jackson. Chairman announced June 1 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He thanked all departments for helping keep ship clean and working safely. Secretary thanked Chief Cook Antonio Mendez, SA Terence Bennett and UA Darrell Taylor for their outstanding work. Educational director urged mariners to keep all documents current and upgrade at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next ports: San Juan, P.R.; Jacksonville. Bosuns on the Brittin Recertified Bosuns Stanley Daranda (left) and Ronald Charles are pictured aboard the USNS Brittin last month in New Orleans. The ship is in ROS status and recently hosted a ceremony conducted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command honoring crew members from several SIU-crewed vessels who sailed in support of hurricane relief operations along the Gulf Coast. July 2006 HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), May 21— Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn. Chairman announced May 23 payoff after arrival in Oakland, Calif. Secretary asked that everyone clean room before departing vessel; this has been a bit of a problem on past voyages. Educational director advised crew to have documents ready when patrolman boards ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like information about upcoming contract. Next ports: Oakland; Los Angeles; Honolulu. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), May 15—Chairman Steven L. Bush, Secretary Robert P. Moseley, Educational Director Donald D. Williams Jr., Deck Delegate Augustus C. Udan, Engine Delegate Haven M. Iussig, Steward Delegate Regalado M. Bayan. Bosun informed crew that ship run will change in January. He stressed importance of donating to SPAD and how it will benefit union and membership. Those getting off ship should leave room clean and supplied with linen for next person. Everyone should check with Customs and Immigration and with the patrolman. Secretary advised Seafarers to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $291 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Captain thanked crew for great job on sanitary inspection. All crew members were asked to keep noise down while watch stander is sleeping. Thanks given to steward department for good job. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; Taiwan. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), May 28—Chairman Weldon J. Heblich, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Engine Delegate Rey D. Farinas, Steward Delegate Mercurion Abuan. Chairman announced payoff at sea prior to arrival in Tacoma if there are no beefs or disputed OT. He stated that current contract expires June 15 and that negotiations for new agreement are in process. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and watch expiration dates on MMDs. He also suggested that those retiring should keep z-cards updated or they’ll eventually lose their ratings if they decide to rejoin. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated $750 in ship’s fund. Footwear issue was discussed: slippers or open toe shoes should only be worn in rooms. Next port: Tacoma. ITB MOBILE (USS Transport), May 14—Chairman Joshua A. Mensah, Secretary Virgilio A. Donghit, Educational Director Jose M. Ramirez, Deck Delegate Carlos A. Arauz, Engine Delegate Adam M. Williams, Steward Delegate Duane K. Washington. Secretary informed mariners of pumpman course available at Piney Point school. He thanked crew members for separating wet and dry garbage. Educational director spoke about the benefits of upgrading skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested clarification on status of crew. Members also requested written answers to questions about health insurance and deductibles. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. MAERSK RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Line Limited), May 16— Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Army L. Leake, Educational Director Christopher J. Kirchhofer, Deck Delegate Seth Ruckwell, Engine Delegate Ronnie L. Day Jr., Steward Delegate Frank D. McCreary. Chairman asked members to keep all doors locked and secured in port at all times. Educational director explained new z-card renewal policy (one can apply 360 days in advance of expiration). No tion made pertaining to medical benefits and union dues. Next ports: Houston; Philadelphia. USNS RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships), May 16—Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Eric A. Kjellberg, Engine Delegate Tracy L. Hanson, Steward Delegate Thomas K. Gingerich. Bosun read letter from company pertaining to 4 percent base wage bonus to members who complete their tours of duty without sickness or injury. Bonus will be added to Lending Their Expertise Seafarers (from left) Gil Manipon, Tom Wybo and Woodrow Brown recently volunteered their services for the Seattle Port Maritime Council’s annual labor-management awards luncheon. The event took place May 18 at the Catholic Seamen’s Club in Seattle. The port council is part of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on travel pay in the U.S.A. or its territories. Members requested new TV and short wave radio for crew lounge. Seafarers were asked to report anything that needs to be repaired to the 1st assistant engineer. Next port: Sasebo, Japan. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), May 14—Chairman Mohammed S. Ahmed, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji, Steward Delegate Alexander Cordero. Chairman announced May 20 payoff in New Jersey. Coast Guard and security checks will take place in Charleston, S.C. May 16. He encouraged gangway watches to stay alert when being questioned on procedures by Coast Guard officials. Secretary reported he was left with a good, organized steward department from previous steward. Remembrance held for late Assistant Vice President Steve Judd. He was an asset to the SIU and will be missed. Condolences went out to his family and friends. Treasurer reported new TVs and DVD players recently purchased for crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new pillows. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Charleston; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. OCEAN TITAN (Pacific Gulf Marine), May 20—Chairman Kyle F. Schultz, Secretary Norman S. Bush, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins. Chairman announced May 23 payoff in Houston. He reminded those crew members getting off ship to place dirty linen in laundry bags and clean room for next person. Educational director urged Seafarers to make sure all documents are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommenda- vacation check. To receive bonus, crew members must receive form from captain at payoff to be turned in when applying for vacation benefits. Secretary requested clarification on Article V Section 7(e) and Article V Section 12(a) of contract regarding additional personnel aboard ship. Educational director encouraged everyone to contribute to SPAD for job security. He also recommends mariners watch necessary shipping documents for expiration dates. Treasurer stated $135 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested information on how much company is contributing to SMPPP in new contract and whether it will increase over next four years. Bosun reminded crew to sign out DVDs and only take one at a time. Steward department given vote of thanks for great food, especially with 15 extra people aboard. Vessel is scheduled for Operation Pacer Goose in July—the annual resupply mission for Thule, Greenland. Next ports: Wales; Rota and Cartagena, Spain. USNS SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean Ships), May 14— Chairman Aristeo M. Padua, Secretary Randy A. Stephens, Educational Director James G. Sloan, Deck Delegate Christopher J. Keshlear, Engine Delegate Steven M. Haver, Steward Delegate Randy A. Stephens. Chairman announced May 21 payoff in Houston. He talked about the 4 percent base wage bonus for completing a tour with no injury or illness. Treasurer stated $300 in ship’s fund. Secretary talked about short training course in personal awareness available for which certificates of completion are given. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to put 4 percent vacation incentive into next contract. No injuries reported in any department; everyone has been participating in all drills and meetings. Next ports: Houston; Key West, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 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. Former Seafarer Recommends New NCL America Cruise I retired from the SIU and then joined the Masters Mates & Pilots in 1951 after receiving my third mate’s license. As an unlicensed quartermaster, I sailed on the Alcoa Clipper and then as an officer on the Alcoa Corsair. They were good jobs. We carried 98 passengers on 16-day Caribbean cruises. It was such a pleasure for me and my lady friend to take a cruise on the Pride of America last April around the Hawaiian islands. I was able to get acquainted with the captain, officers, crew and other personnel. It Darley C. Bodden included a copy of his SIU retiring card, dated Sept. 27, 1951. was so much different from the foreign-crewed ships I’ve been on since I retired in 1984. I think it is great that NCL America has two ships and another coming soon to cruise the around the Hawaiian islands. I think everyone on the Pride of America is doing a great job, and they all seem to be happy. I would recommend the Pride of America to anyone who would like to take a good cruise. Darley C. Bodden Port Neches, Texas Bon Voyage to the Seafaring Hoggies The last of the “Hoggie” brothers, George Hatgimisios, died May 14, 2006. Kosta (Gus) was the first to start shipping in the 1940s. He was on ships going to Russia and was torpedoed twice. Then “Hoggie” (John) joined and became a union official in Baltimore. Peter shipped as chief steward, and George joined them when he came out of the Army after serving four years in World War II. This was truly a seafaring family. All the brothers were cremated when they passed away, and were buried at sea. Bon voyage to the Hoggie brothers as they sail the celestial seas. Anna (Mrs. George) Hatgimisios Coconut Creek, Fla. Thank you and congratulations on a fine performance. Franklin Gary King President, 3PSC From the left: Peter, John, Gus and George Hatgimisios, taken around 1950. Bravo Zulu for Gordon Transition to FOS I would like to express my personal appreciation to the Seafarers International Union, and particularly to Georg Kenny and Sam Spain in the Norfolk hall for the excellent effort and outstanding performance of the union in the recent activation of the USNS Gordon. The ships were fully crewed and transitioned to FOS about one day early. The ship not only transitioned to FOS timely but also departed the pier on mission before the end of the 96-hour transition period. This outstanding performance demonstrates the union’s dedication to the security and defense of the United States and solidifies the value of the unions to the nation’s security. I would like to thank you and the other members of the SIU leadership team for your outstanding support. Bravo Zulu. Thanks from Scholarship Winner - I My name is Allison Barra and I am a 2002 recipient of the Seafarers scholarship (dependent of Louis D. Barra). I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude to the SIU for all of its help and support over the last four years. I graduated first in my class at the University of Florida a semester early and have been working at a law firm until this August when I will begin Law School at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The scholarship money I received from the SIU allowed me to focus on my studies and perform service in my community while in college. I was able to volunteer with many organizations such as the Red Cross, St. Francis Homeless Shelter, Project Mascot Youth Mentoring Programs, Keep Alachua County Beautiful and Domestic Violence Shelters as a Service Ambassador. I also had the opportunity to intern with a circuit court judge as part of my curriculum and write a senior honors thesis. Without the support of this scholarship, I wouldn't have had as much time to truly engage in active citizenship and fully appreciate the “college experience.” I am forever grateful to the generosity of this institution and I hope that this year's recipients are able to fully utilize this resource. Thank you for your time, and I hope that you we will be able to share my thanks through the Seafarers LOG. Sincerely, Allison Barra Thanks from Scholarship Winner - II The support that the Seafarers Union has provided me has allowed me to graduate without having to take out any school loans in four years. On April 29, I received my bachelor of science in cell and molecular biology at Grand Valley State University. I have decided to continue my education and have been accepted into the University of Wisconsin at Madison to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry and cancer research. Additionally this summer, I will be interning at a cancer research institute until I attend graduate school this fall. My parents joke that I am a “professional student.” Again, the scholarship has been so helpful in lifting an incredible financial burden, and I am thankful to have been so lucky to have been selected to receive it. Sincerely, Brittany Stropich (2002 scholarship recipient, daughter of Steve L. Stropich) 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 pur- 20 Seafarers LOG poses 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 LaborManagement 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 safe- guards 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 401531 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 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:05 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 July through the end of 2006. 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. Junior Engineer July 24 October 13 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 Welding July 17 September 11 October 9 August 4 September 29 October 27 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) July 10 August 7 September 25 July 14 August 11 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB July 3 August 14 September 25 November 6 July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT July 24 September 18 November 13 July 28 September 22 November 17 Government Vessels - FOWT July 17 August 7 September 11 September 18 July 21 August 11 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* July 31 September 18 November 27 August 11 September 29 December 8 August 7 October 16 August 11 October 20 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman July 10 August 21 October 2 November 13 August 4 September 15 October 27 December 8 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 21 August 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 7 September 18 October 30 August 18 September 29 November 10 Radar August 7 August 18 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* 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 beginning July 3, 2006. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops July 17 September 11 November 13 August 11 October 6 December 8 Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 FOWT July 17 September 11 September 8 November 3 � 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 _____________________________ Recertification Bosun October 9 November 6 Steward July 10 August 7 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 ________________________________________________ July 2006 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. 7/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:06 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 674 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 674. They include (in no specific order) Troy Lord, Billie Marshall, Harlan Alonzo, Hospicio Lupisan Jr., Jose Nieves, Jason Manion, Sean Fletcher, Jeff Cesvet, Jerome Liles Jr., Ernest Britt, Wilbur Torres, Jesse Willard, Jack Hill III, Edwin Pagan II, Michael Donovan, Robert Noble, John Chaney, Stephen McGruder and Sargent Anderson. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending May 12 are (in alphabetical order) Ruben Aguirre, David Bennett, Glenard Chaney Jr., Allan Coloyan, Stephen Cooper, Fred Forsythe, James Gano, Nicole Geideman, Jay Jones, Linsey Knight, Timothy Littles, Marc Maffia, Elmer Marko, Kyle Parson, Renaudo Pierce, Abebe Reda, James Ruffin, Luis Segui, Michael Sherman, Jon Silveira, Alexander Ward and Bruce White. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — May 25 graduates of the lifeboatman/water survival course include (in alphabetical order) Norman Adler, David Barber, Larry Castaneda, Byron Collins, Isaac Diaz, Jay Jones, Martin Krins, Zlatko Lucic, Malek Mohamed, Juan Palacios, Howard Vick, Eric Vieira and David Warner. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. FOWT — Graduating from this course May 19 are (in alphabetical order) Heather Bushey, Hanah Cain, John Cox, Jose Deoferio, Roger Dillinger Jr., Justin Jarmalowicz, Stravon Jordan, Roy Martinez, Jimmy McCall, Mario Moralita, Timothy Johnson Jr, Lloyd Riddick, Franklin Rodgers, Devin Savoie, Harry Smith, Jo-Vanii Sprauve, Drandon Tanton, Sanjay Waidyarachchi, Philandar Walton, Richard Wright and Herman Fleischman. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is at far right. Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given May 25 to (in alphabetical order) Steven DeLuca, Arthur Marshall, Rudolph Miller and Barbara Trahan. Their instructor, Buzzy Anderew, is in the back. Chief Cook — Under the instruction of Instructor/Chef John Dobson (third from right) are students who completed the course for chief cooks April 20. From the left are Cesar Santos, Arthur Peoples, Marcia Mossbarger, Alfonsa Eligio, Jermaine Robinson, Dobson, Suyapa Marin and Robert Austin. Computer Lab Classes Left: Holding their certificates of achievement for courses completed May 19 in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center are (from left) John Daniels, Ruben Aguirre and Louis A. Segui. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in the back row. Right: With instructor Rick Prucha (center, back row) are students who completed their computer courses June 2. They are (front row, from left) Arthur Marshall, David A. Warner, (back row) Joh Phillips, Byron A. Collins and Eric Vieira. 22 Seafarers LOG July 2006 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:06 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineer — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the junior engineer course June 23 are (in alphabetical order) Tawrence Abrams, Marcos Almazon, Rigoberto Beata, Felix Johnfinn, Melissa Leon Guerrero, Douglas Lowry, Forrest McGee, Lamont Robinson, Timothy Sexton, David Simpson, Thomas Swayne Jr. and Kelly Woolford. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. Government Vessels — Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed the government vesssels course June 2. They are (in no specific order) Algernon Reed, Jesse Willard, Taufiq Wasel, Wayne Altoonian, Greg Simmons, Jeff Cesvet, Stephen McGruder, Gregory Brown, Edwin Pagan, Antoine Best, Henry Callahan, Gregory Brunson Sr., Allan Coloyan, Bruce White, Fred Forsythe and Robert Waren. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Another group of Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course May 12 are Morgan Tury, Brendan O’Brien, John Galatioto, Jeffery Novak, Ricardo Former, Scott Bloomfield, Nicholas Gattuso, Jonathan Rodriguez, Gregory Brown, Lawrence Stanley-Dalton, Ronald Byrd, Nicholas Kempker, Orien Nelson, Detrell Lambey, Mathew Alaniz, Aaron Carson and John Chaney. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course May 12 are Jeff Cesvet, Shawana Mills, Antoine Best, Lawanda Thornton, Algernon Reed, Wayne Altoonian, Thomas Jarrett, Lester DeSheers, Claytain Carr, Taufiq Wasel, Jesse Willard, Greg Simmons, Edwin Pagan and Steve McGruder. STCW — STCW — NCL, May 25: Marc Alwine, Sidney Babula, Edna Bactad, Elizabeth Bonanni, Gladys Bostic, Marvais Bowers, David Boyce, Jennifer Boyd, Sharon Boyers, Matthew Bruischat, Jennifer Bulin, Rebecca Burns, Todd Cash, Alfonso Castro, Ricardo CastroRangel, Paulo Choinski, Andrew Christensen, Paul Clinkscales, Fabio Cristiano, Krista Daigle, Jeremy Darling, Candace David, Juan DeLao, Ryan Deese and Eduardo Diaz. STCW — NCL, May 25: Terisa Marinos, Eduardo Martinez, Ashley Mihelich, Randy Milan, Tifani Obaseki, Nathan Ojeda, Stephen Palmer, Matthew Parker, Robert Patman, Karen Pedicini, Julio Perez, Amanda Perez, Rosario Perez, Natasha Pettigrew, Linda Pierce, Bernard Punu, Armando Quindo, Henry Quizon, Desiree Rafel, Joshua Regala, Andrew Reinhardt, Lindsey Reinig and Kimberly Retuyan. July 2006 NCL, May 25: Rodney Dixon, Robert Dougherty, Haley Anne Dunn, Thomas Ettenborough, Amorita Garcia, Andrew Garcia, Edgardo Gonzales, Chanice Guitang, Hebert Gutierrez, Justin Gwaltney, Mary Hays, Joy Hermann, Christine Jacinto, Danniele Johnson, Tara Jones, Melissa King, Jessie Littlejohn, Luz Lopez, Joetta Lopez-Garcia, Kenneth Lutz, Michael Mandigo, Kelly Manley and Abdellatif Marfouk. STCW — NCL, May 25: Jon Perry Corinna Richter, Loni Rosario, Mary Schluck, Kelly Shirey, El Roy Simmons, Melody Sinclair, Jason Skill, Oleg Solovyev, David Taxer, Tifani Thibodeau, Reuben Tobier, Rusty Tolson, Anthony Torres, Filippo Travisany, Andy Wilkerson, Brittany Willard and Donald Zimmerman III. Also included were SIU members Amy Atterbury, Gregory Brunson Sr., Saleh Eladari, Jose Figueroa and Robert Mason. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �36817p01_02_04_24.qxp 6/27/2006 10:06 AM Page 24 July 2006 Volume 68, Number 7 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY JULY 4, 2006 At Home in the Port of San Juan After completing a tour of duty on the Horizon Hawaii, Chief Cook Jorge Salazar is ready for 60 days vacation. Jesse Cintron takes the oath of allegiance to the union and receives his deep sea full book. A general basic awareness course was held in May at the San Juan hall. Conducted by Mitch Oakley, an instructor from the Paul Hall Center, and VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, members found the course material very interesting. Victor Rios (right) shows Port Agent Amancio Crespo his certificate of achievement from a course he took at the Paul Hall Center. Safety First on the Capt. Hagen When not shipping out, the San Juan hall is a great place to stay in touch with fellow Seafarers. From the left are AB Abel Vasquez, AB Larry Castaneda, Bosun Ilya Ledesma, Bosun Jaime Baretty and QMED Armando Garayua. Penn Maritime’s ATB tug Capt. Hagen, with its barge Key West, anchored in the river just north of New Orleans last year after the hurricane. The 6,000 horsepower tug is 123 feet long. Together with its barge, the unit carries petroleum products and has a 140,000 barrel capacity. Juan Rebollo shows off his first inland pension check at the SIU hall in San Juan. With him is Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Receiving their first pension checks from Port Agent Amancio Crespo are . . . . . . Angel Garcia . . . Bosun Wilson Garcia Receiving their books from Port Agent Amancio Crespo are . . . Each crew member had an opportunity to practice handling all the equipment during a recent fire and boat drill. From the left are AB Steve Thompson, Mate Lou Barra (who sent these photos to the LOG) and AB/Tankerman Archie Bodden. . . . Chief Steward Juan Vallejo . . . Bosun Jaime Baretty � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PRESIDENT PRAISES MARINERS PHILLY TANKERS REACH CONSTRUCTION MILESTONES SIU STATEMENT FOCUSES ON MARINERS’ RIGHTS NEW OAKLAND HALL OPENING SOON STD. FREIGHTSHIP/TANKER CONTRACTS DUE FOR VOTE SIU STUDIES TWIC, MMC RULES PHILLY TANKER UPDATES: KEEL LAID FOR 2ND SHIP, CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON 3RD CREWS OBSERVCE NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE AFL-CIO ANNOUNCES GULF COAST REVITALIZATION PROGRAM CONTINUED INCREASES IN HEALTH CARE COSTS AFFECT ALL SECTORS OF AMERICAN ECONOMY PENN. WWII MARINERS ELIGIBLE FOR $500 BONUS ENGINE DEPT. TRAINING GETS UPGRADE VEITCH AND RICHARDSON CHOSEN FOR AOTOS AWARDS UNION, SCHOOL MOURN INSTRUCTOR LARRY MALONE CAPE DECISION DELIVERS IN HIGH-PROFILE MISSION UNION PLUS ROLLS OUT TWO MORE PROGRAMS SEAFARERS WEIL GETS REVVED UP ABOUT U.S. MERCHANT MARINE HEALTH AND RESEARCH GROUPS TRYING TO TACKLE AVIAN FLU AT HOME IN THE PORT OF SAN JUAN 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 07/01/2006 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. 68, No. 7 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6faaf36b5df7941cd46d340dfd694bbd.pdf 11580f03113f684b97594852c19a8f08 PDF Text Text 37484_p1_3,9.qxp 7/27/2006 7:42 PM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 8 August 2006 SEAFARERS Approve Standard Contracts New Agreements Increase Wages, Maintain Benefits SIU members overwhelmingly voted in favor of the new standard freightship and tanker agreements last month during shipboard meetings and at the union halls. The five-year pacts boost wages and maintain medical benefits along with other favorably received components. Pictured above (from left) are some of the Seafarers who endorsed the new contracts—at the Baltimore hall, aboard the Cape Wrath and aboard the USNS Altair. Pages 3, 6, 7. USNS Sacagawea Christened Matson Welcomes New Ship The Seafarers-contracted Maunalei (both photos at immediate left), Matson’s newest containership, was christened July 22 at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. SIU President Michael Sacco led an SIU delegation that attended the ceremony. Page 3. The second vessel in the Navy’s new T-AKE class was christened June 24 in San Diego. The USNS Sacagawea (above) will be crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. Page 4. Rallying for Workers’ Rights SIU Crews Honored For Relief Operations Seafarers from five ships recently were recognized for their relief operations along the Gulf Coast during the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last year. Some of those members are pictured above after the June 14 ceremony aboard the USNS Brittin in New Orleans. Page 8. Seafarers participated in a rally July 13 in Washington, D.C. to protect workers’ rights. Above, students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are pictured with AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka (seventh from left) and Maryland-D.C. AFL-CIO President Fred Mason. In photo at left, Seafarers pose with AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson. News on SIU Constitution Pages 11-14 TWIC, MMC Updates Page 2 �37484_P1_3,9.qxp 7/27/2006 5:28 PM Page 2 SIU Weighs in on TWIC, MMC President’s Report Gains and Challenges Even for a union that’s accustomed to having a lot on our plate, this is an extremely busy and important time. I’m especially concerned about the proposed federal rules for implementing new credentials for mariners and other transportation workers in the United States. In this case I’m referring to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and the separate Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). The SIU has gone through the proposed reguMichael Sacco lations with a fine-tooth comb. We have submitted our formal comments to the Transportation Department, and along with other maritime unions we also submitted joint testimony to Congress last month. Details are included in a separate article in this issue of the LOG. Let me make perfectly clear that the SIU supports strong, comprehensive security policies for our ships and our ports. We want the same things that any concerned citizen would want—safe, productive operations and security that’s tight enough to protect people while also being fair to all concerned. That means striking a balance between letting commerce flow while keeping our guard up at all times. It also means taking a practical, logical approach to implementing the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, which is the law behind these new credentials. On that last point, our union’s position is that the current merchant mariner document (MMD) essentially meets or exceeds the proposed requirements for a TWIC, pending the addition of a biometric identifier such as a fingerprint. As we told Congress and the Transportation Department, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Mariners are already closely regulated and, in the context of a TWIC, we’re ahead of the game. The government should look elsewhere within the transportation industry to begin instituting this new ID. We’re already using a proven one, and we’re already jumping through enough hoops. Similarly, the MMC for individual mariners is largely unnecessary, and the format itself (a paper document) is a step backwards. This is a vital development not only for the SIU but in fact for our entire industry, and we will stay on top of it every step of the way. Speaking of this particular issue, I’ll close with a line from a July 3 editorial in the Houston Chronicle which discussed (among other points) the Jones Act and security policies for U.S. crews, and which, in my opinion, also applies to the TWIC: “U.S. mariners and the owners of their vessels are required to get high-tech ID cards and file reams of documents…. Treating the U.S. Merchant Marine as if it were the prime threat just doesn’t make sense.” New Contracts Congratulations to our negotiators and our rank-and-file membership for the new standard freightship and tanker agreements, which were ratified in July. Even the most skeptical individual would have to agree that it’s quite an accomplishment in this day and age for a union to secure a five-year contract that increases wages while keeping health benefits. Our standard agreements should be a source of pride, and I believe these new contracts live up to that description. On a personal note, I have always felt that our members stay informed on the key issues. They have reinforced that belief once again by understanding that the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Trustees had to make changes in our benefits structure. We all know what’s happening to our fellow workers in other industries when it comes to health coverage. We want to make sure that we can continue to provide for our members—the best mariners in the world. Volume 68, Number 8 Unions Offer Sensible Solution: Modify Current MMD The SIU formally submitted comments early last month concerning federally proposed rules on the implementation of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and (separately) the consolidation of Merchant Mariner Qualification Credentials (MMC). The comments were submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Docket Management Facility, in accordance with guidelines contained in the respective Notices of Proposed Rulemakings. Additionally, the SIU joined with other U.S. maritime unions in crafting related testimony presented July 20 to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. (The subcommittee is part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.) As previously reported, the new credentials were mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. Since the government issued Notices of Proposed Rulemakings in late May, various segments of the U.S. maritime industry have analyzed the proposals—and many have warned of unintended consequences that could cripple commerce by throwing port operations into gridlock. Maritime unions including the SIU have emphasized that they fully embrace strong shipboard and port security measures, but that such regulations must not cause undue burden on mariners or other transportation workers, nor should they disrupt commerce. More than 550 organizations or individuals submitted comments on the TWIC and MMC, including four members of the House Committee on Homeland Security (U.S. Reps. Bennie Thompson, Loretta Sanchez, Jane Harman and Peter DeFazio). It is believed that the overwhelming majority of those comments—possibly all of them—urged changes to the proposed rules, including an extension of the comment period (which closed in early July and as of press time hadn’t been reopened). During the subcommittee hearing on July 20, Ron Davis, president of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) spoke on behalf of unions including the SIU, MEBA, MM&P and AMO. “In regards to future changes in mariner credentialing and the creation of the Transportation Worker Identity Credential, the Department of Homeland Security should allow the existing U.S. Merchant Mariner Document to serve as both a TWIC and a mariner credential for the purposes of identification and qualifications held by the mariner,” he stated. “Essentially, we propose keeping the MMD ‘as is’ with the exception of adding a biometric identifier as mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act and ensuring that it complies with all International Labor Organization conventions.” He added that the proposed revised MMD “should allow mariners access to their vessels docked at any port facility in the United States;” that the Coast Guard “should continue to be the sole agency responsible for vetting and credentialing merchant mariners;” and that licensed deck and engine officers should still receive a license that may be displayed aboard ship for inspection purposes. Seafarers again are reminded that nothing has been finalized with respect to the new regulations, and that the final rules probably won’t be finished for at least a few months. As currently written, the new regulations would require that the TWIC pro- gram is fully in place 18 months after the final rules are published. Following is the bulk of the SIU’s written comments to the Transportation Department: The SIU recognizes and appreciates the breadth, complexity and challenge of protecting our nation and our maritime transportation network from terrorist incursions. We believe that a safe, secure and reliable maritime transportation system is vital to this nation’s economic, defense and national security. To that end, the SIU has implemented a number of educational and training programs responding to the mandates of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code and, further, has offered our assistance and views to the government in its efforts to devise and implement appropriate measures to protect this nation and our transportation sector from terrorism. First and foremost, the SIU requests a 90-day extension of the comment period to allow all concerned mariners the opportunity to review the proposal and comment appropriately. By the nature of their employment, many mariners may, as yet, not have had the opportunity to either review the complex document or contact their representatives with their assessment of the proposal. In fact, the complexity and sheer magnitude of the proposal itself warrants an extended comment period. It is unreasonable to expect such an immediate turnaround on this important proposal especially since the agencies involved have had a number of years to promulgate regulations. The maritime sector should have adequate time to review and assess the proposal and its impact on the industry. The SIU generally endorses the concept contained in the proposed rule for a biometric transportation security card. However, there are select items within this proposal that warrant concern and comment. The SIU will focus its comments on those issues, as follows. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) As noted, the SIU endorses the precept of a biometric transportation security card as mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. The SIU appreciates the efforts and the time expended by the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration in attempting to implement this requirement. However, we believe that the complicated and burdensome process proposed by the agencies is both unnecessary for merchant mariners and may essentially prove disruptive to maritime commerce. As such, the SIU strongly recommends that the current merchant mariner document be altered or modified to include an encoded biometric, to be used as a biometric transportation security card in lieu of the proposed TWIC, especially since the Coast Guard recognizes the MMD as an identity document. The SIU believes that with a security vetting process (threat assessment), preferably initiated by the Coast Guard, the biometric MMD would adequately respond to the mandate of the MTSA for a biometric transportation security card, given the fact that the Coast Guard advises that a security assessment is not required for the mariner population who Continued on page 5 MarAd Conducts Exercise at Piney Point August 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) in late June conducted a readiness exercise at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Among the participants were Gene Magee, chief, Reserve Fleet (seated foreground, above right photo) and Captain Owen Doherty, USNR (standing in photo at left). Associate Administrator for National Security Jim Caponiti played a key role in organizing the event. August 2006 �37484_p1_3,9x.qxp 7/29/2006 1:16 AM Page 3 Seafarers Approve Standard Contracts Agreements Boost Wages, Maintain Medical Benefits, Preserve Jobs SIU members last month demonstrated their overwhelming support for the new standard freightship and tanker agreements, ratifying the five-year pacts during meetings at the union halls and aboard ship. Voting continued as this edition of the Seafarers LOG went to press in late July, but based on tallies from 132 SIU-crewed ships and from membership meetings and special meetings conducted at the halls, the standard contracts clearly were headed for ratification. Approximately 98 percent of the votes were in favor of the agreements. Despite negotiations that in many ways were more difficult than usual, the SIU bargaining team—led by Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Vice President Contracts George Tricker—secured contracts that not only call for wage increases in each year of the pacts, but also maintain health benefits at the current Core Plus level. The latter issue consumed much of the negotiations—not surprising when one considers the staggering cost of health care nowadays. Retroactive to June 16, 2006 and running through June 15, 2011, the contracts include numerous other gains, including an amendment to the Shipping Rules that changes tours of duty for seamen with class “A” seniority employed above an entry rating from 22 months to 12 months. Overall, in spite of repeated demands from the companies for various concessions, the SIU didn’t lose a single job under the new agreements – and in fact took no losses in any category. “I’m very pleased with it,” said Chief Steward John Hale when asked his opinion of the Seafarers on the Cape Knox (above) and the Horizon Challenger (below) show their enthusiasm about the new standard freightship and tanker agreements. people a chance to get these jobs.” She also said, “The pay increases are very reasonable.” Tricker said the union’s “greatest challenge during the course of the negotiations was to secure unprecedented monetary increases to the funding of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan in order to continue offering benefits at the current Core Plus level while still providing increases in wages and all wagerelated items.” Following are highlights of the new agreements: „ Wages and Overtime. Effective July 1 in each year of the contract, wages and Continued on page 6 Matson’s Maunalei Christened in Philly new contracts. “The wage increases are outstanding.” AB Zinnonnon Jackson stated, “With the economy being in the state it’s in, our bargaining committee did a marvelous job in making the necessary changes to benefit the security of all members and their families.” Recertified Bosun Aubrey Davis pointed to the modification of the old “22-month rule” as a highlight of the new pacts. “That is a worthwhile change and it’s going to work out,” he observed, noting that he and many other members had requested such action. Speaking of the contracts as a whole, OMU Dennis Swords noted, “I’m very pleased. Overall there are many good points and it’s all positive news.” Electrician Prescilo Zuniga described the new agreements as “good, helpful for us Seafarers, especially the annual (wage) increases.” Wiper Gilbert Regalado took a broad view of the contracts, noting that “the sacrifices that have been made in years past” are now paying off as the union continues building upon earlier, steadily accumulated gains. “I also really like that so many ships manned SHBP Eligibility Change Announced The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) last month announced a change in its eligibility rules. As reported at all SIU membership meetings and as specified in a letter to Plan participants, as of Jan. 1, 2007, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to a claim. In other words, in order to be eligible for benefits in 2007, a mariner must have 150 days of covered employment in 2006 in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months preceding a claim. The increased requirement of 150 days as compared to the old standard of 125 days recently was approved by the SHBP Board of Trustees. In her report to the membership for July, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen noted that the change is being implemented “in order to maintain the level of benefits provided” to eligible Seafarers and their dependents. An informal polling of rank-and-file members and SIU port agents last month found Seafarers generally taking the change itself in stride. As reported at the membership meetings, the average deep-sea SIU member already averages well over 150 days of sea time per year. Also, Seafarers repeatedly acknowledged that this change is consistent with nationwide realities involving the continually increasing cost of health care. The concern most often voiced by members upon August 2006 by the union are under the standard contracts,” he added. Bosun David Jones viewed the agreements as “an improvement, considering the wage increases and everything compared to some of the other industries out there—even some (traditionally) union industries like the auto industry. The contract we got this time is good for us, plus we’re maintaining our health care coverage whereas other industries are losing theirs.” AB Harry Champagne said the standard contracts are “decent overall” and fair agreements for all concerned. Chief Steward Donna Taylor applauded the new 12-month rule, declaring, “It gives more hearing about the adjustment to 150 days seems to be simply making sure that they secure enough sea time by year’s end to maintain SHBP eligibility in the New Year. Chief Steward Donna Taylor agreed with that sentiment but also added, “Change is always necessary in any job so that everybody wins. We all have to be understanding…. The union has been very good to me. I’ve been able to buy my own home, my own car.” “It’s going to work out for the long-term guys out here like myself,” said Bosun David Jones. “I’m a family man—I have two children—and I know from past experience the union has always covered us if we need something. Going to 150 days from 125 doesn’t really bother me because I’m out there anyway.” According to the non-profit, non-partisan National Coalition on Health Care, spending for medical coverage continues to increase at the fastest rate in U.S. history. In 2005, employer health insurance premiums increased at a rate nearly three times greater than the rate of inflation. The yearly premium for an employer health plan covering a family of four averaged about $11,000, while the annual premium for single coverage averaged more than $4,000. Another telling statistic reflects the steady drop in employer-sponsored health care. The percentage of people with employment-based health insurance has declined from 70 percent in 1987 to 59.8 percent in 2004. Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company’s newest containership, the Maunalei, on July 22 was christened by Millie Akaka, wife of Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), during a ceremony at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Akaka formally christened the ship with the traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne against the hull of the vessel. SIU officials attending the christening included President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. They were joined by a host of other officials from Washington, Hawaii and Guam who represented labor, other segments of the U.S. maritime industry and government. The ceremony’s slate of speakers consisted of W. Allen Doane, chairman of Matson and chairman and CEO of its parent company, Alexander & Baldwin; Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM); Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii); and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam). “As we entered the 21st century, we faced a considerable challenge in developing a modernization and replacement strategy for the Matson fleet,” said Doane. “Between 1983 and 2002 Matson had only one new ship constructed, the R. J. Pfeiffer, in 1992. “In only four years, Matson has introduced four new ships to its fleet, an achievement that’s truly historic.” Abercrombie stressed the importance of the U.S. maritime industry. “What needs to be understood is the firm connection between a vibrant and healthy U.S. maritime industry and the prosperity of our nation,” he said. “I’m proud to say we were able to revive the cruise industry in Hawaii with American-owned, American-flagged cruise ships, with 4,000 jobs created, all union jobs, from stem to stern, [paying] American wages, obeying U.S. environmental, labor and health laws, with taxes paid to this country.” He also emphasized the key role of the Jones Act as it pertains to national security. The Maunalei is the fourth new containership built by the shipyard for Matson in the past four years. Each vessel’s steward department is crewed by SIU members. Rounding out the Matson fleet upgrades were the deliveries of the SIU-contracted Manukai in 2003, the Maunawili in 2004, and the Manulani in 2005. The Maunalei, which means “mountain flower” in Hawaiian, is 681 feet long and weighs more than 44,000 tons when fully loaded. Beginning in August, the vessel will be deployed in Matson’s Hawaii-Guam-China service alongside the other three containerships constructed by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard has built four U.S.-flag containerships for Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation. Above, the newest ship (Maunalei) displays the Stars and Stripes for its christening. Seafarers LOG 3 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19.qxp 7/27/2006 5:00 PM Page 4 2 T-AKE Ship Christened nd USNS Sacagawea Signals More CIVMAR Jobs The U.S. Navy on June 24 christened the USNS Sacagawea, the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships, at the General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego. Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) delivered the ceremony’s principal address. Lucy Honena Diaz and Rachael Lynne Ariwite, familial descendants of Sacagawea, served as cosponsors of the ship, which will be crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. Amy Mossett, a Mandan-Hidatsa member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota, served as honorary matron of honor. Designated T-AKE 2, the Sacagawea honors the Lemhi Shoshone woman who acted as guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark on their expedition into the Northwest region of the United States. The USNS Sacagawea is the second of nine ships in the Navy’s new T-AKE class. The USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) on June 20 was delivered to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The Navy has awarded NASSCO six contracts valued at approximately $2.8 billion for the design and construction of the nine ships in the T-AKE program. Construction of the Sacagawea began in September of 2004. It is scheduled to be delivered to USNS Lewis and Clark MSC in the first quarter of 2007. T-AKE is a combat logistics force vessel intended to replace the current capability of the T-AE 26 Kilauea class ammunition ships, T-AFS 1 Mars class combat Labor Icon Evy Dubrow Dies at 95 Evelyn (Evy) Dubrow, one of America’s most powerful, most respected and best-loved advocates for working people and their unions, passed away June 20. She was 95. Although diminutive in stature—Dubrow stood only four feet, 11 inches—her accomplishments were anything but small. She was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a friend of presidents and champion of low-wage workers and a major force in the union movement. As one newspaper headline described her, she was the “Capitol Hill lobbyist everyone loves.” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, recalling the many years he worked with Dubrow, said, “When I started my first job in the union movement at the International Ladies Garment Workers Union in New York, Evy Dubrow was already an experienced lobbyist for the union—and she was already a legend. As time passed and I had the chance to get to know her, I understood why. “Evy had a rare combination of intelligence, wit, pragmatism, compassion and charm. She was so beloved and so persuasive that she could open doors and win victories on Capitol Hill for working people when no one else could. And although her heart and soul were always with the most progressive representatives and senators like John Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey and Tip O’Neill, she also counted staunch conservatives like Barry Goldwater and Bob Dole as her friends—and more than 4 Seafarers LOG once, she won their support. Dubrow was so popular among lawmakers that former House Speaker O’Neill had a permanent chair provided for her just outside the chamber of the House. “Evy joked that she would have been a terrible lobbyist for the oil companies, but behind the joke was the core of who she was,” Sweeney continued. “I’m convinced that the biggest reason she won so many victories over the years was that she was lobbying for a cause she loved with all her heart: the women and men of her union. All of us who were her friends are remembering her and sharing our own stories of her, but I believe that the best eulogy of Evy Dubrow was actually said years ago by a senator: Evy Dubrow is the union label. It was true then, and it will always be.” Born the daughter of impoverished immigrant factory workers from Belarus, Dubrow got her first taste of political activism handing out fliers during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s in New York City’s Union Square. She first joined a union, the Newspaper Guild, at The Morning Call in New Jersey, and it changed her life. She served as the secretary of the Guild, assistant to the president of the New Jersey Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), and as organizer and political education director of the Textile Workers in New Jersey. Dubrow found her true calling when David Dubinsky hired her in 1956 as the lobbyist for the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union (ILGWU), where he was president. Her very first task was to oppose a proposal that would outlaw secondary boycotts. Her next issue was fighting for an increase in the minimum wage to $1 an hour. stores ships and, when operating with T-AO 187 Henry J. Kaiser class oiler ships, the AOE 1 Sacramento class fast combat support ships. Designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing replenishment services to U.S., NATO and allied ships, the USNS Sacagawea will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence. Ships such as the Sacagawea provide logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea from specially equipped merchant ships. It will transfer cargo (ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items, and expendable supplies and material) to ships and other naval warfare forces at sea. The USNS Sacagawea is 689 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 30 feet, and displaces approximately 42,000 tons. Powered by a single-shaft dieselelectric propulsion system, the ship can reach a speed of 20 knots. The Sacagawea has modular cargo holding and handling systems on board and can carry more than 6,600 tons of dry cargo and nearly 23,500 barrels of fuel. Photo Courtesy of Women’s Research & Education Institute Evelyn (Evy) Dubrow (1911-2006) It was the start of an extraordinary career. For two generations, Dubrow lobbied in Washington, D.C., for just about every good cause in public life: fighting against the return of the sweatshops and industrial homework and against free trade laws that exploit workers in this nation and around the world; and fighting for pay equity, labor law reform, family and medical leave, civil rights, universal health care and much more. She rose through the ILGWU to become an international union vice president in 1977. In presenting Dubrow with the Medal of Freedom (the nation’s highest civilian honor) in 1999, President Bill Clinton said, “For more than five decades, Evy Dubrow has fought to improve the lives of America’s working women and men. A tenacious and effective union activist, she has been a force for social justice and improved labor conditions by working for increases in the minimum wage, health care reform, family and medical leave, and pay equity for women. Renowned for her grace, candor, and integrity, she has earned the respect of opponents and allies alike.” The USNS Sacagawea will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. SIU-Contracted Companies Earn Environmental Awards Three SIU-contracted companies recently were recipients of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Marine Environmental Awards for Excellence. Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. of Houston and Oakland, Calif.based Matson Navigation Co. landed silver and bronze awards (plaques), respectively, in the competition’s Large Business Vessel Category while U.S. Shipping Partners of Edison, N.J. took home an honorable mention in the Small Business Vessel Category. The awards were bestowed June 26 during the American Petroleum Institute Tanker Conference in San Diego. “The Benkert Award demonstrates how industry has led, innovated and far exceeded expectations as good stewards of the sea,” said Rear Adm. Craig Bone, who presented the awards on behalf of the Coast Guard. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the union during the conference and witnessed the awards ceremony. “We salute our contracted companies for staking their claims on these awards,” Tellez said. “It’s a real testament to effort put forward by company officials to protect and safeguard the marine environment and it speaks volumes about the quality of our people who are working aboard these companies’ ships. Congrats are in order all around.” Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. (OSI) received the highest-level award among all vessel operators who applied for the Benkert Award. This unique honor recognizes the environmental commitment of the company and its employees, ashore and afloat, and the excellent record this collaborative effort has achieved, an OSI publication noted of the award. OSI operates with a safety management system meeting the requirements of the International Safety Management Code (ISM). The company’s quality management system complies with ISO 9001:2000. Both systems are independently certified by the American Bureau of Shipping. OSI vessels are in compliance with Shipboard Security requirements of MTSA and ISPS, and the company’s security plans have been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Presently, OSI is providing ship management services to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Maritime Administration. Matson President and CEO James Andrasick commended his company’s safety, quality and environmental affairs (SQE) and vessel operations departments for this distinguished achievement. “The criteria for receiving the Benkert Award require operators to demonstrate comprehensive and industry leading environmental initiatives,” he said. “Matson’s efforts here have clearly gone far beyond today’s stringent requirements. In every example, Matson’s SQE and vessel operations departments received the full support and cooperation of all Matson personnel. The collaborative work has been exceptional.” Matson has had a zero discharge policy since 1993. In 2003, the company’s Chief Gadao became the first U.S.-flag container vessel certified to the American Bureau of Shipping’s Safety, Quality and Environmental Management (SQE) program. All of Matson’s vessels now have the SQE certification, which requires a documented environmental management system focused on continuous improvement. In addition, Matson offices and terminals are certified to the ISO 14000 environmental management system standard. Matson provides ocean transportation services for Hawaii, Guam, China and the Mid-Pacific as well as logistics services throughout North America. U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. is an active participant in the U.S.flag Jones Act coastwise tanker trades for refined petroleum products and chemical parcels. The company operates six integrated tug barges (ITB) which carry petroleum products and two tankers which haul mainly chemicals. U.S. Shipping Partners recently placed an order for an Articulated Tug Barge (ATB), for delivery early in 2006. The company employs approximately 30 shore staff and approximately 300 fleet personnel. The SIU-contracted companies were three of nine to receive recognition during the API event. The Benkert Award was named for the late Rear Adm. William M. Benkert, a distinguished Coast Guard officer widely known for his leadership and vision in marine environmental protection. It was created to recognize vessel and facility operators who have implemented outstanding marine environmental protection programs that far exceed mere compliance with industrial and regulatory standards. August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19.qxp 7/27/2006 5:00 PM Page 5 ‘All Available Boats’ Examines New York Evacuation on 9/11 The story of the waterborne evacuation of thousands of people from lower Manhattan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks—a massive operation in which SIU members played a key role—now is being retold through a new multimedia exhibit in New York. “All Available Boats: Harbor Voices and Images, 9.11.01,” according to the Associated Press uses the voices of those who were there to tell the somewhat overlooked story of how tens of thousands of people escaped lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001 by boat. Among the voices are those belonging to tug captains, police officers, other maritime workers, financial experts, students, teach- Maritime Trades Dept. Launches Web Site The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) last month went electronic with its communications competency by launching its new web site— www.maritimetrades.org. SIU President Michael Sacco, who also serves as MTD president, in late June announced the premier of the department’s latest communications vehicle. The site replaces the department’s longrunning newsletter, Maritime, which ceased publication in March. In addition to carrying general information on the department, the new MTD web site contains data about its officers, and facts about its 24 affiliated internation- al unions and its port maritime councils. It also will maintain links with various maritime, labor and governmental organizations. The new web site will be updated regularly with the latest news and information from maritime labor and the industry. It will announce upcoming events involving the MTD and its port councils. Twenty-four international unions comprise the MTD. These unions represent more than 5 million members in maritime-related industries. The MTD also has a series of 19 port maritime councils in major port cities across the United States and Canada. SIU Weighs in on TWIC Continued from page 2 have an MMD issued after February 3, 2003, implying that those mariners have undergone a full security vetting by the Coast Guard and therefore need not undergo a TWIC security assessment. The SIU urges the Coast Guard to continue this simplified approach for merchant mariners who are required to hold merchant mariner documents instead of opting for the TSA proposed process. Further, the SIU believes that the Coast Guard itself has the authority to implement the biometric transportation security card mandate as recommended above. In fact, the MTSA requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a biometric transportation security credential to merchant mariners. Section 102 of the MTSA defines “Secretary” to mean “the Secretary in which the Coast Guard is operating.” It is our view that within this definition, the Coast Guard has the authority to issue an MMD with an encoded biometric as a merchant mariner biometric transportation security credential. Moreover, this would certainly negate the need for a change in the Code of Federal Regulations as proposed in USCG-2006-24371, the Consolidation of Merchant Mariner Qualification Credentials. A further reason for utilizing a biometric merchant mariner document in lieu of a TWIC is the fact that the rule proposes standards which will primarily impact merchant mariners and port workers. Why reinvent the wheel when a proven, time-tested, and internationally accepted document already exists that, with some modification, responds to the mandate of the MTSA. In addition, to date, there are no TWIC requirements for other workers in all modes of transportation. It is our view that if the TWIC is not applicable to all modes of transportation, then the system is essentially flawed due to port intermodalism and the security objective is undermined. User Fees In this rule, the TSA proposes to establish new user fees for the TWIC process. Although the SIU opposes a TWIC requirement for merchant mariners, we nonetheless advance that it is patently unfair to impose yet another user fee on the merchant mariner for a credential that can be encompassed in the MMD. In fact, the merchant mariner is already charged a user fee for the process associated with the MMD. The SIU is aware that Section 520 of the 2004 DHS Appropriations Act requires TSA to charge a reasonable fee for providing credentialing and background investigations in the field of transportation. The principle behind user fees is based on the philosophy that beneficiaries of federal expenditures should repay the government in the form of a user charge on all or a portion of the federal expenditures incurred for a service. User fees are based on the premise that some agency services are of benefit only to particular segments of the population and that fairness dictates that these services be subject to user fees. However, the SIU contends that the TWIC program is not of benefit to a particular segment of the population—the merchant mariner in this case–but primarily in the interest August 2006 ers, stockbrokers and other citizens. The exhibit is located at the Seamen’s Church Institute’s gallery at 241 Water Street, New York, N.Y. In promoting the exhibit, the AFL-CIO noted, “The brutal images of terrorist destruction on Sept. 11, 2001, are burned into our collective memories. But there are other images from that day that most of us didn’t see. Among those: New York’s tugboats, ferries, fireboats, work boats and private pleasure boats evacuating more than 300,000 people from Lower Manhattan on the day the terrorists’ planes took down the Twin Towers, killing nearly 2,800 people.” The exhibit “describes how the maritime community in boats crewed by members of the SIU, Marine Engineers; Masters, Mates and Pilots; Fire Fighters; Longshoreman and other unions moved survivors—many of them injured—to safety.” Shortly after the first plane hit the North Tower, the Coast Guard put out the call for “all available boats.” Capt. Kirk Slater, an SIU Photo Courtesy Seamen’s Church Institute The exhibit offers various viewing and listening choices. member, and two SIU deckhands on the NY Waterway ferry West New York were among those who answered the call. In 2001, Slater told the AFLCIO magazine America@work that before the second plane hit the South Tower, the West New York had made two trips loaded with evacuees when “I looked up and saw the second plane go right into the Trade Center…. [Soon after] I heard this rumble. The first building came down, came down fast. It was a crystal-clear day, but this huge [debris] cloud of public security. It is our belief that one of the key criteria regarding the application of a user fee for TSA services rendered is whether the service provides a special benefit to an identifiable recipient above and beyond those that accrue to the public at large. In this case, it does not. Therefore, given the fact that obtaining a TWIC is in the interest of public security, merchant mariners should not be assessed a user fee. It is neither fair nor reasonable to assess a user fee on a merchant mariner for a security mandate that has broader benefits. The background checks and security threat assessments contained in the proposal are considered necessary to enhance the security of our nation’s ports and are part of an overall effort to fight terrorism elements…. Federal Preemption The SIU recognizes and acknowledges the fact that states have the right to regulate access to their port facilities. However, once a national identity standard is promulgated, it is critically important that these standards supersede state regulations. Thus, the SIU recommends that the federal TWIC or MMD program preempt any state or local regulations covering identity cards for mariners. The entire purpose of an identification credential is to provide a universally recognized identity card and to assure a mariner access to vessels and port facilities. In addition, the mandatory provisions of the International Maritime Organization’s ISPS Code require facilitation of access by mariners. Additional state or local requirements will create confusion and intolerable conditions for mariners, undermine the purpose of the TWIC, and disrupt interstate and foreign waterborne commerce. Allowing states to arbitrarily impose different or added security requirements is inconsistent with the intent of the TSA and Coast Guard to achieve a level of consistency governing threat assessments and transportation credentials. Further Comments on the TWIC Program The SIU believes that the TWIC program, as proposed, is an economic train-wreck waiting to happen. It will not enhance security but will certainly disrupt commerce and place an intolerable burden on American merchant mariners. The program is also flawed since it exempts foreign seamen from the process while focusing completely on U.S. merchant mariners who are screened, regulated and fully vetted by the Coast Guard. It has been estimated that 97 percent of our imports and exports are carried on foreign-flag vessels with foreign crews who in our view pose the gravest security risk. Yet, these crews are exempt from the TWIC requirements. If the TSA and Coast Guard actually implement this proposed rule, the SIU, in addition to our recommendations above, advocates the following: „ Any national TWIC issued to American merchant mariners must be compatible with the International Labor Organization’s Convention 185 so that the document will be acceptable in foreign ports. „ Any waiver or appeals cases should be held before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at a hearing on the record. It is unfair to have a mariner go back to the very was approaching us. I had a full load, so I got out of there fast. But it engulfed us, like the worst fog.” The smoke and debris forced many boats to operate by radar to find their way to the Manhattan docks. But as “All Available Boats” shows, that didn’t slow the incredible and efficient rescue efforts by the maritime community. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during weekends. The exhibit will run through Sept. 30. agency which determined he was a security risk in the first place to resolve the issue. „ TSA should eliminate the self-disclosure of convictions requirement in the application process. The TWIC applicant will be required to undergo an extensive background check which will uncover any disqualifying factors for obtaining a TWIC. Why then should the applicant be required to complete a self-disclosure form? „ If mariners are required to obtain a TWIC, they should be guaranteed unfettered access to ports. „ There should be a clear nexus between terrorism security and the crimes that will disqualify an individual from holding a maritime TWIC, as the list of felony offenses that will disqualify a mariner from obtaining a maritime TWIC is too expansive, nebulous and unfocused on eliminating true security risks. U.S. mariners are and will always be an effective asset in the global war on terrorism and are the most trained, qualified and vetted workers in the transportation industry. Our history of answering the call to perform our patriotic duty in every conflict and disaster is a matter of public record. In summary and to be clear, we urge the TSA and the Coast Guard to recognize the contributions of American mariners to the economic and defense security of our nation by exempting them from the unnecessary burden of obtaining a TWIC. The SIU looks forward to working and cooperating with the TSA and Coast Guard to find an amenable resolution to this important issue. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Michael Sacco President In its comments about the MMC, the SIU in addition to requesting an extension of the comment period noted, “The SIU urges the Coast Guard to separate this proposed rule from the timeline advanced in the TWIC proposal and further recommends that this proposal be either deferred or reintroduced gradually and subsequent to a thorough testing of the TWIC program, if promulgated…. During an initial review of the document, the SIU detected a number of minor errors and several noticeable omissions in the proposal which may create unintended consequences. Further, it has been noted that the Coast Guard intends to create a paper document which, in our view, is a reversion to the past. Smarter credentials are the answer, utilizing smart card technology. In fact, it is such technology that will enable the Coast Guard to bring U.S. maritime credentialing from the 19th to the 21st century. “As advanced by the Coast Guard in its Proceedings publication, the consolidation of credentials requires substantial effort, planning, coordination, and cooperation and many complex and sensitive details will have to be considered including revision of current statutes and regulations. The SIU agrees with this tenet and looks forward to working together with the Coast Guard to achieve a meaningful transition of credentialing to the 21st century.” Seafarers LOG 5 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x.qxp 7/29/2006 1:27 AM Page 6 Seafarers Approve Standard Contracts Bargaining committee members included (front, from left) Ed Hanley, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, Jack Craft, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Captain Robert Johnston, (standing) Mike Bohlman, Carol Berger, Wally Becker, Jean Harrington, Tony Naccarato, Bob Rogers, Bill Cole and Jack Robinson. Continued from page 3 overtime are increased as follows: 2 percent in 2006; 3 percent in 2007; 3 percent in 2008; 4 percent in 2009; and 4 percent in 2010, for a total of 16 percent over the life of the contract. „ Shipping Rules. Responding to numerous recommendations received from the membership, the union successfully amended the Shipping Rules by changing tours of duty for seamen with class A seniority employed above an entry rating from 22 months to 12 months. A labor-management committee has been created to identify and resolve crew shore-leave issues. Seafarers being relieved shall register at a port in the continental United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii or Guam within 72 hours after being relieved, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. (Hawaii and Guam are new additions to this rule.) Mariners who hold permanent status aboard commercial vessels having the right to relief must confirm their intent to reclaim their position by notifying the hiring hall dispatcher at least 72 hours prior to the vessel’s arrival. This may be done by phone (a change from past practice). After validating a permanent seaman’s credentials in accordance with Rule 2 C. (2.) the hiring hall shall ship the seaman and advise the company to arrange transportation from either the seaman’s domestic home of record (excluding Guam) or the hiring hall from which he is registered (seaman’s choice). Mariners with either A or B seniority may extend their contractual tour of duty when mutu- ally agreed between the union and the company. Minimum time off for all ratings shall change from 30 days to 45 days. Shipping registration cards’ period of validity for mariners accepting the balance of a relief assignment (if less than 30 days) shall be extended by the number of days employed. „ Holidays. In order to conform with the rest of the maritime industry and effectively meet the SIU’s contractual obligations, Paul Hall’s birthday will be replaced by Columbus Day as a contractual holiday. „ Work Rules and Miscellaneous. Based on recommendations from the membership, vessels with automated payroll systems may now pay off at sea. The company is required to notify the union’s manpower office each time a vessel will be in a U.S. port after a payoff at sea or when the vessel will be paying off in a U.S. port. (This will not change the servicing of vessels by SIU port representatives.) The ship’s committee’s duties shall be expanded to expedite and facilitate the crew’s union business. Maintenance and cure will be increased from the current rate of $8 per day to $16 per day. Reimbursement for launch service will be increased from $10 to $25 per round trip, per man carried once every 24 hours. Reimbursement for loss of clothing will be increased from $500 to $1,000. Each crew member is required to possess a sufficient supply of needed medication for the duration of his shipboard assignment. Obtaining maintenance medica- LIBERTY STAR 6 Seafarers LOG BALTIMORE HALL CAPE WASHINGTON HORIZON FAIRBANKS tion is the mariner’s responsibility. Seamen shall be required to remain on board until properly relieved, unless given written authorization to depart by the captain. In order to improve the preparation and serving of food and eliminate waste on all SIU-contracted vessels, the procedures contained in the “Three Man Steward Department Guide” shall be used for guidance. A committee of recertified stewards will review and update the guide. In ports that are located fairly close to one another, such as (but not limited to) New York to Philadelphia, Seattle to Longview, Jacksonville to Charleston, or New Orleans to Baton Rouge (in either direction), bus or rail transportation may be used as mutually agreed to by the union and the company. If payment of overtime is delayed by the company beyond 72 hours (exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays or holidays) after signing off articles, additional compensation shall be paid at the rate of $25. Other Contract News „ The union has negotiated a three-year agreement with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock and also has secured tentative threeyear contracts with (respectively) Transoceanic Cable Ship Company, Sealift Inc. and Osprey Ship Management. Each of the contracts calls for annual wage increases while maintaining health care coverage at the Core Plus level. Each of the agreements also maintains pension benefits. Without exception, health care costs dominated the negotiations for each contract. „ Seafarers last month ratified the new Great Lakes standard freightship agreement. The five-year contract calls for wage increases in each year of the pact; maintains health benefits at the Core Plus level; and boosts vacation pay by 78 percent. The new Great Lakes agreement also replaces the extendedseason bonus with a safety bonus—effective July 1, 2006, an amount equivalent to 2 percent of base wages will be contributed to the Seafarers Vacation Plan for employees who complete their assigned tours of duty free of illness or injury. Additionally, signatory employers have agreed to provide satellite service and receivers for each billet. They will supply the same monetary contribution as provided to officers for satellite service. „ Negotiations on new agreements continue with the following companies: Waterman Steamship, Liberty Maritime, and Interocean American Shipping. USNS FISHER and USNS PILILAAU OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS GALENA BAY USNS WRIGHT August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x.qxp 7/29/2006 1:53 AM Page 7 Seafarers Approve Standard Contracts TACOMA HALL USNS BOB HOPE GLOBAL SENTINEL SEABULK ARCTIC PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS USNS SEAY USNS POLLUX MAERSK NEBRASKA USNS BENAVIDEZ SL COMMITMENT USNS INTEGRITY COAST RANGE USNS BELLATRIX PHILADELPHIA HALL August 2006 ITB PHILADELPHIA NORFOLK HALL Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski reviews contract details aboard the USNS Shughart. USNS SHUGHART Seafarers LOG 7 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/27/2006 5:03 PM Page 8 Union Provided Solid Foundation, Great Memories Prominent Broadcaster Ivan Scott Still Treasures Shipboard Experience He has an Ivy League degree and a resumé that would stand out even in a high-powered city like Washington, D.C. But for Ivan Scott, nothing tops the education or experience he received as an active SIU member in the 1940s and ’50s. Scott, 76, is the Pentagon and national security correspondent for a group of radio and television stations including major ones in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis and Washington. The job routinely allows him to interact with top-level U.S. military and government officials. Previously, among other notable posts, he served as a presidential appointee (first as an assistant chief of information for the Navy, then as communications director for the Federal Transit Administration) and a combat correspondent and anchor for ABC, CBS and Mutual. One might think that Scott’s four years at sea would be long forgotten, but that’s not the case. During a recent interview at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. (located just outside Washington), Scott’s genuine affection for the union immediately surfaced. Despite the passage of nearly a half-century, his maritime background remains a big part of his identity. Reflecting on his time with the SIU, Scott emphatically declares that if given a choice between his four years at sea and his days at Princeton, “It’s no contest—I’d choose the sea. You become a man and you get an education. The training was absolutely beyond compare.” His ties with the SIU weren’t limited to sailing. Scott helped organize the Cities Service fleet in 1948—one of the most important victories in the union’s early history—and he still has a lump on his head from walking the picket lines during the equally key Isthmian campaign from that same era. After he left the industry for Former Seafarer Ivan Scott proudly displays his honorary book during a recent visit at SIU headquarters. He also had a full book as an active member beginning in the late 1940s. good in the late 1950s and entered broadcasting, Scott developed a strong friendship with SIU President Paul Hall as well as with Seafarers LOG Editor Herb Brand, a trusted assistant to the union president. In 1983, Scott received an honorary SIU book—Book No. 4, he proudly notes. Scott’s recollections of his sailing days are rich in detail. He remembers several close calls at sea, including striking a mine SIU Crews Honored for Relief Operations Seafarers from five SIU-contracted Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet vessels on June 14 were recognized for the myriad of services they provided people along the Gulf Coast during the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The mariners—24 SIU members who served aboard the USNS Algol, USNS, Altair, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Pililaau and USNS Pollux, respectively, when the two storms struck—each were awarded the U.S. Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement. They received their awards during an MSC-sponsored and AMSEAcoordinated hurricane relief ceremony aboard the USNS Brittin in Violet, La. Rear Adm. Hugo G. Blackwood, MSC vice commander, delivered the keynote address and presented the medals to the mariners. Assisting the admiral in the medal presentations were John Henry, MSC Sealift Program manager, and USNS Brittin Master Capt. Robert Groom. New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook represented the SIU. “When hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast in 2005, MSC ships manned by the merchant mariners in attendance here today again responded to the call to service,” Groom said. “This time it was not the call of conflict but a call of crisis and need. And once again, American Merchant Mariners answered that call and helped the people of New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities and towns.” Those receiving medals and their respective vessels were: „ USNS Algol: Bosun Walter L. Loveless, FOWT Terrance C. Ford, Wiper Noe Orellana and SA Yolanda E. Martinez; Those receiving medals from aboard the USNS Algol included Bosun Walter Loveless, Wiper Noe Orellana, SA Yolanda Martinez, Chief Engineer Robert Cheramie, Second Assistant Engineer George Ahten, Wiper/OMU Terrence Ford and First Assistant Engineer Alex Zarganas. 8 Seafarers LOG „ USNS Altair: Bosun Morris E. Foster, AB Jonathan E. Brown, OS Leroyal Hester, Wiper Ralph E. Derocha, Wiper Marco T. Oliva, SB Darrell C. Weatherspoon and SA Jouan J. Jackson; „ USNS Bellatrix: Bosun Wayne Venison, AB Stanley Williams, AB Austin Howard, OS David H. Perry, Wiper Frank Casby, Wiper Earl C. Kendrick and Storekeeper Charlotte A. Tuggle; „ USNS Pililaau: AB Damon M. Johnson; and „ USNS Pollux: Bosun Wilfredo C. Rice, AB Robinson M. Crusoe, OS Mark A. Fleming, SB Mariano M. Martinez and SA Armando S. Evangelista. Among the medal recipients from the USNS Altair were Bosun Morris Foster, AB Jonathan Brown, OS Leroyal Hester, Wiper Marco Oliva, SB Darrell Weatherspoon, SA Jouan Jackson, Chief Mate Laurence Ledwon, Chief Engineer Thomas Ostarly, 1st Assistant Engineer James Mahar, and 2nd Assistant Engineer Michelle McCoy. Not pictured are Capt. Paul Breslin and Wiper Ralph Deroch. USNS Bellatrix medal recipients included Wiper Frank Casby, AB Stanley Williams, Wiper Earl Kendrick, AB Austin Howard and Third Assistant Engineer David Schutte. that didn’t explode. He rattles off the names of vessels and shipmates as if the experiences happened yesterday. “What I liked about shipboard life was the sense of adventure and the caliber of person I sailed with and for,” he notes. “I never had a boring day at sea.” Like others from that period, Scott entered the industry at a very young age—16 in his case, during the last week of 1946. He first sailed as an OS aboard the tanker Wahoo Swamp, a non-union ship. “I was so green I didn’t know which was fore and which was aft,” he acknowledges. Thirty minutes after climbing that initial gangway, with others not realizing Scott was a firsttripper, he found himself steering. A series of “90-degree swings” in New York Harbor quickly ended that particular assignment. Following several more voyages, Scott ended up on a Cities Service vessel while the SIU was trying to organize the fleet. He helped with the campaign (earning a full book) and found a home with the union, even though he would move in and out of the industry for the next decade. “I was turned loose on the world after World War II when you could get anything you wanted for a pack of cigarettes,” Scott says with a wink. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served from 1948-52, eventually working as an air traffic controller. But he still found time for the SIU, discretely making a coastwise run while otherwise on base in Lake Charles, La. He returned to sea for a year after finishing his time with the Air Force and being honorably discharged. He completed high school and then enrolled at Princeton, a prestigious university. Still, he wasn’t done with the sea. Scott sailed on Isthmian’s Steel Advocate following his freshman year. After graduating from Princeton in 1959, his military experience helped him secure work as a broadcaster covering the Pentagon, while his labor history proved invaluable when reporting on the trade union movement. As an up-and-coming reporter with an SIU background, he was befriended by Paul Hall, a towering figure not just within maritime labor but in the entire union arena. “He was almost a father image to me,” Scott says. “He was one of the most dynamic leaders I’ve ever met, and he had a total vision for the future. I was a great admirer of Paul’s.” Scott kept an eye on the SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine in general even as he moved on to other segments of his career. Today, he says the country absolutely must maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet, pointing to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as the latest among an overwhelming number of examples supporting that stance. “It’s vital for a world power,” Scott notes. “The Achilles heel of the U.S. military is a lack of adequate sealift, although we’re closing the gap somewhat.” As a Pentagon correspondent, Scott frequently meets with top U.S. officials. He says he let Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld win this friendly arm-wrestling match, but the LOG is investigating that claim’s veracity. August 2006 �37484_p1_3,9x2.qxp 7/31/2006 1:35 PM Page 9 Industry ‘Pioneer’ Bill Saul Dies at 80 William Repass Saul, retired official with the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, died July 15 in Leonardtown, Md. He was 80. Saul was a former assistant to the vice president at the Paul Hall Center, working in that post from 1993 to 1997. He also had served for many years as a waterways advisor and union confidante. Previously, he was well-known as a top official at Steuart Petroleum. “Bill was an absolute pioneer in our industry,” said Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. “He had a wealth of knowledge in many areas—especially the maritime industry—and he always was willing to share it with you. He was a very kind and gentle person, someone who it was a pleasure to know and work with. He will be missed.” “Bill was a hands-on executive, at home in coveralls and jeans as well as designer suits,” said Paul Hall Center Instructor Mitch Oakley. “He was as keen in the shipyard as he was in the boardroom. “Consummate businessman, world class entertainer, and always a gentleman, his fatal flaw was his huge heart,” Oakley continued. “I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to love and learn from Bill Saul. Thank you, Bill, for always having a glass half full—your sharing spirit will continue to inspire those of us you touched.” “I met Bill Saul back in the Snapshots from Southern California ’70s when I first went to Piney Point,” said Jerry DiPreta, retired Pall Hall Center comptroller. “He was a great man and a true gentleman, someone I was proud to know. “He was very knowledgeable about the maritime industry, particularly about the inland waters and inland vessels,” DiPreta continued. “Bill always treated people with respect, and it was a real pleasure to call him my friend. He will be greatly missed.” “I worked with Bill for about 10 years at the school,” shared Capt. Jack Russell, a part- time instructor at the Paul Hall Center. “We ran the Osprey (one of the school’s training vessels) together and trained a number of unlicensed apprentices and upgraders on how to operate a ship. SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox recently mailed these photos of various happenings in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Pedro, Calif. “He was a mentor of mine because I learned so much from him,” Russell continued. “Bill also was a father figure to me, because I lost my father a long time ago. We shared a good many father-son things over the years, and he always provided me with sound advice. I’ll always remember him as the wonderful, kind, caring person that he was.” Born in Buckingham County, Va., Saul attended Pennsylvania Maritime Academy and held a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until 1947. Saul is survived by his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Susan Mathews of Beaufort, S.C., and Johanna A. Saul of Compton, Md.; one son, John T. Saul of Prince Frederick, Md.; three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services were conducted July 22 at the Patuxent Presbyterian Church in California, Md. with the Reverend Mike Jones officiating. Saul’s The late Bill Saul is shown in one of his favorite places: at the helm of the Osprey. remains were interred in Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Appomattox, Va. The family asks that those wishing to make memorial contributions consider the St. Mary’s Nursing Center, 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Notice The union was scheduled to open its new hall in Oakland, Calif. in late July, as this edition was going to press. Contact information for the new hall is as follows: 1121 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 444-2360, Fax: (510) 444-5587 Apprentice Earns GED SIU President Michael Sacco (left) addresses a National Maritime Day audience of approximately 300 people in San Pedro on May 22. Sacco was the keynote speaker at a luncheon sponsored by the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Committee (AMMVMC). Earlier that day, John Pitts, president of the AMMVC, speaks at a separate National Maritime Day ceremony in San Pedro. Cox and other SIU representatives attended both gatherings. Unlicensed Apprentice Ceresa Moreno (pictured with SIU officials) recently earned her GED through the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Moreno received the certificate at the July membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., where she was congratulated by (from left) SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Contracts George Tricker. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 12 at the U.S. Coast Guard’s new regional exam center (left) in Long Beach, Cox (center) poses for a photo with (from left) incoming Captain of the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach Paul Wiedenhoeft and outgoing Captain of the Port Peter Neffenger. The new REC is located at 501 West Ocean Blvd. ATTENTION SEAFARERS: Help SPAD Help You—Contribute to SPAD The SIU-contracted Pride of Hawaii arrives at Berth 93 in Los Angeles on May 21, one day after its christening at another location within the port. August 2006 Seafarers LOG 9 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24x.qxp 7/29/2006 3:20 AM Page 10 Snapshots from . . . HORIZON HAWAII Jacksonville IN THE JACKSONVILLE HALL AB Antonio Mercado (above) and AB Patrick Lavin (left) prepare for a lifeboat drill aboard the Horizon Hawaii. Above: Abdul Azeem Binladen, Garry Matthews and Jackie Jones are sworn in by SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey as Seafarers attending the union meeting in Jacksonville (right) look on. TUG BOAT SEA HORSE AB Raymond Fernandez stands gangway watch. From the left are SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware and crew members aboard the Crowley tug Sea Horse: Norman Skipper, Travis McGee and Isaac Coldwell. From the left: Chief Cook Juan Vallejo Hernandez, SA Jorge Mora and Recertified Steward Joseph Gallo make up the galley gang on the Horizon Hawaii. TUG BOAT ENSING HORIZON DISCOVERY Left: Third Engineer Michael McClinton and EU Mike Devonish take on bunker fuel aboard the Horizon Discovery. McClinton, a former SIU member, now sails as a licensed seaman with MEBA. Chief Mate David Massay and Second Mate Jose Marrero work on the Crowley tug boat Ensing. AB Douglas Hodges prepares the gangway for Seafarers to go ashore in Jacksonville. The Horizon Discovery docks in the port of Jacksonville. Chief Cook Tracey Newsome (left) and Recertified Steward Joseph Laureta (right) prepare lunch on board the Horizon Discovery. 10 Seafarers LOG August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19.qxp 7/27/2006 5:01 PM Page 11 Seafarers to Vote on Constitutional Amendments Balloting Begins Sept. 1 Voting starts Sept. 1, 2006 for the purpose of amending the constitution of the Seafarers International Union/AGLIWD/ NMU. SIU members will be able to cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Oct. 31, 2006. A constitutional committee was elected at the June 5, 2006 membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of the constitution. The members of that committee studied proposed amendments to the constitution that had been submitted by the executive board, and the committee recommended that the changes be approved and brought to a vote by the membership. The full text of their report is on page 14. Some of the proposed changes include a modification of the types of mail services that may be utilized for union election cycles (reflecting the increased use of overnight mail and similar services and the decline of telegrams); creation of a “retiree members” class, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006; elimination of the position of vice-president at large from the list of elected officers (to take place after the positions are vacated by current officeholders); and a change in the port address of the San Francisco hall. Seafarers eligible to take part in this vote 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 proposed changes to the constitution as determined by the committee. A sample copy of the ballot appears on pages 12 and 13. 20 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 postagepaid 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 20 union halls around the country. (See list of voting locations on this page.) „ From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, „ „ „ „ 2006, eligible Seafarers may pick up their ballots and envelopes marked “Ballot” and mailing envelopes at the halls between 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding any holidays recognized in the port. 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. The member will be asked to sign a roster sheet indicating the date, the number of the ballot given, and his or her book number. 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. Once the Seafarer has received his or her ballot and envelopes, he or she marks the ballot 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. Absentee Ballots For members who believe they will be at sea during this time, the SIU constitution provides for absentee voting procedures. „ Full-book 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. „ 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. „ Requests for absentee ballots The constitutional committee, which met at SIU headquarters, submitted their recommendations in a report dated June 7, 2006. August 2006 Elected at the Piney Point membership meeting on June 5, the constitutional committee thoroughly reviewed the proposed constitutional amendments. From the left are Christopher Nardone, Thommie Hampton, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, David Martz (chairman), William Henderson, Dulip Sookhiram (alternate), Charles Curley (alternate), Jose Guzman, George Mazzola and SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta. „ „ „ „ „ must be postmarked no later than 12:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 and delivered no later than Monday, Sept. 25. 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 Sept. 30. Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, vote by marking the ballot. After voting, 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 received by the depository no later than Nov. 5 and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight on Oct. 31. Tallying the Votes 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 at the Nov. 6 membership meeting in Piney Point. The tallying committee report will be submitted to the secretary-treasurer and mailed to each port no later than Nov. 30 and then will be submitted for ratification by the membership at the regular December membership meetings. 20 Voting Locations Voting will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 12 noon (local time), Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Sept. 1, 2006 and shall continue through Oct. 31, 2006. ALGONAC BALTIMORE BOSTON FT. LAUDERDALE GUAM HONOLULU HOUSTON JACKSONVILLE JOLIET MOBILE NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK NORFOLK OAKLAND PHILADELPHIA PINEY POINT PUERTO RICO ST. LOUIS/ALTON TACOMA WILMINGTON 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 2315 Essex St. Baltimore, MD 21224 Marine Industrial Park/EDIC, 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 1221 South Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Cliffline Office Ctr., Suite 101B, Bldg. B 422 West O’Brien Dr. Hagatna, Guam 96931 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 10 East Clinton St. Joliet, IL 60432 1640 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 1121 7th St. Oakland, CA 94607 2604 South Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship Piney Point, MD 20674 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave. Santurce, PR 00907 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 3411 South Union St. Tacoma, WA 98409 510 North Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 Seafarers LOG 11 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x2.qxp 7/31/2006 1:28 PM Page 12 Seafarers to Vote on Constitutional Amendments BALLOT NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING LOCATIONS AND ADDITIONAL PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS S OFFICIAL BALLOT For Constitutional Amendments No. 00000 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAAtlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU VOTING PERIOD SEPTEMBER 1, 2006 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2006 INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS—In order to vote, mark a cross (X) in YES or NO box below the Proposition. If you mark more than one box for a proposition than specified herein, your vote for such proposition will be invalid. MARK YOUR BALLOT WITH INK OR INDELIBLE PENCIL A 06 S 1, 20 3 NT E M ER ND OB ME OCT A L GH NA IO ROU T U H TIT 6 T NS 200 O , C 1 ED ER OS EMB P O T PR SEP R FO IOD R PE NG VO TI WHEREAS, the Executive Board of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU met to discuss the current needs and conditions of the Union, its membership and the maritime industry in this country; and M 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 June 5, 2006, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. They studied the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolutions 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 July 2006. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTIONALLY ADOPTED PROPOSITIONS, TO BE VOTED UPON, IF ADOPTED, WOULD AMEND THE CONSTITUTION AS FOLLOWS: PROPOSITION #1 PROPOSITION #4 Are you in favor of amending Article III, Membership, Section 1 as follows: Change the first sentence to read: “There shall be (3) classes of membership: full book members, probationary members and retiree members.” And add the following at the end of this section: “Retiree members shall receive the Union’s monthly newspaper and will be kept abreast of Union activities, especially those relating to efforts in the legislative and political arenas with potential impact upon retirees. In addition, retiree members may participate in Union social events and grass root activities.” Are you in favor of amending Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 2 as follows: Change the first sentence of paragraph one to read: “No candidate for full book membership shall be admitted into such membership without having paid an initiation fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), except as otherwise provided in this Constitution.” And change the first sentence of paragraph two to read: “Each candidate for probationary membership and each probationary member shall, with the payment of each of his first quarterly dues, as required by Section 1, pay at each such time the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) as partial initiation fee.” ❏ NO ❏ PROPOSITION #2 Are you in favor of amending Article III, Membership, Section 3 to read as follows: “Members more than one (1) quarter in arrears in dues can be suspended and, if so suspended, shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights and privileges in the Union. They can be dismissed if they are more than two (2) quarters in arrears in dues.” YES ❏ NO ❏ YES P YES ❏ NO ❏ PROPOSITION #5 Are you in favor of amending Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee as follows: Add Section 5 to read: “Notwithstanding the above, the annual dues amount for retiree members shall be five dollars ($5.00).” YES ❏ NO ❏ PROPOSITION #3 Are you in favor of amending Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 1(a) to read as follows: “Dues annually in the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and;” ❏ NO ❏ Are you in favor of amending Article VIII, Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents and Port Agents, Section 1 by deleting “and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.” Are you in favor of amending Article X , Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel by deleting “Section 10. Vice-Presidents at Large.” in its entirety; by renumbering Sections 11 through 16 accordingly; and by deleting all references to the Vice-Presidents at Large positions in “Section 14. Executive Board.” and Section 15. Delegates.” ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 Seafarers LOG OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 See Reverse Side for Voting Locations and Additional Proposed Constitutional Revisions OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 12 ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 NO E YES OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 YES L PROPOSITION #6 Are you in favor of amending Article VII, Systems Organization, Section 2 by deleting “and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.” August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x2.qxp 7/31/2006 1:18 PM Page 13 Seafarers to Vote on Constitutional Amendments OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 A OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 S OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 BALLOT NOTICE OF PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Voting will be conducted by secret mail ballot. 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 September 1, 2006 and shall continue through October 31, 2006. OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 NO ❏ ❏ NO ❏ PROPOSITION #10 Are you in favor of amending Article XXIV, Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions Relating Thereto, Section 8 to read as follows: “The terms ‘this Constitution’ and ‘this amended Constitution’ shall be deemed to have the same meaning and shall refer to the most recent version of the Constitution.” YES ❏ NO ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 PROPOSITION #11 Are you in favor of amending Article XXIV, Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions Relating Thereto, Section 13 to read as follows: “The term ‘seatime’ shall include employment upon any navigable waters, days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union or time spent in the employ of the Union or one of the Union’s direct affiliates as an elected or appointed representative.” YES ❏ NO ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 YES YES E Are you in favor of amending Article XIII, Elections for Officers, Assistant VicePresidents and Port Agents as follows: Change the first sentence of Section 2(c) paragraph one to read: “When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery, or an equivalent mail service at the address listed by him pursuant to Section 1 of the Article.” Change the last sentence of Section 2(c) paragraph one to read: OFFICIAL BALLOT “In any event, without prejudice to his written appeal, the2006 applicant may appear in person before the Committee within two (2) days after the day on which the telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery or an equivalent mail service is sent to correct his application or argue for his qualification.” Change the sixth sentence of Section 3(e) to read: “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 or an equivalent mail service, 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.” OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 PROPOSITION #8 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 ❏ L OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 NO Are you in favor of amending Article XXIII, Meetings, Section 1 as follows: Change the second sentence of paragraph two to read: “During the next week, meetings shall be held on Monday – at Houston; on Tuesday – at New Orleans; on Wednesday – at Mobile; on Thursday – at San Francisco area; and on Friday – at St. Louis.” OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 ❏ PROPOSITION #9 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 YES PUERTO RICO OAKLAND ST. LOUIS TACOMA WILMINGTON 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 1057 Fernandez Juncos Avenue, Santurce, PR 00907 1121 Seventh Street, Oakland, CA 94607 4581 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63116 3411 South Union Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 510 North BroadBALLOT Avenue, Wilmington, OFFICIAL 2006 CA 90744 P OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 PROPOSITION #7 Are you in favor of amending Article XI, Wages and Terms of Office of Officers and Other Elective Jobholders, Union Employees, and Others, Section 3 to read as follows: “All elected individuals shall receive automatic wage increases in the same percentage amount and at the same time that the Union’s membership receives increases through the standard tanker and freight ship agreements.” NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK NORFOLK PHILADELPHIA PINEY POINT OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 520 St. Clair River Drive, Algonac, MI 48001 2315 Essex Street, Baltimore, MD 21224 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 1221 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Suite 101B, Cliffline Office Center, Bldg. B 422 West O’Brien Drive, Hagatna, Guam 96910 606 Kalihi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 1221 Pierce Street, Houston, TX 77002 3315 Liberty Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 10 East Clinton, Joliet, IL 60432 1640OFFICIAL Dauphin IslandBALLOT Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 2006 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 HONOLULU HOUSTON JACKSONVILLE JOLIET MOBILE M ALGONAC BALTIMORE BOSTON FT. LAUDERDALE GUAM VOTING LOCATIONS OFFICIAL BALLOT 2006 These amendments, if approved, shall become effective upon the date of certification of the Union Tallying Committee, unless otherwise specified. August 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/25/2006 6:04 PM Page 14 Seafarers to Vote on Constitutional Amendments REPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at the Headquarters membership meeting, on June 5, 2006, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied, the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolutions submitted by our Executive Board. These Resolutions, containing the proposed amendments, prior to its submission to us, were adopted by a majority vote of the membership at Headquarters and all ports. The provisions of the Resolutions are summarized in this report and are attached in full so that all members will have available to them the full text for their review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendation. Upon a thorough review of the Resolutions, your Committee recommends the Constitution be amended as indicated below. It should be noted that, where feasible, the language of the Constitution is presented with the proposed language changes underlined. A. Amend Article III, Membership, Section 1 and Section 3 to read as follows: “Section 1. There shall be three (3) classes of membership: full book members, probationary book members and retiree members. Candidates for membership shall be admitted to membership in accordance with such rules as may be adopted from time to time by a majority vote of the membership and which rules shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution. All candidates with two hundred and sixty (260) days or more seatime in a consecutive twentyfour (24) calendar month period commencing from January 1, 1968, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels, covered by contract with this Union, shall be eligible for full membership. All persons with less than the foregoing seatime but at least thirty (30) days of such seatime, shall be eligible for probationary membership. Only full book members shall be entitled to vote and to hold any office or elective job, except as otherwise specified herein. All probationary members shall have a voice in Union proceedings and shall be entitled to vote on Union contracts. Retiree members shall receive the Union’s monthly newspaper and will be kept abreast of Union activities, especially those relating to efforts in the legislative and political arenas with potential impact upon retirees. In addition, retiree members may participate in Union social events and grass root activities.” “Section 3. Members more than one (1) quarter in arrears in dues can be suspended and, if so suspended, shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights and privileges in the Union. They can be dismissed if they are more than two (2) quarters in arrears in dues. An arrearage in dues shall be computed from the first day of the applicable quarter, but this time shall not run:” B. Amend Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 1 (a), Section 2 and add Section 5 to read as follows: “Section 1. All members’ dues shall consist of: (a)Dues annually in the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and;” “Section 2. No candidate for full book membership shall be admitted into such membership without having paid an initiation fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. In addition, the candidate shall pay a ten dollar ($10.00) “service fee” for the issuance of his full book. 14 Seafarers LOG Each candidate for probationary membership and each probationary member shall, with the payment of each of his first quarterly dues, as required by Section 1, pay at each such time the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) as partial initiation fee. The total of such initiation monies so paid shall be credited to his above required initiation fee for a full book member upon completion of the required seatime as provided for in Article III, Section 1.” “Section 5. Notwithstanding the above, the annual dues amount for retiree members shall be five dollars ($5.00).” C. Amend Article VII, Systems of Organization, Section 2 by deleting “and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.” D. Amend Article VIII, Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents and Port Agents, Section 1 by deleting “and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.” E. Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel as follows: 1. Delete “Section 10. Vice-Presidents at Large” in its entirety. 2. Renumber Sections 11 through 16 accordingly. 3. Delete all references to the Vice Presidents at Large positions in “Section 14. Executive Board” and “Section 15. Delegates.” F. Amend Article XI, Wages and Terms of Office of Officers and Other Elective Jobholders, Union Employees, and Others, Section 3 to read as follows: “Section 3. All elected individuals shall receive automatic wage increases in the same percentage amount and at the same time that the Union’s membership receives increases through the standard tanker and freight ship agreements.” With regard to this amendment, the Committee recommends that, should the intent or application of this particular section become unclear, the Union’s Executive Board should be authorized to resolve any issues which may arise. G. Amend Article XIII, Elections for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents and Port Agents, Section 2 (c) and Section 3 (e) to read as follows: “Section 2. Credentials. (c)When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery, or an equivalent mail service at the address listed by him pursuant to Section 1 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 (2) days after the day on which the telegram, overnight mail, air mail, special delivery or an equivalent mail service is sent to correct his application or argue for his qualification.” “Section 3. Balloting Procedures. (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 SecretaryTreasurer 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 SecretaryTreasurer, if he determines that such member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of such November, send by registered mail, return receipt requested or an equivalent mail service, 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 Secretary-Treasurer shall send to all Ports the names and book numbers of the members to whom absentee ballots were sent.” H. Amend Article XXIII, Meetings, Section 1 to read as follows: “Section 1. Regular meetings shall be held monthly only in the following constitutional Ports at the following times: During the week following the first Sunday of every month a meeting shall be held on Monday—at Piney Point; on Tuesday—at New York; on Wednesday —at Philadelphia; on Thursday—at Baltimore; and on Friday—at DetroitAlgonac. During the next week, meetings shall be held on Monday—at Houston; on Tuesday—at New Orleans; on Wednesday—at Mobile; on Thursday —at San Francisco area; and on Friday—at St. Louis. All regular membership meetings shall commence at 10:30 a.m. local time. Where a meeting day falls on a Holiday officially designated as such by the authorities of the state or municipality in which a Port is located, the Port meeting shall take place on the following business day. Saturday and Sunday shall not be deemed business days.” I. Amend Article XXIV, Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions Relating Thereto, Section 8 and Section 13 to read as follows: “Section 8. The terms ‘this Constitution’ and ‘this amended Constitution’ shall be deemed to have the same meaning and shall refer to the most recent version of the Constitution.” “Section 13. The term ‘seatime’ shall include employment upon any navigable waters, days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union or time spent in the employ of the Union or one of the Union’s direct affiliates as an elected or appointed representative.” The Committee recommends that the amendments, if voted upon affirmatively in accordance with the following voting procedures, become effective upon their passage. It should be noted that the amendments regarding the dues and initiation increases will be effective January 1, 2007 and the amendments creating a “retiree members” class will be retroactive to January 1, 2006. In addition, the amendments regarding the removal of the two (2) VicePresidents at Large from the list of elected officers will not take place until such positions are vacated by the current officeholders. In addition, your Committee concurs with the Resolution that upon membership acceptance of our report and recommendations, a referendum vote by secret ballot be held as constitutionally required. We recommend that the voting follow the applicable procedures as set forth in Article XIII, Section 3 of the Constitution. We further recommend that the referendum period commence September 1, 2006 and end October 31, 2006. As such, the following dates and deadlines should be established: 1. Absentee ballot requests shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 p.m. on September 15, 2006 and must be delivered to the Secretary-Treasurer’s office no later than September 25, 2006. 2. The Secretary-Treasurer shall mail absentee ballots via registered mail, return receipt requested to any eligible members by September 30, 2006. 3. All ballots to be counted must be received by the depository no later than November 5, 2006 and must be postmarked no later than 12:00 midnight on October 31, 2006. 4 The Union Tallying Committee shall be elected at the Piney Point regular membership meeting on November 6, 2006. 5. The Union Tallying Committee Report shall be submitted to the SecretaryTreasurer and mailed to each Port no later than November 30, 2006 and shall be submitted for ratification by the membership at the regular December membership meetings. The Committee further recommends, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee’s Report, together with a copy of the proposed Resolutions and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, August 2006 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 September and October 2006. 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 Resolutions will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. Fraternally submitted, David Martz, M-2433, chairman Jose Guzman, G-1461 Thommie Hampton, H-6074 William Henderson, H-1818 George Mazzola, M-2288 Christopher Nardone, N-5218 Date: June 7, 2006 August 2006 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/25/2006 6:04 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea September & October 2006 Membership Meetings JUNE 16 — JULY 15, 2006 *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 1 0 8 12 3 10 47 33 1 14 13 34 7 2 0 7 14 1 49 27 283 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 5 5 0 3 11 16 0 8 7 21 8 2 3 5 4 1 15 5 119 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 2 0 4 5 1 8 28 23 0 5 2 24 12 3 1 0 17 1 13 18 167 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 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 3 Totals Totals All Departments 4 3 9 12 5 2 32 15 1 4 15 17 17 5 20 5 12 7 33 21 239 2 4 3 3 0 3 10 18 1 4 3 1 14 4 1 4 6 3 16 10 110 0 0 0 5 3 11 6 6 0 3 6 6 12 1 2 0 5 0 8 8 82 1 4 4 5 2 4 13 13 0 4 3 28 6 2 18 2 13 1 13 11 2 2 1 4 2 1 14 8 0 0 2 6 10 1 0 2 2 0 8 8 73 1 4 2 3 0 1 10 6 1 3 3 8 6 0 0 1 1 2 2 7 61 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 1 1 1 2 2 6 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 29 4 4 2 11 0 5 12 14 1 2 4 16 12 1 21 0 11 0 10 12 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 2 5 1 7 27 24 1 12 6 23 8 2 0 7 13 1 30 19 188 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 5 5 14 6 5 16 14 1 7 10 13 6 3 12 9 8 4 28 14 182 1 2 1 3 5 0 8 5 0 0 3 2 11 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 46 1 1 3 9 0 3 20 11 0 12 4 12 9 4 1 6 9 1 23 15 144 86 1 4 0 4 1 3 3 8 0 1 2 8 14 2 0 4 9 4 15 5 88 0 4 0 1 0 0 4 2 0 1 2 1 5 0 2 1 0 0 1 4 28 0 0 1 3 0 0 5 9 0 0 2 2 6 0 0 2 6 0 8 3 47 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 6 0 10 14 9 0 1 2 13 10 0 3 2 14 1 8 17 113 0 0 1 3 1 4 4 4 0 2 4 4 14 3 1 2 2 0 3 4 56 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 2 2 0 5 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 17 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 3 0 0 0 1 3 1 9 11 11 0 4 2 13 7 0 13 3 4 1 8 8 0 1 1 2 0 3 7 5 1 0 4 4 9 1 27 0 6 1 8 3 3 0 14 22 5 19 80 63 1 20 23 79 26 7 0 14 37 2 64 53 532 5 9 9 28 10 2 55 32 2 15 20 37 36 8 15 8 19 12 54 34 410 3 3 2 6 1 2 28 15 1 2 7 23 6 2 1 4 5 0 15 21 Piney Point .............Tuesday: September 5* ................................Monday: October 2 .................................(*change created by Labor Day holiday) Algonac ..................Friday: September 8, October 6 Baltimore ................Thursday: September 7, October 5 Boston.....................Friday: September 8, October 6 Guam ......................Thursday: September 21, October 19 Honolulu .................Friday: September 15, October 13 Houston ..................Monday: September 11 .................................Tuesday: October 10* .................................(*change created by Columbus Day holiday) Jacksonville ............Thursday: September 7, October 5 Joliet .......................Thursday: September 14, October 12 147 Mobile ....................Wednesday: September 13, October 11 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 4 1 3 9 16 0 2 4 5 11 1 3 1 5 0 10 8 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 4 0 1 10 5 0 0 0 11 9 1 1 3 8 0 9 5 0 0 7 10 1 10 29 29 0 16 18 40 12 3 3 5 15 1 21 18 2 2 8 9 3 6 22 33 3 12 9 10 25 4 4 6 7 5 22 15 1 0 3 6 1 5 13 11 1 2 1 15 8 2 0 1 3 2 8 10 238 207 93 3 0 5 6 2 16 46 35 1 11 8 43 15 4 5 3 35 2 28 41 0 0 2 6 6 11 12 11 0 4 6 9 16 1 2 0 5 0 12 13 0 0 2 2 0 1 6 4 1 2 2 6 5 0 1 0 1 2 3 7 68 309 116 45 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 7 7 3 0 1 2 11 1 0 0 0 7 0 9 4 1 5 4 8 2 7 28 26 1 7 7 76 16 2 19 4 19 1 27 15 10 7 5 15 2 9 25 34 1 2 6 38 27 1 5 0 14 0 20 24 22 147 142 18 99 83 0 53 275 245 591 578 305 405 425 174 259 1,132 1,008 530 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: September 12, October 10 New York................Tuesday: September 5, October 3 Norfolk ...................Thursday: September 7, October 5 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: September 6, October 4 Port Everglades.......Thursday: September 14, October 12 San Francisco .........Thursday: September 14, October 12 San Juan..................Thursday: September 7, October 5 St. Louis..................Friday: September 15, October 13 Tacoma ...................Friday: September 22, October 20 Wilmington.............Monday: September 18, October 16 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SUZANNE CASTONGUAY Please get in touch with Tom Christie, who worked with you on the J.N. McWatters. You may e-mail him at gizorp1@hotmail.com. ERNESTO GUARIN Please contact your son, Dino Guarin, at (412) 2712651. 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 2006 Seafarers LOG 15 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/25/2006 Seafarers International Union Directory 6:04 PM Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JUNE 16 — JULY 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 0 9 2 5 10 0 1 3 30 1 2 3 1 4 1 0 3 15 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 0 10 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 1 6 0 1 3 21 1 2 3 0 5 2 0 3 16 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 9 0 7 1 0 10 2 1 4 25 13 28 1 18 38 0 1 1 100 2 9 2 8 25 0 0 0 46 2 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 4 6 12 0 6 14 0 0 2 40 1 4 0 1 7 0 0 0 13 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 2 1 2 2 0 0 0 8 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 6 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 0 6 Port 1 3 1 0 2 0 0 1 8 1 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 7 0 0 4 1 0 2 0 0 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 2 6 0 2 0 1 5 0 1 0 9 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 5 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 2 6 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 4 5 14 1 4 12 1 0 0 37 1 7 0 1 14 0 0 1 24 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 Totals All Departments 45 26 22 38 28 22 33 177 83 16 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Ted Vargas of Princeton, W. Va. It was taken at sea in March 1949 during one of the many trips he made to Cruz Grande, Chile aboard the SS Steelore. He doesn’t remember the complete names of the other men in the picture with the exception of Hector Duarte, with whom he had sailed on another Ore ship, the SS Bethore. Brother Vargas was the 12-4 fireman; Duarte was the 8-12 fireman. The Ore ships were the bread and butter to many Seafarers in the port of Baltimore during that period, Vargas wrote the LOG in a note accompanying the photo, especially during times of slow shipping. Brother Vargas sailed on three Liberty ships in the ’40s and ’50s. He presentBrother Ted Vargas took this photo of his fellow shipmates aboard the SS Steelore. Standing from ly volunteers as the 12-4 the left are Smitty, Pierre and Pedro. Kneeling from the left are Sparks, Hector Duarte and Herbert. oiler aboard his fourth Liberty ship, the John W. Brown, based in Baltimore. He notes that an interesting book has been published about the John W. Brown: “Good Shipmates: The Restoration of the Liberty Ship John W. Brown, volume one: 1942-1994.” It was written by Ernest F. Imhoff, one of the vessel’s volunteer crew members. 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 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x.qxp 7/29/2006 4:22 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 JERRY BANKSTON, 65, joined the union in 1957 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Bankston first worked aboard the Alcoa Planter in the deck department. He attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1996 and 2000. Brother Bankston was born in Mississippi. His most recent voyage was on the Overseas Marilyn. Brother Bankston continues to live in Mississippi. SEVERIANO BONAFONT, 63, became an SIU member in 1970 in Puerto Rico. Brother Bonafont first sailed on the Osprey as a member of the deck department. The Puerto Rico-born mariner upgraded his seafaring skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. Prior to his retirement, Brother Bonafont worked aboard the El Yunque. He makes his home in Toa Baja, P.R. ROY CONN, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1992. Brother Conn first went to sea on the USNS Assertive. A native of Louisiana, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Conn enhanced his skills in 2000 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. Brother Conn calls Oak Grove, La. home. WILLIAM FARMER, 66, began his SIU career in 1997 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Farmer’s first ship was the USNS Able. He upgraded often at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Farmer’s most recent voyage was aboard the Observation Island. He was born in Kentucky and now lives in Charleston, S.C. ALEXANDER NICHOLSON, 71, was born in Ukraine. Brother Nicholson joined the SIU in 1993 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center on three occasions. Brother Nicholson’s first trip to sea was on the American Falcon; he last worked aboard the Horizon Discovery as a member of the deck department. Brother Nicholson is a resident of St. Augustine, Fla. JOHNNY O’NEIL, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1960. Brother O’Neil’s first voyage was on a vessel operated by Globe Waterways. The engine department member attended the Piney August 2006 Point school in 2000 and 2002. Brother O’Neil was born in Puerto Rico. His most recent voyage was on the Horizon Crusader. Brother O’Neil continues to live in Puerto Rico. CHARLES SMOKE, 70, embarked on his seafaring career in 1960. Brother Smoke, who was born in Alabama, first sailed aboard the Navigator. His most recent ship was the Horizon Consumer. Brother Smoke resides in his native state. LUIS SPINA, 65, became an SIU member in 1962. Brother Spina, who was born in Central America, first shipped with Seatrade Corporation in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Seabulk Power. Brother Spina makes his home in Brandon, Miss. GRAYSON WARREN, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1964. Brother Warren initially worked on the Arizpa. He was born in Detroit, Mich. and shipped in the deck department. Brother Warren attended classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the Newark Bay. Brother Warren is a resident of Houston. WILLIAM WILLIAMS, 64, joined the SIU in 1964, first sailing aboard the Achilles. Brother Williams was a member of the engine department. Born in West Virginia, he most recently sailed on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Williams calls Cottonport, La. home. INLAND IVAN CHRISTIANSEN, 61, was born in Texas. Boatman Christiansen embarked on his seafaring career in 1980, working primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Company. Boatman Christiansen lives in Spicewood, Texas. JOSEPH KADAK JR., 61, joined the SIU in 1973. Boatman Kadak upgraded numerous times at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He frst shipped on a Dixie Carriers vessel. Boatman Kadak most recently sailed on the Pacific Reliance. He continues to reside in his native state of Louisiana. Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. ANTHONY LANIER JR., 64, became a union member in 1994. Boatman Lanier primarily shipped aboard Westbank Riverboat’s Boomtown. He was born in New Orleans and worked in the engine department. Boatman Lanier now makes his home in Port Sulphur, La. MAXIMO ALVAREZ, 65, joined the NMU in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Alvarez initially sailed on the Sealift Atlantic. Born in Honduras, he last sailed on the Kingston. PERRY RUBOTTOM, 62, launched his SIU career in 1993 in the port of Houston. Boatman Rubottom sailed primarily on vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. The deck department member, who was born in California, is a resident of Waring, Texas. GREAT LAKES EZZI SHARAY, 66, began shipping with the union in 1976 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Sharay worked primarily on American Steamship Company vessels and also aboard the Reiss Brothers and the Sharon. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Sharay calls Yemen home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime CALVIN BRINKLEY, 65, became an NMU member in 1972, shipping from the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Brinkley’s first ship was the Lipscomb Lykes. He is a native of Alabama. LORRAINE CLOYD, 66, was born in Galveston, Texas. Sister Cloyd started sailing with the NMU in 1980. Her first voyage was aboard the Antigone Pass. Sister Cloyd was a member of the steward department. She most recently worked on the Cape Henry. WILLIAM EVLETH, 65, embarked on his NMU career in 1968 in Charleston, S.C. Brother Evleth first Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1948 The Seafarers International Union was certified this week as the bargaining agent for unlicensed crewmen on ships belonging to the Cuba Distilling Company. On receipt of the certification, SIU headquarters sent a memorandum to the company asking the immediate commencement of contract negotiations. Cuba Distilling was first contracted in 1938. However, the company’s small fleet of ships was sunk during the war and the company went out of business. Upon its return last winter with new ships, company officials maintained that no agreement with the SIU existed since the last one negotiated had lapsed. went to sea aboard the American Scout. He was born in Patterson, N.J. and shipped in the deck department. Brother Evleth’s concluding journey was on the Green Lake. ADELMO GIUSTI, 70, initiated his seafaring career in 1964 in the port of New York. Brother Giusti was born in Chile. In 2001, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Giusti worked in the steward department. His first vessel was the Gulfcrest; his last was the Liberator. CHARLES JACKSON, 66, joined the NMU in 1962. Brother Jackson first sailed aboard the Green Valley. The deck department member was born in Texas. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Curtis, Lance 79 April 1 Flores, Raul 56 July 1 Francis, Roderick 65 July 1 Harris, Hanson 65 April 1 Jones, Robert 65 May 1 Naysnerski, Wayne 55 May 1 rates plus an across-the-board 20 percent increase in wages, OT and penalty rates, all retroactive to July 1. 1969 The SIU-contracted Delta Steamship Line of New Orleans will more than double its fleet by purchasing Prudential Lines’ entire South American operation of ships and trade routes, it was disclosed recently. The sale will add 12 ships to Delta’s fleet, bringing their total to 23 vessels. It will put Delta’s service on all three U.S. sea coasts. This Month In SIU History 1957 Unable to make any headway in wage talks with the Bull Line after two months of negotiations, the SIU struck the company at its Brooklyn terminal on Monday, August 19. The four-ship installation has been tied up tight ever since by a 24-hour picket line manned by Seafarers. Talks with Bull Line reached an impasse a few days before the strike call over demands for parity with the West Coast scale on overtime and penalties 1985 The USNS Stalwart, the first new T-AGOS ship crewed by the SIU, recently completed a record voyage with top marks. “They did an excellent job and performed every task asked of them. This was a very important job that helped the nation’s security,” said an official of Sea Mobility Inc., the company which won the T-AGOS contract. The Stalwart’s deck and engine departments were singled out for the fine job they performed on the mission…. Two of the T-AGOS vessels have been crewed; the next two are due out by the middle of November in Norfolk and early December in Honolulu. Seafarers LOG 17 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24x.qxp 7/29/2006 3:34 AM Page 18 Final Departures RONALD JONES Pensioner Ronald Jones, 63, passed away March 31. Brother Jones started sailing with the SIU in 1962. He was born in Virginia and worked in the deck department. Brother Jones first shipped aboard an Ore Navigation Corporation vessel. His last trip was on the Leader. Brother Jones retired in 1989 and settled in South Williamsport, Pa. CARROLL KENNY Pensioner Carroll Kenny, 78, died March 18. Brother Kenny became a Seafarer in 1949 in New York. His first trip to sea was on the El Faro. Brother Kenny was a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 1993, he sailed aboard the Florida. Born in Todd, Minn., Brother Kenny called Martinez, Ga. home. REUEL PALMER Pensioner Reuel Palmer, 77, passed away March 27. Brother Palmer joined the SIU in 1945, first shipping on the Steel King. The deck department member was born in Massachusetts. Brother Palmer last worked on the Falcon Countess. He went on pension in 1985 and made his home in Berry Creek, Calif. PEDRO PEREZ Pensioner Pedro Perez, 73, passed away Oct. 22. Brother Perez began shipping with the SIU in 1958. His first ship was the Sentry. A member of the steward department, the Puerto Rico-born mariner last sailed aboard the Horizon Hawaii. He went on pension in 1997 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. ANTHONY SINCLAIR Brother Anthony Sinclair, 48, died Jan. 2. He started his SIU career in 1981. Brother Sinclair initially worked aboard the Oakland. He was born in Ohio and shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Sinclair most recently sailed on the Horizon Crusader. He was a resident of Spring, Texas. ADRIAN TORRES Pensioner Adrian Torres, 90, passed away April 5. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Torres began sailing with the Seafarers in 1942 from New York. His first trip to sea was aboard the Rosario. Brother Torres was a deck department member. His most recent voyage was on the Aguadilla. Brother Torres started collecting his retirement pay in 1980. He lived in Taneytown, Md. ALFONS WEINERT Pensioner Alfons Weinert, 74, died Feb. 19. Brother Weinert joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards) (MC&S) in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. 18 Seafarers LOG The steward department member was born in Germany. Prior to retiring in 1989, Brother Weinert worked on the President Wilson. He resided in San Francisco. PAUL WHALEN Pensioner Paul Whalen, 77, passed away March 20. Brother Whalen launched his SIU career in 1968, first sailing on the Long Lines. He was a New York native and shipped in the engine department. Brother Whalen’s last voyage was aboard the Patriot. He became a pensioner in 1995. Brother Whalen was a resident of Las Vegas, Nev. ROBERT YARBROUGH Pensioner Robert Yarbrough, 80, died March 3. Brother Yarbrough embarked on his seafaring profession in 1952. The Alabama-born mariner initially worked on the Seawind and sailed as a member of the deck department. His last journey was aboard the Overseas Chicago. Brother Yarbrough began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1990. He made his home in Lake Charles, La. INLAND COLBOURNE AUTRY Pensioner Colbourne Autry, 79, passed away March 24. Boatman Autry joined the union in 1968 after serving in the U.S. Army. His first trip to sea was on a Steuart Transportation vessel. Boatman Autry was born in Virginia. He retired in 1989 and lived in Tangier, Va. DONALD GLASS Pensioner Donald Glass, 68, died March 15. Boatman Glass was born in Altoona, Pa. He started sailing with the SIU in 1975 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Glass first sailed aboard a Mariner Towing Company boat. He went on pension in 2003 and called Aurora, Colo. home. HAROLD KINNEY Boatman Harold Kinney, 47, passed away May 28. He joined the SIU in 1977 in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Kinney was a member of the steward department. His first ship was the St. Claire; his last voyage was aboard the Liberty Island. Boatman Kinney was born in Maine and resided in Chesapeake, Va. EARL NIXON Pensioner Earl Nixon, 75, died Oct. 22. Boatman Nixon became a union member in 1967. He first sailed on R.K. Davis Transportation Inc. vessels but primarily worked aboard vessels operated by Allied Transportation. Boatman Nixon made his home in Bel Haven, N.C. and retired in 1992. GREAT LAKES MISSED ALI Orleans. He first sailed on the Ero in the engine department. His most recent trip to sea was aboard the Almeria Lykes. Brother Gabriel was born in Louisiana. He retired in 1986. BERNARDINO GOICO Pensioner Missed Ali, 77, died Jan. 22. Brother Ali joined the SIU in 1970. The steward department member was born in Yemen. During his seafaring career, Brother Ali shipped primarily on vessels operated by American Steamship Company, including the U.S. Gypsum and the Buffalo. In 1992 he retired. He made Dearborn, Mich. his home. Pensioner Bernardino Goico, 85, died Nov. 25. Brother Goico joined the NMU ranks in 1964 in New York. His first trip was on the Argentina. Brother Goico’s last voyage was aboard the American Accord. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1982. 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. Pensioner Cruz Hernandez, 87, passed away Dec. 19. Brother Hernandez joined the NMU in 1939 in the port of Baltimore. The Puerto Rico-born mariner’s first ship was the Atenas. He last sailed on the United States. Brother Hernandez went on pension in 1970. JOHN ARENDALL Pensioner John Arendall, 80, passed away Dec. 29. Brother Arendall joined the NMU in 1942 in the port of New Orleans. He was born in Mobile, Ala. and worked in the steward department. Brother Arendall’s first ship was the Veraguas; his last was the Sealift Caribbean. He went on pension in 1986. MARCELO COLON Pensioner Marcelo Colon, 74, died Dec. 25. Brother Colon began shipping with the NMU in 1965, initially sailing aboard the St. Catherine from New York. The engine department member was a native of Puerto Rico. Brother Colon retired in 1991. His final trip to sea was on the American Astronaut. NICK DACKO Pensioner Nick Dacko, 93, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Dacko started his seafaring career in 1946 in the port of Baltimore. His first voyage was aboard the Carleton Ellis. His concluding journey was on the American Charger. Brother Dacko, who was born in Jamestown, Pa., began receiving his retirement compensation in 1967. VICTOR DEMIDOVICH Pensioner Victor Demidovich, 88, died Oct. 28. Brother Demidovich was born in Shenandoah, Pa. He became an NMU member in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Demidovich last shipped aboard the Lightning. He began receiving his pension in 1974. LAWRENCE GABRIEL Pensioner Lawrence Gabriel, 82, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Gabriel embarked on his NMU career in 1961 in New CRUZ HERNANDEZ HILARY HUNTER Pensioner Hilary Hunter, 80, died Nov. 24. Brother Hunter began working with the NMU in 1968, while in Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was aboard the Export Bay. Brother Hunter shipped in both the engine and steward departments. Prior to his retirement in 1986, he sailed on the Spirit of Liberty. ALBERTO JIMENEZ Pensioner Alberto Jimenez, 78, passed away Dec. 28. Brother Jimenez was born in Puerto Rico and joined the union in the port of New York. Brother Jimenez’s final voyage was aboard the American Champion. He began collecting his retirement stipends in 1977. CARLOS LIMARDO Pensioner Carlos Limardo, 89, died Oct. 25. Brother Limardo became an NMU member in 1946, initially sailing from Galveston, Texas. His first vessel was a Liberty ship, the Crawford W. Long. Brother Limardo retired in 1968. His last voyage was on the Container Forwarder. KENNETH LINGO Pensioner Kenneth Lingo, 84, passed away Dec. 22. Brother Lingo started his seafaring career in 1944 in the port of Norfolk, Va., sailing in both the steward and deck departments. His first trip to sea was aboard the Mormacdale; his final voyage was on a Lykes Brothers vessel. Brother Lingo went on pension in 1972. GABRIEL MARTI Pensioner Gabriel Marti, 93, died Nov. 12. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Marti joined the union in 1944. He first shipped from the port of New York on the William R. Day. Brother Marti became a pensioner in 1968 after sailing aboard the Gibbs Lykes. CONNIE McCALLA Pensioner Connie McCalla, 70, passed away Dec. 12. Brother McCalla began working with the NMU in 1964 in the port of Houston. He was born in Jamaica and shipped in the engine department. Brother McCalla’s first vessel was the Spencer; his last was the Corpus Christi. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1998. JAMES MILLER Pensioner James Miller, 79, died Nov. 7. Brother Miller was born in Texas. He first sailed from Wilmington, Calif. on the Sampan. Brother Miller, who worked in the steward department, retired in 1988. SEYMORE RICHARDSON JR. Pensioner Seymore Richardson Jr., 87, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Richardson joined the NMU in 1952. The Alabama-born mariner first worked aboard the John L. Sullivan. Brother Richardson was a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1983, he shipped on the Sheldon Lykes. JOSEPH TRACY Pensioner Joseph Tracy, 81, died Dec. 25. Brother Tracy joined the NMU in 1944, first sailing from the port of New York aboard the Alden Barnes Fiertz. His last journey to sea was on the Pioneer Commander. Brother Tracy began collecting his pension in 1971. 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 Abbey, Clarence 78 Batenhorst, Donald 69 Blake, Kenneth 79 Broussard, Preston 77 Dew, Billy 77 Fassbender, Paul 76 Goodman, George 87 Haines, James 78 Hall, Phillip 78 Higgins, Samuel 83 Howell, Cyril 84 Jones, Floyd 80 Legendre, Rae 76 Lopes, Julius 81 Lorin, Jack 85 Malbrough, Paul 78 Micklowski, Frank 92 Padilla, Jose 91 Paul, Eugene 84 Rubo, Giovanni 78 Simmons, Louis 94 Tims, Ralph 81 Venegas, Carlos 94 Williams, Willie 70 DOD April 16 June 7 June 16 March 21 June 25 June 23 May 20 May 31 June 15 June 10 June 10 May 26 June 27 June 18 June 17 June 18 May 7 March 21 Jan 1 April 6 Dec. 29 June 12 June 15 April 12 August 2006 �37484_P4_7,11_13,17,19x.qxp 7/29/2006 4:27 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On 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. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), July 2—Chairman Kadir P. Amat, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores, Engine Delegate Apolinario A. Calacal, Steward Delegate Alaa A. Embaby. Chairman urged everyone to read president’s report in Seafarers LOG. He also went over correspondence received from VP of Contracts George Tricker regarding changes to medical plan. Educational director explained Core Plus benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. TV wall mounts to be purchased in Charleston, S.C. for smaller room. Chairman thanked all departments for helping keep ship clean. Next ports: Charleston; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. COMET (Maersk Line Limited), June 4—Chairman Mathew J. Bevak, Secretary Ernest Polk, Educational Director Daniel L. Borden, Steward Delegate Saleh M. Saleh. Chairman thanked all departments for great trip and encouraged them to contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Suggestion made to increase retirement pay. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), June 25—Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director Monroe G. Monseur, Engine Delegate Victor Sapp, Steward Delegate Antonio Mendez. Chairman announced June 30 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He asked crew members to keep noise down in hallways while other crew members are sleeping. Educational director reminded everyone to check expiration dates on necessary sailing documents and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested information on new contract. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for job well done. Sailing on the Hauge Thanks to OMU John Steeber for sending along this photo of himself (right) and AB James Blitch, who sail together on the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge Jr. August 2006 FLORIDA (Maersk Line Limited), June 15—Chairman Herbert Charles, Secretary Joseph Jones, Educational Director David Vega, Deck Delegate Randell G. Porter, Engine Delegate Robert T. Norris, Steward Delegate Daniel L. Wehr. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $200 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested sailing board be posted early. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.), June 19—Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty, Educational Director Vladimir G. Tkachev, Deck Delegate John Bumgarner, Engine Delegate John Carson, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty. Chairman advised Seafarers to check their Money Purchase Pension Plan accounts. He requested information on status of new contract and expressed his gratitude to the steward department for great job during voyage. Educational director urged members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $4,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was reminded to update beneficiary cards if changes have been made. Barbecue was announced for June 21 lunch. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), June 11—– Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Donald B. GaNung, Educational Director Clive A. Steward, Engine Delegate Angelo S. Wilcox Sr., Steward Delegate Simone J. Solomon. Chairman discussed possible changes in new contract and advised all members to be present for union meeting when Houston patrolman comes aboard. With increased competition for seafaring jobs, educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in order to be trained and ready. Treasurer stated $200 in ship’s fund. Suggestion was made to buy DVDs with the money. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded crew members this is an election year. He stressed the importance of registering and voting for those politicians who are favorable to the maritime industry. Recommendations were made regarding vacation and pension benefits. Crew expressed gratitude to Chief Cook Solomon and GSU Tony Grant for preparing good meals. Next port: Houston. HORIZON DISCOVERY (Horizon Lines), June 10— Chairman James W. Saunders, Secretary Joseph A. Laureta, Educational Director Herman Castro, Engine Delegate Hector J. Ginel, Steward Delegate Tracey L. Newsome. Secretary urged all mariners to keep documents current and upgrade skills at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase pension and medical benefits. June 13 payoff to take place in Jacksonville, Fla. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: San Juan, P.R. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), June 4—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Mohamad Y. Abdullah, Deck Delegate Antonio M. Mercado, Engine Delegate Rene Vazquez, Steward Delegate Carlos H. Sanchez. Chairman announced June 9 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He thanked all departments for working well together. Members were advised to have documents and dues ready when patrolman comes aboard. He also emphasized importance of keeping passports and other necessary documents up to date. Secretary thanked crew for great voyage. Educational director advised members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. AB Ray Fernandez thanked fellow SIU crew members and officers for their support and generosity during his family’s time of mourning. Thanks given to Chief Cook Carlito Sanchez and SA Jorge Mora for their hard work and great meals. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Port Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), June 11— Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Peter F. Ciddio, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Al M. Alhaj, Steward Delegate Marcus R. Rowe. Bosun announced payoff to take place June 13 in Oakland, Calif. He reminded crew members to separate plastic items from regular trash. For security reasons while in port, mariners were asked to use one door when entering and exiting the house by the gangway. Secretary reported smooth sailing. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade their skills by attending classes at the Paul Hall Center, which in turn would allow them to qualify for better paying jobs. Treasurer stated $100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Anyone using washing machine and dryer was reminded to check pockets, so that no foreign objects clog drains. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), June 15—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director David S. Goodpastor, Deck Delegate Julie B. Ortiz. Chairman asked crew to check with patrolman before going ashore. Crew computer to be fixed in Tacoma; DVD player will be purchased in Kaoshiong. Everyone was reminded to wear hard hats during port operations or use the tunnel and also be aware of the no-smoking policy dockside in Guam. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point school and keep necessary shipping documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for excellent food and clean mess hall. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), June 18—Chairman Salvador N. Villareal, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Harry Massa, Engine Delegate Husain A. Ali, Steward Delegate Reynaldo C. Telmo. Chairman discussed new contract and announced June 20 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary urged all members to see him after meeting to obtain any needed forms (registration, vacation, SMPPP, benefits, upgrading applications). He also shared highlights from the May membership meeting in Tacoma, including the introduction by Horizon Lines of five new vessels into service in the near future and the opening of a new Oakland agreements. Next port: Houston, Texas. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), June 18—Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Gerald L. Hyman, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Abdullah A. Oun, Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov. Chairman thanked everyone for safe and successful trip. Secretary encouraged crew members to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food during Aboard the Sea Breeze Crew members pose for a snapshot aboard the Crowley tug Sea Breeze. The picture was taken recently in Jacksonville, FL. hall (to replace the one in San Francisco). Members were advised to keep their dues paid up or risk having benefits suspended. Educational director encouraged all mariners to upgrade skills at the Seafarers-affiliated training school and take advantage of the union’s free education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for satellite TV. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), June 4—Chairman Loren E. Watson, Secretary Sherman W. Anderson, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Robert G. Crooks, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate Efren P. Aguirre. Bosun thanked crew for safe voyage and good jobs. He announced June 10 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Electrician requested more classes be offered at Piney Point school geared toward the engine department. Request also made for information regarding sea time benefits and installing satellite TV in individual rooms. Crew was asked to take care of DVDs and return to case when finished with them. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), June 4—Chairman Gavino A. Octaviano, Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director Antonio A. Octaviano, Deck Delegate Ronald Owens, Engine Delegate George S. Galanis, Steward Delegate Richard A. Gegenheimer. Secretary urged crew to renew zcards early to avoid missing job opportunities. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed OT reported. Members requested second washer and dryer. Suggestions made regarding possible changes in steward sections of standard tanker and freighter voyage. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), June 14—Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Robert A. Ott, Deck Delegate John G. Gilston. Chairman announced June 17 payoff in Newark, N.J. He also reminded crew members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made pertaining to high cost of medical insurance. Next ports: Norfolk, Va; Newark. SEABULK CHALLENGE (Seabulk Tankers), June 23—Chairman Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Steward Delegate Timothy J. Dowd, Educational Director Teresito O. Reyes, Steward Delegate Heath G. Bryan. Chairman stated actual letter—not just discharge—from Tanker Company is needed to renew tanker assist endorsement. Secretary advised members to start renewal process early on MMDs, allowing at least 12 months. Educational director noted that new tanker and freight agreements expected this summer, possibly mid-July or August. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to DEU for keeping house clean and to galley crew for great food. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (LMS Ship Management), June 11— Chairman Grant A. Shirley, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Alfred G. Lane, Engine Delegate Manuel C. Flores, Steward Delegate Rocel C. Alvarez. Secretary asked mariners to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Educational director urged everyone to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about new contract. Request made for refrigerators in all rooms. Seafarers LOG 19 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24x.qxp 7/29/2006 4:03 AM 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. Leo Kinney: A True Shipmate Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines “shipmate” as a fellow sailor on the same ship. Webster is wrong! Our definition of “shipmate” is Harold (Leo) Kinney. Leo Kinney—a man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it and offer a helping hand to anyone, even the newest crew member, whom he would make feel at home. It was a pleasure to work with Leo, no matter what department he worked in: galley, deck or engine room. He would put his whole heart into every job from the cleanest to the dirtiest. Leo was the best cook on board our vessel. He will be remembered for his positive attitude. He was always cheerful, and it was a pleasure coming in at coffee time and meal hours. He always asked everyone if there was anything special he could cook for them or anything he could get them on the stores list. He tried to make everyone’s life on board these vessels a little easier. We could go on and on about all the good things and hard work this man did for his shipmates and the company, and few would disagree that it was a pleasure—and an honor—to work beside this man. He will be missed by many. May you rest in peace, Leo. Your friends, brothers and shipmates (Editor’s note: Brother Harold (Leo) Kinney died May 28, 2006. The above letter from his shipmates was sent to the Seafarers Harold (Leo) Kinney (center) poses with two of his shipmates. See page 18 for Brother Kinney’s obituary. LOG by David Ling, an SIU member working aboard the Dredge Liberty Island.) Thanks for All Your Help I am writing to thank our union for all the help extended to my wife and me this past year. My wife was in the hospital for 43 days after major brain surgery. She had a full recovery. I am now seriously disabled and am not able to work. I am receiving medical benefits for my problem. If it were not for the sickness and accident benefit, we would be in desperate straits. If not for these benefits, I don’t know what we would do. Most of all, I wish to thank Brother John Cox, our port agent in Wilmington, Calif. From the very first, he went far beyond his duties and responsibilities. I was at sea when my wife’s injury occurred. John took control, got me home and was directly involved in her recovery. For this, he deserves recognition for his direct help and uncalled-for involvement in our desperate time of need. I first joined the union in 1967. The SIU has always been there to help and support my family and me. However, this effort by the union is beyond anything I have ever experienced. John Cox is truly a “union man” in the fullest meaning of the phrase. He runs his hall in a fair and just manner for ALL. He is honest, knowledgeable and understanding and displays the qualities of leadership that we all need in these struggling times. Once again, to Brother Mike Sacco, John Cox and our great union, I say God bless you. George Paul Barber San Diego, Calif. Keeping Busy After Retirement I joined the Merchant Marine in 1943 and retired 27 years later in 1970 as an NMU member. I am very glad the SIU and NMU united and am receiving the Seafarers LOG, which I appreciate very much. I am very concerned about the passage of H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to Merchant Mariners of World War II because there are not so many of us great old seamen still alive. I think it is about time that some credit be given to us for all the efforts we made in keeping this country free. I am very proud of what I did for our country. At 83, I am still trying to do something to keep busy. I compose music and have an Internet site (www.rupertolopez.5U.com). In April, Hilltop Records of Los Angeles came out with a CD, and one of my songs, “I’m Lonely Again,” is on it. They want to record two more songs, “From Texas to New York” and “My Dear United States.” God bless you all. Ruperto López Rosado Hormigueros, P.R. 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 8/06 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 2006 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24x.qxp 7/29/2006 4:15 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE FOWT September 11 November 3 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for August through the end of 2006. 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. Welding September 11 October 9 September 29 October 27 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion August 7 September 25 August 11 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB August 14 September 25 November 6 August 18 September 29 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT September 18 November 13 September 22 November 17 Government Vessels - FOWT August 7 September 11 September 18 August 11 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* September 18 November 27 September 29 December 8 August 7 October 16 August 11 October 20 Course Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion August 21 October 2 November 13 September 15 October 27 December 8 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) August 21 August 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 7 September 18 October 30 August 18 September 29 November 10 Radar August 7 August 18 Radar Renewal (one day) August 28 Course Able Seaman (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Recertification Steward Upgrading Courses Bosun October 9 November 6 Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning August 10, 2006. Academic Department Courses Engine Upgrading Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. Course Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops Start Date Date of Completion September 11 November 13 October 6 December 8 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 twentyfive (125) 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 2006 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. 8/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/27/2006 5:12 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 675 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 675. They include (in alphabetical order) Zachary Clayton, Carmelo Collazo, Christopher Curran, Darnell Keith, Alphonso Gowdy Jr., Marvin Hearman, Sherwin Jones, Rory O’Brien, Paul Pederson, Mychal Sands, Ronald Sease, Cornelius Taylor, Daron Tinney, Robert Vayko, Furman Watson, Jon Werner and James Wynegar III. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending June 23 are (in no specific order) Steven Sanderson, David Barber, Dean Bettis, William Markeson, Jorge Nunez, Edwin Rivera, David Spangler, Asaad Al-Waseem, John Villarta, Daniel Manning, Ivan Zapata, Jennifer Souci, Daryl Alvin Jr., DeAris Henry and Horace Robinson IV. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Fast Rescue Boat — June 9 graduates of the fast rescue boat course include (in alphabetical order) Louis Barra, Nicole Geideman, Linsey Knight, Arthur Marshall, Stephen Thompson, Robert Warren and Lawrence Williams. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at right in the front. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Upgrading Seafarers and unlicensed apprentices completed this course June 15. They are (in no specific order) unlicensed apprentices Nicholas Gattuso, Lawrence Stanley-Dalton, Jeffery Novak, Claytain Carr, Antoine Best, Lester DeSheers and Aaron Larson; and Seafarers Shawn Alexander, Matt Waldman, Philomena Hoang, Ernesto Lagramada, Nestor Montano, Ricky Goodman, Matthew Whitmore, Randy Louque, David Grasso, Justin Bing, Henry Callahan, Richard DeLa Cruz, Fatim Rashed, Luke Staiger, Jose Blanco, Michael Garcia and Victor Rios. Advanced Fire Fighting — The advanced fire Machinist — Under the instruction of Steve Haver (second from left) are graduates of the machinist course, which took place June 5-23. They are Michael Kirby, Danillo Tabudlong, Ronald Sison, Miguel Batista, Christopher Schneider and Lamar Parker. fighting course took place June 5-9. Graduating from the class are Gregory Brunson Sr., Nathan Wirt, Alsea Mua, Michael Carvalho, Bobby Taylor Jr., Caleb Whorl, Charles Ross, Stephen Conley, Charles Clark and Byron Collins and their instructor, Tom Cessna (far left). Computer Lab Classes Left: Holding their certificates of achievement for courses completed June 23 in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center are (from left) Ricky Goodman, Fatim Rashed and Joel Fahselt. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in the back row. Right: With instructor Rick Prucha (back row) are students who completed their computer courses June 30. They are (from left) Daniel Manning, Timothy Sexton, Tawrence Abrams and Jorge Nuñez. 22 Seafarers LOG August 2006 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/25/2006 6:05 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Specially Trained OS — Included in the June 16 graduating class are Phase III unlicensed apprentices (in alphabetical order) Stephen McGruder, Shawana Mills, Brendan O’Brien, Nelson Orien, Algernon Reed, Lawanda Thornton, Taufiq Wasel and Jesse Willard; and SIU upgraders Daniel Stavron and David Stavron. Their instructor, Michael Smith, is second from left. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading students who completed this course June 16 are (in no specific order) Juan Castillo, Michael Sykes, Joel Fahselt, Arthur Saeli, Alexander Kepchar, Billy Hill Sr., Meili Seegers, Jonas Robinson, Glen McCullough, Paula Hopson, Scott Bowmer, Andrew Eastman, Endang Abidin, Richard Summers, Paul Van Aken, Martin Josephson and Carlos Bonilla. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing at far left. Specially Trained OS — Completing this course June 16 are unlicensed apprentices (in no specific order) Wayne Altoonian, John Galatioto, Mathew Alaniz, Jeffry Cesvet, Scott Bloomfield, Donald Desir, Nicholas Kempker, Thomas Jarrett and Jonathan Rodriguez; and SIU upgraders Marvin Smith, Jorge Lanas, Joseph Quitugua, Adiener Alfaro, Rommel Lopez and Larry Castaneda. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is second from left in the back row. STCW — NCL, June 1: Zulma Gonzalez, Julio Perez, Rodel Rollo, Purisma Rosario, Leon Russell, Monique Sands, Catalina Sanga, Edina Scrantz, Leslie Sears, Robert Slaughter, Lizbeth Soto, John Steffens, Mark Stevens, Robert Tabasko, Shatila Thomas, David Tover, Benjamin Trusiak, Valentine Alloa, Janie Vera and Margo Waring. STCW — NCL, June 1: Jewel Abraham, Thelma Aguon, Cynthia Almo, Bobby Alyarado, Roel Arcala, Pariss Archie, Michael Ardolino, Rocklyn Arjona, Arturo Asenjo, Anthony Atkins, Romeo Baun, Imed Ben-Abid, Ricky Blount, Thomas Boudnik, Sharon Boyers, Oliver Brewer, Frankie Brown, Norma Castil, Michael Chappell, Aimee Christensen, Michael Clarke, Jean Dorcely, Antoine Dorismon, Mario Escobar, Jesus Estrella, William Flynn, Brandi Gallegos and Arturo Geigel. (Note: not all are pictured.). STCW — NCL and SIU, June 16: Victoria Lee, Marquis Manuel, William Martin, Marinell Martinez, Pauline Masley, Anthony Mastroianni, James McChrystal, David McKaig, Max McKee, Jerome McKinney, Brandon Mellstrup, Eric Montressor, Timothy Mulligan, Lovina Ngiramdelmang, Christian Olaes, Greg Orara, Ricardo Ortega, Alphonso Owens, Travis Parker, Danielle Parolini, Paul Penny, Elpidio Punu Jr., Monica Ramos-Mediavilla, Geraldine Ravelo, Kimberly Redmond, Gregory Repka, Rafael Rios DeJesus, David Rivera, Jeremiah Rowley and Joseph Palomo. August 2006 STCW — NCL and SIU, June 30: Mark Adams, Malcolm Holmes, Lamont Robinson, Juan Steward, Tengku Sukarno, Tiffany Taylor, Sean Theodis, LaMar Thomas, Carla Thompson, Reynaldo Tinay, Lauran Walker, Terrance Weary, James Webb, Zachary Wery, William Wetherell, Joshua White, Cortrell Wigglesworth, Morgan Williams and Lamarr Winston. STCW — NCL, June 1: Rebecca Gramm, Fountain Green, Nakana Haili, Peter Hamm, Katie Haughey, Raymond Hernandez, Flora Jackson, Mark Jadwick, Charity Jobe, Liberti Kimball, Steven Kluchi, Pedro Leal, Lana Lindsey, Anna Mahony, Bryten Manuel, Angela McClure, Mark McEachren, Diego Melendez, Jeffry Milian, Douglas Montalvo, John Morris, Janaree Nagel, Minh Nguyen, James Nicholas, Rifani Obaseki, Michelle Oliver and Sidney Pesch. Seafarers LOG 23 �37484_P8,10,11,14_16,18,20_24.qxp 7/27/2006 5:13 PM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 8 August 2006 The Slop Chest: Check out the exclusive online source for Seafarers International Union merchandise at www.seafarers..org. MS S P SShip hii p D ell ivv err s MSP Delivers . S.. Mi i lii taa ry y For U.S. Military F orr U. Alliance New York Transports Materiel Home T he SIU-crewed Alliance New York recently transported materiel for the United States military back to America from overseas, discharging its cargo in Philadelphia. The vessel then sailed to Baltimore to take on new cargo. (The photos of crew members on this page were taken in Baltimore on June 21.) Operated by Liberty Global Logistics, the Alliance New York reflagged under the Stars and Stripes late last year and then enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The roll-on/roll-off ship, built in April 2005, is 656 feet long, has a beam of 105.8 feet and can AB Anthony Pace, left, and Chief Steward Ron Lupinacci sail at greater than 20 knots. The MSP originated as a 10year program that was part of the Maritime Security Act of 1996. Originally signed into law by President Clinton, the program supports in the international shipping trades a fleet of militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels crewed by American citizens. Participating vessel operators are required to make their ships and other commercial transportation Chief Cook Felipe Reyes, left, and resources available to the Chief Steward Lionell Packnett Department of Defense during times of war or national emergency. Through the enactment of the Maritime Security Act of 2003—signed into law by President Bush—the MSP expanded to include 60 vessels (compared to the 47 ships in the original program) and was extended for 10 more years. During the reflagging ceremony for the Alliance New York last November, Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), noted that the expanded MSP helps augment the pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S. citizen mariners who sail aboard AB Felsher Beasley, left, and GUDE Tirso Cruz SA Anthony Clemons UA Montree Nakwichet The Alliance New York (pictured in 2005) reflagged under the Stars and Stripes last fall and then enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. civilian-crewed military support ships. He credited those mariners for their performance during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and stated, “We rely heavily on our commercial partners and associated labor organizations. We cannot do business without you. That’s a reality that’s not about to change.” Schwartz’s predecessor at TRANSCOM, Gen. John Handy (who retired last October), also spoke highly of the MSP. A year before the new program was approved, Handy testified before the Merchant Marine Panel of the House Armed Services Committee. “I wholeheartedly support reauthorization of MSP beyond expiration of the UA Corey Overbeck current authority on September 30, 2005,” Handy told the panel. “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 sceBosun Craig Amison narios. That makes MSP reauthorization even more important as we look toward the future.” As previously reported, the new MSP which took effect in October 2005 increases the number of participants to 60 ships; provides financial assistance to construct five newly built tankers in the United States that are capable of carrying military petroleum products during a war; establishes a 30-month period to replace older ships with newer Defense Departmentapproved and militarily useful ships; and increases the annual payment to ship operators. GUDE Ahmed Ghaleb � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU WEIGHS IN ON TWIC, MMC UNIONS OFFER SENSIBLE SOLUTION: MODIFY CURRENT MMD SEAFARERS APPROVE STANDARD CONTRACTS MATSON’S MAUNALEI CHRISTENED IN PHILLY SHBP ELGIBILITY CHANGE ANNOUNCED 2ND T-AKE SHIP CHRISTENED SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES EARN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS LABOR ICON EVY DUBROW DIES AT 95 ‘ALL AVAILABLE BOATS’ EXAMINES NEW YORK EVACUATION ON 9/11 MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES WEB SITE UNION PROVIDED SOLID FOUNDATION, GREAT MEMORIES SIU CREWS HONORED FOR RELIEF OPERATIONS INDUSTRY ‘PIONEER’ BILL SAUL DIES AT 80 SEAFARERS TO VOTE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS MSP SHIP DELIVERS FOR U.S. MILITARY ALLIANCE NEW YORK TRANSPORTS MATERIAL HOME 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 08/01/2006 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. 68, No. 8 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f576a507daf16168d3223a9bd010a01c.pdf 2c0d14d4bd16f499c2fa2f50fe579f17 PDF Text Text 37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19X.qxp 8/30/2006 7:35 PM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 9 September 2006 Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. last month joined with General Dynamics NASSCO in announcing an agreement to build nine double-hulled product carrier tankers in San Diego. An artist’s conception of one of the tankers is shown below. The contract is valued at $1 billion and includes options for five additional ships. Construction of the first tanker is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2007, with delivery slated for 2009. Page 3. Agreement Includes Option for 5 More Ships 4th Alaska-Class Tanker Delivered The Seafarers-contracted Alaskan Legend (lower right photo) was delivered to BP Shipping on Aug. 18, six days after its official naming ceremony in San Diego. Pictured at the ceremony are SIU officials (from left) Executive VP Augie Tellez, VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Port Agent John Cox and President Michael Sacco. Page 3. Construction Starts On 5th T-AKE Ship Construction began recently on the fifth ship in a new class of vessels to be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. General Dynamics NASSCO on July 20 announced the start of construction on the USNS Robert E. Peary, a dry cargo-ammunition ship that is part of the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program. The T-AKE class of ships includes the USNS Alan Shepard (above), the third such vessel being built in San Diego. Page 3. Pension Plan Funding Notice Page 10 Important Update Oakland Hall on SHBP Eligibility Officially Opens Page 4 Page 8 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19.qxp 8/28/2006 7:47 PM Page 2 ITF Conducts 41st Congress President’s Report More New Ships In case anyone thought that last year’s order to build 10 new American-flag tankers in Philadelphia was a fluke, check out our lead story this month. SIU-contracted U.S. Shipping has ordered nine U.S.-flag tankers for construction in San Diego—an agreement which includes options for five additional ships. The first order back in April 2005, by Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, was reported as the largest commercial tanker purchase in our nation’s history. And here Michael Sacco we are, just over a year later, with a similarly large contract. Brothers and sisters, I’m not saying it doesn’t get any better than this, but 19 ships ordered by SIU-contracted companies in a year-and-a-half is reason to reflect. Of course, those aren’t the only new vessels either on order or recently delivered that are being crewed by SIU members. Last month the fourth Alaska-Class tanker was delivered—a vessel that will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. This month, the first of the 10 new OSG tankers is scheduled for float-out in Philadelphia. Construction recently began in San Diego on the fifth of 10 T-AKE ships, a fleet crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. And of course, a few months ago we welcomed the big, beautiful Pride of Hawaii to NCL America’s fleet of SIU-crewed cruise ships. It’s impossible for me to look at those developments and feel anything but optimism for our union. It’s also impossible to view them without giving credit where it’s due—namely, to you, the rank-and-file Seafarer. Some of you have heard me say it before, but the truth is that companies wouldn’t invest in new ships if they weren’t extremely confident in having well-trained, reliable manpower for those vessels. When you think of the financial investment, not to mention the potential liabilities, that go along with building and operating new ships, it only makes sense that professional, safe, efficient crews are a must. (Companies also won’t invest without a stable set of laws and regulations, which the Seafarers Political Activity Donation or SPAD helps to ensure.) You are protecting the investment and delivering the goods. You have proven yourselves time and time again throughout all segments of our industry, whether sailing on commercial tankers and containerships or Lakes self-unloaders or military support RO/ROs or tugboats or passenger ships or ATBs or any of the other vessels operating under SIU contract. Your work inspires confidence, and the proof is splashed all over our front page, month after month. Of course, in this industry our work is never done. One of the key challenges we’re currently tackling involves the governmentmandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and its associated Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). I addressed this subject in more detail last month, and a separate update also appears in this issue of the LOG, but let me just reemphasize that the SIU is sparing no resource in keeping up with, if not staying ahead of this development. We will do absolutely everything in our power to help make sure that U.S. mariners’ rights are protected and that we are treated fairly. At the same time, we remain committed to working in cooperation with government and industry to help ensure proper shipboard and port security, as we have been throughout our history. We won’t always agree on every detail of how to best protect the people associated with our vessels and ports and port cities, but we are all on the same side. That’s something that shouldn’t be overlooked as we sort through the many particulars of the latest federal regulations to affect the U.S. Merchant Marine. Volume 68, Number 9 September 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Unions from around the world, including the SIU and several other affiliates of the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department, took part in the 41st International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Congress Aug. 2-9 in Durban, South Africa. The gathering brought together mariners, dockers, truck drivers, airline crews, rail workers, fishermen, bus drivers and others to debate and confer on the many challenges affecting workers in these industries. The theme of the convention was “Organizing Globally, Fighting for Our Rights.” Among the many resolutions passed were those calling for a continuation of the ITF’s signature “Flag of Convenience” (runaway flag) campaign, a unified effort by longshore and maritime workers to identify poorly run and maintained “Ports of Convenience,” and renewal in the war against AIDS/HIV virus which is afflicting many of Africa’s transport workers. This meeting was the first ITF session held on African soil. The London-based federation, found- ITF General Secretary David Cockroft The ITF Congress took place Aug. 2-9 in Durban, South Africa under the theme “Organizing Globally, Fighting for Our Rights.” ed in 1896, is comprised of more than 600 unions from more than 130 nations. The MTD affiliates who sent delegates to the congress were the SIU, SIU of Canada, AMO, MEBA, MM&P, CWA, Machinists, ILA and TCU. During the meetings, the ITF announced Randall Howard— general secretary of the South African Transport & Allied Workers’ Union—was elected president of the federation. Howard, who replaces outgoing president Umraomal Purohit, stated that his union “recognizes that our international work has strategic importance for our movement. There is recognition that the most effective way to challenge global capital is through global organizing and trade union work.” Referring to the ITF’s commitment to a worldwide antiAIDS/HIV campaign, he con- Participants in the ITF Congress tackled many important subjects, including mariners’ rights. ITF President Randall Howard cluded, “The resolution we have adopted builds on our previous work on HIV/AIDS, and we must now intensify our efforts. In 2010, we must be able to report back to the next congress about what we have done, not on why we didn’t do it. The ITF must invest a lot more into that struggle, as effectively as we can.” Earlier in the ITF Congress, the federation voted to launch a worldwide “Ports of Convenience” campaign to help ensure that decent standards apply across the world’s ports. According to the ITF, which includes more than 200 unions representing dock workers, the campaign’s first focus will be on the world’s largest global network terminal operators or GNTs. Frank Leys, secretary of the ITF’s Dockers’ Section, explained, “Our first calls will be on the ‘big four’ GNTs, because we believe they are standard setters. They have it in their power to make a huge difference to dockers’ work across the world. This Continued on page 5 SIU’s Heindel Elected to ITF Post During the recent ITF Congress, SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel was elected to a four-year term as first vice chair of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section. He previously served as second vice chair. The ITF Seafarers’ Section provides internation- al coordination for, and support to, affiliated unions and individual mariners through involvement with the International Labor Organization, International Maritime Organization and other international bodies; maintaining a network of more than 100 ITF inspectors around the world; ITF agreements for runaway-flag ships which specify minimum conditions of employment for crews, including wages; policymaking through committees where affiliated unions are represented; and the provision and dissemination of information. Heindel is only the second U.S. citizen to hold a top post in the Seafarers’ Section. The late SIU Executive Vice President John Fay was the first, having served as second vice chair from 1992-95 and then as section chair until December 2000. Additionally, SIU Vice President at Large René Lioeanjie last month was reelected to the North American Seafarers’ SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left) is pictured at the Section Committee, while SIU RepreITF Congress with (from left) SIU VP at Large René Lioeanjie, sentative Tracey Mayhew was elected chair SIU of Canada Executive VP Michel Desjardins and Gerald of the federation’s North American FishLackey of the American Maritime Officers. eries Section Committee. September 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24X.qxp 8/30/2006 7:37 PM Page 3 Nine Tankers Ordered SIU-Contracted U.S. Shipping Has Options for 5 More Vessels A little more than a year ago, the SIU joined others in the U.S.-flag maritime industry in celebrating the announcement of an unprecedented contract for 10 new American-flag commercial tankers to be built in Philadelphia. Last month brought a similarly large dose of good news as Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. joined with General Dynamics NASSCO in announcing an agreement to build nine double-hulled product carrier tankers in San Diego. The contract is valued at $1 billion and includes options for five additional ships. Construction of the first tanker is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2007, with delivery slated for 2009. “This announcement is further proof that the U.S. Merchant Marine can and will have a bright future,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “Also, as with any new order for U.S.-flag tonnage, it is good news for our nation’s security, partly because the ships can be militarily useful and most importantly from my perspective because they will sail with loyal, well-trained American crews.” Word of the then-tentative agreement trickled out in late July, but on Aug. 7, U.S. Shipping (USS) and NASSCO (National Steel and Shipbuilding Co.) officially announced that financing was in place for the nine-ship order. They reported that the new tankers each will be 600.4 feet long, with a beam of 105.6 feet and a design draft of 38.7 feet. The ships will weigh 49,000 deadweight tons (DWT) and will have a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels apiece. “USS is committed to building and operating the largest, most technologically advanced deep water fleet in the United States,” said Paul Gridley, chairman and CEO of SIU-contracted and New Jersey-based U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. “These new ships will allow us to add the needed new capacity that the domestic energy market is demanding. Additionally, given the regulatory requirements to upgrade the fleet operating under the Jones Act, General Dynamics NASSCO is a tremendous partner to provide us with a superior product that meets these requirements, in a timely fashion. These new ships will allow USS to expand our domestic shipping business, while providing our customers with the high-quality, reliable transport they require for their petroleum and chemical products.” “NASSCO is the leading builder of U.S. Navy auxiliary ships and has delivered more Jones Act ships than any other shipyard in the country today,” said Frederick J. Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “This contract is the largest commercial shipbuilding contract in NASSCO’s history and positions this shipyard to remain the premier builder of Jones Act ships.” USS operates a fleet of 10 deep sea vessels that carry refined petroleum and chemical products among customer facilities along the U.S. coastlines and has five double-hulled articulated tug barges on order or under construction. The majority of the USS fleet is on long-term time charters or contracts of affreight- Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping has ordered nine tankers to be built in San Diego, beginning next year. Shown here is an artist’s conception of one of the new vessels. ment with major oil and chemical companies based in the United States. According to a jointly issued news release from USS and NASSCO, financing for the 4 Alaska Tanker Delivered th The Alaskan Legend is the name that has been given to the fourth and final Seafarers-contracted double-hulled tanker built for BP Shipping Ltd. by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). The newest member of the BP Shipping fleet on Aug. 12 was dubbed during an official naming ceremony at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego and was delivered six days later. Shirley Anne Massey, wife of Morehouse College President and BP Board Member Dr. Walter Massey, was the honoree at the ceremony and is the ship’s sponsor. As ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Massey named the vessel and broke the traditional bottle of champagne against its starboard bow. SIU President Michael Sacco and Executive Vice President Augie Tellez attended the ceremony. The vessel was delivered to BP on Aug. 18. Construction of the Alaskan Legend began in October 2004. Four years earlier in September 2000, NASSCO received a contract from BP to build three other tankers. The first three Alaskaclass ships—each of which is crewed by Seafarers and operated by Alaska Tanker Co.—are already in service: the Alaskan Frontier, Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator. The state-of-the-art doublehulled Alaskan Legend (as well as its sister ships) has a length of 941 feet and a beam of 164 feet. The design of the 1.3-millionbarrel-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, each of the vessels employs the latest in international marine technologies, including twinscrew, medium-speed, dieselelectric 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. Both BP and NASSCO describe the new double-hull vessels as the most environmentally friendly tankers ever built. The Alaskan Legend joins three sister ships operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. September 2006 Shirley Anne Massey breaks the traditional bottle of champagne against the side of the Alaskan Legend. Pictured with her are General Dynamics NASSCO President Fred Harris, Celeste Bolea, Gary Brashears, Dr. Walter Massey and Acting Chief Executive of BP Shipping Ltd. John Ridgway. Construction Starts On 5th T-AKE Ship Construction began recently on the fifth ship in a new class of vessels to be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. General Dynamics NASSCO on July 20 announced the start of construction on the USNS Robert E. Peary, a dry cargo-ammunition ship that is part of the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program. The vessel is being built at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego and is scheduled for delivery in early 2008. The keel of the fourth of its sister ships, the USNS Richard E. Byrd, was laid July 28. Both vessels were named to honor American explorers who became famous for their Arctic and Antarctic explorations. NASSCO has been awarded contracts to build nine T-AKE ships. Two additional ships are expected to be ordered by the Navy over the next two years—for a total class of 11 ships. The first ship of the class, the USNS Lewis and Clark, was delivered to the Navy June 20. The second vessel, the USNS Sacagawea, was launched on June 24 and is scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of 2007. The third ship, the USNS Alan Shepard, is scheduled to be launched Dec. 5, 2006, and delivered in the summer of 2007. The T-AKE class of ships is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea while providing replenishment services to U.S. and NATO vessels. Each of the vessels directly will contribute tanker construction is being provided by a joint venture among affiliates of the Blackstone Group; USS Product Carriers, a wholly owned subsidiary of USS; and other investors. Investment banking services were provided by Lehman Brothers and CIBC World Markets, with Sterling Investment Partners, a controlling partner of USS, providing advisory services negotiating and structuring the transaction. The tankers are based on an existing design from DSEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering of Seoul, South Korea. NASSCO entered into an agreement with DSEC last March to produce ships for the U.S. market under the Jones Act, in which DSEC will provide detail designs and services related to construction of the ships. All of the ships will be constructed at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. to the ability of the Navy to maintain a forward presence by providing logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea. These vessels transfer cargo to station ships and other naval warfare forces at sea, including ammunition, food, fuel, repair parts and other materiel. The T-AKE ships are 689 feet long and have beams of 105.6 feet, with a design draft of 29.9 feet and a displacement of 41,000 metric tons. NASSCO has incorporated international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features into the ships, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system, to minimize operating costs over their projected 40-year service life. Because of their multiple capabilities, vessels in this class of ships will replace the current capability of vessels in the T-AE 26 class (ammunition ship), the T-AFS 1/8 class (combat stores ships) and, when operating in concert with a T-AO class ship (oiler), the AOE class (fast combat support ship). To conduct vertical replenishment, the ships will support two military logistics helicopters apiece. Like the legendary explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, for whom the first ship in the class was named, Rear Adm. Robert Edwin Perry and Adm. Richard E. Byrd bravely volunteered to explore the most remote and harshest places on earth. As a result of their unquenchable thirst for exploration, both men provided substantial contributions to the world’s understanding of the Arctic and Antarctic circles. Peary is credited as the first person to reach the geographic North Pole, while Medal of Honor recipient Byrd led the first aerial expedition over the North Pole. Seafarers LOG 3 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:58 PM Page 4 Notice The U.S. Coast Guard on Aug. 21 issued the following news release concerning mariner credentials. Please note that the extension does not apply to STCW certificates. Copies of the two-page Federal Register notice that is mentioned in this release are available at the Coast Guard RECs and also may be downloaded from the SIU web site (in PDF format) at: http://www.seafarers.org/members/mmdtemp.pdf MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIALS EXTENDED IN THE GULF REGION WASHINGTON—The Coast Guard is extending the expiration dates of licenses, merchant mariners’ documents and certificates of registry held by merchant mariners impacted by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. The authority for this temporary relief measure was included in the Coast Guard Maritime and Transportation Act of 2006. Details are contained in the notice published Aug. 16, 2006 in the Federal Register. This measure applies to certain mariners holding any of the above credentials that have expired on or after Aug. 29, 2005, or will expire before April 1, 2007. The requirements are as follows: „ Credentials are automatically extended for one year from the expiration date for mariners whose home of record is listed as Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana on their merchant mariner credentials. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials. „ Credentials issued by Regional Examination Center New Orleans are automatically extended for one year from the date of expiration. To serve under the authority of their existing credentials, these mariners must carry a copy of the Federal Register notice with their existing credentials. „ Other mariners who believe their ability to renew their credentials in a timely manner has been adversely impacted by Hurricane Katrina National Maritime Center Opens in West Virginia; New Orleans REC Reopens The U.S. Coast Guard last month announced that its National Maritime Center (NMC) opened its first office in Martinsburg, W.Va. on Aug. 7. The agency described the event as “a milestone in its mariner licensing and documentation program restructuring and centralization project.” The NMC office in West Virginia will initially evaluate applications and issue credentials for mariners applying through New Orleans. The transfer of remaining divisions and functions from Arlington, Va. to the Martinsburg area will continue over the next year, the agency reported. “When a permanent facility is completed during the summer of 2007, all evaluation and issuing functions will take place in Martinsburg as part of a project to improve customer service to mariners,” the Coast Guard announced. “The mission of the Coast should contact any regional examination center to establish their eligibility for an extension. If credentials were lost or damaged due to Hurricane Katrina, mariners may apply to any regional examination center to receive a duplicate credential that will bear the same expiration date and information as the lost or damaged one. Due to international obligations, the endorsement certificates issued under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) cannot be extended. Mariners holding a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariner’s document that is eligible for extension and an STCW endorsement certificate that has expired, or will expire, should apply for renewal of their STCW endorsement certificate at any regional examination center. All mariners whose credentials are within one year of expiration are encouraged to submit renewal applications as early as possible. Mariners may contact any regional examination center with questions regarding these temporary measures, to obtain a copy of the Federal Register notice, or for any other assistance. The regional examination center locations and phone numbers are: Anchorage, Alaska – (907) 271-6736 Baltimore – (410) 962-5132/5147 Boston – (617) 223-3040/41/42 Charleston, S. C. – (843) 720-3250 or (800) 826-1511 Guam – (671) 339-2001 Honolulu – (808) 522-8264 Houston – (713) 948-3350/51 Juneau, Alaska – (907) 463-2458 Los Angeles/Long Beach, Calif. – (562) 495-1307 Memphis, Tenn. – (901) 544-3297 or (866) 777-2784 Miami – (305) 536-6548/49/6874 or (800) 982-9374 New Orleans – (504) 846-6190 New York – (212) 668-7492/7864/4970/6395 Portland, Ore. – (503) 240-9346 Oakland, Calif. – (510) 637-1124 San Juan, Puerto Rico – (787) 729-2376 Seattle – (206) 220-7327 St. Louis – (314) 539-3091 Toledo, Ohio – (419) 418-6010 Guard’s regional examination centers (RECs) will also change to focus on providing direct service to mariners, including fingerprinting, establishing identities, administering testing, and providing course oversight.” In its mission statement, the NMC describes itself as a Coast Guard headquarters field unit that actively pursues “new and innovative ways to assist the maritime community in gaining and using the services of the Coast Guard…. NMC’s primary function is to initiate and execute various marine safety programs at a national and international level.” Additionally, the Coast Guard’s REC in New Orleans reopened Aug. 9. The facility’s contact information is: Regional Examination Center 201 Old Hammond Hwy. Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 846-6190 A complete list of RECs may be found on line at http://www.uscg.mil/STCW/mmic-regions.htm Meeting with Horizon Officials SIU Port Agent Bryan Powell (second from left) recently met with representatives of Horizon Lines at the union hall in Tacoma, Wash. They discussed general hiring hall operations, the new Horizon vessels scheduled to join the fleet later this year, and the proposed regulations pertaining to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). Pictured from the left at the Tacoma hall are Horizon Lines Vessel Superintendent Jay Hess, Powell, Fleet Administrator Carolyn Petit, VP and General Manager Joe Breglia, Vessel Superintendent Don Watters, and recently retired VP and General Manager Glenn Moyer. 4 Seafarers LOG Important Notice New Date for SHBP Eligibility Change In July, a change in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s (SHBP) eligibility rules was announced. Upon the effective date of the change, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to a claim. The Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan—acting on the recommendation of the SIU Trustees—have decided to postpone this change to the eligibility rule. During 2007, the eligibility rule will remain the same as it is this year. This means that in order to be eligible for claims in 2007, a Seafarer must have 125 days of covered employment in 2006, in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. The eligibility rule will change on January 1, 2008. Beginning on that date, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year, in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. For example, in order to be eligible for benefits in 2008, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in 2007, in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. The 150-day rule’s impact on work rotations will be studied by the union. SIU-Contracted Companies Among Those Receiving Safety Awards from AMS A number of SIU-contracted companies are among those selected to receive safety awards this month from American Maritime Safety, Inc. (AMS) at their annual membership meeting and dinner event in New York. The AMS consortium is a nonprofit trade association established in 1988 to facilitate the maritime industry’s compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and international protocols. It currently administers a chemical testing program for 380 U.S.flag deep sea, tug and barge and Great Lakes vessel operators as well as a significant number of international flag vessel companies. As of 1993, the group has been giving out safety awards to member companies, mostly U.S.-flag operators, based on input and other feedback from Coast Guard captains and others with regard to safety, training and environmental issues. An advisory board of six persons evaluates the nominees and makes the final recommendations, according to Lou Meltz, president of American Maritime Safety, Inc.. This year’s SIU-contracted award recipients are: „ The Cruise Ship Vessel Safety Award—Norwegian Cruise Line, Ltd./Orient Lines/NCL America. „ Quality Ship Management Award—Horizon Lines, Inc. „ American Maritime Safety Award—U.S. Shipping Partners, LP „ Maritime Safe Working Practices Award—Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. September 2006 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Page 5 TWIC ‘Security Vulnerabilities’ Cited by DHS; Requirement for Card Readers Pushed Back After receiving more than 1,900 comments on a notice of proposed rulemaking concerning the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration apparently will make at least two changes. According to a mid-August communication from the TSA’s office of legislative affairs, many of the comments “voiced concern regarding card and reader technology, analysis of economic impact, potential negative impacts to commerce, and uncertainty as to how TWIC requirements for facilities and vessels could be met. After a review of these comments, TSA and the Coast Guard have concluded that facility and vessel owners and operators will not be required to purchase or install card readers during the first phase of the TWIC implementation. The requirement to purchase and install card readers will not be implemented until the public is afforded further opportunity to comment on that aspect of the TWIC program, and the details of this approach will be explained in the next rulemaking.” Indications last month were that the comment period will only be extended for this particular component of the proposed regulations. Meanwhile, the DHS recently released portions of a report stating that following an audit of various potential parts of the TWIC system, the agency has “determined that significant security vulnerabilities existed relative to the TWIC prototype systems, documentation and program management. Furthermore, we are raising a number of additional program and security-related concerns that we identified during the course of our fieldwork. Due to the number and significance of the weaknesses identified, TWIC prototype systems are vulnerable to various internal and external security threats. “The security-related issues identified may threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensitive TWIC data,” the report continues. “Until remedied, the significant security weaknesses jeopardize the certification and accreditation of the systems prior to full implantation of the TWIC program.” A PDF version of the report, in redacted form, is available on the internet at the following address: http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/ass etlibrary/OIGr_06-47_Jul06.pdf Despite the concerns, the federal government intends to issue a follow-up rulemaking providing guidelines for the background check process and TWIC issuance so that the first credentials may be issued by the end of this year. (Under the proposed rulemaking, mariners wouldn’t be required to secure a TWIC until 18 months after the final rules are issued. The final regulations had not been published as of late August, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG was going to press.) Less certain is the fate of the proposed Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC), which is intended to eventually take the place of a z-card or merchant mariner document (MMD). The MMC—as proposed, a paper document—was outlined in a concurrent proposed rulemaking in May, at the same time the proposed regulations were issued for the TWIC. As reported in detail in last month’s LOG, the SIU formally submitted comments on both proposed rulemakings. The union emphasized that it fully supports the goal of effective security aboard ship and in port, but has serious concerns about certain aspects of the proposals for both the TWIC and the MMC. Essentially, the SIU—both individually and also along with other maritime unions including the AMO, MEBA and MM&P— recommended that a biometric identifier be added to the existing merchant mariner document, in accordance with requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, and that such a modified card should be recognized as both a TWIC and an MMC. The rationale for such a proposal is simple: Mariners already undergo strict background checks equal to or greater than those proposed for the TWIC and MMC programs, and the merchant mariner document itself is a proven, time-tested credential. In a joint statement to Congress July 20, the aforementioned unions recommended that the proposed revised MMD should allow mariners access to their vessels docked at any port facility in the United States; that the Coast Guard should continue to be the sole agency responsible for vetting and credentialing merchant mariners; and that licensed deck and engine officers should still receive a license that may be displayed aboard ship for inspection purposes. Supporting Senator Akaka SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz submitted this recent photo of individuals showing support for U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka (DHawaii). The photo was taken in front of the Hawaii State Capitol. Pictured from left to right are SIU Representative Frank Iverson, SEATU Representative Hazel Galbiso, Dietz and Seafarer Robert Borro. Dietz noted Senator Akaka’s strong backing of the Jones Act and Hawaii’s working families. Demonstrating with AFSCME Connaughton Confirmed As Maritime Administrator The Senate on Aug. 3 confirmed Sean Connaughton as the new administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). President Bush had nominated Connaughton in late June. Connaughton is a 1983 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He served on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1983-86 and later earned his law degree, specializing in maritime and international law. He most recently served as chairman of the Prince William County (Va.) Board of Supervisors, a position to which he had been re-elected for a term beginning in 2004. SIU President Michael Sacco sent a congratulatory note to Connaughton following his Senate confirmation. “On behalf of the Seafarers International Union as well as the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, I look forward to working with you in the very near future so that we may continue promoting a vibrant, growing U.S. Merchant Marine,” Sacco wrote. Charles (Chuck) Raymond, CEO and president of Horizon Lines, stated, “We at Horizon believe Sean Connaughton will be a decisive leader at MarAd. He has the ideal background as a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, having served both in the U.S. Coast Guard and September 2006 the U.S. Navy and having practiced law for several years at Troutman and Sanders, LLP.” During his confirmation hearing, Connaughton said, “America is the world’s largest maritime trading economy. The maritime industry in all its aspects on land and sea—the people and the hardware, the terminals and the landside connectors—is squarely in the frontline of the advancement of the American economy and the defense of the United States. The efficiency, safety and security of our domestic and international marine transportation system from origin to destination is a matter of paramount importance to the welfare of every citizen of this nation. “If confirmed by the Senate, I will, of course, continue to implement MarAd’s statutory mandates to ensure the availability of efficient water transportation service to American shippers and consumers; an adequate shipbuilding and repair base; efficient ports; effective intermodal water and land transportation connections; and sufficient intermodal shipping capacity for use by the Department of Defense in times of national emergency. I will also strive to ensure that the industry and all the persons who serve it directly or indirectly are recognized, honored and appreciated for all that they have done and all that they will continue to do Sean Connaughton every day to support our economy, to protect our waterways and to preserve the marine environment.” Connaughton said he expects that U.S. military to “increase its reliance on commercial transportation systems.” He added, “The Maritime Administration must focus its efforts on the strategic areas of commercial mobility and congestion relief, maritime and port development, national security, and environmental stewardship…. One of our greatest challenges is to increase our national transportation options in order to support our nation’s economic growth. Greater use of the maritime transportation system, through elements such as short sea shipping and multi-modal port development, offer the potential to reduce congestion while increasing efficiency of our ports and waterways.” SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo at right, with AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Bill Lucy) participated in a rally Aug. 9 in northwest Chicago in support of workers at Resurrection Hospital. AFSCME members, including a large number from nearby Local 88, called attention to the plight of the hospital workers who have spent the past four years fighting for union representation. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and AFL-CIO Executive VP Linda Chavez-Thompson spoke at the rally and vowed that the workers ultimately will win their battle to join a union. ITF Congress Held in South Africa Continued from page 2 is an exercise in dialogue and cooperation to ensure across-theboard good conditions. Working with the GNTs we aim to develop global framework agreements which national unions will know set certain basic standards they can rely on when negotiating locally.” Delegates of the Dockers’ Section Conference, meeting at the ITF Congress, authorized the ITF to begin the construction of these networks, produce educational and campaigning materials, and to approach the first of the GNTs. The ITF Seafarers’ Section spent a large portion of time addressing mariners’ rights, including shore-leave rights. The Seafarers’ Section adopted several key resolutions and laid out plans to immediately ramp up specific efforts to guard mariners’ rights. Seafarers LOG 5 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Page 6 SIU-Crewed Wheat Participates in Multinational Military Drill An SIU-crewed vessel recently played a significant role in a 12-day military training exercise involving maritime resources from nine countries, according to the Military Sealift Command (MSC). The U.S. Navy MSC cargo ship USNS Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat from June 6-18 linked with maritime forces from nine countries in the Baltic Sea for the 34th annual military exercise Baltic Operations. The Seafarerscrewed Wheat, a member of the European theater’s Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron One (MPSRON One), was used as a critical training platform for military teams from the North American Treaty Organization and other nations. The Wheat during the maneuvers played the role of a merchant vessel suspected of carrying contraband. Teams from Germany, Denmark, Poland, Russia and the United States practiced intercepting and The prepositioning ship USNS Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat (black hulledship) participates in a formation as part of multinational military exercise Baltic Operations 2006. Other ships participating included, from left to right, Latvian ship LVNS P-03 Linga leading in front, USS Robert G. Bradely, German ships FGS Frankfurt and FGS Hessen and Great Britain’s HMS Edinburgh. boarding the ship via speedboats and helicopters. Once aboard, the teams searched the ship for illicit cargo. Overall, the USNS Wheat was boarded and searched 13 times during the exercise. In addition to acting as a contraband-laden merchant vessel, the Wheat on June 14 was involved in training maneuvers with German, Swedish, Danish, Scottish, U.S. and Russian warships. This phase of the exercise involved a minesweeping scenario. The Wheat posed as a ship being escorted through a “mine danger area” by a convoy of United Nations peacekeeping force warships. After being “hit” by mines during the drill, the Wheat’s crew simulated containing flooding aboard ship, rescuing injured crewmen and abandoning ship. Seafarers aboard the USNS Wheat during the exercise were: Bosun Charles D. Haggins; ABs Dorkucho Tanihu, Matthew L. Jesmer, Glenn P. Davis, Christopher N. Paul and Eric J. Moreira; Electrician Frank J. Michalaski, ET Mark Marier, Storekeeper Anthony E. Simon; Oilers Francis Yapching, Victor Chance and DeShanna A. Sherrod; Cook Darryl Johnson, and GVAs Suree Farrell, George Jenkins, Maner Omar and Bradley Rakoce. “This exercise helps NATO and Partnership for Peace nations hone their maritime interdiction skills, which contributes to the overall maritime security of the region,” said Navy Capt. Edward K. Zurey, commander, MPSRON One. “It also helps the nations involved strengthen the already steadfast partnerships that unite us.” The captain added that MPSRON One ships have been regular participants in the exercise since the squadron was established in the mid-1980s, and particularly since it was forwarddeployed to the European Command area of operation in 1995. The UNSN Wheat is named for Medal of Honor recipient Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat, USMC, who valiantly threw himself on an exploding mine to save the lives of his fellow Marines during the Vietnam War. The vessel 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. Operated by Keystone for MSC, the vessel is 864 feet long. Red Cloud, Chesapeake Sail in ‘JLOTS’ A pair of Seafarers-crewed vessels recently played crucial roles in Joint Logistics Over-TheShore 2006, a U.S. Department of Defense transportation exercise off Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va. The ships, the Military Sealift Command (MSC)-owned USNS Red Cloud and the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MarAd) USNS Chesapeake each figured prominently in the execution of the training operations which took place June 11-21 and involved some 1,800 active and reserve members from each of the military services. JLOTS is the process by which rolling stock and containers of military cargo are moved from ship to shore without the benefit of a port. The technique was used in Operation Iraqi Freedom to increase port capacity in Kuwait. SIU members aboard the USNS Red Cloud during the exercise were: Bosun Terry Evins, ABs Christopher Johnson, William Fogarty, King Scott, Keith Gibney; and Steven Dieken; Ordinary Seamen Demorio Wilcox, Erin O’Toole and John Jackson; QEE Donald Clyburn, QMEDs Cornell Knox, Lee Dresselhaus and Rance Hadaway; Wiper Charles Murray, Chief Storekeeper Charles Renthorpe, SB Mark Simpson, Chief Cook Samuel Washington, and Steward Assistants Shawn Cannon and Marcelo Race. The USNS Chesapeake crew during the exercise included: Bosun Ferdinand Gongora, QMED John Morrison, SB Laura Deebach, OS Hipolito Flores, ABM Roberto Flauta and SAs Brad Stephenson, George Miller and Lamont Steward. The exercise brought together multi-service, multi-agency partners who pooled their expertise and trained jointly to improve the nation’s combat readiness and the military’s force projection capability. Military units during the exercise provided humanitarian assistance to an area simulated as devastated by a natural disaster. The cavernous Red Cloud, which measures 960 feet and boasts more than 300,000 square feet of cargo-carrying capacity, shipboard cranes and steel-reinforced interior and exterior ramps, was the primary off-load platform for the exercise. Cargo was discharged from the ship, which was anchored just one-half mile off the beach at Fort Story, onto smaller vessels or barges, called lighterage, for movement to shore. The actual movement of cargo from ship to shore required several carefully orchestrated steps. The ship’s on-board 114-ton twin-pedestal cranes lowered a side ramp to connect the port side platform to the roll-on/roll-off discharge facility moored below. Rolling stock was driven off the side ramp onto the lighterage, and containerized cargo was lifted via shipboard cranes to the lighterage. For the final seagoing leg of the trip, Navy and Army watercraft pushed the lighterage to shore, where the vehicles were driven off the lighterage and containers were lifted by crane onto trucks for movement to shorebased facilities. During the exercise, about 150 containers and 30 military vehicles were moved ashore. MarAd’s Chesapeake satisfied requirements for another key element of the defense transportation exercise. The 736-foot Ready Reserve Force ship, which is currently on long-term activation and under MSC’s operational control, demonstrated its unique off-shore petroleum discharge system, also called OPDS. The OPDS delivers petroleum Retired NMU Official Martinez Dies at 88 Retired National Maritime Union Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Martinez quietly passed away during the early morning hours of June 2 in the Birch Park Convalescent Hospital in Chula Vista, Calif. He was 88. Brother Thomas Martinez June 23, 1917 - June 2, 2006 6 Seafarers LOG “Tom was one of the NMU’s pioneers and visionaries,” said SIU Vice President at Large René Lioeanjie, who also served as president of the NMU. “He spent a great many years of his life fighting for the union and the men who were in it. “He was known as a person of action who possessed a very sharp mind,” Lioeanjie continued. “There was no quit in him when it came to getting positive things done for the union and its membership. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his many contributions. Tom will be greatly missed.” “Tom spent his life with and for the union,” said SIU Vice President at Large and former NMU Vice President Charlie Stewart. “I came to know him initially in 1961, and we worked together a great many times over the years. Tom was what I call a seaman’s seaman. No matter what the problem was, he was always there for you and willing to listen. We all have lost a very fine union man and a great friend.” Brother Martinez joined the NMU in 1947 in New York and immediately began to make his mark. Recognizing the importance of politics and the role it played in organized labor, Martinez helped establish the NMU’s first political action committee. Not long thereafter he met then NMU Secretary-Treasurer John MacDougal who encouraged him to run for office within the union. Although he did not spurn MacDougal’s suggestion, Martinez felt that at the time, he could do more for the union at the grass roots level. In the years that followed Martinez occupied positions of U.S. Navy Photo by Christine Albert Army vehicles roll off the SIU-crewed USNS Red Cloud onto a floating barge. The process is used when port facilities are not available. products within 48 hours of arriving on station, discharging up to 1.4 million gallons of fuel per day, from up to four miles offshore and at a water depth as shallow as 200 feet. During the exercise, the Chesapeake used water to simulate fuel, pumping approximately 720,000 gallons of water through the system in a single day to shoreside facilities more than a mile from the ship. According to MSC, the joint military training maneuvers aided by merchant mariners provided an impressive demonstration of how U.S. military equipment and supplies can be quickly moved ashore when port facilities are increasingly greater responsibilities and, as a result, moved rapidly up the NMU ladder. He worked as a patrolman from December 1957 to June 1960; field patrolman from July 1960 to June 1966; port agent from June 1966 to February 1970; organizer from March 1970 to January 1971; port agent from January 1971 to March 1973; and assistant to the president from June 1975 to October 1977. Martinez served as NMU vice president on two occasions: from March 1973 to June 1975, and from October 1977 to March 1978, respectively. He was elected to the office of NMU secretary-treasurer in 1978 and served in that position until January 1988. During his career, Martinez’s travels took him to San Pedro, Calif.; San Francisco where he met his wife, the former Pearl Friedman; to San Juan, P.R; the nonexistent, damaged or too primitive for ships to off-load their cargo at a pier. While MSC was a key player in the exercise, the U.S. Army’s Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., provided overall command and control for the exercise. Several other Army and Navy units—active duty and reserve—as well as the U.S. Maritime Administration, participated in the exercise. The USNS Red Cloud is operated for MSC by Maersk Line Limited, while Interocean American Shipping operates the MarAd’s USNS Chesapeake. Caribbean and South America. While in Puerto Rico, Martinez spearheaded a home-loan program with bankers that directly benefited NMU mariners. He also worked with SIU officials to create the Central Labor Council of Puerto Rico, an organization for which he later served as secretary-treasurer. Following 46 years of dedicated service to the NMU, Martinez retired in 1993. He moved his family to San Diego where he became a community activist and an icon for promising Hispanic fifth and sixth graders who attended inner city schools. He and his wife created the Tom and Pearl Martinez Foundation to provide financial incentives to this group of youths. Brother Martinez is survived by his wife, Pearl; one son, Frank Martinez; four granddaughters and three great grandchildren. His remains were buried at sea. September 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:16 PM Page 7 6 Recertified Stewards Learn Firsthand Role Politics Plays For the six students who graduated from the steward recertification program Aug. 7, the fourweek course was a real eye-opener as to how politics affects their lives and those of their fellow union members. As Ronald Drew, Kristin Krause, Julio Arzu, Lauren Oram, Brian Burchette and Stephen Bird approached the podium to accept their graduation certificates for completion of the course, each said a few words to those assembled at the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., including words of encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices and expressions of thanks to those who had helped them in their climb up the culinary ladder. Like most Paul Hall Center courses, steward recertification blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. Topics and training components of the fourweek course included communications, computer lab, first aid/ CPR, fire fighting, small arms training, sanitation, ice sculpting, nutrition and more. Students visited the headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. and met with representatives of the union’s contracts department and Seafarers Plans. It was there where they were able to watch a live CSPAN feed of a congressional session pertaining to the proposed TWIC card, which they found very exciting. They also took a trip to the Maritime Trades Department at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C. Ronald Drew, who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., said he had only good things to say about his experiences during the month-long course. A U.S. Navy veteran, Drew has been with the SIU for the past 15 years. He joined in Seattle in 1991 and has traveled the world many times. He was, nevertheless, struck by the strides that have been made during the last decade at the Paul Hall Center and the hard work of everyone involved to make the school what it is today. He found the Serve Safe course to be an extremely useful class and one that definitely will help him do a better job aboard ship. To the membership as a whole, and particularly to the unlicensed apprentices, he said, “We should all remember that we are a real commodity that officials like Mike Sacco, Augie Tellez, George Tricker and Dave Heindel try to sell to government agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard and the companies that hire us on a daily basis. The SIU mariner has to stand out. We have to study and work hard and make ourselves as marketable as possible. It translates into money for everyone.” He also added a few words of thanks to the staff and instructors at Piney Point—with special acknowledgement to Wilmington Port Agent John Cox and his staff for all the help they have given him over the years. Brian Burchette, Stephen Bird and Lauren Oram join forces to create a nutritious and tasty menu. Stephen Bird’s wife, Sharon, was able to join her husband for the graduation ceremony. September 2006 Working on her chili cook-off entry is Kristin Krause. During her turn at the podium, Kristin Krause spoke of the honor it was for her to be part of the recertified steward class. “I have been dreaming of this moment for 16 years,” she stated, “since the day I was sitting as a trainee in my first union meeting.” She was a member of Unlicensed Apprentice Class 473. Sailing from the port of Jacksonville, Fla., Krause thanked the union officials for dedicating their lives to protecting the American Merchant Marine. “Many of you don’t realize the countless hours these men put in on Capitol Hill,” she said, “and of keeping up with all the committees and subcommittees in Congress to ensure that the American Merchant Marine stays in full force.” She continued, “Until I attended this class, I was clueless on what it took to ensure the life of our industry. I am truly impressed and overwhelmed at the work it entails.” She noted how important it is for the SIU to continue to educate the politicians about maritime issues, including the Jones Act, and wished the entire membership could be privy to the hard work being done each day by the officials to help keep the union strong. Krause additionally gave thanks to Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware for his support and confidence in her and “gratitude to the hard-working staff of the school for taking the time to be there for me when I had questions. The culinary department, in particular, has really shown a positive attitude, and it has been a pleasure to learn from them.” To the trainees, she said, “I am standing here before you today. Sixteen years ago, I was one of you. So look up to us old-timers and learn from us. We will teach you, defend you, and when the time comes, we will depend on you to carry on. You are our future. Always hold your heads up high, believe in yourselves, and believe in the fact that if you work hard and aim high, you can achieve.” Julio Arzu expressed his pride at being part of the SIU and his pleasure at graduating with a great group of classmates. The newly recertified steward, who sails from the port of Houston, stressed to the unlicensed apprentices the importance of going to a ship and doing the best they can. “You are the future of the union,” he said. Lauren Oram said she started sailing out of New York in 1989 as a “C” card member. “It wasn’t the best of pay,” she stated, “but I stuck with it and kept on upgrading.” The experiences over the past years have been good ones, and the jobs pay well, she noted. Throughout the four weeks of the recertification course, Oram The recertified stewards enjoy the company of SIU officials at their final banquet. From the left (standing) are Ronald Drew, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Brian Burchette, Kristin Krause, Stephen Bird, SIU President Michael Sacco, Lauren Oram and (kneeling) Julio Arzu. As instructor John Hetmanski (right in left photo above) instructs, Julio Arzu cuts into a block of ice that will become a sculpture. At right, Ronald Drew cooks up a pot of chili. was able to improve her computer and first aid skills, and learn more about the SIU constitution and overall union education. She told the trainees to work hard and keep coming back to the Paul Hall Center to upgrade their skills. “Being at Piney Point is like one-stop shopping,” she said, “Everything you need to help you is here in one location. You can never stop learning.” Brian Burchette joined the SIU in 1986 in Honolulu aboard one of the cruise ships. Now sailing from the port of Tacoma, he has made it a continuing priority to upgrade his skills at the Paul Hall Center. He told the unlicensed apprentices that when they get their books, their obligations to themselves and their families—including the SIU family—begins, and that “it is important aboard ship to take pride in what you’re doing. Listen and learn. Everyone has something to offer.” Burchette thanked the union officials as well as the school and its staff and instructors for the great learning experience. The Serve Safe course was exceptional, he said, and the sharing of experiences with his classmates was extremely beneficial. He expressed renewed appreciation for the union and what it provides the membership. And seeing the TWIC debate live on CSPAN was particularly exciting for him. “I love what I do, and I take pride in what I do,” he concluded as he presented each member of his graduating class with a cap he created and had embroidered that contains the SIU logo and the words “Recertified Steward.” Stephen Bird is one of seven seafarers in his family, ranging from his father, who retired in 1993, to his nephew who is at the beginning of his career and sailing as an OS. “I can’t begin to tell you how many ways the SIU has affected all four generations,” he told the audience. He joined the union in 1991 and sails from the port of Boston. Bird thanked the union officials and “everyone behind the scenes. Without your continuous effort, the SIU would not be what it is today. Most of all, thank you for the opportunities you have given to all of us.” Bird found the CPR and first aid refreshers extremely valuable training. The nutrition course, in particular, he believes, will help him keep his crew trim and fit for duty. To the unlicensed apprentices, Bird said, “You, the future of the SIU, are about to become members of this union. We all have one goal: to continue to be the best union and seafarers in the world. The only way to do this is to follow in the footsteps of those before you. Through hard work, paying attention and working together with your fellow seamen as a family and as a team, you will achieve this common goal. Good luck, and see you on the ‘Big Blue.’” This logo, designed by Brian Burchette, adorned the caps that he gave out to each member of his graduating class. Seafarers LOG 7 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Page 8 Located at 1121 7th Street in Oakland, the hall is close to the waterfront. Photos above show front and back of new building. Seafarers: Oakland Hall Is Upgrade In two photos above, SIU President Michael Sacco welcomes guests to the ceremonial opening. Left: SIU Asst. VP Don Anderson, Recertified Steward Terry White Right: AB Victor Frazier, SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus Bosun George Pino holds the U.S. Merchant Marine flag during opening ceremonies with a U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard. The union in late July moved its operations from the old hall in San Francisco to a new facility in nearby ments and recent interior construction and upgrades Oakland, Calif., where it hosted a ceremonial grand ordered by the SIU. opening Aug. 17. As previously reported, the hall offers more than 30 Members didn’t take long to warm up to the parking spaces next to the new building, located at 1121 7th Street in building, with additional parkOakland. ing nearby. It includes a media “This move benefits the members,” said room for rank-and-file members Recertified Bosun Robert Natividad. “It’s a featuring a television and highvery nice hall and very convenient to the speed internet hookups; a classBART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and bus sysroom for off-site training; meettems. It’s outstanding.” ing and conference rooms and “Everything about it is more efficient, more other amenities. modern,” said GUDE/Wiper Melvin Ratcliff. Approximately 150 people “I really like it. I live maybe 10 minutes attended the grand opening, away.” including SIU officials AB Peter Koucky immediately noticed one President Mike Sacco, SIU President Michael Sacco key difference between the Oakland hall and addresses the crowd at the Executive Vice President Augie the old building on Fremont Street, which the Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer Oakland hall. union had occupied since 1980. “The new hall David Heindel as well as repreis well-lit,” he said. “The other one didn’t have much sentatives from other maritime unions, the U.S. Coast lighting. There’s lots of windows here. Guard and the U.S. Marine Corps. Oakland Mayor Jerry “It’s also much cleaner,” Koucky added. “It seems Brown sent a welcoming proclamation that was read well laid-out and I think it’s an improvement. So far, so aloud to the audience. good.” AB Mohsin Ali said, “The hall is in a good location, easy to get to with BART and the buses. It’s a good convenience for us.” Other members also noted the Oakland hall’s close proximity to the waterfront—it is located within easy walking distance of the Matson pier. The Oakland hall contains two stories plus a basement and is roughly 17,000 square feet. The facility is 60 years old but during the past few years has undergone major refurbishment, including structural SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Sec.-Treas. David Heindel, reinforceAsst. VP Nick Celona, VP Nick Marrone SIU Oakland Safety Director Kathy Chester assists Seafarer Mike Simpson at the counter. Right: AB Ramon Duran, QEP Marcelino Cayabyab, DEU Emmanuel Bayani Jr. These three photos show some of the Seafarers and guests who turned out for the grand opening Aug. 17. 8 Seafarers LOG September 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:16 PM Page 9 Training, Teamwork Pay Off Pride of America’s Deck Dept. Always Gets the Job Done The SIU-crewed Pride of America has just celebrated its first anniversary of service in the Hawaiian Islands. Before working aboard the Pride of America (and its sister ships in the NCL America fleet, the Pride of Aloha and the Pride of Hawaii), crew members must pass a basic safety training course. Many completed their studies at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. But safety instruction does not stop there. It is a continuing process in all three departments to meet the vessel’s safety needs. Through teamwork and regular training, the The staff captain looks on as AB Mikhail deck department, for example, keeps the cruise Pinchevskiy and Bosun Manolo Delos ship seaworthy—working 24 hours a day/seven Santos maneuver the life raft from Deck 6. days a week—maintaining readiness from island to island. The photos accompanying this article were sent to the LOG by AB Chuck Palmer, who knows firsthand that the work his department does helps the passengers and other crew members maximize the enjoyment of their voyage both aboard ship and while on shore in a friendly and safe manner. Next to the vessel, nine life boats are guided in an oval course between set points to familiarize the crew with how to launch, retrieve and maneuver them in windy conditions. Mates utilize the MOB (man overboard) boat to retrieve the 35-person life raft (left), which was deployed for the annual Coast Guard inspection. Above, a team of deck department members then have the task of deflating the raft. The crew uses leverage to stow heavy gear. Clockwise from right are Bosun Manolo Delos Santos, AB Carlos Ajona Cano, AB Mark Wyn, OS Duane Reber and AB Mikhail Pinchevskiy. A few members of the deck department team haul the raft aboard the ship platform, which opens to the water level from the hull, midships. The ship anchors in Kona harbor every Wednesday, and tender boats carry the passengers safely to shore and back. Helping guests board the tender are OS Junior Augustin (left) and OS Duane Reber. Working on the stern are (from left) OS Mustapha Abubakari, OS Junior Augustin and Deck Repairman Elias Ayalen. Ode to the Deck Crew by AB Chuck Palmer Day in and day out, the deck crew is there. When a new day dawns, the monkey fist is thrown and the ship is securely tied to another dock in another Hawaiian Island. The gangway comes down, and the deck crew is there. Passengers and other crew members exalt to the delights of a new and exciting day. And the deck crew is there. The bulkheads need rinsing, tenderboats need caring, the deck needs painting and teak wood needs oiling. A myriad of jobs await the attention of apprentices, cadets, OSs, ABs and mates alike. Handling the stern line are (from left) AB Regina Ewing, AB Michael Dempster, 3rd Mate Dan Leobel, AB Carlos Arjona Cano, AB Frederick Martinez, Deck Repairman Elias Ayalen and OS Riesel Pardilla. AB Ulysses Estigoy does a highwire act maintaining the bigtop over the Waikiki Bar on Deck 13. As another long day gives way to night, the deck crew is there. All lines are hauled in and the gangway comes up. Across the blue waters another island beckons. Not long after happy heads sink into comfy pillows, the night crew comes out. Decks are scrubbed down, pools are set to the proper PH and spas are readied for another day’s fun and relaxation. High above, a lone watchstander stands vigil at the helm. Throughout the night the mates and ABs scan everything in sight, doing their part to bring her on in safely to another port in paradise. From the towering cliffs of the Napali coast to the teeming lava flows of Kilauea, the deck crew gets you there. As she steams into Kona, the deck crew is there. Before the sun arrives on the scene, the ship is set and the tenderboats are dropped to the heaving sea. And the deck crew is there. Two thousand passengers set out for shore. From ship to boat, boat to pier and back again until the sun again drops out of the sky, the deck crew is at it. Crew members sometimes get to take advantage of the recreational opportunities that abound during overnight stops. AB Chuck Palmer, who sent these photos to the LOG, rents a Harley In Nawiliwili, Kauai. September 2006 Days turn into weeks and weeks into months and nary a single day is taken off. The toil is endless for the crew. For reward, they ask for naught. For that is the seafarer’s S.T.Y.L.E. [Service, Teamwork and Yes Lead to Excellence] Keeping up with necessary maintenance, AB Carlos Ramos is at work on Deck 11 at the Aloha Cafe. Some people say that the seafaring way is a lonely way. Be that as it may; day in and day out, night in and night out . . . the deck crew is there. Seafarers LOG 9 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19.qxp 8/28/2006 9:05 PM Page 10 CIVMARS Rescue Liberian Fishermen The fleet ocean tug USNS Apache, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, rescued seven fishermen whose canoes capsized in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia on Aug. 14. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the 226-foot Apache was two nautical miles west of the harbor entrance when the ship came upon five men struggling in the water next to their canoe. “Several of us saw the overturned boat and people in the water around 2:45 p.m.,” Apache civil service master Capt. Charles Rodriguez told the agency. “I immediately called the chief mate to tell him to get out to the site as quickly as possible.” AB Jeremy Guyet and Chief Mate Troy Bruemmer were in the harbor aboard the ship’s rigid hull inflatable boat observing pier repair operation when they received the call for help. “They were on scene picking the first of the five victims out of the water within 10 minutes,” said Rodriguez. “They hauled the fisherman into the boat, huddled them together and covered them because they appeared to be in the first stages of hypothermia.” Guyet and Bruemmer were transiting to the port with the canoe’s crew when they saw two more fishermen struggling in the water. After rescuing them, the two crew members returned all seven men to dry land. MSC reported that this was the second rescue operation in five days conducted by the Apache. Less than a week earlier, the ship also came to the aid of fellow mariners at the Port of Monrovia, putting out a fire that was raging aboard the foreign-flag commercial freighter Tahoma Reefer. The USNS Apache is one of the Military Sealift Command’s four fleet ocean tugs that provide towing, diving platforms and other services to Navy combatant ships at sea. Official U.S. Navy Photo The Apache has been in Liberia’s capital city of Monrovia since Aug. 9. Sailors from the ship’s embarked Mobile Diving Salvage Unit Two conducted repairs on the Port of Monrovia’s commercial pier and surveyed the harbor. The Apache is one of MSC’s four fleet ocean tugs that provide towing, diving platforms and other services to Navy combatant ships at sea. It also is one of MSC’s 33 Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force ships, which are civil service-crewed and provide underway replenishment and other direct support to Navy combatant ships at sea. The agency notes that these ships “allow Navy vessels to remain at sea, on station and able to perform their mission.” This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually, includes important information about the funding level of Seafarers Pension Plan, Plan Number 001, Employer Identification Number 13-6100329 (Plan). This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency.1 This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2005 and ending December 31, 2005 (Plan Year). Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was 116 pecent. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefits payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets as of Dec. 31, 2005 was $ 633,211,520.00. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $ 30,780,217.00. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 20:1. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 20 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Margaret R. Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7242. 1 Rules Governing Insolvent Plans: Federal Law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse finan- 10 Seafarers LOG Liberian fishermen whose canoes capsized 2 nautical miles outside the Port of Monrovia huddle aboard a rigid hull inflatable boat launched from the USNS Apache after being rescued by Apache crew members including members of the SIU Government Services Division. Notice: SIU Message to Unlicensed CIVMARS Concerning MSC-Issued Letters of Indoctrination or Shipboard Orientation Notices August 10, 2006 CIVMAR PROTECTIONS AND RIGHTS ABOARD MSC VESSELS The SIU’s Government Services Division recently learned that unlicensed CIVMARS on some vessels may be required to sign a letter of indoctrination or orientation notice once they board their assigned ship. These letters or notices may be several pages long. The letters supposedly outline shipboard rules and other conditions of employment aboard the ship. One such letter stated, “The ship is governed by the Civilian Marine Personnel Instructions (CMPI) not by any union agreement that may be in effect. All work, pay disciplinary, etc. matters will be handled in accordance ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN Introduction Official U.S. Navy Photo cial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC: The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency. Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. with the CMPI. Should you wish to refer to the CMPI, see the Chief Mate. If you have a pay dispute, you should complete a pay dispute form. The completed form will be reviewed by the Master and, if necessary, forwarded to the APMC for a final ruling.” This statement is inaccurate and constitutes an unfair labor practice. Upon learning that CIVMARS on certain vessels were being required to sign this type of document, the union immediately contacted the Labor and Employee Relations Department at Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (MSFSC). The union’s goal was to correct this procedure as quickly as possible. The vessel captain issuing this statement was notified immediately and was required to change the language. The union has requested other remedies to this situation and is still working with MSFSC to accomplish this. The union will consider taking other action if an agreement on the proper remedies cannot be reached. If you have been required to sign a letter, notice or statement like this it is very important that you contact your union representative immediately. It is important to send a copy of the statement if possible. The union collective bargaining agreement contains language which sets forth CIVMARS’ rights and protections aboard the vessel. It includes language concerning pay practices, health and safety and many other conditions of employment. To understand your complete set of rights and obligations while on assignment, you must seek guidance from the collective bargaining agreement and the CMPI. In addition to these two documents, there have been memorandums and agreements made by the union and MSC throughout the years to address grievances and other issues. If you have any questions about vessel conditions of employment, send them to civmar- CIVMAR Notice This article’s purpose is to update CIVMARS regarding the status of the Days Inn Norfolk (Va.) hotel habitability grievance. This grievance was filed to address the sub-standard habitability conditions faced by East Coast CIVMARS required to stay at this facility. The union’s investigation of the hotel documented dirty rooms, mold, roaches, bed bugs, safety issues and other problems. To continue its grievance investigation, the union requested information from MSC including the Environmental Health report that was conducted to evaluate the facility. When MSC refused to release the report, the union filed an unfair labor practice with the Federal Labor Relations Authority. MSC then released the report to the union. Proactive East Coast CIVMARS support@seafarers.org or contact your union representative. Each CIVMAR has the following basic rights aboard the vessel or at the CSU: „ To have a union representative, shipboard delegate or another person of your choosing present if you are directed to participate in an investigation/discussion which you believe may lead to a disciplinary action. „ To file grievances under the collective bargaining agreement including those involving pay or overtime disputes. „ To distribute union literature while you are off watch to other CIVMARS who are off watch or on breaks. „ To hold union meetings with your shipmates during off watch periods. „ To be free of supervisory intimidation because of your union activities or other actions. „ To wear or display a union insignia. If you have any questions, contact your SIU Government Services Division representative at your union hall or via email at: civmarsupport@seafarers.org 635 4th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 Phone: (718) 499-6600 Fax: (718) 499-6254 115 Third Street Norfolk, VA 23510 Phone: (757) 622-1892 Fax: (757) 624-3578 1121 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 444-2360 Fax: (510) 444-5587 have worked with the union to assist in the grievance process, provide information and support as this case has proceeded. The case is expected to go to arbitration this fall. An arbitrator will determine whether CIVMARS will be entitled to habitability pay and, if so, in what amount. Persistence, initiative and vigilance have paid off for East Coast CIVMARS. CIVMAR efforts, in partnership with the union, have prompted MSC to re-evaluate the Norfolk hotel quarters issue. The union last month learned that a Request for Proposal has been posted by MSC requesting that hotels in the Norfolk area bid for MSC’s contracted hotel quarters business. Any hotel which applies must meet or exceed a AAA three diamond rating. The union will keep CIVMARS updated on this issue. September 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:43 PM Page 11 Instructor Oakley Pays Tribute to Bill Saul Editor’s note: William Repass Saul, 80, passed away July 15 in Leonardtown, Md. As was reported in the August 2006 LOG, Saul was a retired official who worked with and for the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The following tribute to Saul was submitted by Mitch Oakley, a member of the school’s staff and one of many people whose life Saul impacted. William R. (Bill) Saul “Bigger than Life.” In a simple world, that statement would sum up Mr. Bill Saul. That was my first impression in 1969. As an adolescent making a difficult move to Maryland from South Carolina in the junior year of high school, Bill’s bigger-than-life activities became my focus. Mr. Saul was then president of Steuart Transportation Company, sister of Steuart Petroleum Company. He and his mentor, senior Mr. Steuart, had transformed a coal and ice delivery business into a multi-million dollar petroleum storage and transportation venture. Bill was a hands-on executive, at home in coveralls and jeans as well as designer suits. He was as keen in the shipyard as he was in the boardroom. Whether singlehanding his 46-foot Cal, the Salty Lady, or piloting a Cessna 91000, his corporate aircraft, Bill was always a source of inspiration. What young person could resist the appeal of his energy? To assume that Bill Saul was all business was a mistake. He savored life more than anyone I have ever known. Consummate businessman, world class entertainer, and always a gentleman, his fatal flaw was his huge heart. Bill always had time to help and kept a special place for children. He would wipe away papers, and children would find toys in a special drawer of his massive desk. Bill was backed up and always supported by Linda Scott, seldom seen but always appreciated. Bill always had time to devote to me. He answered every question, no matter how busy he was. He fostered me from grass cutter to operations manager, guiding me to graduate Kings Point in the process. I literally had two fathers. After the loss of his mentor and the heartless demise of their With Seafarers in Puerto Rico AB Jorge Santiago (right) shows one of his certificates from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hall in Santurce. QMED Joel Encarnacion applies for his “A” book at the hall in Puerto Rico. True Brotherhood Strong on the Tacoma The Brotherhood of the Sea is alive and well aboard the Horizon Tacoma, for not only is there one set of brothers working on the ship, but two! Third Mate Rafik Shahbin recently joined his brother, Mohamed Alsinai, who sails as an electrician, and AB Anwar Alsharif works on the vessel with his brother, DEU Majed Alsharif. Shahbin, a 12-year SIU member, currently is sailing on his license for the first time. After working as an AB/watchstander, pursuing his license seemed to him the next logical step in his seagoing career. And it was his older brother, Mohamed (who holds a third assistant engineer’s license) who encouraged him to do so. Anwar Alsharif enjoys spending time outdoors, so the deck department was a perfect fit for him. His brother, Majed, on the September 2006 other hand, enjoys mechanical work and preferred the engine department. As dayworkers, they particularly enjoy being on the same schedule so they can spend their free time together. Both sets of brothers agree the Tacoma is a good ship with dedicated crew members. When asked if there were any downsides to sailing with a family corporate creation, Bill surprised even me with his ability to remain on character. The Seafarers International Union, SIU, had the foresight to involve Bill as their vice president of inland affairs. What a splendid way to cap a long and mutually respectful relationship: allow a great maritime figure to share his expertise and industry goodwill. I was so grateful to see him smile during those twilight years. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to love and learn from Bill Saul. Those “right seat” times in the 91000, quiet moments on the Chesapeake in the Salty Lady, watching him work to heal lives when disaster struck in an explosion in the 80s, carrying the briefcase and listening as energy policy and strategy was shaped all showed the character of William Saul. Not until he helped me bury my father and mother did I realize the depths of his compassion. Thank you, Bill, for always having a glass half full. Your sharing spirit will continue to inspire those of us you touched. With all respect and love, “Monster” Mitch Oakley New Full Book Members Pictured aboard the El Morro are Chief Electrician Monroe Monseur (left) and Bosun Roan Lightfoot. Taking a brief and wellearned break on the Horizon Hawaii are (from left) GUDE Juan Rosario, Chief Steward Carlos Sanchez and QMED Orlando Herrera. Bill Saul member, they couldn’t name one. The Horizon Tacoma is a D7 class vessel, sailing from Tacoma, Wash. with calls in Anchorage, Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Thanks to Dorene Molise Dunn, the chief cook aboard the Horizon Tacoma, for sending the LOG this information and accompanying photo. During the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., James Bennefield (left) and David Brewster (right) were awarded their full union books. Congratulating them is Piney Point Port Agent Edd Morris, who read them the oath of obligation. ATTENTION SEAFARERS: HELP SPAD HELP YOU Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation Rafik Shahbin is at left aboard the Horizon Tacoma. His brother, Mohamed Alsinai, was unavailable when the photo was taken. The other set of brothers aboard the vessel is Majed (center) and Anwar Alsharif. Seafarers LOG 11 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19X.qxp 8/30/2006 7:36 PM Page 12 BOLAND PRESQUE ISLE BUFFALO The crew of the John J. Boland (American Steamship Company) gives thumbs up for the new Great Lakes Standard Frieghtship Agreement while docked in Superior, Wis. loading coal. McCARTHY The crew of the Presque Isle (Key Lakes/Great Lakes Fleet) unanimously approved the new agreement. From the left are SA Terri Sales, AB William Root, GUDE Jesse Parente, AB Abulwali Suwaileh, AB Richard Bennett and GUDE Tawfiq Saleh. From the left, AB Wheelsman Charles Richardson, Gateman Mohamed Ahmed, GUDE Mageed Ahmed and Recertified Bosun Diego Hatch approve the new agreement aboard the Buffalo. Seafarers Ratify Standard Contracts ADAM E. CORNELIUS Bosun David Grieg (left) and Rep Chad Partridge show their approval on the Walter J. McCarthy in Superior, Wis. BURNS HARBOR Reviewing the agreement aboard the Burns Harbor (American Steamship Company) are (from left) Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, AB Resat Diler, AB Randall McArthur, GUDEs Nasser Omar and Ahmed Algalham, AB Daniel Breyer and GUDE Ahmed Almlhany. GREEN LAKE As reported in detail in the August editio members this summer overwhelmingly ratif ship and tanker agreements along with (sep standard freightship agreement. Each of the ulates annual wage increases and maintains level, among other highlights. Voting took place the past two months ab ships and at membership meetings and spec Crew members aboard the Adam E. Cornelius (American halls. Overall, more than 98 percent of the v Steamship Company) give the agreement a thumbs up. From the favor of the respective agreements, which to left are Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, ABs Michael Larson, retroactively June 16, 2006 and which run t Richard Lee and Charles Lamb. 2011. Pictured on are Seafarers ST. MARY’S CHALLENGER ALASKAN EXPLORER mation about aboard ship an agreements. A age appeared 7 of last mont remains availa www.seafarer Aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger (HMC Ship Management) in Milwaukee, Wis., more crew members show their approval of the new agreement. METEOR PUGET SOUND CORNHUSKER STATE CAPE HORN Ratifying the agreement on the Cornhusker State are (from left) Elect. Sterner Clothier, CS Adde George, Elect. Gary McDonald and Recertified Bosun Scott Palen. 12 Seafarers LOG September 2006 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19.qxp 8/29/2006 10:45 AM Page 13 CAPE RACE & CAPE RISE FLICKERTAIL STATE CAPE MAY Crew members from the Cape Race and Cape Rise ratify the contract. They are (from the right) Bosun Gerald E. McIntyre, QEE James Atwell, GVA Cameron Miller, AB Robert Kirk, Recertified Steward Kenneth Long, QMED Martin Allred and AB Phillip Harmon. On the Flickertail State are Wiper James Burke, CS Michael Pooler, QEE Mann B. Aroon, AB Stacey Twiford and Bosun David Brown. REGULUS & DENEBOLA Raising their hands in favor of the agreement on the Cape May are (from left) Bosun Blair Baker, Elect. Randy Pearson, QMED Jerome Slade and AB Robert White. dition of the Seafarers LOG, SIU ratified the new standard freight(separately) the new Great Lakes f the contracts spans five years, stiptains health benefits at the Core Plus hs aboard nearly 200 SIU-crewed special meetings conducted at the the votes were in ich took effect CAPE RAY run through June 15, ed on these two pages rers receiving inforbout the contracts hip and voting on the nts. Additional coverared on pages 3, 6 and month’s LOG and available online at farers.org. HORIZON TRADER Included in the voting process are Regulus and Denebola crew members Chief Steward Rudy Lopez, Wiper Howard Vick, Wiper Natan Jenkins, Bosun Larry Ambrous, AB Joe Willis, AB Timothy Kacer, OS Leander Garrett, CSKS Arica Shaw and Elect. Earl Ebbert. ALASKAN FRONTIER MAERSK VERMONT Having their votes counted in the ratification process on the Cape Ray are (from left) QMED Brad Neathery, QEE Antoine Jennings, GVA Melvin Smith, and AB Joe Murphy GREAT LAND CAPE GIRARDEAU MAHI MAHI KEYSTONE STATE GRAND CANYON STATE GEM STATE HORIZON ENTERPRISE ITB NEW YORK September 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:16 PM Page 14 Lummus Cookies Are a Big Hit John Bozzi is a third mate aboard the SIUcrewed USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. His cousin, Patrick Anderson, is with the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment, which is stationed in Kuwait to perform air medevac missions in support of ground troops in Kuwait and southern Iraq. When Anderson made a personal request of his cousin for some home-baked cookies, the galley gang on the Lummus didn’t hesitate to fire up their ovens. More than 20 dozen cookies were sent to Anderson’s squadron of about 120 personnel. Also included in the package of goodies were some ship’s T-shirts, ball caps, an official ship photo and a biography of Jack Lummus. According to Anderson, his squadron is composed of six aircraft, about 40 aircrewmen and pilots and eight corpsmen. The rest are aircraft maintainers and support people. “We have two aircraft on a 15-minute medevac alert 24-7,” Anderson wrote. “Once we get the call, we have the aircraft off deck within 15 minutes and head out to pick up the patient(s) wherever they are and take them to a higher level of care (advanced hospital). We carry one corpsman in the back to provide en route medical care.” Judging from the pictures of the cookie recipients, it looks as if the Lummus gift was a really delicious morale booster for the hard-working group who are helping save American lives in the war-torn areas of the world. Cook/Baker Evelyn Tayag (left) and 3rd Mate John Bozzi roll the cookie dough into little balls, ready for baking. In the foreground are some of the other items that were packaged up along with the cookies. Maritime Day on the Jeremiah O’Brien Fresh from the oven (left), the cookies are left to cool and then packaged up for shipment. The Naval Air Ambulance Detachment receives the boxes of goodies (left). Once opened (right), it seems as though the cookies, in particular, were a big hit and a terrific morale booster. Bosun’s Newsletter Offers Direction to Crews Recertified Bosun Daniel Teichman began writing and distributing a shipboard newsletter years ago in an effort to bring everybody together and give them something to talk about other than each other. The newsletter, which contains a mix of practical tips and observations, is circulated every other week when he’s sailing. The length varies—sometimes its’s a single page, other times it’s much longer. Below is the content of Teichman’s most recent edition, which gets to the core of personal fulfillment. Bosun’s Newsletter 06-06-06 “The Rattle of Musket Fire” At the southern end of the Suez Canal, a lonely monument sits with a small plaque, noticed by few and visited by less. The small inscription tells the story of how the French started the canal. On this site was to stand the gateway light with its matching sister at the northern end. Plagued by civil unrest and local labor problems, and coupled with political turmoil at home caused the French to fall from the picture and turn the project over to the British. All, that is, except for the two light statues already cast of bronze and steel and still stored in a warehouse in France. Magnificent structures meant to light the north and south of France’s great achievement. Jammie DaHat has no ties to bind him; he has for many years lived at the Spelling Residential Hotel, $200 per week, bath down the hall, laundry on the third floor. Jammie has no savings or checking 14 Seafarers LOG Asst. VP Government Services Chester Wheeler and SIU Rep Kathy Chester pose with the SIU wreath aboard the Jeremiah O’Brien for a Maritime Day remembrance. account, no personal relationships, and he drinks at the bar downstairs every night and exchanges vivid and glorious sea stories. The French, being a little arrogant, could not have these great works of art reminding the world of France’s failure. Jammie walks the 12 blocks every day to the union hall. Along the way, he encounters the usual assortment of homeless, opening the door for him at the fast food joint or begging in hopes of a few coins. He scoffs at them and he continues his daily ritual and walk. There are a lot of homeless—men, women and children. People without direction, people with little hope and no more dreams, people without homes and certainly no way to get there. In time, Jammie reaches his destination, assumes his usual spot at the corner table in the “hall.” From here, he holds court for all who would engage him, freely dispensing his convictions and advice on job, union, taxes, relationships and, indeed, on life itself. Jammie likes who he is and what he is, and he knows where he belongs: a full book member in the Seafarers International Union. Means and opportunity, the ability to earn an above-average income, he gets his money at payoff in what most would consider a very large sum of cash. Not to mention the vacation monies and unemployment benefits. Yes, Jammie could build a very secure future with home and hearth for himself. Security. Congratulations, Jammie! The French, in need of political support, National Maritime Day in San Francisco was celebrated both May 20 and 21 aboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien. The all-volunteer crew aboard the World War II Liberty ship welcomed visitors for its third International Memorial cruise, remembering that 12 years ago, they were sailing to Normandy for the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and the liberation of Europe. That trip, noted Rear Adm. Thomas J. Patterson USMS (Ret.), chairman and CEO of the National Liberty Ship Memorial, was “made possible by a 51-year-old ship, a volunteer crew of veterans averaging 72 years of age, and many wonderful supporters in America, France, England and around the world.” Following the presentation of colors, national anthems of the United States, France, England and Canada (allies in the war) and remarks by guest speakers, there was a roll call of all veterans from past conflicts, a laying of wreaths and a rifle salute by the Marine Guard. Asst. VP Government Services Chester Wheeler and SIU Rep Kathy Chester were in attendance and presented the SIU wreath. Chester noted that she felt honored and proud to take part in the ceremony. She also was pleased to be able to share the day with her mother, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday and enjoyed reminiscing about her days as a “Rosie” (the Riveter) as well as sharing stories of her father, who was a merchant mariner during and shortly after World War II. The ship, now owned and operated by the National Liberty Ship Memorial, was open to visitors, who had an opportunity to view the engine room, flying bridge, gun tabs and watch the radio department demonstrate Morse Code transmissions. aid and trade agreements with the United States, remembered those long-forgotten light towers and decided to present them as gifts to the two largest gateway cities in the U.S.A. The first was to go to San Francisco and was scheduled out on a ship bound through the Suez Canal, the Far East and on to the City by the Bay. However, misfortune befell them once more. A dockside strike and more unrest prevented the loading, and the fate of the first tower was sealed. To this day, she lies on her side, lonely and forgotten in a warehouse in France. Six months later, the second loading took place without incident, and the once southern tower was destined for a new life in New York, searching for success in the new world like the thousands of immigrants who journeyed by sea to a new land. Many thousands passed that small fort island in New York’s inner harbor and looked upon the face of another immigrant as the symbol of new freedom and a better way of life. As with many immigrants, our lady light tower took a new American name, The Statue of Liberty. Any life may start in one direction and find itself in a distant place. So now you know the rest of the story. In my little story, the names are always fictional, but the stories and facts are true. So goodbye Jammie DaHat. You will never appear again, but a final word to you, my other character will always be with us, and in a way says this the best. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother. Once you become a seaman, you have defined who you are for the rest of your life. But not yet what you would become as a citizen, and you do not yet know where you belong. When you pretend to be, you are pretending only for yourself. When you hide what you are, you are expressing for all to see the failing of one’s self. Only a “home” can bring you full maturity, respect and financial security Home and hearth, security for you and yours. By who you are, the opportunities afforded you by this union and great nation has this gift been put in your hands. But it is for you to decide at the day of payoff. Travel this great nation, find small-town America, find your home and where you belong. As an SIU bosun, I am committed to trying to make you not only a better seaman and citizen of my ship, but a better seaman citizen of this nation. Thought, discussion and debate. A tip of the white cap to my wife, Janet, for her encouragement and support. You are whom I most admire and who I hope someday to become. A tip of the white cap to Mike, Augie, Nick, Bart and George, a few of the union officials and their staffs. After my recent visit to Camp Springs and Washington, D.C., I stand humbled by my observances. Your hard work, devotion and passion to improving and preserving this union and, indeed, the whole of the U.S. shipping industry, has caused me to re-assert myself and in some small way improve and educate those around me. To be that positive voice in a room filled with dissension. Not a good job, but a great job!!! A moment of silence, please. (Not this ship’s bosun) but The BOS’N September 2006 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea October & November 2006 Membership Meetings JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2006 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 5 0 6 8 0 9 49 31 0 8 16 44 17 23 6 1 10 1 38 36 3 4 3 18 6 8 40 24 3 12 11 22 19 10 4 3 10 10 24 18 1 3 2 3 0 2 6 3 2 5 3 10 8 3 4 0 2 2 10 13 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 4 8 1 10 40 28 0 11 12 19 14 18 4 0 6 0 26 23 308 252 82 225 0 0 6 3 1 8 15 17 1 6 5 11 10 13 0 3 2 1 20 13 1 0 5 7 5 3 8 18 1 6 6 16 15 7 3 2 2 0 18 10 1 1 1 5 0 1 9 5 0 0 2 4 9 2 0 0 1 2 5 18 0 0 2 7 1 7 12 14 0 8 10 10 7 5 0 4 1 0 10 11 135 133 66 1 0 3 3 2 4 24 17 0 6 6 19 7 22 4 3 0 0 17 27 1 0 2 7 3 9 4 14 0 5 2 7 10 4 0 4 4 2 9 4 0 0 1 0 1 0 6 3 0 1 3 4 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 1 3 4 15 2 1 27 11 2 6 8 12 14 5 2 12 5 7 19 14 170 0 0 1 3 0 2 5 4 1 1 3 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 4 9 38 1 1 6 6 0 2 14 12 1 1 5 16 9 5 2 0 3 0 27 7 118 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 109 0 0 4 6 1 5 7 14 0 5 4 5 16 3 2 2 6 3 10 10 103 0 0 1 3 0 5 5 3 0 1 2 3 7 1 0 0 1 2 1 8 43 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 9 0 3 1 4 7 1 1 1 4 0 7 5 49 165 91 24 127 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 3 0 2 1 3 1 5 0 0 2 0 3 4 2 0 4 6 1 10 24 20 0 7 2 29 13 15 1 3 3 2 20 12 3 1 1 10 1 8 11 18 0 3 7 12 27 8 0 26 1 1 9 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 3 4 1 0 3 3 3 5 5 10 0 2 3 2 8 2 1 3 0 0 2 2 55 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 2 0 1 0 2 1 1 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 0 2 5 16 8 0 3 1 25 5 4 1 7 3 1 8 7 0 1 2 4 0 3 12 5 0 1 5 6 16 6 1 18 0 0 6 1 6 0 14 21 2 16 73 56 1 15 23 86 24 37 8 1 17 3 66 57 8 8 7 25 10 8 55 37 3 19 20 35 35 19 5 6 14 13 42 28 3 4 3 4 1 2 18 11 2 6 6 28 12 5 5 0 5 2 18 15 526 397 150 0 0 10 5 1 11 23 31 1 11 11 37 14 21 3 2 5 2 29 20 2 2 8 7 6 4 18 31 3 10 10 17 17 9 4 2 3 1 26 13 2 1 3 7 1 1 14 9 1 1 1 10 9 2 2 0 1 2 10 18 237 193 95 1 0 5 7 3 12 41 34 1 11 8 45 12 37 4 4 1 1 27 48 0 0 1 10 4 14 7 13 0 7 5 10 17 7 0 2 5 2 16 12 0 0 2 2 1 0 10 3 1 0 4 6 3 0 0 0 0 1 4 4 0 0 0 2 0 1 5 3 0 0 2 13 5 11 1 0 0 1 8 4 56 302 132 41 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 6 9 5 0 1 3 11 2 6 0 0 2 0 7 2 3 5 3 14 1 12 35 33 0 8 7 56 22 25 1 7 5 1 28 14 10 5 2 17 1 12 22 33 0 4 6 34 29 13 0 12 1 1 13 15 31 174 150 18 99 87 0 55 280 230 639 650 322 479 427 183 223 1,120 1,002 516 *“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 2006 Piney Point .............Monday: October 2, November 6 Algonac ..................Friday: October 6 ................................Monday: November 13* .................................(*change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) Baltimore ................Thursday: October 5, November 9 Boston.....................Friday: October 6 ................................Monday: November 13* .................................(*change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) Guam ......................Thursday: October 19 ................................Friday: November 24* .................................(*change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) Honolulu .................Friday: October 13, November 17 Houston ..................Tuesday: October 10* ................................Monday: November 13 .................................(*change created by Columbus Day holiday) Jacksonville ............Thursday: October 5, November 9 Joliet .......................Thursday: October 12, November 16 Mobile ....................Wednesday: October 11, November 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: October 10, November 14 New York................Tuesday: October 3, November 7 Norfolk ...................Thursday: October 5, November 9 Oakland ..................Thursday: October 12, November 16 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: October 4, November 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: October 12, November 16 San Juan..................Thursday: October 5, November 9 St. Louis..................Friday: October 13, November 17 Tacoma ...................Friday: October 20, November 24 Wilmington.............Monday: October 16, November 20 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 2 3 0 8 20 13 0 3 5 5 10 17 4 1 2 1 18 14 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Inland Career Opportunities – Immediate Job Openings The SIU has openings in the inland division. Interested individuals who possess either a 1,600-ton master’s license (with near coastal or ocean endorsements) along with an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) STCW certificate; or a designated duty engineer (DDE) 5,000 hp or greater license are encouraged to contact Bart Rogers at the union’s manpower office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5317 for additional information. In Texas, the SIU has immediate openings aboard harbor tugs. Interested individuals who possess either a mate or master’s license (inland) greater than 200 GRT, or are licensed as a chief or assistant engineer (6,000 hp or greater) are encouraged to contact Jim McGee at the SIU hall in Houston, (713) 659-5152. Notice The union opened its new hall in Oakland, Calif. in late July. Contact information for the new hall is as follows, including the West Coast Government Services Division office: 1121 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 444-2360 Fax: (510) 444-5587 The new SHBP clinic for the Oakland hall is located at: Concentra Medical Centers 384 Embarcadero West Oakland, CA 94607 Phone: (510) 465-9565 Fax: (510) 465-3840 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday With the exception of drug tests, all services will be by appointment, and appointments will be made by the staff at the Oakland union hall. Seafarers LOG 15 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 8:59 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 7 4 1 2 13 0 0 4 31 1 3 2 0 6 0 0 1 13 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 7 1 0 13 0 0 4 29 1 3 2 0 5 0 0 1 12 0 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 7 0 5 8 0 8 3 1 1 26 14 24 1 20 28 0 1 1 89 1 7 0 7 23 0 0 0 38 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 9 11 0 5 12 0 0 2 39 1 3 0 1 7 0 0 0 12 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 3 1 1 2 0 0 1 11 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 Port 0 3 1 1 2 0 0 1 8 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 6 6 1 0 3 0 0 0 16 1 1 2 0 4 1 0 0 9 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 5 1 3 1 0 3 0 0 0 8 1 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 7 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 9 15 2 4 12 0 0 0 42 1 4 0 1 17 0 0 1 24 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 4 Totals All Departments 58 25 16 45 21 14 34 170 74 15 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST 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 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 The above photo was sent to the LOG by Bernard C. Winn of San Francisco. It is of himself taken on the stern of the SS Frank Drumm while in Honolulu in 1942. He was sailing as an AB. Also (above right) is a copy of the front pages from his SIU membership book from the same period. Note that Winn has book number “6” in the Pacific region. Before joining the SIU, Brother Winn sailed out of the Sailors Union of the Pacific hall as a permit “member.” And before that, he shipped out of the Scandinavian Seamen’s Club (union). His home port was San Francisco, but he also sailed from Seattle and Wilmington. Winn withdrew from the SIU in May of 1944 when he got his 3rd mate’s license and joined Local 90 of the Masters, Mates and Pilots Union. In 1970, he worked on tugs and tour boats in San Francisco Bay, shipping out of the Inland Boatman’s Union. Currently a member of the Golden Gate Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, Brother Winn was pleased to be one of the guests last winter at the SIU hall in San Francisco for their annual holiday dinner. 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 2006 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 9:00 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 MIGUEL BARBOSA, 65, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Barbosa joined the SIU in 1987. During his seafaring career, he was a member of the steward department, sailing in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Brother Barbosa first worked aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. His most recent voyage was on the USNS Denebola. Brother Barbosa calls Humacao, P.R. home. JAMES COLLINS, 65, began his seafaring career in 1989 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Collins shipped in the deep sea and inland divisions. His first voyage was aboard a Seabulk tanker. Brother Collins was a member of the steward department. He last went to sea on a Waterman Steamship vessel. Brother Collins makes his home in his native state of Alabama. MAXIMO DISING, 56, joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Dising’s first ship was MooreMcCormack’s Robin Goodfellow. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the engine department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Dising sailed on the PFC Eugene A. Obregon. He lives in Meraux, La. ment in the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Reyes initially worked aboard Crowley Towing’s San Juan. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Producer. Brother Reyes makes his home in Catano, P.R. Company. Boatman Maaskant was born in the Netherlands and worked in the deck department. His most recent voyage was on a Moran Towing of Maryland vessel. Boatman Maaskant calls Selbyville, Del. home. NEFTALI SANTANA, 64, began sailing with the SIU in 1967. His first ship was the Steel Scientist. Brother Santana, who is a native of Puerto Rico, was a member of the deck department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Santana shipped aboard the Commitment. He now lives in Orlando, Fla. HENRY METALLO, 62, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Metallo, who sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Maritrans, continues to live in his native state of Maryland. RICHARD SURRICK, 65, became a Seafarer in 1974, first shipping on the Raphael Semmes. Brother Surrick was born in Philadelphia and sailed in the engine department. His most recent trip to sea was aboard the Integrity. Brother Surrick is a resident of Bensalem, Pa. JOHN WONG, 67, launched his SIU career in 1986 in Honolulu. Brother Wong first sailed on the USNS Assurance. He worked in the engine department. His most recent voyage was on the Calvin P. Titus. Brother Wong was born in China and calls San Francisco home. INLAND THOMAS HOWELL, 57, joined the SIU ranks in 1966. Brother Howell was born in Charleston, W.Va. His first ship was the Hurricane. Brother Howell worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Brenton Reef. Brother Howell is a resident of Houston. RALPH JOHNSON, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1964. Brother Johnson’s first voyage was aboard the Transerie. The engine department member, who was born in Louisiana, last sailed on the Patriot. He calls Mobile, Ala. home. FELIPE REYES, 70, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Reyes joined the Seafarers in 1989. He sailed as a member of the steward depart- September 2006 ALPHONSE DiDOMENICO, 71, joined the union in 1962. Boatman DiDomenico first sailed with Bush Terminal Railroad. He was born in New York City. Boatman DiDomenico, who most recently worked with New York Dock Railway Company, continues to live in New York. CHARLES GARRISON, 71, was born in Virginia. Boatman Garrison began shipping with the SIU in 1973 from the port of Norfolk, Va. During his career, he sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company. Boatman Garrison resides in Seaford, Va. JACK MAASKANT, 62, became an SIU member in 1973, initially sailing with Interstate Oil Transport JOHN O’NEILL, 66, embarked on his seafaring career in 1996 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman O’Neill worked primarily aboard Crowley Liner Services as a member of the deck department. Boatman O’Neill was born in Philadelphia and makes his home in Holmes, Pa. GREAT LAKES DON BARNETT, 65, initially went to sea in 1988 from the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Barnett first sailed on the Henry Steinbrenner. The Michigan-born mariner most recently worked aboard the John Boland. Brother Barnett is a resident of Minnesota. MOHMED NASSER, 65, was born in Arabia. Brother Nasser joined the SIU in 1968 in Detroit, Mich. He first shipped aboard American Steamship’s Reiss Brothers. Brother Nasser last sailed in the steward department on the William Roesch. 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 Trust, recently went on pension. ANDREW CRESPO, 65, joined the union in 1980, initially sailing from the port in Tampa, Fla. Brother Crespo’s first ship was the Amoco Louisiana. The steward department member was Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1939 Mobile, Ala., Sept. 11—The American freighter Wacosta, owned by the Waterman Steamship Co., was stopped off the coast of Ireland last Saturday by a German submarine, and was detained for three hours. The captain of the vessel, G. Self, radioed the Waterman office that his ship had been boarded by a guard from the submarine, who searched her for contraband cargo, and examined her papers. The Wacosta, with accommodations for about eight passengers, was bound from Glasgow to New York, with an undetermined number of passengers aboard. After determining that the Wacosta carried no contraband, the submarine’s commander allowed her to proceed. Captain Self reported that the submarine’s commander had informed him that he had orders to fire on any vessel that refused to halt for a search, regardless of nationality. born in Florida. Brother Crespo last worked on the Bridgeton. ALFONSO NAVARRO, 71, became an NMU member in 1995. Brother Navarro first shipped from Baton Rouge, La. aboard the Coronado. He was born in Honduras. Brother Navarro, who was a member of the steward department, most recently worked on the Cape Vincent. HAFFORD RIVERS, 65, launched his NMU career in 1964 in Tampa, Fla. Brother Rivers worked in all three departments, most recently sailing aboard the Marine Texan. Brother Rivers was born in the Cayman Islands. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioner retired on the date indicated. NAME Roxas, Frank AGE EDP 73 4/1/2006 course is being considered by the administration. A Times correspondent, writing of State Department plans to deal with the Suez crisis, said such a move might be taken by executive order if the canal was closed. 1969 Once again the quick and heroic action taken by Seafarers in an emergency has been credited with saving not only their own lives and the lives of their shipmates, but the vessel on which they sailed when the SIU-contracted Buckeye Victory came under Viet Cong attack recently. The Buckeye Victory had sailed from Sunny Point, North Carolina with a full cargo of live ammunition bound for South Vietnam…. This Month In SIU History 1956 A vigorous SIU protest on proposals to use foreign-flag tankers in the domestic trades has drawn a prompt denial from the Maritime Administration of any such intention. However, Maritime Administrator Clarence G. Morse left the door open to such an operation in the case of a “critical tanker situation.” Instead of considering an invasion of the domestic trades, the SIU wire demanded that runaway-flag tankers be brought back under the American flag if necessary to fill domestic tanker needs. The SIU took action after a story in the New York Times implied such a While proceeding up the Saigon River, the Buckeye Victory was attacked by Viet Cong rocket and machine gun fire. During this first brush with the enemy, the vessel managed to maneuver out of harm’s way, received no hits, and continued on its course. Less than an hour later, however, she came under another barrage of machine gun and rocket fire. This time the enemy’s aim was better. Between 30 and 40 machine gun bullets ripped into the superstructure of the vessel and two rocket shells found their target. One hit on the port side near the bow. The other went through the No. 2 hatch starting a fire in the hold where 105 howitzer shells and other munitions were stored…. ABs James Thomas and Tom Danzy were immediately joined by Bosun Lewis Arena and the three Seafarers, with complete disregard for their own safety, successfully extinguished the fire before it could spread. The entire crew escaped injury. Seafarers LOG 17 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:17 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JASPER ANDERSON Pensioner Jasper Anderson, 86, passed away Nov. 13. Brother Anderson became an SIU member in 1951 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Cedar Rapid in the steward department. Brother Anderson was born in Panama. Prior to his retirement in 1984, he shipped on the San Juan. Brother Anderson made his home in New York. ERNESTO AVILA Pensioner Ernesto Avila, 71, died Jan. 7. Brother Avila joined the Seafarers in 1973 and first worked on the OMI Sacramento. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Avila’s last voyage was aboard the Endurance. He went on pension in 1999 and called Hawthorne, Calif. home. DEWEY BELL Pensioner Dewey Bell, 77, passed away Nov. 13. Brother Bell launched his SIU career in 1956. The deck department member first sailed on the Lucille Bloomfield. Brother Bell last worked aboard the Ultramax. He was a resident of Century, Fla. and began collecting his retirement pay in 1991. WILLIE DILLON department of an Interocean American Shipping vessel. Brother Fontenot, who was born in Louisiana, last worked aboard the Horizon Consumer. He became a pensioner in 1988. Brother Fontenot continued to live in his native state. KARL HAGSTROM Pensioner Karl Hagstrom, 91, passed away Jan. 26. Brother Hagstrom joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard a Sinclair Oil Corporation vessel. Brother Hagstrom, who was born in Sweden, worked in the deck department. Before retiring in 1980, he shipped on a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Hagstrom made his home in San Francisco. HARRY HENDERSON Brother Harry Henderson, 62, died Jan. 16. Born in Louisiana, he joined the union in 1964 in New Orleans. His first ship was the Steel Direct; his last was the Horizon Mayaguez. Brother Henderson was a member of the engine department. He called Marrero, La. home. JAMES HOLLEN Pensioner James Hollen, 82, passed away Nov. 3. Brother Hollen began sailing with the SIU in 1951, initially aboard an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. His last voyage was on a Cove Shipping vessel. Brother Hollen lived in Houston. The steward department member went on pension in 1988. JOHN JACKSON Pensioner Willie Dillon, 73, died Jan. 6. Brother Dillon started shipping with the union in 1977. His first voyage was on an Interocean American Shipping vessel. Brother Dillon was born in Virginia and worked in the deck department. He retired in 1997 and lived in Florida. Brother Dillon last worked aboard the Ambassador. Pensioner John Jackson, 68, died Nov. 6. A native of Texas, he began his seafaring career in 1972 in Puerto Rico. Brother Jackson was a member of the steward department. He first sailed on the William T. Steel. Brother Jackson’s last trip to sea was aboard the Manukai. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Oakland, Calif. KENNETH DOUGLAS LUCIAN JOHNS Pensioner Kenneth Douglas, 79, passed away Jan. 24. Brother Douglas joined the SIU ranks in 1955 in Seattle, Wash. He first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel in the deck department. Brother Douglas last worked on the Developer. He was a resident of Denver and began receiving his pension in 1994. Pensioner Lucian Johns, 82, passed away Jan. 18. Brother Johns became an SIU member in 1968, initially sailing on the Tucson. The engine department member was born in Florida. Brother Johns last worked aboard the USNS Bowditch. The Jacksonville, Fla. resident started receiving his pension in 1988. WILTZ FONTENOT Pensioner Wiltz Fontenot, 78, died Nov. 8. Brother Fontenot embarked on his seafaring career in 1952. He began sailing in the deck 18 Seafarers LOG NARCH KRZYWDA Pensioner Narch Krzywda, 83, died Dec. 1. Brother Krzywda joined the union in 1949. He worked in the deck department in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Krzywda’s first ship was the Del Rio; his last was the TransHawaii. He was a native of Ohio but called Iola, Wis. home. Brother Krzywda began his retirement in 1987. JOHNNY PARK Pensioner Johnny Park, 73, passed away Jan. 9. Brother Park began sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. He worked primarily on vessels operated by Matson Navigation, including the Maunalei and the Manukai. Brother Park was a member of the steward department. He was born in Hawaii and made his home there. Brother Park went on pension in 1998. JOSEPH PITETTA Pensioner Joseph Pitetta, 76, died Jan. 30. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Pitetta joined the SIU in 1953. He first shipped in the steward department aboard a Pennsylvania Hide Company vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1993, Brother Pitetta worked on the Brooks Range. He called Las Vegas home. INLAND HERBERT WILLIAMS Pensioner Herbert Williams, 78, passed away Jan. 14. Boatman Williams embarked on his seafaring career in 1957. He sailed primarily on vessels operated by C.G. Willis Inc. Boatman Williams started collecting his pension in 1989. He lived in Swan Quarter, N.C. 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. DAVID AUTRY Pensioner David Autry, 76, died Jan. 3. Brother Autry joined the NMU in 1947, initially shipping from Chicago. The Michiganborn mariner worked in the deck department. Brother Autry’s first ship was the Powell Stackhouse. His last trip to sea was on the Santa Lucia. Brother Autry began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1972. MICHELE CASTIGLIONE Pensioner Michele Castiglione, 76, passed away Jan. 11. Born in Italy, Brother Castiglione joined the NMU in 1964 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Independence as a member of the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Gulf Knight. Brother Castiglione went on pension in 1987. MORRIS FLOURNOY Pensioner Morris Flournoy, 82, died Jan. 23. Brother Flournoy became an NMU member in 1957, initially shipping from the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Charleston, W.Va., his first ship was the Brandywine. Prior to retiring in 1985, Brother Flournoy sailed on the Texaco Georgia. LEWIS FRASIER Pensioner Lewis Frasier, 77, passed away Jan. 14. Brother Frasier embarked on his seafaring career in 1951. He was born in Charleston, S.C. and worked in the steward department. Brother Frasier last sailed aboard the Cape Domingo. In 1992, he started collecting his retirement stipends. WILLIAM FULTZ Pensioner William Fultz, 77, died Jan. 2. Brother Fultz joined the NMU ranks in 1945. His first voyage was aboard the Joseph H. Nicholson, where he sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Fultz was born in Kentucky. His last trip to sea was on the E.J. Stark. Brother Fultz became a pensioner in 1966. passed away Jan. 2. He began his career with the NMU in 1945 in New York. Brother Guscott first sailed on the Jonathan Elmer. The Boston native worked in the engine department. Brother Guscott went on pension in 1973. HERMAN HARRIS Pensioner Herman Harris, 83, died Jan. 2. Brother Harris joined the union in 1966, shipping from the port of New York. His first ship was the Constitution; his last was the Jean Lykes. Brother Harris sailed in the engine department. He began receiving his pension in 1992. JOHN MALVEIRA Pensioner John Malveira, 75, passed away Jan. 25. Brother Malveira became an NMU member in 1947 while in the port of Boston. His first trip was aboard the Harry Bowen. Brother Malveria worked in both the engine and deck departments during his seafaring career. He last sailed on the Pueblo. The Massachusetts-born mariner retired in 1968. JAMES RENNIE ELMER GARRETT Pensioner Elmer Garrett, 83, passed away Jan. 14. Brother Garrett was a native of Flint, Mich. The engine department member began sailing in 1945 from the port of Seattle. Brother Garrett retired in 1984; his last voyage was aboard the Leslie Lykes. WESLEY GRAY Pensioner Wesley Gray, 98, died Jan. 30. Brother Gray started his NMU career in 1943, shipping from New York on the William A. Richardson. Born in South Carolina, he sailed in the steward department. Before retiring in 1966, Brother Gray worked aboard the United States. NORMAN GUSCOTT Pensioner Norman Guscott, 77, Pensioner James Rennie, 85, died Jan. 17. Brother Rennie launched his seafaring career with the NMU in 1967. He first shipped from the port of San Francisco aboard the Hoyt S. Vandenberg. Brother Rennie was born in Canada. His last sea voyage was on the American Merchant. Brother Rennie started collecting his retirement pay in 1983. JOSEPH VERNON Pensioner Joseph Vernon, 96, passed away Jan. 3. Brother Vernon joined the NMU in 1936, first sailing from the port of New York aboard the Pan American. The steward department member was born in New Orleans. Brother Vernon’s last voyage was on the Pioneer Isle. He went on pension 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 Bermudez, Ulises Bozeman, Robert Bracero, Victor Brown, Jerome Cardosa, Gustavo Coiro, Louis Connor, Ancel Cortes, Josue Da Cunha, Edmundo De Felice, Benjamin Diaz, Juan Dorrell, Charles Faciane, Julius Gomes, Sergio Gonzalez, Rafael 73 83 83 79 76 80 59 78 79 80 98 87 79 72 87 DOD May 26 July 22 July 28 July 29 June 23 June 30 July 3 June 7 July 19 July 26 Apr. 25 July 22 July 19 June 28 July 17 NAME AGE Greene, William Hernandez, Emilio Laurant, Van Laverdure, Rene Lee, Dan Minor, Bobby Mountain, Robert Nixon, Lewis Overton, Arthur Parker, Clifford Sayers, Lonnie Serrano, Saturnino Thornton, Charles Tirado, Miguel Torres, Willie Wesley, Harold 87 88 79 85 77 76 74 83 84 95 81 80 71 66 90 69 DOD June 22 July 25 July 19 July 21 July 1 May 28 June 25 July 16 June 17 June 30 June 28 July 5 July 12 July 25 July 4 May 24 September 2006 �37824_pg1,2,10,12,13,19.qxp 8/28/2006 8:07 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 (Maersk Line Limited), July 6—Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Donald J. Williams, Educational Director Joseph A. Letang, Deck Delegate Carey J. Hatch, Engine Delegate Moses Mickens Jr. Chairman announced payoff July 9 in Charleston, S.C. Educational director urged all crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension benefit. Vote of thanks given to electrician and steward department. COMET (Maersk Line Limited), July 9—Chairman Samuel H. Lampshire, Secretary Daniel Q. Payne, Educational Director Daniel L. Borden, Steward Delegate Saleh M. Saleh. Chairman announced payoff July 11 in Long Beach, Calif. ABs were asked to stay aboard vessel for lowering of lifeboats during inspection. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. Disputed OT reported in all departments. Seafarers asked for fans and small heaters for crew rooms along with a radio for crew lounge. Questions raised about medical insurance coverage. Clarification requested on contract. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. machine and new VCR. Members also requested satellite TV and computer for crew e-mail as well as increased billets. Steward department given vote of thanks for outstanding meals, especially the barbecues. Next port: Houston. C.P. NAVIGATOR (Marine Transport Lines), July 9— Chairman Clarence Bynes Jr., Secretary Clyde D. Thompson, Educational Director Leander Collins, Deck Delegate Edmond Francois, Steward Delegate Kenneth W. Caffey Jr. Crew members requested information regarding new contract and status of annuity fund. Inspection of rooms requested before members are paid off to be sure rooms are clean for next person. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), July 2 —Chairman John R. Nichols, Secretary Mary L. Smith, Educational Director Arthur K. Outlaw, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll Jr., Steward Delegate Eduardo R. Elemento. Secretary thanked crew members for helping keep house clean. Educational director asked all Seafarers to check expiration dates on MMDs and other documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made concerning retirement benefits. Next port: El Segundo, Calif. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), July 7—Chairman Edward J. O’Conner Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega. Bosun announced July 9 payoff in Newark, N.J.; patrolman expected to come on board. He asked crew to return movies to proper location, sort trash into separate bins and help keep areas clean. Secretary thanked crew members for assisting with deck cleaning. She also suggested starting a movie fund to purchase DVDs. Educational director stated that, due to rough seas, crew should make sure doors in tunnel are dogged since some do not have latches. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made regarding pension benefits and offering more classes for QMEDs at the Paul Hall Center. Four new mattresses have been ordered. Crew would like new recliners in crew lounge. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), July 19 —Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty, Educational Director Vladimir G. Tkachev. Chairman asked crew members to inform their supervisor if they find the washer or dryer is not working properly. New parts are available aboard ship, and it will be a priority to fix them. He noted shipyard period Aug. 15-16. Boarding patrolman highlighted some of changes in the new contract. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $4,036 in ship’s fund; $400 was used for fresh salmon and steamers, and $500 was given to family of deceased bosun on Tyco Reliance (and a sympathy card was circulated for crew members to sign). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was reminded that everyone is responsible for helping keep laundry room clean and for using paper plates when taking food to rooms. A vote of thanks was given to the steward department for an excellent job and for the two delicious cookouts. CONSTELLATION (Maersk Line Limited), July 3—Chairman Eddie E. Hall, Secretary William P. McGee, Educational Director Richard A. Huffman. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at every opportunity at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion made to drop retirement age to 55 and increase monthly entitlement. Request made for a larger ice HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), July 2—Chairman Weldon J. Heblich, Secretary Thomas M. Wybo, Educational Director Jeff Morris, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman reported smooth sailing with no injuries. He informed crew the contract would be extended until Aug. 31 and asked that everyone return movies to movie locker when finished. September 2006 Secretary thanked mariners for helping keep ship clean and advised them to check with union hall about special vacation forms for those completing 22-month tours. Treasurer stated $880 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to keep noise down in passageways while others are resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), July 9—Chairman Loren E. Watson, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Robert G. Crooks, Engine Delegate M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate Ruben Q. Fiel. Bosun thanked crew for safe voyage and great work. He announced July 15 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. and said he is awaiting news on new contract. Educational director noted new classes available at Paul Hall Center for engine department members. Treasurer stated $267 in ships fund; some money was spent on barbecue supplies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from headquarters was read and discussed. Suggestion made to look into the possibility of getting satellite TV for ship. Information requested on pension benefits. Seafarers expressed appreciation for 4th of July cookout. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. ITB JACKSONVILLE (USS Transport), July 20—Chairman Homar L. McField, Secretary Peter L. Crum, Educational Director Stanley M. Sporna, Deck Delegate Phillip A. Morris, Engine Delegate Jose A. Bermudez, Steward Delegate Anthony L. Rutland. Chairman reported smooth voyage. Educational director requested clarification of rates for “air-stripping” of tanks. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote taken to accept and ratify new standards agreements. Thanks given to the negotiating committee for their hard work. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), July 1—Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Grant H. Armstead, Educational Director Marcos Hall, Engine Delegate Luis Sepulveda, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Chairman explained payoff procedure and distributed union forms. He also discussed importance of attending union meetings and filling out repair lists. Educational director urged mariners to take advantage of Piney Point facilities. Treasurer stated $1,500 in ship’s fund before purchase of Bowflex machine; $378 remains. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new washing machine. Next port: Houston. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), July 9—Chairman Frank P. Sena, Secretary Ronald J. Davis, Educational Director Edgar G. Pacaña, Deck Delegate Kermit Q. Bengtson, Engine Delegate Pablo C. Rochez. Secretary asked members departing ship to make sure room is clean and key is left with captain. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to “give yourselves a raise” by upgrading at school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone was given vote of thanks for good job in shipyard. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), July 2—Chairman Kadir P. Amat, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores, Engine Delegate Apolinario Calacal, Steward Delegate Alaa A. Embaby. Bosun thanked all departments for working well together to keep ship clean. He urged all members to read the president’s report in LOG and discussed letter received from VP Contracts George Tricker in reference to changing medical plan from “G” to “Core Plus.” The change has been approved, and educational director explained its benefits. No beefs or disputed OT Treasurer stated $817 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department to host belated 4th of July barbecue on July 8 in Guam. USNS RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships Inc.) July 11—Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Joseph L. Williams Sr., Engine Delegate Tracy L. Hanson, Steward Delegate Thomas K. Gingerich. Chairman explained to new crew members the 4 percent bonus on daily wages for Happy Birthday, Bowditch On July 19, 2006, the USNS Bowditch (TAGS 62) celebrated its tenth birthday in Sasebo, Japan. The ship was delivered July 19, 1996 by Halter Marine in Moss Point, MS and has always been under an SIU contract. Currently operated by SIU-contracted Horizon Lines, the vessel and its sister ships are involved in oceanographic research for the U.S. Navy. On board for the celebration were (from the left) GVA Isaka Koanda, Chief Steward Elston Yu-Mateo, Bosun Steve Herring, GVA Juan Oliva and OS Hussen Mohamed. The cake (inset) was not only beautifully decorated, it was also delicious. reported. TV wall mounts to be purchased in Charleston, S.C. for smaller rooms. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals every day. Next ports: Charleston; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. METEOR (Maersk Line Limited), July 2—Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary Douglas Swets, Deck Delegate James Taranto, Engine Delegate Steven L. Rollins, Steward Delegate Enrique A. Garrido. Chairman announced July 3 payoff on arrival in Los Angeles. He thanked crew for keeping ship clean, having dues paid up and supporting SPAD. Educational director advised all Seafarers to upgrade skills at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for keeping morale up with great meals during voyage. Next port: Los Angeles. USNS 1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine), July 6—Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Gregory N. Williams, Educational Director Michael S. Rueter, Deck Delegate Peter A. Tusa Jr., Engine Delegate Donald W. Lumpkins, Steward Delegate Evelyn C. Tayag. Chairman announced crew change to take place in Saipan July 20. He informed crew members that two rooms would be available for storage when ship goes into yard in September. Secretary reminded everyone to make sure union has current address information and updated beneficiary. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. completing tour of duty without injuries or illness. He informed crew that MSD-27 will debark ship upon arrival in Rota, Spain. Secretary recapped importance of renewing MMDs early and informed crew that they will be able to get letter from company that could expedite the process. He thanked crew for helping take on 90-day stores for trip to Greenland. Educational director stated there was no word yet on new ID cards mandated by Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. He reminded crew to keep in mind that they may need to have this in the future, along with MMDs, to ship out. Treasurer stated $97 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on payment for extra meals for on board military security. Crew members asked to keep noise down in passageways while others are trying to sleep. Steward department was thanked for excellent job. Next port: Greenland. USNS SISLER (Maersk Line Limited), July 12—Chairman Eddie L. Thomas Sr., Secretary Walter J. Matt, Educational Director Timothy A. Chestnut, Engine Delegate Pati F. Taototo, Steward Delegate Teresito O. Reyes. Educational director encouraged mariners to make sure all required documents are kept current and to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $80 in ships fund. Captain also is holding additional funds from the safety award. Discussion was held on how funds should be spent. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Suda Bay, Crete. Seafarers LOG 19 �37824_PG4_6,8,15_17,20,23.qxp 8/28/2006 9:00 PM Page 20 Know Your Rights Rallying in New Orleans SIU members joined fellow trade unionists and representatives from community organizations May 2 in New Orleans for a rally calling attention to workers’ rights. Some of the SIU participants are pictured above and at left. In promoting the demonstration, the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO urged the city and federal governments “to set standards for how workers should be treated as we rebuild. Together, we will call for the creation of a workers’ rights commission and demand that New Orleans raise the bar for workers’ 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: The Slop Chest Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 A Venerable Maritime Tradition Trading and pillaging, the Vikings returned with their slop chests filled with goods - but they had to put their lives on the line to get them. Today, Seafarers can go on line without risk for high-quality, USA/union-made goods. Please visit the “Slop Chest” on line store at www.siustore.com. Shoppers also may access the store via the main SIU web site, www.seafarers.org. 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 9/06 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 2006 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:17 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. for September through the end of 2006. 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 Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (one week) September 25 September 29 Basic Safety Training - AB September 25 November 6 September 29 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT September 18 November 13 September 22 November 17 Government Vessels - FOWT September 11 September 18 September 15 September 22 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* September 18 November 27 September 29 December 8 October 16 October 20 (*must have basic fire fighting) Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 2 October 27 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* November 13 December 8 (*must have basic fire fighting September 18 September 29 October 30 November 10 Lifeboatman/Water Survival (*must have basic fire fighting) Recertification Bosun October 9 November 6 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Sept. 4, 2006. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops September 11 November 13 October 6 December 8 FOWT September 11 November 3 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 Welding September 11 September 29 October 9 October 27 Course Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 twentyfive (125) 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 2006 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. 9/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 7:17 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 676 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 676. They are (in alphabetical order) Jamar Allen, Richard Bodden, Randall Brown, Jeffrey Gronotte Jr., Mark Hoffler, Dewayne Jacobs, Reginald Miller, Robert Morrison, Mateusz Muller, Antonio Owens, David Ruggirello, Daniel Sands, Sally Santiago, Johnny Starnes, Scott Stilwell and Dominic Washington. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Aug. 4 are (in alphabetical order) Ken Ada, Anthony Anderson, David Barber, Bruce Brown, Christopher Cain, David Carson, Isaac Garrido, Justin Huggins, Travis Kirkland, Steven Lonas, Norman Lucas II, Michael Merrell Jr., Fernando Mesa, Chris Nagle, Quentin Scott, Richard Venair and Martin Weller. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Fast Rescue Boat — July 22 graduates of the fast rescue boat course include (in alphabetical order) Denis Dubio, Gregory Greene, Jorge Nuñez, Andrew Packer, Henry Peterson, Cle Popperwill, Jennifer Souci and Glenn Staub. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far right. Chief Cook — Under the guidance of Instructor/Chef John Dobson (left) are students who completed the course for chief cooks in August. From the left are Orlando Suazo, Ron Poole, Ilaria Amaya, Ray Lackland and Kim Kalua. GMDSS — July 28 Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given Aug. 4 to (in no specific order) Matthew Whitmore, Randy Louque, Bryan Dawson, Bruce Zarobell, Carlos Llanos, James Hall, Rogelio Thompson, Joel Fahselt and Jean Pierre Koublanou. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back (center). graduates of the GMDSS course are (in no specific order) Thomas Rostan, Kenneth Lattin and Dick Haugh. Their instructor, Russell Levin, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes Left: Holding a certificate of achievement for a course completed July 13 in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center is Helida Lorenzo. Her instructor, Rick Prucha, stands beside her. Right: With instructor Rick Prucha (back row) are students who completed their computer courses July 14. They are (from left, front row) Beverly Stevens, Michael Bates Sr., Keith Landry, (second row) Laverne Berasis and Philip Agcaoili. 22 Seafarers LOG September 2006 �37824_pg4_6,8,15_17,20,23X.qxp 8/30/2006 7:39 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course in July are (in no specific order) Harlan Alonzo, Marion Paul Cruzat, Mervin Cruzat, James Jones, Michael Donovan, Michael Sanders, Derrick Norfleet, Wilbur Torres, Kevin Wimbley, José Nieves, Kevin Robinson, Ceresa Moreno, Robert Vayko, Darren Taylor and Furman Watson. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Another group of Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course in July are (in no specific order) Scott Stilwell, Ronald Sease, David Ruggirello, Christopher Curran, Benjamin Mullis, Billie Marshall, Marvin Hearmon, Jack Hill, Antonio Owens, Darnell Goggins, Carmelo Collazo, Daron Tinney, Carnelius Taylor, Zachary Clayton, Richard Bodden, Reginald Miller, Scott Smith, John Starnes, Matthew Green and Kenneth Thompson. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduating Aug. 11 from the advanced fire fighting course are (in no specific order) Bryan Maddox, Geoffrey Denesse, Terence Newman, Antonio Libo-on, Larry Pascua, Victor Nunez, Gerry Davis, Brad Hall, William Forrest and Joseph Thomas. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left (standing). Government Vessels — Phase III unlicensed apprentices completing the government vessels course Aug. 11 include (in no specific order) James Gregory, Quentin Scott, Chris Nagle, Bruce Brown, James Bryant Jr., Maria Garcia, Rodolfo De La Cruz, John Cator, Justin Huggins, Martin Weller, Norman Hook, Fernando Mesa, David Carson and Richard Venair. STCW — NCL, Aug. 10: Connie Adejado, Carmen Armstrong, Charles Baer, Charles Beckerman, Lindsey Brown, Carl Bryant, Felicia Burnham, Andrew Burns, Alex Byrne, Joshua Calonge, Lilah Carino, Monica Carnero, Jonathan Carpenter Perez, Osiris Carpenter Perez, Catherine Chapman, Ashley Clark, Clarence Clark, Lorhonda Clayborn, Lori Cooper, Angelica Cortes Villanueva, Alberto Cotes, Luis Crosdale and Ada Cruz. STCW — NCL, July 5: Eugene Gagnon Jr., David Garcia, Virginia Gwaltney, Leah Hannah, David Harris, Chandra Hedges, Mima Hewston, Jeremiah Hobart, Ryan Hogan, William Jackson IV, Charles Janovich, Travis Jensen, Curtis Jones, Rayon Jones, Jerome Kashmar, Erica Kenney, Trevon King, Erica Kozel, Leonard Langhorne, Lisa Larsen, Jonilyn Malia, Alan Martin, Jacob Martinez, Tiara Matthews and Jordan McFall. September 2006 STCW — NCL, Aug. 10: Elizabeth Breakey, William Brooks, Maria Garcia Lagdameo, Encarnacion Otero, Ryan Strimboulis, Daniel Tafoya, Candee Tobin, Pierre Van Dorp, Brandi Vanderlaan, Francis Villalba Felicano, Vearlyn Wheeler, Laura White, John Williams, Ronald Worthington, Demonte Boone, Paul Ghisoi, David Guthrie, Misty Tate, Kiki Warnke and SIU members Guy Butler, Samuel Cadler, Louis Gilbert, James McLeod and Brian McShan. STCW — NCL, Aug. 10: Khanh Dang, Rose Marie Danner, Paige Dewing, James Dowdy, Deborah Downs, Tammie Elms, Hyon Fielding, Kyle Fisher, Aaron Flake, Douglas Friedman, Ashley Gartner, Kimberly Gilbert, Joel Gilham, Rafael Gongora, Michael Hall, Heather Harrison, Ansley Haynes, Hayrabed Hayrabedyan, Ryan Hecht, Dan Henry, Victor Hernandez and Nia John. Seafarers LOG 23 �37824_pg3,7,9,11,14,18,21,22,24.qxp 8/28/2006 9:25 PM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 9 September 2006 SIU Assists in ‘Operation Support’ Journey of the Pretzels Caa pee Kee nn n ed d y C om m pll ett ess ‘SS pee cii all ’ M iss sii on n T he SIU-crewed Cape Kennedy has made numerous trips in the past to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, but just back from supporting hurricane recovery efforts in its home port of New Orleans, it received an activation notice Feb. 20, 2006 for a new mission. Another trip to the Middle East—nothing out of the ordinary. The vessel, which is A truck filled with 72,672 bags of Bachman’s pret- managed by Keystone zels arrives March 8 at the dock in Norfolk, Va. to Shipping Co., took on be loaded onto the SIU-crewed Cape Kennedy. bunkers in New Orleans and then proceeded to Beaumont, Texas and Norfolk, Va., where the usual inventory of containers and rolling stock was loaded on board for the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division. There was, however, one additional cargo to be loaded—36 pallets of assorted pretzels. Thirtysix pallets is the equivalent of 13,515 pounds or 25 skids or 72,672 bags of the twisted snacks. It all began in the fall of 2004 when a Berks County, Pa. restaurateur (and Korean War vet), John A. Ulrich (“Big John”) met an Army The Cape Kennedy lowers its stern ramp. reservist on a two-week leave from Iraq. When Big John asked the major if there was something the local community could do to help support those serving our country, his answer was “Pretzels! The ‘locals’ miss pretzels.” That’s all it took for Big John to begin his mission, deciding that everyone serving in Iraq, not just locals from Pennsylvania, would enjoy knowing that people in Berks County and the surrounding area were thinking about them. He contacted local Reading area pretzel manufacturers and asked for “rock bottom prices,” explaining his “Operation Support” idea. The generWith the stern ramp lowered, the truck enters the Cape Kennedy to discharge its cargo of pretzels. al public, businesses, service groups, churches and children responded to Big John’s fundraising request. The Bachman Company, a privately held snack food manufacturer with plants in Reading and Ephrata, Penn. also joined in, offering to provide a free case for every case that Big John purchased at the “rock bottom price.” Because of the difficulty in sending goods to the military without a contract, the initial shipment in 2004 went via the USO and did not go to Iraq but was scattered around the globe. The latest effort, however, went directly to the Middle East through the coordinated The Cape Kennedy’s chief mate unloads a pallet of pretzels from the truck onto the ship. efforts of the employ- ees from Bachman (which pro-duces about 6,000 pounds of pretzels every hour), Keystone Shipping, the Maritime Administration and the officers and crew of the Cape Kennedy under Capt. John Hasson and Chief Engineers Garrett Kearby and Chris O’Sullivan. The pretzel journey began March 7 when the boxes filled with Bachman twists and minis were The Cape Kennedy transits the Suez Canal March forklifted onto a truck 24 with its cargo of military equipment—and bound for the Cape assorted pretzels. Kennedy, where they were unloaded the next day. The ship pulled away from the pier in Norfolk on the morning of March 9 and transited the Suez Canal on March 24. On April 6, the vessel prepared to unload its cargo—including the pretzels—in the port of Ash Shuaybah, Kuwait. Arrangements were then made through the military’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation personnel to get them north to Iraq by convoy within a few days. As Captain Hasson noted, “We will One of the 25 always be glad to skids of pretzels have done our small is inspected on part in this ‘operaboard the vessel tion.’ It is important April 6 upon to let our good men arrival in the and women, who port of Ash serve for us, know Shuaybah, that we are thinking Kuwait. of them. They are in some tough circumThanks to T.J. stances so far from O’Connor, fleet safehome, but for a ty & environmental moment, they will coordinator at know we are thinking Keystone Shipping and praying for Co. for sending the them.” LOG the photos that The 16 SIU memappear on this page. bers aboard the ship for “Operation Support” were Bosun Donald Byrd; AB Gerry Davis, Lloyd Lindsey, Michael White, Joe Traywick, Jerrald Belcaries; GVA Leandro Cacho; Electrician Tran Luu, Oilers Jerome Culbreth Jr., Curtis Tobey, Enrique Bodden, Wiper Joseph Shepard; Steward Eddie Taylor, Cook Roberto Martinez; and GSUs Aquilino Fernandez and Kareem Worthy. Bachman pretzels from “Operation Support” begin to roll off the Cape Kennedy onto the dock in the Kuwaiti port. From there, they will be trucked to Iraq by convoy. Lt. Col. Bunch of the U.S. Army (right) came from Iraq to the vessel to accept the pretzels (under armed guard) from Capt. Hasson (center). Some of the first soldiers receive their pretzels, and the smiles on their faces show the entire effort was greatly appreciated. � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF CONDUCTS 41ST CONGRESS SIU’S HEINDEL ELECTED TO ITF POST NINE TANKERS ORDERED SIU-CONTRACTED U.S. SHIPPING HAS OPTIONS FOR 5 MORE VESSELS 4TH ALASKA TANKER DELIVERED CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON 5TH T-AKE SHIP NATIONAL MARITIME CENTER OPENS IN WEST VIRGINIA; NEW ORLEANS REC REOPENS SIU CONTRACTED COMPANIES AMONG THOSE RECEIVING SAFETY AWARDS FROM AMS TWIC ‘SECURITY VULNERABILITIES’ CITED BY DHS; REQUIREMENT FOR CARD READERS PUSHED BACK CONNAUGHTON CONFIRMED AS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR SIU-CREWED WHEAT PARTICIPATES IN MULTINATIONAL MILITARY DRILL RED CLOUD, CHESAPEAKE SAIL IN ‘JLOTS’ RETIRED NMU OFFICIAL MARTINEZ DIES AT 88 6 RECERTIFIED STEWARDS LEARN FIRSTHAND ROLE POLITICS PLAY SEAFARERS: OAKLAND HALL IS UPGRADE PRIDE OF AMERICA’S DECK DEPT. ALWAYS GETS THE JOB DONE CIVMARS RESCUE LIBERIAN FISHERMAN INSTRUCTOR OAKLEY PAYS TRIBUTE TO BILL SAUL SEAFARERS RATIFY STANDARD CONTRACTS LUMMUS COOKIES ARE A BIG HIT BOSUN’S NEWSLETTER OFFERS DEDICATION TO CREWS BOSUN’S NEWSLETTER 06-06-06 “THE RATTLE OF THE MUSKET FIRE” CAPE KENNEDY COMPLETES ‘SPECAL’ MISSION 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 09/01/2006 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. 68, No. 9 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0c5809082906b9d1f819d8e02c60332e.pdf 05f2614af65786fcce337dd795b143af PDF Text Text Volume 68, Number 10 October 2006 “It’s important for presidents to embrace the Jones Act. I have supported the Jones Act and will con ntinue to do so.” President George W. Bush September 4, 2006 The SIU and its affiliated training facility were complimented by President George W. Bush on Labor Day when the commander-inchief visited Piney Point, Md. to give a speech in which he also reaffirmed strong backing of the U.S. maritime industry (as reflected in his comments about the Jones Act, above). SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo at right) introduced President Bush, whose administration consistently has supported the U.S. Merchant Marine. Before addressing the crowd at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, President Bush took the wheel inside the full mission bridge simulator. Pages 2, 3, 12 and 13. �Crowley Building 4 More ATBs President’s Report Supporting the Jones Act Nine words. That’s all it took for President Bush to bring his administration’s support of the domestic fleet into national focus. Speaking at the SIU’s affiliated training facility on Labor Day, the president stated, “It’s important for presidents to embrace the Jones Act.” He also pledged to continue backing the Jones Act, a law that requires cargo moving between domestic ports to be carried on ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American. No one who worked in our industry in the midMichael Sacco 1990s would take such statements lightly. Back then, the Jones Act was under severe attack from foreign-flag interests who were out to sink the domestic American-flag fleet. Those foreign entities and their U.S. front men were vicious, but they also were slick. They launched an expensive campaign of disinformation which unfortunately gained footing among some members of Congress. The threat was quite real and very significant. Bills were introduced to weaken or wipe out the Jones Act, which has served our nation’s best interests since its enactment in 1920 as part of the U.S. Merchant Marine Act. Some of those bills picked up more than a few cosponsors, as did related proposed legislation also designed to cripple the American-flag fleet. Our industry responded in part by forming the Maritime Cabotage Task Force or MCTF, a group described as the most broad-based coalition the American maritime industry has ever put together to promote laws guarding our nation’s right to control the maritime traffic within our borders. The SIU proudly signed on as a charter member and today remains one of the MCTF’s more than 350 members—a group including the Maritime Trades Department, other maritime unions, vessel owners and operators, shipyards, trade associations, pro-defense groups and many others. With the truth on our side, we set the record straight on what the Jones Act and other cabotage laws mean to America’s national and economic security. We produced trustworthy studies that demonstrated how America’s Jones Act fleet is the foundation of the world’s safest and most efficient transportation system. By 1997, a majority of House members once again publicly endorsed the Jones Act, and the threat from that particular era had been extinguished. Today, support for our cabotage regulations is strong, both in the administration and in Congress. For proof, look no further than the president’s Labor Day statements and the current orders for new U.S.flag tankers in Philadelphia and San Diego—at least 19 ships in all. Businesses simply don’t make those kinds of investments unless they’re confident. In this case, they are confident in America’s ability to build good ships, provide safe crews and uphold the laws that help preserve our U.S. Merchant Marine at a dangerous period in history when our nation simply cannot afford to be without one. Of course, the attacks haven’t completely gone away. Pro-maritime political candidates in Hawaii are fighting off pesky attempts to diminish the time-tested laws that help maintain a pool of well-trained, loyal, U.S. citizen crews. Other salvos are fired from time to time, normally on a small scale but always with the threat that even a small weakening of the Jones Act ultimately could lead to disaster. It’s also worth mentioning that last year around this time, the MCTF effectively let the federal government know that the Jones Act fleet unquestionably can meet our nation’s domestic maritime transportation needs, both during routine times and in crises like the ones right after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The coalition approached a delicate and difficult situation and turned it into a positive for our industry, from the standpoint of educating legislators and others about the sometimes underestimated capacity of the domestic fleet. Even with that relatively brief bit of background, you can see why President Bush’s words about the Jones Act last month mean so much. His statements are a testament to the importance and effectiveness of the Jones Act as well as the reliability of the crew members and ship operators and others who keep the domestic fleet afloat. To the rank-and-file members and retirees of our union, I thank all of you—because you are a big part of the reason why the President of the United States can stand up for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Volume 68, Number 10 October 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Four new builds are on the horizon for SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime Corp. Officials from the company’s vessel management services division last month announced the signing of a contract to build four more articulated tug-barge (ATB), 185,000-barrel tank vessels. The new vessels are slated to be built at Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss. and then delivered in six-month intervals between the first half of 2009 and the end of 2010. Including owner-furnished equipment, they will have an estimated delivered cost of $236 million. The four new ATBs (Pride/650-7, Achievement/650-8, Innovation/650-9 and Vision/650-10) will be operated by Crowley’s petroleum services segment as they are completed. These four new vessels will bring Crowley’s total ATB fleet to 14, consisting of four 155,000-barrel and ten 185,000-barrel ATBs. Four of Crowley’s 155,000-barrel vessels, the Sea Reliance/550-1, Sound Reliance/550-2, Ocean Reliance /550-3 and Coastal Reliance/550-4 have each made more than 100 successful voyages and moved over 75 million barrels of product with zero spills in the last four years, averaging approximately 21 million barrels moved a year. The first of the 185,000-barrel ATBs, Pacific Reliance/650-1 was christened at the end of March. The second vessel of this type, Gulf Reliance has been delivered and the 650-2 is under construction for Crowley in Mississippi and is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2006. The remaining vessels contracted in 2005 (Resolve/650-3, Commitment/650-4, Courage/650-5 and Integrity/ 650-6) will be delivered by 2008. “It’s always good news when new tonnage enters the U.S.-flag fleet,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “Crowley has a great safety record and our crews are dedicated, productive, safe and reliable—all of which goes hand-inhand with what the company depends on.” “We have received extremely positive feedback from our customers on our ATBs,” said Tom Crowley Jr., company chairman, president and CEO. “The first 10 ATBs have all been chartered, and we are extending the 650 series to meet additional demand for this class vessel as soon as possi- ble. These vessels offer compelling economics and exceptional safety and performance.” An ATB has an articulated, or hinged, connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. The four tugs being built under the new contract will be interchangeable with the other tugs in the company’s ATB fleet. The 185,000barrel barges will be substantially identical to those currently under construction. The new ATBs feature the latest systems technology and double-hull construction for maximum safety and reliability. Not only does the unit have the capability of transporting refined products, but it can also carry heated cargoes and easy chemicals, which require special arrangements of vents, stripping systems, pump components and tank coatings not required of product carriers. All of Crowley’s ATBs are built under the ABS SafeHull program for environmental protection. This program puts the vessel design through an exhaustive review to identify structural loads and strengthen the vessel structure. The 650-Class barges will be 27,000 deadweight tons, 587 feet in length, 74 feet in breadth and 40 feet in depth. The fully loaded draft will be 30 feet. There is an electrically driven cargo pump in each of the 14 cargo tanks to assure maximum cargo integrity and segregation flexibility; two anchor windlasses and associated equipment to enable the vessel to accommodate offshore mooring operations, and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. There also is a dual mode inert gas system and vapor collection system for maximum safety. An enhanced mooring system features 1,000-foot Spectra-type lines on split drums with a high-speed recovery rate of 100 feet per minute. The tugs meet all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and have a foam capable fire monitor; twin heavy fuel 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. Seafarers Vote on Amendments Voting began Sept. 1 for the purpose of amending the constitution of the Seafarers International Union/ AGLIWD/ NMU. As previously reported, SIU members may cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Oct. 31, 2006. A constitutional committee was elected at the June 5, 2006 membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of the constitution. The members of that committee studied proposed amendments to the constitution that had been submitted by the executive board, and the committee recommended that the changes be approved and brought to a vote by the membership. The full text of their report was published in the August issue of the Seafarers LOG and was presented to the membership at membership meetings. Some of the proposed changes include a modification of the types of mail services that may be utilized for union election cycles (reflecting the increased use of overnight mail and similar ser- Right: Voting at the Honolulu hall is Electrician Efren Villarosa. Port Agent Neil Dietz is at right. Securing their ballots at the Baltimore hall are (from left) AB Nestor Agcaoili, AB Kim Brown and Chief Steward Robert Brown. vices and the decline of telegrams); creation of a “retiree members” class, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006; elimination of the position of vice-president at large from the list of elected officers (to take place after the positions are vacated by current officeholders); and a change in the port address of the San Francisco hall. Seafarers eligible to take part in this vote are full-book members in good standing. The eligibility standard is spelled out in the union’s governing document, the constitution. AB Walter Lichota (left) receives his ballot from Port Agent Neil Dietz. October 2006 �President Bush Credits SIU, School Labor Day Speech Includes Strong Praise for Union, Paul Hall Center The SIU and its affiliated training facility received accolades from President Bush on Labor Day, as the commander-inchief stopped in Piney Point, Md. to deliver an upbeat speech in which he also expressed strong support for the U.S. maritime industry. SIU President Michael Sacco introduced President Bush, whose administration consistently has backed the U.S. Merchant Marine. The outdoor Labor Day address took place shortly before noon Sept. 4 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, with approximately 700 students, staff members, industry representatives and other guests in the audience. President Bush flew in Marine One from Washington, D.C. to the Southern Maryland campus, where he toured the simulator building— including a turn at the wheel inside the full mission bridge simulator—and then addressed the crowd near the shore, by the training vessel Osprey. He was flanked on stage by unlicensed apprentices, upgraders and students enrolled in NCL America training at the Paul Hall Center. Afterward, President Bush leisurely met with students and others from the audience, posing for photos, shaking hands and signing autographs. He mingled for nearly 30 minutes, an unusually long time according to individuals who have attended other White House events. In a brief but enthusiastic introduction, SIU President Sacco described President Bush as “a true friend of the U.S. Merchant Marine. His leadership has created thousands and thousands of jobs in the U.S.-flag fleet, which in turn has improved America’s In photo at left, SIU President Michael Sacco introduces President Bush to the Paul Hall Center crowd on Labor Day. At right, flanked by students from the Seafarers-affiliated school, President Bush notes the importance of proper training and how it benefits workers and the economy. boats (and) those who are enginational and economic security.” President Bush wasted no time neers on the boats have the expressing his admiration for absolute best training possible. “I applaud the Seafarers Union both the union and the school. “I didn’t realize how strong and I applaud the employers working togethyour facilities er to make sure are,” he stated. See pages 12-13 for more that those who “I wasn’t sure work for a livwhat to expect, photos from the ing have what it but this is a fanLabor Day event. takes to be comtastic facility. It petitive. We’ve speaks to your leadership, and the leadership and got to make sure that’s the case the importance of your union. throughout all the work force.” Speaking of the nation’s marAnd so, here on Labor Day, I say to the union members who are itime policies, he added, “It’s here, happy Labor Day, and important for presidents to thanks for supporting leadership embrace the Jones Act. I have, that is progressive, smart, capa- (for) five-and-a-half years as the ble, and has your best interests at president, supported the Jones Act and will continue to do so.” heart.” During the rest of his 11Describing his firsthand experience in the bridge simulator and minute, nationally televised his tour of the engine simulator, remarks, President Bush disPresident Bush called it “one of cussed what he described as prothe most amazing training tools I growth economic policies that have ever seen. It shows this promote job expansion, including union’s commitment, along with tax relief. He touched on the need industry’s commitment, to mak- for less reliance on foreign oil and ing sure that those who pilot the the concurrent importance of Crescent Adds Tug ‘Noon Wednesday’ Seafarers-contracted Crescent Towing earlier this year added a twin-screw harbor tug to the segment of its fleet that is based in Mobile, Ala. The Noon Wednesday features a modern design and state-of-theart equipment, noted SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly, who attended the tug’s christening May 17. “It’s an outright addition to the fleet, and it might be the widest tug I’ve ever been on,” said Kelly. The Noon Wednesday is 75 feet long and 40 feet wide. It was delivered in May and quickly demonstrated its capabilities. According to news reports, a barge sank in Mobile’s ship channel during Memorial Day weekend. The day after the holiday, with the channel reopened, the new tug helped move a dozen Celebrating the christening in Mobile, Ala. are company officials and Seafarers (from left) Engineer Jason Johnston, Deckhand John Brock, Deckhand Timothy McKibbon, Cooper Marine (Crescent’s parent company) President Angus Cooper, SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly, Captain Bo Tucker, Crescent VP Tadd Willcutt, Engineer Michael Hurst, Engineer Johnny Johnston, Deckhand Gerald Beuk, Captain Ronnie Walker, Port Chaplain Bernie Maret and Deckhand Josh Burns. vessels, according to an article in Workboat magazine. “She’s got a squatty body,” Crescent Vice President Prentiss (Tadd) Willcutt told the publication. “We have such tight turns here in Mobile, and we have to put them in those finger piers. It’s not like the milewide Mississippi River.” The new boat’s features include a pilothouse with 360-degree visibility and twin EMD 16-645 diesels producing a combined 4,500 hp at 900 rpm. The tug’s running speed is 12.5 knots; it can hold 30,000 gallons of fuel. “It’s got everything you’d expect and hope for in a modern tugboat and it has been very wellreceived here in Mobile,” added Kelly, who also pointed out that the christening took place precisely at noon on a Wednesday. Left: The Noon Wednesday joined Crescent Towing’s fleet this summer. October 2006 developing technologies for energy sources. In an apparent nod toward fair trade, he also stated, “One of the ways to make sure that we’re a competitive nation is to continue opening up markets for U.S. products. If I was somebody who was driving a ship or an engineer on a ship, I’d want to hear a president say, ‘We want you to be selling U.S. products—transporting U.S. products around the world.’ And my message to the world is this: Just treat us the way we treat you. That’s all we expect. We just want the rules to be fair—because I believe this country can compete with anybody, any time, anywhere, so long as the rules are fair.” Early in his speech, President Bush noted that he had been scheduled to visit the school on Labor Day 2005, but had to cancel that trip due to Hurricane Katrina. He said he was “thrilled” to be invited again and “couldn’t wait to say yes.” He credited American workers with helping make the U.S. “the economic leader in the world” and asserted that proper training is vital to the nation’s wellbeing. “It starts with making sure our workers have the skills necessary to compete in the 21st century. That’s one of the primary reasons I came to this facility.” Industry Awaits Final TWIC, MMC Regs Representatives from the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continue meeting with government and industry officials to help protect merchant mariners’ rights relative to the upcoming Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and its related Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). At press time in late September, the industry still awaited the Department of Homeland Security’s final rulemakings on the aforementioned documents. Those regulations are expected to be issued in the very near future. After issuing notices of proposed rulemakings in May, the government reportedly received 1,950 formal comments on the TWIC and relatively few on the MMC. The SIU issued comprehensive comments on both items and continues working with other U.S. maritime unions as well as the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department to ensure fair treatment for mariners. “Naturally, the SIU will immediately and carefully deliberate on the final rulemakings when they are delivered,” stated SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. “We have treated this situation with utmost seriousness and urgency and will continue to do so.” As reported last month, the comment period only has been extended for one component of the TWIC and MMC proposed rulemakings —specifically, the sections pertaining to ID card and reader technology. Ports and other businesses won’t have to install and use the card readers as quickly as first proposed, even though the government apparently will proceed with issuing TWICs to workers. In its formal comments and in other communications, the SIU has emphasized that it completely backs the worthwhile goal of effective security aboard ship and in port, but has very legitimate concerns about certain aspects of the proposals for both the TWIC and the MMC. Basically, the SIU (individually and also along with other maritime unions) recommends that a biometric identifier be added to the existing merchant mariner document, in accordance with requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, and that such a modified card should be recognized as both a TWIC and an MMC. The rationale for such a proposal is clear-cut: Mariners already undergo strict background checks equal to or greater than those proposed for the TWIC and MMC programs, and the merchant mariner document itself is a proven, time-tested credential. Seafarers LOG 3 �First Philadelphia Tanker Floated Out OSG to Operate New Builds from Aker American Shipping The float-out of union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard’s first Veteran Class product tanker, Hull 005, took place Sept. 18. The flooding of the yard’s building dock floated the vessel off its keel blocks in advance of the ship’s move to the facility’s outfitting dock for some final touches in that phase of construction. The ship’s entire structure has already been completed and its propeller and rudder also had been fitted as of mid-September. When fully completed, the 46,000 deadweight ton Veteran Class vessel will be the most modern product tanker in the U.S. domestic fleet, according to the shipyard. Slated to be christened the Overseas Houston at the shipyard in November, the vessel will be the first in the yard’s 10-ship, double-hulled tanker build program for American Shipping Corporation, a subsidiary of Aker American Shipping, and chartered to SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). As reported earlier in the LOG, the keel for the second vessel in the U.S.-flag series—a ship scheduled for completion in 2007—was laid May 15. A week earlier, the shipyard started production on the third doublehulled tanker, cutting steel for the vessel which also is scheduled for completion next year. All 10 of the vessels are expected to sail in the Jones Act market. Part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act (named in honor of its author, the late Senator Wesley Jones, R-Wash.) mandates that cargo moving between United States ports is carried on U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flag, U.S.-owned and U.S.-built vessels. Each of the new tankers will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 deadweight tons (dwt). The tanker program was announced in April 2005. At that time the company pointed out that in the U.S. commercial shipbuilding sector, the order for 10 tankers was believed to be the largest of its kind. Also at that time, OSG President and CEO Morten Arntzen stated, “The 10-ship program is OSG’s first giant step to building a world-class U.S.-flag shipping business.” More recently, OSG Senior Vice President Captain Robert Johnston stated that his company is exploring the possibil- The first tanker in a 10-ship fleet being built at the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard was floated off its keel blocks Sept. 18. ity of investing in as many as 17 new additional U.S.-flag ships. Secret Mission, Open Kudos for SBX Crew Twenty-six Seafarers recently were lauded for their contributions to the Department of Defense’s Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) X-Band Radar (XBR) Project office while working aboard the Interocean American Shipping Corp.-operated SBX-1. The SBX-1, during the period when the mariners earned the recognition, was involved in classified operations which had been mandated by the Department of Defense (DOD). The planning, training and execution of this mission ran from June 14 to July 5, 2006. Army Col. John R. Fellows, of the DOD GMD Joint Program office, in a letter of appreciation to Interocean American Shipping Military personnel hone their skills during a voyage. which recognized the mariners, said in part: “I would like to commend and express my sincere appreciation to your team for their outstanding contributions to the GroundBased Midcourse Defense XBand Radar Project office and to our nation. The SBX was tasked to perform a classified speLeft: The SBX-1 is selfpropelled, but sometimes it is more efficient to catch a ride. USNS Red Cloud Receives ‘Constant Care Award’ The SIU-crewed USNS Red Cloud recently was recognized for its outstanding record of safe operations since the vessel’s delivery in 2000. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Red Cloud offloads coalition combat equipment and supplies at Souda Bay, Greece, after returning from deployment in Iraq in May 2005. 4 Seafarers LOG The USNS Red Cloud is part of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command fleet and is operated by Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL), which is based in Norfolk, Va. The honor, the “Constant Care Award,” recently was established to recognize vessels within the MLL fleet that have operated for at least five years without a lost time accident (LTA). According to the company, “Constant Care means being proactive, preparing for problems in advance, and taking the proper course to complete a task safely and efficiently.” The Red Cloud is the first vessel to achieve this significant milestone since the award’s inception. The company pointed out that despite regularly scheduled crew rotations during the aforementioned five-year period, “the safety culture was passed on from crew member to crew member and continued to hold true. ‘Constant Care’ requires more cial mission that was mandated by and in support of the Secretary of Defense….your team’s assistance to this effort was superb. Their professionalism and dedication were evident throughout this critical event.” Receiving recognition were Bosuns James Crate and Wes Slattery; ABs John Ulstrom, Greg Overstreet, Mark Bolitho and Christopher Yohe; Ordinary Seamen Matt Jenness and Gene Hoehn; QMEDs David Spaulding, Joseph Benavente, Jordan Cuddy and Victor Bunghart; than safety training. It requires commitment and reinforcement.” On August 11, the award formally was presented by MLL Director of Operations Jerry Eker. SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny joined Capt. George G. Galyo, USN, Commander, Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic, and others for the ceremony in Norfolk. Capt. Christopher Begley noted that one of the primary reasons for the USNS Red Cloud’s success is that officers and crew members view the vessel as their home, and they look out for one another as family. Both Mangram and Galyo praised the crew for their continued success. During the past five years, the Red Cloud has logged more than one million nautical miles and completed more than 25 deployments or missions. The vessel is one of eight large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessels managed by Maersk Line, Limited. The LMSR ships are named for Medal of Honor recipients. Electricians Kirk Benton and Frank Guenther; QEE Paul Mullersman and Wiper Bryan Fisher. Also honored were Steward/ Baker Bill Bragg; Chief Cooks Larry Pugh and Nancy Vaupel; ACUs Larinda Sawyer and Elba Alfaro; and SAs Terry Lane, Francis Fiorella, Steve Concepcion, Cindy Galarza and W. Carnell Frink. The SBX-1 is a unique combination of an advanced X-Band radar mounted aboard an oceangoing, semi-submersible platform. It provides the Ballistic Missile Defense System with a missile tracking and discrimination capability that can be positioned to cover any part of the globe to support both missile defense operations and testing. The platform is twin-hulled, selfpropelled and very stable in rough seas and turbulent sea conditions. The platform’s oceanspanning mobility allows the radar to be repositioned as needed to support the various test scenarios envisioned for the Ballistic Missile Defense System or to The SIU-crewed SBX-1 supports America’s national security. provide radar coverage of possible threat missile launches from anywhere in the world. The Sea-Based X-Band Radar is 240 feet wide and 390 feet long. It towers more than 280 feet from its keel to the top of the radome and displaces nearly 50,000 tons. Larger than a football field, the main deck houses living quarters, workspaces, storage, power generation, a bridge and control rooms while providing the floor space and infrastructure necessary to support the radar antenna array, command, control and communications suites and an in-flight interceptor communication system data terminal. SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (fourth from right) and Port Agent Georg Kenny (far left) join crew members and officers on the USNS Red Cloud in celebrating the Constant Care Award. Pictured from the left are Bosun Thomas DeCarlo, MLL Director of Operations Jerry Eker, Capt. Christopher Begley, Bosun Terry Evins and Capt. George G. Galyo, USN. October 2006 �Peters Nominated as Transportation Secretary President Bush on Sept. 4 nominated Mary Peters to become the nation’s next Secretary of Transportation. Peters currently serves as an executive for transportation policy at a major engineering firm. She headed the Federal Highway Administration from 2001-2005, and prior to that spent three years directing the Arizona Department of Transportation. If confirmed by the Senate, Peters will succeed Norman Mineta, the longest-serving Secretary of Transportation in U.S. history. Mineta, a strong advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine, retired in July after serving in the post for five and onehalf years. “I’m pleased to announce that I intend to nominate Mary Peters to be the next Secretary of Transportation,” President Bush said in making the announcement. “Our nation’s transportation infrastructure is vital to our prosperity and competitiveness; it’s critical to the everyday lives of our citizens. “The Secretary of Transportation is responsible for maintaining a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system,” the president continued. “In addition, the Secretary of Transportation plays an important role in our nation’s coordinated efforts to guard against terrorist threats to our aircraft, our seaports and our infrastructure. “It is a job that requires vision and strong leadership. Mary Peters is the right person for this job,” President Bush said. “She brings a lifetime of experience on transportation issues, from both the private and public sectors. “She’s an innovative thinker. She knows how to set priorities and to solve problems. And as a member of my Cabinet,” concluded the president, “Mary will work closely with state and local leaders to ensure that America has a state-of-the-art transportation system that meets the needs of our growing economy.” After thanking President Bush for affording her the opportunity to serve as America’s next Secretary of Transportation, Peters took the podium in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. In part she said, “Today, our vital transportation infrastructure is showing signs of aging. We are experiencing increasing congestion on our nation’s highways, railways, airports and seaports. And we’re robbing our nation of productivity and our citizens of International Study Shows Union Ships Are Happier Editor’s note: The following article—written by Dr. Erol Kahveci, a senior research associate at the Seafarers’ International Research Center in Cardiff, UK—is being reprinted from the International Transport Workers’ Federation publication, Seafarers’ Bulletin. The article has been edited slightly for style. The results of a major survey on the working conditions aboard car carrier vessels have provided some useful, if unsurprising data for seafarers’ rights campaigners. The message from 627 unlicensed seafarers who were surveyed over the past two years in a major international study is clear: mariners feel happier, healthier and more valued when employed on vessels sailing under national flags rather than on flag of convenience (FOC) ships. But those on FOC ships feel distinctly better off if they are serving on a ship with an ITF agreement. The survey also confirms what members of trade unions probably already believe—that the percentage of FOC car carriers that are covered by ITF agreements are relatively high compared to that of the general fleet. About 60 percent of all vessels in the international fleet fly FOCs. The remaining 40 percent sail under national flags. Of those FOC ships according to ITF estimates, about 30 percent are covered by one of its collective agreements. Trade union officials believe that car carriers are more likely to take out the “insurance policy” of an ITF agreement because they carry high value cargo and run on very tight schedules. The fact that Japanese ownership is disproportionately high in the car carrier sector is also significant. Japanese companies are likely to belong to the Joint Negotiating Group which, along with the ITF, forms part of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF). The IBF, of which the ITF is a member, negotiates pay and conditions for seafarers on FOC ships. Overall, the survey results are consistent with the general pattern of national versus FOC distribution (40 percent national flag versus 60 percent FOC). The percentage of FOCs with union agreements however, is considerably higher. Of all the FOC car carriers, 62 percent have uniform ITF agreements (known as “total crew cost” or TCC). Nine percent of these carriers have agreements negotiated by the IBF and 28 percent have no ITF recognized agreement. Patterns of perception What difference do national flags and the different types of agreements make? According to the results of the survey, they make a great deal of difference. Unlicensed mariners working under national flags are more likely to express positive attitudes about their relationships with their company and crewing agency than those working on FOC ships with agreements. They also are more apt to give October 2006 companies and crewing agencies higher marks than those on FOCs without agreements. Seafarers were asked standard questions about their pride in and loyalty towards their companies…. Because of the contractual nature of employment in the industry, the TCC agreements do not cover pensions. Aside from those from Singapore, most seafarers from Asian countries have no retirement pension contribution from their employer. Such benefits also are rare for seafarers from Indian Ocean and East European countries. These agreements are void of provisions that grant seafarers medical care while they are on leave. Filipinos—the largest national group—are afforded medical health coverage for a maximum period of six months when on leave. It also is mandatory for Filipinos to contribute to a medical insurance system. Seafarers from the Indian Ocean, East European and Asian countries are less fortunate. The great majority—95, 100 and 72 percent of those surveyed respectively—have no such benefit. The Need to Feel Valued On matters related to training and skill development, and to hours of work and rest, the pattern likewise is clear: those working under national flags are most likely to make positive evaluations, followed by those under ITF-recognized agreements. Both of those groups again tend to be more positive than those on FOC ships with no agreements. Such responses go hand-in-hand with unlicensed mariners’ evaluations of their officers’ performance (based on how they are treated, kept informed, etc.). Regardless of their rating, unlicensed mariners on national flag vessels generally feel that they have enough input with respect how they work and the workload involved (hours) in getting jobs done. They are equally concerned about stress related to job security, pay issues, physical working conditions and having to work while in pain. Overall, it is clear that unlicensed mariners who work on FOC ships that do not have ITF agreements are the most disadvantaged. Among other things, they are less likely to be encouraged to develop their skills, to feel that their jobs are secure or to be consulted on crewing, pay, health and safety and other issues. They also are less likely to feel that they have any influence over their work. Not surprisingly, they are less likely to take pride in whom they work for. The majority of unlicensed mariners on foreignflag car carriers do not get six hours of uninterrupted rest daily. Those on ships that do not have ITF agreements, however, are more likely to be deprived of it. These mariners also are more likely to feel that they work very hard, are constantly rushed and worry about job security during rest hours. The message from the survey to those wanting to go to sea on car carriers is clear enough: go aboard a vessel that flies a national flag. Those who have no alternative except FOCs should go on one that has an ITF agreement. White House photo by Shealah Craighead President George W. Bush’s nominee for Secretary of Transportation, Mary Peters, addresses the media during the announcement in the Roosevelt Room Sept. 5, 2006. quality time with their families. “In some cases,” Peters said, “this is the result of systems and structures that are more suited to a bygone era than to the 21st century. Should I be confirmed by the United States Senate, I look forward to working with you, Mr. President, with Congress, and with our public and private sector partners to address these issues and to provide our nation with a transportation system that is unparalleled in its security, in its safety, its efficiency, and its effectiveness.” Survey Says Many Americans Fret About Health Care Costs Three out of every four Americans recently surveyed by the Commonwealth Fund expressed strong worries about the quality, affordability and accessibility of the nation’s health care system. One of the most startling findings to come out of the report, Public Views on Shaping the Future of the U.S. Health Care System, is that Americans of every economic standing are finding it difficult to afford health care coverage. According to the study, 50 percent of respondents belonging to families earning less than $35,000 said they had “somewhat serious” or “very serious” problems in paying their medical bills. The result was practically the same for those in families making $35,000 to $49,999—48 percent expressed strong concern. Among higher income families, 33 percent earning between $50,000 and $74,999 are finding it hard to pay their medical bills. Even higher-income Americans are having problems—21 percent of families with incomes greater than $75,000 are expressing concern. Finally, there is a broad consensus that the federal government should take a more active role in this area. Eighty percent of those surveyed say that the U.S. government should ensure that all Americans have access to adequate and affordable health insurance. A non-profit organization, the Commonwealth Fund was formed in 1918 to explore issues relating to health care. It has long been a catalyst for change, according to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD). In the 1920s, it led the charge for improved childcare that resulted in the emergence of public health departments in communities around the country. From 1920 to 1940, the organization drew attention to inadequacies in America’s network of rural hospitals. In a related development, The New York Times reported that not only are some children moving back home after college and asking mom and dad for monthly subsidies, but in a growing number of states children can now stay on their parents’ health insurance plans well into their 20s. Reporter Jennifer Lee said that with 18- to 34-year-olds— the fastest growing group of uninsured—states are extending the time that children can be a dependent for insurance purposes. In New Jersey, which this year enacted the highest age limit, children can “piggyback” until they turn 30, as long as they live in the state and don’t have their own children. The trend stems from a concern that a healthy—and profitable—segment of the population is dropping out of the insurance pool. About half of all states have studied such proposals, and at least nine have passed laws, eight of them since 2003 and three just this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. About 30 percent of adults ages 18 to 24, and more than onequarter of adults 25 to 34, are uninsured, though the average for all age groups is 16 percent, according to figures released by the Census Bureau in late August. It is not known how many people have taken advantage of extended coverage, because policies are administered by private companies and most of the changes have only recently taken effect. Continued on page 9 Seafarers LOG 5 �ANSWERING THE CALL ABOARD THE USNS WRIGHT T he SIU-crewed USNS Wright, part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) fleet, early last month was activated in the port of Baltimore. Answering the call to duty as is their tradition, Seafarers fully crewed up the U.S.-flag military support ship. As evidenced by the photos on these two pages (which were taken Sept. 7), the vessel was a hub of activity. SIU members worked side by side with members of the United States Marine Corps to ready the vessel for its pending mission. They effected a variety of minor repairs, inspected vital operating systems and loaded stores. The Wright is a helicopter repair ship, which can provide support for offshore helicopter activity and house more than 325 people. The RRF is a fleet of militarily useful ships, normally used to support the U.S. Armed Forces in time of war or national emergency. Many of the ships from the RRF have been back and forth to the Middle East, supporting armed forces there. RRF ships also have frequently been activated to help in recovery efforts from disasters overseas, but last year with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita marked the first time they have been activated to assist in recovery from a domestic disaster. The RRF program was initiated in 1976 as a subset of the Maritime Administration’s National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) to support the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S. military forces. Seafarers crewed up the USNS Wright early last month in the port of Baltimore for an upcoming deployment. Taking a well deserved break from their duties are (from left) AB Alfred Martin, OS Jose Ramos and OS Ed Riscos. Facing away from the camera is OS Leonard Gregg. Recertified Bosun Tom Moore inspects and checks off on his list of tasks in preparation for launch. AB Eleazar Lozano Jr. readies the deck of the USNS Wright to receive stores containers. Recertified Bosun Tom Moore (left) attentively listens to a briefing given by the chief mate of the USNS Wright. Other SIU members taking in the briefing are (in no particular order) ABs Emmanuel Wabe, Albert Haarman, Angelo Acosta, Eleazar Lozano, Antonio Santos and Albert Martin and OSs Leonard Gregg, Jose Ramos and Ed Risco. Other SIU crew members aboard the Wright for the activation, but not pictured in this feature, include SAs Norman Adler and Dominic Dumlao; QMEDs Kenneth Powell and Therman Ames; QEE Rodolfo Cunanan and OMU Arthur Marshall. Chief Cook Kevin Fischer moves another of his creations to the serving line to be dished up for hungry shipmates. 6 Seafarers LOG Assistant Cook Julie Dvoroznak cuts a pie in preparation for lunch. Delivering the Goods Seafarers over the years have “I especially am impressed built an untarnished reputation with their emphasis on safety of “delivering the goods” when- and their attention to detail ever and wherever needed. when it comes to practicing it,” That reputation remains Everett continued. “I still intact today, and remember the according to first time I U.S. Marine sailed with Master Sgt. them and how Charles Everett, thoroughly a Jacksonville, they briefed N.C. native with us when we more than 22 mustered for years of service an overview in the Corps, of the vessel. SIU members “They told are still doing us what we their all to keep needed to do if it that way. a fire broke Everett is one of out and covmany Marines ered all procewho were aboard dures that Master Sgt. Charles Everett the USNS Wright would be folSept. 7 as it prelowed in the pared for a miliunlikely event tary deployment from the port that we had to use the vessel’s of Baltimore. lifeboats. They even told us “Seafarers are a really hardwho would get into which working and dedicated group of lifeboat…. I call that thorough people,” said Everett, who once and it gives all of us a good before has had occasion to rub feeling.” sleeves with members of the Everett, his fellow Marines “fourth arm of defense” during aboard the Wright and every military operations. “I shipped other person in uniform often out on this same vessel in the depend on the dedication and past and I have nothing but training of others while deploygood things to say about how ing to perform their respective the SIU folks conducted themjobs. “As a group, I think we’re selves. They are extremely pro- in great hands with the memfessional, very cooperative and bers of the SIU on this vessel,” will do whatever is needed to Everett said. “They all know keep everything running their jobs and they do them smoothly. very well.” October 2006 �A pair of SIU crew members is busy with duties on deck. Steward Assistant John Cator dishes up an entrée for a crew member during lunch. Left: Plumber Kenneth Pell checks the faucet in the galley of the Wright to ensure that water pressure is up to standard. Chief Steward Rayfield Crawford packs away items in one of the vessel’s storage areas. QMED Earl Ebbert checks the power supply of one of the vessel’s coffee makers. QMED Alshea Dixon conducts an inspection of systems in the engine room. Recertified Bosun Tom Moore carries a case of bottled water to the galley storage room. AB Santos Antonio (left) and AB Eleazar Lozano Jr. guide a piece of equipment as it is lowered dockside from the deck of the USNS Wright. ANSWERING THE CALL ABOARD THE USNS WRIGHT October 2006 Seafarers LOG 7 �CIVMARS Assist in Mercy’s Humanitarian Missions The Navy’s Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy recently completed a fivemonth humanitarian mission in the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia. The vessel is crewed by 66 civil service mariners (CIVMARs), some of whom are members of the SIU Government Services Division. Mariners operate and navigate the ship while military personnel and volunteers from non-governmental organizations team up with local doctors to provide much-needed treatment to patients at each stop. When the hospital ship responded to the December 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, they utilized not only helicopters, but also were able to transport doctors, patients and cargo with rigid-hull inflatable boats. Since Mercy’s missions are scheduled in places with no existing ports, the ship must anchor off shore. So, for their most recent mission, they acquired two utility boats from the Navy, which they affectionately call “Band-Aid” boats. Each of these boats can take about 45 passengers at a time, three times the number that can be moved by either of the two helicopters on board the Mercy. “The Band-Aid boats are wonderful,” said Capt. Joseph Moore, USN, commander of the Mercy’s Medical Treatment Facility. “We would not have been able to treat nearly the number of people that we have without them.” The two boats have been painted white, like the ship they support, and are marked with red crosses. Each one also has the likeness of a Band-Aid bandage painted on the steering column, one with a “1” painted in the center of the bandage, and the other with a “2.” Each boat is assigned three mariners: two from the deck department to steer and operate the boat and one from the engine department to monitor and repair the engine, if necessary. Third Mate Richard Paramore and ABs Dale Witham and Timothy Wheelock are among the regular Band-Aid boat drivers. On most days, from the first earlymorning run at 6:30 through the last late run in the evening, they assist in ferrying passengers nonstop from ship to shore and back again. This can easily add up to 12- to 16-hour days for each of the drivers. “It’s a long day, but I love it. It’s really good to help all of those people,” said Paramore. In 43 days of operations at six stops in the Philippines and Indonesia, the boats transported approximately 5,000 people as well as medical and building equipment to and from the ship. The only stop at which the boats were not utilized was in Bangladesh, because the ship was operating too far off shore. In addition to transporting patients, the Band-Aid boat mariners also provide them with care and support as they and their loved ones make the journey to the hospital ship for treatment. Many of the patients are unfamiliar with hospitals, ships and the English language—and the journey is often a frightening experience. “The mariners are remarkable in the amount of sensitivity and care that they have shown in U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Don Bray The USNS Mercy, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, is anchored off the coast of Dili, Timor (in Indonesia) to provide humanitarian, medical and civic assistance to the island’s residents. Band-Aid boats are used to transport patients, doctors and supplies to and from the ship. helping people to get on and off the ship,” said Capt. Bradley Martin, USN, the humanitarian mission commander. “They have served as excellent ambassadors for Mercy.” “If it weren’t for the Band-Aid boats, this mission certainly wouldn’t have touched as many people as it has,” said Capt. Robert T. Wiley, Mercy’s civilian master. “Over the course of our mission, our utility boats have moved over five times the number of passengers and equipment than the helos have at a fraction of the cost, making them the most cost-effective and high volume means of ship-to-shore transportation for this deployment.” The medical personnel on this mission saw more than 40,000 patients both on the ship and at local hospitals ashore. In addition, the Seabee unit aboard, along with some of Mercy’s CIVMARs, helped with infrastructure improvement projects at almost every locale. The USNS Mercy left its last humanitarian stop in late August and was scheduled to return home to San Diego by the end of September. Wilmington-Area Seafarers March in Parade U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Edward G. Martens “Band-Aid One,” one of two transport boats, shuttles patients and crew from ship to shore when the USNS Mercy anchored for a week off the coast of Tarakan, a small Indonesian island. Seafarers participated in the annual Labor Day parade in Wilmington, Calif. Among those taking part in the event (and pictured at right) were Andres Mano, Jamie Merced, Efren Ancheta, Thomas Leong, Samuel Lampshire, James Boss, Jefferson Julian, Thom Montgomery and son Jett, Dispatcher Nick Rios, Port Agent John Cox and family (wife Tausha, daughters Alexis and Ashley), Osei Baffoe, Steven Benavides and Ricky Williams. ATC Ship Model Docks at HQ Seafarers-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. last month commemorated the addition of the Alaskan Explorer to its fleet by leaving a model of the new vessel at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. for employees and guests to observe. Checking out the replica are (from left) SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU President Michael Sacco, ATC Director of Labor Relations Bill Cole and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. The Alaskan Explorer, a doublehulled tanker and the fourth in the Alaska Class built in San Diego, was delivered Aug. 18 and started sailing with an SIU crew shortly thereafter. 8 Seafarers LOG October 2006 �CIVMAR News Tragedy Aboard USNS San Jose In late August, two MSC bargaining unit employees died while working along the side of the USNS San Jose in a “cherry picker” lift. These individuals were assigned to paint the side of the vessel. The union has started an investigation of the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident. All CIVMARS should be aware that training, certification and/or licensing are necessary prior to using this type of equipment. The Navy has certain protocols and precautions that must be followed when using this type of equipment. Training, special safety equipment, spotters and other safety criteria must all be considered prior to and while you are working with and on the lift. (Space does not permit a complete listing here of all the safety requirements and precautions.) If you are assigned to this duty and feel you have not received the correct training or do not feel confident that you will be able to safely operate the equipment as a result of adverse conditions or because you do not have enough experience, it is very important to let your shipboard supervisor and your union representative know. The union will be able to assist you in this situation. The union will be following this case very closely. If you need more information about using the lift call SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Chet Wheeler at (510) 4442360 or e-mail civmarsupport@seafarers.org. Snapshots from Jacksonville Notice of Limitation to Personal E-mail Accounts and Web Sites The union’s Government Services Division has received notice from MSC that in the near future all CIVMARS sailing aboard MSC vessels will no longer be able to use their private e-mail account to send or receive messages from the vessel. All CIVMARS will be required to have a “.mil” e-mail address. There will be some restrictions to surfing and connecting with certain commercial web sites. CIVMARS will also be required to utilize a Defense Common Access Card to use the shipboard computers. The union is reviewing this policy very carefully and preparing impact and implementation proposals for MSC’s review and response. The union has requested that this policy be changed only after bargaining has been completed. The union believes that this policy could substantially impair the ability of mariners to conduct their personal affairs aboard the vessel as they have been able to do in the past. The union is also seeking information about how CIVMARS may use their own personal computers aboard the vessel to enable them to continue full access to their personal e-mail accounts and unlimited access to the internet. The union is interested in hearing from CIVMARS with any questions or concerns about how this change will impact them. You can call your union representative or e-mail civmarsupport@seafarers.org. SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Randy Senatore (seated near lamp at left, wearing vest) and Port Agent Archie Ware (behind the camera) meet with Seafarers aboard the USNS Stockham on July 25. The union representatives and mariners discussed the new SIU standard contracts, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan eligibility requirements, proposed SIU constitutional amendments and more. Article Describes Routine Aboard SIU-Crewed Georgia Some of the differences between life aboard a U.S. Navy ship and a U.S. merchant ship— like the SIU-crewed Maersk Georgia—were highlighted in the Sept. 2006 issue of SEAPOWER, the official publication of the Navy League of the United States. The Georgia, a containership operated by Maersk Line Ltd., is one of four vessels in that company’s fleet that participates in the Maritime Security Program (MSP), which was established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996 to provide approximately $100 million annually for up to 47 vessels to partially offset the higher operating costs of keeping these vessels under U.S.-flag registry and making them available to the Defense Department in times of need. (The MSP was extended for 10 years when the original program expired in October 2005. It also grew to include up to 60 ships and includes additional funding.) In drawing the comparisons, one of the main differences mentioned by the author, Matt Hilburn, associate editor of SEAPOWER, is that the Georgia, among the most modern ships in the U.S.-flag fleet, carries a crew of 19 on its run from the U.S. East Coast through the Mediterranean, into the Middle East, on to India and then back on 49-day runs. In the past, such ships would have carried larger crews. With 19 persons aboard ship, life for the crew of the Georgia is very busy, particularly when arriving in or departing from a port. “On a carrier there may be 19 or 20 guys doing what you just saw three do,” said Capt. James Rodgers, a merchant mariner since 1973, who came on board in Norfolk, Va. to start a October 2006 This is one of three pages in the September 2006 issue of SEAPOWER magazine that talks about life aboard the SIUcrewed USNS Georgia. Port Agent Archie Ware (left) is pictured with Florida State Senator Anthony Hill during a July 15 meeting of the Florida State AFL-CIO which took place at a local firehouse. The two discussed the importance of grassroots political action and some of the issues affecting the maritime industry. They also talked about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s efforts in hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast as well as the need to maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Americans Worry About Health Care Costs Continued from page 5 typical 98-day stint as captain of the ship. He was referring to departure activities from the port of Norfolk—including loading and unloading cargo and picking up or dropping off a pilot, although he noted that comparisons between the two may be difficult to make given the different missions of each ship. While at sea, however, crew members have a more regular routine, working four hours on watch and then getting eight hours off—but with the unpredictability of life aboard ship, anything can happen to interrupt that free time. Another difference between a Navy and merchant vessel is the lack of distinction between rank. Licensed merchant mariners (the equivalent of officers in the Navy) and unlicensed merchant mariners (enlisted persons) are not likely to display their rank or job title. “We tend to work together and not emphasize hierarchy,” said Rodgers. “I may address an [able-bodied seaman] just as a friend.” SIU member Franklyn Cordero, the chief steward aboard the USNS Georgia, was featured in the article as well. Cordero, a 30-year SIU veteran, noted that much of the galley functions have become more automated over the years, which helps, particularly with a three-man steward department. Up at 3 a.m, he is responsible for planning meals, ordering food, baking, keeping track of the ship’s sanitation, and, “when the chief cook needs it, pitching in with the cooking.” Port Agent Archie Ware (left) presents newly retired Seafarer Neftali Santana with his first pension check in early August. The recertified bosun began sailing with the SIU in 1967 and most recently sailed aboard the Commitment. The rise of uninsured young adults results from two main economic forces, analysts say. Changes in the workplace mean that fewer jobs now have full benefits, which disproportionately affects the newest workers. In addition, the rising cost of premiums, whether shared with an employer or paid individually, might make insurance less attractive to a relatively healthy population. For years, children have been allowed to stay on their parents’ health insurance until they turned 19, or until they turned 22 or 23 if they remained full-time students. Some of the laws extending the age of coverage allow insurers to charge extra premiums, which vary depending on the plan. They also have various restrictions, sometimes requiring that the child be a full-time student, be unmarried, reside in the state or even live with the parents. In general, these laws do not apply to insurance plans financed by the employer—as opposed to plans in which the employer buys coverage from an insurance company—because self-insured plans, favored by some larger companies, are shielded from state rules and laws under the 1974 Federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Before this year, laws extending health coverage were passed in Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico, South Dakota and Texas. Utah, where young Mormon men commonly complete two years of missionary work, passed the first law, in 1994. The governors of Delaware and Rhode Island signed such laws last July. New York State has three bills in legislative committees to raise the age limit for children to 25, with various restrictions. Connecticut has a similar proposal in committee. Seafarers LOG 9 �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. Wearing his graduation cap and gown is Puerto Rico Port Agent Amancio Crespo and his family (from left) daughters Cristina Maria, Amanda Maria and his wife, Maria de los Angeles. Crespo received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Next stop: law school. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone shows off his 9month-old grandson, Gibson Hill, at the grand opening of the Oakland hall on Aug. 17. Recertified Steward Howard H. Lewis of Las Vegas, Nev. has seven granddaughters. Here he poses with four of them: Antonia Perez, Valerie Robinson, Alexandria Robinson and Jamilla Robinson. Thanks to his wife, Susan, for sending this photo to the LOG. Priscilla Senatore (right) and her son Jake got to meet President Bush when he came to the school on Labor Day. Senatore is administrator of admissions at the Paul Hall Center. AB Larry Casteneda brings his son Larry Jr. with him to the hall in Puerto Rico. 10 Seafarers LOG The Hill family gets together in Piney Point. From the left are Recertified Bosun Billy Sr., Unlicensed Apprentice Billy Jr., and Billie Sue Hill (mom). Billy Sr.’s brother, Tracy Hill, also sails as an electrician with the union, and their father, Chuck Hill, and grandfather, Thomas Perrett, also sailed SIU. October 2006 �October 2006 Seafarers LOG 11 �Labor D The President Arrives at Piney Point Seafarers-A Paul Hall Ce Hosts Presi Additional coverage appears SIU President Michael Sacco introduces President Bush, calling him “a true friend of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” President Bush shook many han and cordially posed for lots of ph tos after his speech. Here, he pictured with (first row, from le SIU VP Contacts George Trick guest Daniel Alioto and the fam of SIU Secretary-Treasurer Dav Heindel—Marinea, David, Zacha Jerri-Dee and Chelsea. Crowley Maritime Corp. Chairman and CEO Thomas B. Crowley, Jr. looks on as son Thomas Bannon Crowley gets an autograph. 12 Seafarers LOG October 2006 �Day 2006 Affiliated enter ident Bush s on pages 1, 2 and 3 John Mason, director of training, American Service Technology, points out some of the engine simulator’s features. Listening to the president’s remarks are SIU President Sacco; John Angus, longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine and former president of the National Propeller Club; and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. ds hois eft) er, mily vid ry, The President Departs October 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �Today you can dig up the Slop Chest online at www.siustore.com Visit the store and place your order today! 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. Retiree Recognized for WWII Service An 80-year-old SIU retiree who sailed during World War II earlier this year was honored in Sellersville, PA for his contributions during the war effort. Anthony Kondracki of Quarkertown, PA. was lauded along with 100 other area resi- dents during a ceremony conducted at the borough firehouse by State Rep. Paul Clymer (R-PA.), according to a report in The Intelligencer newspaper by Hilary Bentman. Kondracki was the lone merchant mariner to be recognized during the event which also honored veteran Army infantrymen, Marines and airmen. Clymer afforded recognition to the veterans in his district for their service more than six decades ago, according to Bentman. Despite being vastly outnumbered by veterans of the other services, Kondracki wore his U.S. Merchant Marine medals and ribbons proudly. As a 16-year-old, Kondracki sailed into harm’s way while transporting locomotives to Russia to be used by the Red Army against the Germans during World War II, the report said. “Our guys went through a lot of bad things,” he told the newspaper. “I’m glad someone finally recognized us.” This is the certificate Anthony Kondracki received in recognition of his contributions during World War II as a merchant mariner. IMPORTANT NOTICE: 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 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 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea November & December 2006 Membership Meetings AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2006 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED 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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals DECK DEPARTMENT Totals 1 0 9 3 2 9 30 20 0 9 11 27 11 27 5 1 5 1 32 22 1 3 2 9 1 2 14 13 5 7 11 12 12 5 3 10 6 4 20 7 1 2 0 1 1 1 3 4 2 1 3 5 5 2 1 0 1 0 5 10 0 1 4 4 0 2 16 12 0 4 7 16 7 10 1 0 3 1 15 10 3 0 12 20 1 14 68 54 1 15 32 86 21 25 8 0 15 2 72 61 7 9 8 26 12 14 55 35 1 21 16 45 34 20 6 8 16 11 49 33 2 2 1 9 1 1 18 12 0 6 2 19 11 6 5 0 2 3 16 9 294 258 71 225 147 48 113 510 426 125 Joliet .....................Thursday: November 16, December 14 Mobile ..................Wednesday: November 15, December 13 Baltimore..............Thursday: November 9, December 7 Boston ..................Monday: November 13* ..............................Friday: December 8 ...............................(*change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) Guam ....................Friday: November 24* ..............................Thursday: December 21 ...............................(*change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) Honolulu...............Friday: November 17, December 15 Houston ................Monday: November 13, December 11 ............................... Jacksonville ..........Thursday: November 9, December 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 7 5 1 9 14 24 0 4 7 18 12 9 1 4 2 1 20 10 3 4 5 11 3 3 12 20 1 3 4 7 4 6 2 3 2 3 27 8 0 1 2 2 1 3 6 3 0 2 0 4 3 5 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 9 1 0 5 9 12 0 4 5 5 8 6 1 2 4 0 21 10 2 4 4 5 0 5 6 4 1 6 3 7 5 5 4 2 2 2 20 3 0 2 1 2 0 1 5 1 0 1 0 4 4 1 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 4 1 0 4 3 5 0 6 2 1 2 5 1 1 1 0 12 5 0 0 7 7 2 14 24 40 1 9 10 38 18 17 2 4 4 3 21 17 3 2 7 13 8 2 19 36 3 6 7 11 14 9 1 3 5 2 28 17 2 0 2 4 1 2 13 5 1 2 1 6 6 6 0 0 2 2 7 12 148 131 37 102 90 29 53 238 196 74 0 0 4 8 1 12 24 18 0 3 6 15 10 22 0 1 1 2 20 23 1 0 0 8 0 7 8 7 0 0 4 7 7 7 1 1 2 2 10 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 1 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 5 19 14 0 7 3 14 8 16 0 2 0 0 17 18 1 0 1 4 0 2 2 6 0 1 1 5 9 5 0 2 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 4 4 0 0 0 7 3 7 0 1 2 0 11 4 1 0 7 10 4 14 39 34 0 5 9 37 13 39 4 3 1 3 29 41 0 0 0 13 3 18 13 15 0 4 7 9 14 8 1 1 5 3 22 16 0 0 1 0 1 0 11 2 3 0 4 7 2 1 0 0 0 1 3 4 170 82 17 127 45 8 47 293 152 40 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 4 0 0 2 6 1 6 0 0 0 0 6 1 2 1 4 4 2 5 23 22 0 5 7 40 17 17 1 23 0 0 14 7 4 2 1 7 0 5 16 10 1 2 4 14 21 8 0 21 0 0 11 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 4 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 4 14 8 0 2 5 15 10 10 1 13 2 1 7 6 1 0 1 4 0 2 2 7 0 3 1 1 14 1 0 27 0 1 3 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 0 5 8 5 0 1 4 10 1 9 0 0 2 0 10 1 3 3 5 11 3 12 37 34 0 7 7 64 26 26 1 15 1 0 29 13 10 4 2 17 1 13 26 23 1 3 9 34 30 17 0 3 1 0 17 13 35 194 133 16 103 70 0 56 297 224 647 665 258 470 385 155 213 1,097 1,071 463 *“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 2006 New Orleans.........Tuesday: November 14, December 12 New York .............Tuesday: November 7, December 5 Norfolk .................Thursday: November 9, December 7 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: November 8, December 6 Port Everglades ....Thursday: November 16, December 14 San Francisco .......Thursday: November 16, December 14 San Juan ...............Thursday: November 9, December 7 St. Louis ...............Friday: November 17, December 15 Tacoma .................Friday: November 24, December 22 Wilmington...........Monday: November 20, December 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals All Departments Algonac ................Monday: November 13* ..............................Friday: December 8 ...............................(*change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) 1 2 0 6 2 0 7 11 1 3 1 9 5 6 3 0 0 1 7 6 Port Totals Piney Point ...........Monday: November 6, December 4 3 9 5 14 7 8 23 21 4 12 10 30 20 12 4 14 11 5 32 14 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 10 11 1 6 43 25 0 9 25 41 13 19 7 0 6 1 43 33 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals ARMONDO “SKIP” ALVAREZ Please contact your brother, Mark Ah-Low at 460 Martin Lakes Drive South, Jacksonville, FL 32220; or call him at home (904) 695-1883 or on his cell phone (904) 210-6634. BRUCE BUTLER Please contact your daughter, Eugina Ford at (281) 682-6708. She is moving soon. Important Notice: New Date for SHBP Eligibility Change In July, a change in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s (SHBP) eligibility rules was announced. Upon the effective date of the change, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to a claim. The Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan—acting on the recommendation of the SIU Trustees—have decided to postpone this change to the eligibility rule. During 2007, the eligibility rule will remain the same as it is this year. This means that in order to be eligible for claims in 2007, a Seafarer must have 125 days of covered employment in 2006, in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. The eligibility rule will change on January 1, 2008. Beginning on that date, in order to remain eligible for benefits, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in the previous calendar year, in addition to the current requirement of one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. For example, in order to be eligible for benefits in 2008, a Seafarer must have 150 days of covered employment in 2007, in addition to the one day of covered employment in the six months prior to the claim. The 150-day rule’s impact on work rotations will be studied by the union. Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, 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 George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 DECK DEPARTMENT 5 9 5 6 14 0 2 2 43 4 1 2 3 5 0 0 0 15 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 5 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 4 5 5 2 7 0 1 2 26 2 3 2 2 4 1 0 0 14 2 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 2 3 1 11 1 1 3 22 12 24 1 22 33 0 2 1 95 3 5 0 4 24 0 0 0 36 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 5 0 5 1 1 3 0 0 1 11 13 13 2 4 13 0 0 1 46 1 3 0 1 4 0 0 0 9 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 6 4 2 0 9 0 0 1 22 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 1 0 0 3 2 8 Port 1 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 2 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 6 1 3 7 0 0 0 20 1 0 1 1 5 0 0 0 8 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 6 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 6 0 5 1 0 3 0 0 1 4 11 18 2 5 18 0 0 0 54 2 3 0 2 20 0 0 1 28 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 4 Totals All Departments 85 26 19 40 21 19 43 195 73 12 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This old photo was sent to the LOG by Pensioner Trinidad Sanchez of Carolina, P.R. It was taken in Saigon, Vietnam in 1966. The group had come ashore from the General Simon B. Buckner, a civilian-manned Army transport vessel. Sanchez is on the far right. Brother Sanchez began sailing with the SIU in 1967 from the port of San Francisco. He worked in the steward department. Before retiring in November 2005, he sailed aboard the USNS Fisher. 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. October 2006 �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 HECTOR AGUILAR, 65, was born in Costa Rica. Brother Aguilar commenced his SIU career in 1990 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first voyage was aboard the Independence. Brother Aguilar worked in the steward department and in 1995 and 2000, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Aguilar most recently sailed on the Coast Range. He makes his home in Fontana, Calif. MILES BLACK, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1980 in Seattle, initially shipping aboard a Manhattan Tankers vessel. Born in New York, the engine department member enhanced his skills in 1995 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Black most recently sailed aboard the Tacoma. He calls Mt. Lake Terrace, Wash. home. JAMES BURTNETT, 65, became an SIU member in 1986. Brother Burtnett first sailed on the USNS Wilkes as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his seafaring abilities in 2000 at the Piney Point training school. Brother Burnett, who was born in California, last sailed aboard the Independence. He resides in Thompson Falls, Mont. SIU LEUNG CHAN, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1993 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Chan primarily sailed on the USNS Regulus during his seafaring career. He was born in China and worked in the steward department. In 2000, Brother Chan took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. He resides in Metairie, La. WALTER HARRIS, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1987. Brother Harris first shipped aboard the USNS Indomitable. He upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Harris was born in Boston, Mass. and worked in the steward department. His most recent voyage was on the Horizon Enterprise. Brother Harris lives in Honolulu. SALVATORE QUAGLIATO, 71, is a New Jersey native. Brother Quagliato started his SIU career in 1987. He first sailed in the deck department of the USNS Capella. Brother Quagliato upgraded his seafaring skills on two occasions at the union-affiliated school. His last ship was the Defender. Brother Quagliato makes his home in Long Beach, Calif. THOMAS VAIN JR., 65, became a Seafarer in 1963. Brother Vain’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Marore. The deck department member upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and most recently sailed aboard the USNS Antares. He was born Approving the Standard Agreements Left: Voting on the standard agreeements takes place on the Tyco Decisive in the port of Mobile. From the left are Bosun Jose Gomez and ABs Lovell Smith and Koksal Demir. Below: Other crew members aboard the ship wait for their turn to vote. in Baltimore, Md. and now resides in Jacksonville, Fla. born in New Orleans and now lives in Covington, La. EVAN VERENIOTIS, 65, joined the union in 1969. Brother Vereniotis initially sailed on the Steel Rover in the steward department. Born in Greece, he attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Vereniotis last worked aboard the Horizon Hawaii. His home is in Athens, Greece. AARON BREAUX, 50, is a native of Louisiana. Boatman Breaux began his seafaring career in 1978. He worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing vessels. Boatman Breaux shipped in the deck department. He is a resident of Metairie, La. SHINICHI YOICHI, 72, was born in the Philippines. Brother Yoichi began his employment with the SIU in 1971. His first voyage was aboard the Overseas Ulla. Brother Yoichi was a member of the deck department. He last sailed on the Falcon Lady. Brother Yoichi calls Portland, Ore. home. INLAND FRANCIS BENEDICT, 69, started shipping with the SIU in 1956. Throughout his career, Boatman Benedict sailed aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. The deck department member was WAYNE NICHOLAS SR, 62, joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Nicholas sailed aboard Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation vessels. In 1983, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Nicholas makes his home in Eight Mile, Ala. GREAT LAKES TIMOTHY THOMPSON, 53, embarked on his SIU career in 1971 in the port of Detroit, Mich. Brother Thompson originally sailed with Inland Lakes Management in the deck department. The Michigan born mariner enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the training Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 As a first step toward a National Labor Relations Board election covering the Isthmian fleet, the SIU this week notified Isthmian that the SIU represented a majority of Isthmian seamen and demanded full recognition as the sole collective bargaining agent. In the event Isthmian refuses the recognition, the SIU will then petition the Labor Board for an election covering all the unlicensed seamen aboard Isthmian ships. In the meantime the organizational drive continued in full swing. 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. HILLARD BROWN, 63, became an NMU member in 1967. Brother Brown first sailed on the American Scientist. He was born in Charleston, S.C. and worked in the engine department. Brother Brown most recently shipped aboard the Cape Edmont. CUTHBERT FORBES, 63, is a native of Honduras. Brother Forbes joined the union in 1967, first sailing on the Gulf Supreme. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Argonaut. HENRY RICHARDSON, 59, launched his NMU career in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Richardson was born in New Orleans and shipped as a member of the steward department. His first ship was the U.S. Builder; his most recent was the ITB Jacksonville. around the world due to the refusal of the foreign crews to sail the vessels with their vitally needed cargoes to the war zone…. The Craftsman was first tied up in Kobe, Japan by the desertion of her Indian crew, who would not sail with her Vietnam-bound supplies. A Chinese crew was flown in to man the vessel, but upon reaching Hong Kong, they too refused to continue with the U.S. military cargo. Both of the other ships (London Craftsman and Elys Harbour) are also manned by Chinese crews who refuse to take their cargoes to Vietnam. This Month In SIU History 1955 A new high in both the number of benefits and total sums paid out was established by the dependents’ hospital and surgical plan for the month of October. Sixty Seafarer families benefited from payment of over $9,500 in hospital bills and surgical-medical fees during the month. In the four months since the plan started operating, 196 benefits of this kind have been paid to Seafarers at a total outlay of better than $31,000. 1965 Three more foreign-flag ships transporting military cargoes to South Vietnam for the Defense Department are tied up at various ports October 2006 facility in Piney Point, Md. Brother Thompson’s last ship was the American Republic. He resides in Milton, Fla. 1975 Seventeen ships under contract to the SIU this month received charters to carry U.S. grain to Russia after strong political pressure by labor forced the Ford administration to negotiate a new long-term, five-year shipping agreement with the USSR, which includes higher freight rates and a ceiling on the amount of grain that can be sold to the Russians. Labor’s unified stand against the uncontrolled sale of grain to Russia not only has given a much-needed shot in the arm to the ailing U.S. tanker industry, but will help stabilize all grain-related consumer prices in this country. U.S. tankers will haul an estimated 890,000 tons of grain to the Soviet Union in October. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA HUBERT ARCHIBALD Pensioner Hubert Archibald, 88, passed away May 15. Brother Archibald joined the union in 1966. His first voyage was aboard the Good Fellow. Brother Archibald was born in New York and shipped in the steward department. Before retiring in 1987, he last sailed on the Boston. Brother Archibald made his home in the state of Washington. ELVYN BUSSELL Pensioner Elvyn Bussell, 81, died April 4. Brother Bussell became an SIU member in 1951 in the port of Philadelphia. He initially sailed aboard the Potrero Hills. Brother Bussell worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Diamond State. Brother Bussell was born in Covington, Ky. and called Philadelphia home. He began receiving his pension in 1985. DAVID CAMPBELL Brother David Campbell, 49, passed away April 23. He joined the SIU in 1980 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Campbell’s first ship was the Robert E. Lee. The steward department member, who was a native of Tacoma, Wash., last sailed on the Horizon Tacoma. He was a resident of Spokane, Wash. WILLIAM COFONE Pensioner William Cofone, 81, died Jan. 31. Brother Cofone began his seafaring career in 1955 in the port of Philadelphia. His first trip was on the Royal Oak, where he worked in the deck department. Brother Cofone, who was born in New York, last sailed aboard the Overseas Valdez. He resided in the Philippines and began receiving his pension in 1990. ESTUARDO CUENCA Pensioner Estuardo Cuenca, 82, passed away April 24. Brother Cuenca started sailing with the SIU in 1952 from the port of New York. He originally worked on the Steel Ranger in the engine department. Brother Cuenca was born in Ecuador. Prior to his retirement in 1985, he worked aboard the Pittsburgh. Brother Cuenca lived in Hialeah, Fla. ing career. Boatman Oliver first worked aboard the Cedar Rapid. Prior to his retirement in 1991, he worked aboard G&H Towing Company boats. Boatman Oliver called Timpson, Texas home. FELIX DAYRIT HENRY REYNOLDS Pensioner Felix Dayrit, 92, passed away April 10. Born in the Philippines, Brother Dayrit embarked on his seafaring career in 1948. His first ship was the Steel King. Brother Dayrit was a member of the engine department. His final voyage was aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Dayrit started collecting his retirement compensation in 1979. He called San Francisco home. Pensioner Henry Reynolds, 72, passed away March 7. Boatman Reynolds joined the ranks of the SIU in 1963. He sailed primarily aboard Hvide Marine and Seabulk Tanker vessels. Boatman Reynolds was born in Niceville, Fla. and lived in Port Arthur, Texas. He went on pension in 1996. FRANCES DEAL Pensioner Frances Deal, 79, died April 26. Sister Deal joined the union in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Her first ship was the Santa Magdalena. Sister Deal worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Kauai. She was born in West Virginia and made her home in Los Angeles, Calif. Sister Deal began receiving her pension benefits in 1992. LUIS FILIPETTI Brother Luis Filipetti, 71, passed away April 1. He became an SIU member in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Filipetti was born in Puerto Rico and first sailed aboard an Ore Navigation Company vessel. He last worked on the Cape Ducato. Brother Filipetti resided in Adjuntas, P.R. GARFIELD PERSLEY Brother Garfield Persley, 26, died March 13. He joined the Seafarers in 2005 while at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Persley’s first trip to sea was aboard the Steven L. Bennett. He was a resident of his native state of Louisiana. DONALD RUNDBLAD Pensioner Donald Rundblad, 75, passed away March 3. Brother Rundblad launched his SIU career in 1947. He initially sailed on the William F. Cody. Brother Rundblad was born in New York and shipped in the deck department. He made his home in Tacoma, Wash. INLAND ARTHUR CUNNINGHAM Pensioner Arthur Cunningham, 81, died May 14. Brother Cunningham joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1953 in the port of San Francisco. He began his seafaring career on the Santa Magdalena. Brother 18 Seafarers LOG sailing with the NMU in 1944 from the port of New York. Born in Martinique, his last voyage was aboard the Marine Fiddler. Brother Ossou retired in 1968. the Hampton Roads. He went on pension in 1985. Cunningham was born in Hamilton, Ohio. The steward department member last worked aboard the Chief Gadao. Brother Cunningham, who made his home in Portland, Ore., began his retirement in 1987. SYDELLE AYUSO OLLIE TAYLOR Pensioner Ollie Taylor, 80, died May 15. Born in LaGrange, N.C., Boatman Taylor initiated his seafaring career in 1977, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Boatman Taylor retired in 1991 and made his home in Satsuma, Fla. GREAT LAKES EDWIN ROOFNER Brother Edwin Roofner, 53, passed away May 3. He became an SIU member in 2005. Brother Roofner was born in Youngstown, Ohio. He worked in the deck department on the Susan Hannah during his seafaring career. Brother Roofner was a resident of Chicago. 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. MARCIANO ALMEIDA Pensioner Marciano Almeida, 78, died March 20. Brother Almeida joined the union in 1945 in the port of New York. He was born in Fall River, Mass. and sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Almeida initially shipped on Pensioner Sydelle Ayuso, 80, passed away Jan. 13. Brother Ayuso became an NMU member in 1960 in the port of New York. The steward department member’s first voyage was aboard the Argentina. Brother Ayuso last sailed on the American Astronaut. He started receiving his retirement benefits in 1987. WILLIAM BONNER Pensioner William Bonner, 96, died Jan. 15. Brother Bonner commenced his NMU career in 1935 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was the E.R. Kemp. Brother Bonner was a Rhode Island, native. He began collecting his pension in 1968. ALFRED CUNNINGHAM Pensioner Alfred Cunningham, 78, passed away Feb. 17. Brother Cunningham joined the NMU in 1967 in the port of Houston. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Leslie Lykes. Brother Cunningham was born in Illinois and shipped in the engine department. His last voyage was on the Margaret Lykes. Brother Cunningham became a pensioner in 1990. JOHN LeBLANC Pensioner John LeBlanc, 83, died Feb. 17. The Texas-born mariner began his NMU career in 1942, first sailing from Port Arthur, Texas aboard the Gulf Gem. He was a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1972, Brother LeBlanc worked on the Texaco Georgia. DIDIER OSSOU Pensioner Didier Ossou, 83, passed away Jan. 9. Brother Ossou began FREDY RECINOS Pensioner Fredy Recinos, 86, died March 24. Brother Recinos joined the union in 1963 in the port of New York. He initially shipped as a member of the steward department on the Constitution. Brother Recinos, who was born in Guatemala, last sailed aboard the Brinton Lykes. He went on pension in 1983. CHRISTOBAL ROSARIO Pensioner Christobal Rosario, 80, passed away Feb. 26. Brother Rosario joined the NMU in 1943 in the port of New York. He first worked aboard the Southern Sun. Brother Rosario last sailed on the Export Champion. He started receiving his pension in 1971. JOSEPH TRUPIO Pensioner Joseph Trupio, 88, died Feb. 4. Brother Trupio was born in Brooklyn, and began his seafaring career in the port of New York. Brother Trupio’s last voyage was aboard the American Lark. He retired in 1968. MARTIN YATES Pensioner Martin Yates, 90, passed away Feb. 16. Brother Yates joined the NMU in 1937 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The steward department member, who was born in the Cayman Islands, first worked on the Benjamin Brewster. His most recent voyage was aboard the Marine Texan. 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 Barnes, Claude 80 DOD NAME AGE Dec. 7 Maggio, Antonio 78 DOD Aug. 24 Battle, Luis 89 Dec. 11 McKiver, James 67 Aug. 24 Bertalo, Ferdinand 78 Aug. 4 Midence, Salvador 85 June 23 Blanco, Basilio 82 Dec. 3 Mosely, Arthur 81 Aug. 1 Butigan, Andrew 81 May 18 Negron, Rafael 84 Feb. 5 91 July 31 JAMES OLIVER Cooke, Edmond 93 Dec. 8 Ng, Hon Chung Pensioner James Oliver, 80, died March 6. Boatman Oliver began shipping with the SIU in 1945 in the port of Philadelphia. The Texas-born mariner sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions during his seafar- Cruz, Cristobal 82 Dec. 10 Paun, Tin 90 July 24 Davis, Cornelius 81 Aug. 12 Poopsingh, Flavius 93 Aug. 1 DeMario, Ernest 84 July 23 Rolling, Albert 79 July 21 Fawson, Mary 90 Feb. 1 Shepherd, Edward 87 July 31 Harris, Hewlet 82 Aug. 4 Simmons, Lloyd 69 Aug. 20 Hayes, Leon 82 July 25 Trahan, James 78 Aug. 22 James, Leslie 89 Aug. 3 Trotman, Stephen 60 Aug. 9 Latten, Henry 79 Aug. 5 Winnier, Joseph 82 Aug. 3 October 2006 �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. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), July 27—Chairman Glenn R. Christianson, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Ursel R. Barber, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Engine Delegate Michael G. Bautista, Steward Delegate Jabr A. Matari. Bosun discussed benefits of new contract and and spoke about importance of contributing to SPAD. He asked departing crew members to leave rooms clean for next person and reminded them to check in with customs and immigration as well as their union agent before leaving ship. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and keep documents, drug tests and dues current. Treasurer stated $350.37 in cook-out fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for great food and cookouts during journey. Suggestion made to have nationwide registry for all ports. Everyone was asked to keep noise down while watchstanders are resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; Hong Kong. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), July 30—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Mark E. Pesola, Engine Delegate Leo B. Bacall, Steward Delegate Reynaldo C. Telmo. Chairman announced Aug. 1 payoff prior to arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He advised crew members to check with boarding patrolman before departing vessel. He also spoke about new requirements for SHBP eligibility and that balloting on changes to constitution will take place between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31. Secretary asked crew going ashore to clean rooms and see her if any cleaning supplies are needed. Educational director urged all mariners to take advantage of union’s free education at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or dis- puted OT reported. Bosun read and posted e-mail from Port Agent Bryan Powell in the crew lounge. Crew was asked to put trash in the garbage room receptacles. Clarification requested regarding emergency leave, including complete copy of the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. Discussion held about new eligibility rules for medical benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage, Alaska. MOTIVATOR (Maersk Line Limited), July 23—Chairman Laurentis D. Colbert, Secretary Judi L. Chester, Educational Director Edwin P. Taylor, Deck Delegate Donald Clotter, Engine Delegate David Terry Jr., Steward Delegate Sukirman B. Suraredojo. Chairman led discussion on observations pertaining to new contract. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point school. He stated that it has been great having the apprentices onboard; they have helped lighten the busy load. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Questions raised concerning pension benefits. Bosun reported great trip; crew worked well together. All onboard thanked steward department for excellent job preparing food and cleaning ship. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Norfolk, Va. ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 3—Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Deck Delegate Vasilijs P. Semesjuks, Engine Delegate Glenn G. Barnes, Steward Delegate John G. Reid. Chairman reviewed highlights and changes in new contract. Secretary reported on communications from company regarding pay increases retroactive to July 1 that will be mailed by check to member’s current address on file. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to sign up for courses Moving Containers AB Stacey Twiford is on top of a container, preparing to latch it to the crane in order to move it from the Flickertail State. Bosun Dave Brown (in front) directs the crane operations. October 2006 offered at SIU-affiliated school. He also reminded them to start renewal of merchant marine documents (MMDs) early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun requested improvements to gym, new T.V. antennae, new computer and e-mail for crew. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Aug. 2— Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director James E. Tyson Jr., Engine Delegate John E. Coleman. Bosun read letter from company stating that mail being received without ship name on it is being returned to sender. Secretary asked everyone departing ship to clean room and leave fresh linen for next person. He also reminded crew members not to use stripper when cleaning showers; it eats away at the finish and drain seals. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade every chance they get at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed concerns about contact number for medical plan due to time difference between Honolulu and headquarters. Bosun thanked deck department for great job working in holds. Crew expressed gratitude to Chief Cook Freddie Castro for good chow. Everyone was asked to put cushions back on couch and return dishes to the pantry when done watching movies. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Aug. 6—Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Thomas M. Wybo, Educational Director Morris A. Jess, Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman reported on new overtime rate as of Aug. 12; company will mail members the difference if not aboard vessel. He posted 2006 contract changes for everyone to read. Secretary informed crew not to wait for union meeting to address problems. He led discussion on proper steps for resolving issues and conflicts. Treasurer stated $900 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding pension benefits. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done and good teamwork. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Aug. 13—Chairman Amante V. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Jan Haidir, Steward Delegate Ruben Q. Fiel. Bosun pointed out some changes made in new contract. Secretary requested clarification on payoff/day-off policy. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of educational opportunities available at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. This could improve immediate earning potential. Treasurer stated $234 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was announced that San Francisco hall moved to Oakland, Calif. President’s report in July 2006 Seafarers LOG was read. Everyone was impressed with SIU President Michael Sacco’s visit with U.S. President George W. Bush. “You can’t ask for a better opportunity to promote U.S. Merchant Marine and our union than that.” It was noted that TV and radio reception in crew lounge has been poor. Captain and chief engineer will get technician to work on problems. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. INTEGRITY (Interocean American Shipping), Aug. 6— Chairman Robert V. Bakeman, Secretary Susanne Cake, Engine Delegate Davon G. McMillan, Steward Delegate James C. Wadsworth Jr. Chairman talked about new contract and thanked crew for working together safely. He asked mariners to return to ship one hour before sailing. Educational director urged members to enhance seafaring abilities at maritime training facility in noted that some rooms need replacement carpeting as well. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. SEABULK POWER (Seabulk Tankers), Aug. 27—Chairman Bradley L. Seibel, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Candido Molina, Deck Delegate James M. Moore, Engine Delegate Gregory A. Terado, Steward Delegate Samuel S. Johnson. Chairman announced Aug. 28 payoff in Tampa, Fla. He asked members to report any safety issues to department head and thanked everyone for great job, especially during Coast Guard inspection. It was Aboard the Green Lake Roosevelt Allen is the chief cook aboard the Green Lake, pictured below in Port Hueneme. Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated that all profits from recycling cans will go toward purchase of movies in Charleston, S.C. and new grill in Baltimore. Clarification requested on penalty rates. Recommendation made to raise pension benefits and wage rates. Next port: New York. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 8—Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Gerard L. Hyman, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Basil R. D’Souza. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Charleston, S.C. He thanked members for safe, smooth trip. Educational director encouraged mariners to keep documents current and upgrade at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested information on new contract. Suggestions made regarding improving pension, medical and vacation benefits. Steward department thanked for job well done. Next ports: Norfolk, Va.; Charleston. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), Aug. 26—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate Michael W. Edwards, Engine Delegate Craig S. Croft, Steward Delegate Devalence W. Smiley. Chairman stated patrolman coming aboard in Tampa, Fla. He asked crew members to be prepared to pay dues at that time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was suggested that each member read the Seafarers LOG to see what the union is doing for us. President’s report from LOG was read and discussed. Request made for new mattresses for crew rooms. It was reported that ship would sail one day early due to approach of Hurricane Ernesto. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to attend classes at Paul Hall Center and renew MMDs at least 6 months before expiration date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. Next port: Tampa. USNS MARY SEARS (Horizon Lines), Aug. 20—Chairman Richard D. Hilbert, Secretary Philip Lau, Educational Director Christopher Eason, Deck Delegate Kelly J. Doyle, Steward Delegate James C. Dewey. Chairman talked about holiday change: Paul Hall Day will be replaced by Columbus Day. He also went over change in medical benefits. Questions were raised about new 150-day policy in order to be eligible for benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. USNS SISLER (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 14—Chairman Eddie L. Thomas Sr., Secretary Susan K. Bowman, Educational Director Timothy A. Chestnut, Engine Delegate Pati F. Taototo, Steward Delegate Teresito O. Reyes. Bosun talked about changes in seatime requirements to remain eligible for benefits. He also reported on safety meeting. Bosun stressed importance of separating trash, noting that aerosol cans are like bombs in an incinerator. Treasurer stated $57.50 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase wages and vacation pay. Crew members conversed about what ship’s fund money should be used for. Suggestions included basketbal hoop, DVD burner, T-shirts, pingpong table. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. 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. Repeating a Key Message To keep our union on a true course, it certainly bears repeating, especially in these times: Keep ’em sailing and rolling under the American flag, with American-crewed, Americanbuilt ships. It’s also important that we support trade agreements which protect workers’ rights. By reading the Seafarers LOG, it is obvious that the membership is doing its best to promote and protect a strong U.S.flag fleet. Peter Katlen (Retiree) Xenia, Ohio What the Doctor Ordered Just letting you know that I’ve been taking several medications every day for many years. I am 75 years old and am very grateful for my prescription drug coverage through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The program works very well. Pete Macaraeg San Francisco Backing H.R. 23 The SIU has been a great help in supporting and promoting H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You Act. Here is a suggested message for mariners and other supporters to use when calling or writing their elected representatives to promote this legislation (the toll-free number to the Capitol switchboard is 888-355-3588): I urge you to sign Discharge Petition #14 for the release of H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. The members of the U.S. House of Representatives have shown overwhelming support—264 representatives have signed on as cosponsors, but the bill hasn’t been moved out of committee to the full House for a vote. Merchant mariners were an integral part of World War II. We suffered a high casualty rate while we delivered troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other needed supplies to every theater of war. Without the services of merchant mariners, it would have been very difficult, if not impossible, to win World War II. Unfortunately, we were denied any rights under the GI Bill. We became the forgotten service. It wasn’t until 1988 that we were given any benefits, and even then, we did not receive some portions of the GI Bill. The average age of the WWII mariner is 82. Passing H.R. 23 would provide compensation for many years of lost benefits, which denied many of us the opportunity to get a higher education and to obtain a home loan. Please support us by signing Discharge Petition #14 for H.R. 23. Richard Wiggins Kansas City, Missouri (See photo below) Appeal from USS Dear American seafarers: You may recall the first time you stepped into a USS center in a foreign port. If not, certainly many of your shipmates do. A safe haven, a friendly face, a telephone to call home, money orders so you can transfer funds, a deliciously prepared meal, a gift shop with affordable items, a friend when you need one most—a place to call home away from home. Since 1942, the United Seamen’s Service (USS) has prided itself on the programs and services offered to promote the welfare of American and allied seafarers like you. Today, USS needs your help. Dwindling financial resources makes USS increasingly unsustainable. Survival will depend on the agency’s ability to continue partnerships with seafarers and to build relationships and seek support in the maritime industry—with unions, carriers, government, military and veteran mariners. The origin of the USS coincides with United States involvement in World War II. The military had the USO and military clubs. It was necessary to provide a facility for those American sea- farers who traveled into harm’s way to carry troops and supplies throughout the world, and President Franklin Roosevelt was at the forefront of the effort by the maritime unions and management to establish the USS. USS has continued over the years to provide services to American seafarers to help alleviate the hardships experienced during the Korean, Vietnamese and Persian Gulf conflicts. Today, American mariners are again engaged in maintaining the critical flow of supplies to U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and the network of USS centers are there to support them. A USS affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association, continues to provide libraries to U.S.-flag vessels, and especially to the ships of the Ready Reserve Fleet, to ensure that our mariners have quality reading material while at sea. The USS has survived in an industry that has been through radical change over the last 65 years. Those of us in the maritime industry understand the challenge: international unrest keeping military ships at sea rather than on shore; higher food, beverage and labor costs not easily passed on to seafarers visiting our centers; unstable currency exchange rates; extremely high insurance premiums at our centers in the Pacific due to storms and threat of earthquake; and the total loss of our headquarters office in the World Trade Center on 9/11, among other issues. It is imperative that we support the American seafarers across the globe that overcome adversity and proudly carry our world commerce and serve America in times of crises. Your tax-deductible donation will assist USS in supporting American seafarers. Thank you for your consideration of this worthy cause. As we said in our historic 1940s campaign, “That’s Our Outfit! Let’s Keep It Going!” You may contact USS at 635 Fourth Avenue, Ground Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232, telephone (212) 269-0711, email: ussammla@ix.netcom.com Let’s keep USS going today. Roger T. Korner Executive Director Brooklyn, New York 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. Retired mariners show their support for H.R. 23. 20 Seafarers LOG 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 2006 �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 October through the end of 2006. 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 Basic Safety Training - AB November 6 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT November 13 November 17 November 27 December 8 October 16 October 20 Assistant Cargo (DL)* (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting Academic Department Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 2 October 27 November 13 December 8 October 30 November 10 Lifeboatman/Water Survival General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Upgrade at the Paul Hall Center Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Oct. 2, 2006. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops November 13 December 8 Marine Electrician October 23 December 15 A future edition of the Seafarers LOG Welding October 9 October 27 will contain a complete guide of all the upgrading courses available to Recertification Bosun October 9 students in the year 2007. November 6 � 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 twentyfive (125) 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 2006 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. 10/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 677 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 677. They include (in alphabetical order) Mohammed Ali, Carlos Balado Hernandez, Michael Bussiere, Rustin Calame, John Cash, Robert Freeman, Thomas Hampshire, John McKay, Zachary Miano, Teddy Ramos Zayas, Cindy Smith, Thomas Streeper III, Michael Stilwell, Darrell Taylor, Kristopher Travis, Steven Trewitt, Eeric White and John Worae. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Sept. 15 are (in no specific order) Arnie Borja, S. Khin Naing, Leander Garrett, Jack Gainers, Vadym Gutara, Richard Fugit, Michael Williams, Ronald Ramos, Jeffrey Tyson, Robert Hayes and Jacob Kamp. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. FOWT — Aug. 8 graduates of the FOWT course are SIU upgraders (in no specific order) Jaret Latta, Mark Pitt, Richard Goff, Paul Jefferson, Michael Warner, Kevin Tyson, Dustin Schultz, Gregory Holsey Jr. Ted Gonzales, Adam Soto, Jeremy Martinez, Maurice Terry, Randolph Scott, David Quade, Lua Tran, Mikel Tittsworth, Martin Hamilton, Kevin Lopez, Howard Vick, Bryan Dawson and Emma Porter. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ARPA — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the ARPA course Aug. 25 are (in alphabetical order) Joel Fahselt, James Hall, Carl Kivela, Sergey Kurchenko, Kenneth Lattin, Carlos Llanos and Robert Warren. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is standing third from right. Radar — Under the instruction of Mike Smith (second from left) are Aug. 18 graduates of the radar course (in alphabetical order) Joel Fahselt, William Gates, James Hall, Sergey Kurchenko, Kenneth Lattin, Carlos Llanos and Robert Warren. 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 Classes Left: Holding his certificate of achievement for a course completed Aug. 4 in the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center is James Bryand Jr. His instructor, Rick Prucha, stands beside him. Right: With instructor Rick Prucha (standing) are students who completed their computer courses Aug. 11. They are Fernando Mesa (left) and Matthew Whitmore. 22 Seafarers LOG October 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading students who completed this course Aug. 11 are (in no specific order) Warren Barney, Elisha Johnson, Brian Gauntt, William Brennan, Eduardo Osorio, Alvin Jackson, Michael Orton, Michael Valdez, Jefferson Julian, Denis Dubro, Slavi Zahariev, Joseph McCrosky, Novert Wimberly, Jose Lopez, Charlie Chapman, James Larkin Jr. and Carlos Velasquez. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — The tankerman (PIC) barge course took place Aug. 7-11. Receiving certificates of completion are (in no specific order) David Nimmer, Glenn Perry, Al Zapata-Nicholls, Tom Filippone, Michael Merrell Jr., John Haller, German Oliva, William Rieckelman, Lace Killman and Chris Cain. Not pictured is Carlos Perez Jr. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is at far left. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Aug. 18 was graduation day for students in the water survival course. They are (in no specific order) Tracy Hill, Abdulataef Ali, S. Khin Naing, Richard Fugit, Joaquim Ganeto, Anya Mixon, Ardeccia Hill, Jimmie Gross Jr. Keith Kowaleski and Julie Duoroznak. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is seated in front. Medical Care Provider — Completing the medical care provider course Aug. 18 are (in no specific order) Victor Nunez, Lace Killman, Larry Pascua, Antonio Libo-on, Joseph Grandinetti and James Bryant. Their instructor was Mark Cates (not pictured). STCW — NCL, Aug. 17: Christina Preciado, Shawn Richardson, Jennifer Richardson, Edmundo Rico, Concetta Rocco, Orion Rodgers, Renesha Rogers, James Roper, Kipenzi Roseberry, Max Roseme, Maria Schneider, Cidnee Scott, Amy Scull, Christopher Sermons, Muein Sharkassi, Andrea Smith, Gina Spriggs, Caitlin Sullivan, Tiffany Swearingen, Gino Terranova, Nichole Thomas, Pirun Tough and Candace Trice. STCW — NCL, Aug. 24: Erica Dulla, Angel Dumeng Jr., Christopher Eastwood, Johanna Figueroa Mulero, Timothy Fonseca, Josh Garner, Quinterria Gibson, Carl Gonzalez, Christopher Gosnell, Justine Goworoski, Charlotte Gray, Donzalla Greer, Angeleen Gulch, Roger Harper, K. HayesBoots, Hayley Hill, James Holman, Tamia Horton, Glenda Howell, Paul Hunt, Shigeo Iesako, Tonya Jackson, Olga Jaramillo, Lisa Jeffery, Matt Kalafut, Shaun Kelley and Carol Leach. October 2006 Academics Dept Taking advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center, Rahul Bagchi recently completed Math 101—College Mathematics. Standing next to instructor Rick Prucha, he displays his certificate of completion. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 68, Number 10 October 2006 Attention Seafarers: Remember SPAD for Job Security Seafarers S eafarers o n t hhee West C oast Working as a team aboard Matson’s Manukai are, from left, ACU Mary Lou Lopez, Chief Steward Carl Poggioli and Chief Cook Karen Fensel. This photo was snapped during a recent servicing visit to the inland Brusco tugs Wynema Spirit and Lulapin Spirit in Port Hueneme. From the left are Deck Utilities Kasanova Langi, Mike Howard, Jason Diaz and Mike Johnson. New Oakland Hall Opens Loaded with containers, the Manukai recently called on the port of Long Beach. While visiting the West Coast for the grand opening of the new union hall in Oakland, President Michael Sacco (seated) and Executive Vice President Augie Tellez (far left) met with crew members aboard the Horizon Reliance. Capt. Jim Marshal (center) presents a safety award to AB Albert Mensa Jr. (left) and Patricio Libre aboard the Seabulk Mariner. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Ramon Castro, the bosun aboard the vessel, for sending this photo to the LOG. A grand opening was held to mark the occasion of the moving of the old San Francisco hall to a new facility in nearby Oakland, Calif. Aug. 17 (Sept. 2006 Seafarers LOG). Approximately 150 peo- With much excitement in the air, SIU President ple attended the Michael Sacco (center) is ready to cut the ceremoceremony, nial ribbon to the new hall as Vice President West including SIU Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Assistant Vice officials President West Coast Nick Celona look on. President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel as well as representatives from companies and other unions, including Matson, APL, Horizon, Crowley, Iron Workers, Sheet Metal Workers, Plumbers, Carpenters, IBEW, Fire Fighters, Police Officers and the Alameda Labor Council. Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown sent a proclamation that was read to the audience, welcoming the SIU to the city; and the Eleventh Coast Guard District presented the union with a certificate of appreciation to commemorate the new hiring hall and in “grateful appreciation for your outstanding support of the United States Coast Guard and the San Francisco Bay Maritime Community.” As previously reported, the new hall offers more than 30 parking spaces next to the building, with additional parking nearby. It includes a media room for rank-and-file members featuring a television and highspeed internet hookups. It has a classroom for off-site training, meeting and conference rooms, is bright and clean, and—best of all—it’s well situated to the waterfront and within easy distance of public transportation. Retired Port Agent Vince Coss (right) shares a happy moment with Nick Marrone II during the grand opening ceremonies. � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CROWLY BUILDING FOR MORE ATBS SEAFARERS VOTE ON ADMENDMENTS PRESIDENT BUSH CREDITS SIU, SCHOOL LABOR DAY SPEECH INCLUDES STRONG PRAISE FOR UNION, PAUL HAL CENTER INDUSTRY AWAITS FINAL TWIC, MMC REGS CRESCENT ADDS TUG ‘NOON WEDNESDAY’ FIRST PHILADELPHIA TANKER FLOATED OUT OSG TO OPERATE NEW BUILDS FROM AKER AMERICAN SHIPPING SECRET MISSION, OPEN KUDOS FOR SBX CREW USNS RED CLOUD RECEIVES ‘CONSTANT CARE AWARD’ PETERS NOMINATED AS TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY INTERNATIONAL STUDY SHOWS UNION SHIPS ARE HAPPIER SURVEY SAYS MANY AMERICANS FRET ABOUT HEALTH CARE COSTS CIVMARS ASSIST IN MERCY’S HUMANITARIAN MISSIONS ARTICLE DESCRIBES ROUTINE ABOARD SIU-CREWED GEORGIA NEW OAKLAND HALL OPENS 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 10/01/2006 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. 68, No. 10 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/28de6afd5a6730aa38f957b34f100984.pdf c86621192f10a41e0a16165be50b690c PDF Text Text Volume 68, Number 11 November 2006 Lakes Fleet Adds ITB Horizon, OSG Vessel Christenings Also Signal New Shipboard Jobs New vessels and jobs are in the news for the SIU. On the Great Lakes, VanEnkevort Tug and Barge recently added an integrated tug-barge to its fleet (pictured below and at right). Horizon Lines on Oct. 11 christened the containership Horizon Hunter, and Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is preparing to christen the tanker Overseas Houston in mid-November. Pictured directly below are the barge Lewis J. Kuber and its tugboat, Olive L. Moore, with SIU Mate Dominic Ciani standing port side on the tug; and (lower left) QMED/Barge Engineer Jonathon VonSprecken next to the barge’s ballast controls. The tug’s pilothouse is shown at right. Page 3. SIU Snapshots from Jacksonville In late September, 37 Seafarers (some of whom are pictured above, with SIU port officials) completed general security awareness training at the union hall in Jacksonville, Fla. The course was conducted Sept. 26 by Paul Hall Center instructor Mitch Oakley. For many more photos recently taken at the hall, see pages 12-13. OSG Acquires Maritrans Page 2 Remembering Red Campbell Retired SIU Vice President Contracts Red Campbell (above) passed away Sept. 22 at age 84. Comments from those who knew and worked with Brother Campbell reflect his lifelong dedication to Seafarers. Pages 2, 6. ‘Operation Care Package’ Scholarship Info Page 4 Page 14 �President’s Report Another Angle on Runaway Flags With the large volume of recent news about North Korea, you may not have noticed a particular New York Times piece which briefly examines that nation’s involvement with so-called flag-of-convenience ships, also known as runawayflag vessels. On October 20, the Times pointed to revealing incidents from a few years ago—one in which a Tuvalu-registered ship was caught offloading 110 pounds of heroin, the other in which a Cambodianflag ship was stopped while carrying 15 Scud missiles. Michael Sacco Both ships were owned by North Korea, the newspaper reported. The article goes on to point out more potential problems with North Korea and FOCs. Among the possibilities cited by the Times: „ Smuggling out weapons or their components via land to China or Russia, eventually leading to a port for loading onto another secretly owned ship. „ Loading forbidden cargo (according to a United Nations Security Council resolution) onto a North Korean-flagged ship but then changing the vessel’s registration after it has left port—not an uncommon practice in the world of runaway-flag shipping. „ Transferring cargo from a North Korean-flagged ship to a vessel flying a different flag but also owned by North Korea, either in port or possibly at sea. For those of us in the maritime industry, those possibilities hardly qualify as revelations. Nor are we surprised at this assertion from the article: “No one outside North Korea really knows for sure how many cargo vessels the country has registered under other flags.” Both as an individual organization and as a member of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the SIU for decades has fought against the FOC scam. We’ve lobbied for strong flag-state shipping along with transparency in the registration process. We have stood up to protect the abused crews found on many runaway-flag ships. Quite honestly, the results have been mixed. The ITF’s FOC campaign has brought thousands of vessels under federation contract, which is a significant and undeniable indication of success. Those agreements help protect mariners and their families, not to mention helping ensure safer, more reliable shipboard operations. On the other hand, about 60 percent of vessels in the international trades fly runaway flags—way too high of a number. Most runaway-flag vessels have multinational crews, many of whom simply aren’t qualified for shipboard work. Many of them are unsafe to the extreme, as reflected in regular ship detention reports from the U.S. Coast Guard. A quick glance at one such report from September shows FOC ships detained at various U.S. ports for violations including fire hazards, leaks, lack of mariner documentation, and inoperable lifeboat davits. It boils down to some operators simply wanting a flag to hang from the mast so that they can sail their ships without “interference” from the proper standards of legitimate maritime nations. That way, they can cut costs by avoiding responsibilities and exploiting desperate workers who may or may not actually know what it takes to sail. We will continue the fight for as long as necessary. Meanwhile, the publicity generated by articles like the recent one in the New York Times can only help in exposing the fraud associated with runawayflag shipping. Red Campbell For many SIU officials from Red Campbell’s generation, our union was much more than just a place of employment. It was a way of life and an institution that deserved nothing less than total dedication from its representatives and from its rank-and-file members. Red passed away in September, at age 84. He served the SIU with integrity, respect and unfailing loyalty, both as a mariner and an official, including many years as a vice president. He helped set the foundation for our success—Red took part in most of the SIU’s toughest beefs, and he always, without exception, put the union first. He will be missed, and yet I can’t help smiling at the memory of someone who loved the SIU so much. Like others from the Greatest Generation, Red led by example—as a Seafarer delivering the goods at Normandy, as a port agent serving the members at the union halls, as a headquarters official leaving no stone unturned while looking for ways to make SIU contracts the best in the industry. We are fortunate to have known him and to have called him friend and brother. Volume 68, Number 11 SIU Contracts Remain in Place As OSG Acquires Maritrans Two SIU-contracted companies have jointly announced a merger agreement in which Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) will acquire Maritrans. SIU contracts remain fully in place and all SIU jobs are maintained. The announcement came in late September. “From our perspective, the merger is noteworthy but it doesn’t change our SIU agreements or our shipboard jobs,” noted SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “It should be a seamless transaction where crew members are concerned.” OSG and Maritrans described the acquisition as combining two fleets with complementary strengths in different trade routes, thereby diversifying OSG’s U.S.-flag presence “with the ability to offer expanded services to current and future customers of both companies. The addition of Maritrans’ fleet of 11 articulated tug barges (ATBs), five product carriers (two of which have been redeployed to transport grain) and three large ATBs under construction will complement OSG’s U.S.-flag fleet of seven operating vessels and 10 new build product carriers. The combination will expand OSG’s market presence in the U.S. Gulf coast, Florida and East Coast trades and add lightering operations along the U.S. East Coast. It is expected that Maritrans’ vessel construction program, which involves ATBs to be used in lightering operations, will allow OSG to use a substantial portion of its Capital Construction Fund.” “The strategic fit of Maritrans within OSG’s diversified portfolio of assets will broaden our service offerings to customers in the Jones Act market,” said Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of OSG. “Additionally, the lightering business in Delaware Bay and the addition of new customers in the complementary ATB Gulf of Mexico and Florida short-haul trade will contribute meaningfully to our contractual base of business. Most importantly, however, are Maritrans’ strong commercial reputation and its team of talented personnel which, when combined with our U.S.-flag operation, will give us the platform to support our 10 Jones Act product carrier new builds, as well as future growth opportunities in U.S. coastal trades.” Jonathan P. Whitworth, CEO of Maritrans, commented, “We are very excited about the transaction with OSG and the benefits it brings to shareholders, customers and employees…. The financial strength that OSG brings to the combination will enhance our ability to compete. We look forward to a successful integration and to becoming the newest member of the OSG family.” The transaction is valued at approximately $455 million. Gralewicz: Follow America’s Example To Restore Canadian Merchant Marine The head of the Seafarers’ International Union of Canada is leading the charge to bring his country’s flag back to the high seas. President Roman Gralewicz, who also serves as the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s Eastern Area executive board member, called upon the Canadian government to revitalize the Canadian-flag fleet—which at one time during the 20th century ranked as the fourth-largest in the world. In his column in the September issue of The Canadian Sailor, Gralewicz noted Canadian citizens trapped in Lebanon during recent fighting had to depend on vessels from other nations to bring them to safety. “Couldn’t we have done the job far better SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz and cheaper if our nation had its own national merchant marine— like most countries do? Even landlocked Switzerland has a merchant marine—26 ships that fly the Swiss flag on the country’s rivers and lakes, using the Italian seaport of Genoa as a base,” he pointed out. “Canada has no ships— because we dismantled our proud merchant marine in the early 1950s.” Gralewicz acknowledged the Canadian flag does appear on vessels in the Great Lakes trades, but that’s it. He stated the U.S. set the example that Canada needs to follow: build, crew and supply new deep-sea vessels from within Canada. “This would also have huge economic benefits for the country. Every new sailor creates at least eight related jobs. “It is time Canada reasserted her presence on the high seas for many reasons, whether it’s to fly our flag in disputed Northern waters, or supply our military, or help civilians during a climate disaster.” Congressman Green Visits Houston Hall The SIU welcomed U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) to the October membership meeting at the Houston hall. Congressman Green (at podium) spoke to Seafarers about the Jones Act and other maritime issues and also urged everyone to vote on Election Day. U.S. Coast Guard officials also attended the meeting on Oct. 10 to review various aspects of merchant mariner document renewal, proposals pertaining to the TWIC and medical standards, and more. November 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Pictured at left (from left) are Port Agent Robert Troy, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Congressman Green, SIU Assistant VP Jim McGee and Patrolman Mike Russo. November 2006 �SIU Lakes Fleet Adds ITB Horizon Hunter Christened; 1st Philly Tanker Due this Month New ships and new shipboard jobs are in the headlines for Seafarers. VanEnkevort Tug and Barge recently added an integrated tugbarge (ITB) to its fleet; Horizon Lines on Oct. 11 christened the Horizon Hunter, the first of five new containerships the company is adding; and Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is preparing to christen the Overseas Houston in midNovember—the first of 10 new Jones Act tankers that will be operated by Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). Aker Philadelphia last month also announced that construction has started on the fourth of the double-hulled Veteran-class tankers. New Jobs on Lakes The ITB sails with a complement of 14 SIU members and consists of the tugboat Olive L. Moore and its barge Lewis J. Kuber. Both vessels have undergone complete refurbishments prior to joining the Seafarerscrewed VanEnkevort fleet. “This is an outright addition rather than replacement tonnage,” noted SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. “It shows a commitment on the company’s part and reflects their confidence in SIU crews. The company also has indicated an interest in acquiring or building new vessels.” The Olive L. Moore is 125 feet long and has a beam of slightly more than 39 feet. Its gross tonnage is listed at 524. The tug features a raised wheelhouse to allow for proper vision over the barge. The self-unloader Lewis J. Kuber is 616 feet long with a beam of 70 feet. Its capacity is estimated at 22,300 dwt. Horizon Hunter The Horizon Hunter, the first of five 2,824 TEU-capacity, 23knot containerships that will enter the Horizon Lines fleet in 2007, was named Oct. 11 at a ceremony at the Hyundai Mipo shipyard in South Korea. The ship is of a proven international design and will be deployed in Horizon Lines’ weekly service linking the U.S. West Coast with Guam and Asia. “The naming of the Horizon Hunter marks another milestone in the growth of Horizon Lines and our businesses,” said Charles G. Raymond, president and CEO of the company. “These new Hunter-class ships are named to connote speed, agility, keen sense and focus—the attributes that we believe have allowed our company to excel now and in the future.” Horizon Lines announced in March an agreement to charter five new U.S.-flag, foreign-built vessels for 12-year terms from Ship Finance International Limited. The new ships each will be equipped with 568 reefer slots. The company noted that the five new ships will make the five cur- Secretary Chao: Mariners Are ‘Key Part’ of Homeland Defense U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao recently commended the U.S. Merchant Marine for its vital role in protecting America’s national and economic security. Speaking at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Foundation Dinner on Sept. 27, Secretary Chao stated, “When the history of this era is written, the U.S. Merchant Marine will be remembered as a key part of the effort to defend our homeland and liberties and spread freedom and democracy around the world.” A longtime ally of U.S. mariners, Chao kicked off her speech by recognizing SIU President Michael Sacco (who was in the audience) and congratulating both the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on a successful Labor Day event in which the school hosted President Bush. “The president said he really enjoyed the experience…. I hope you can see his concerns and interest in the issues of the maritime community,” Chao stated. The secretary pointed out that most Americans aren’t fully aware of the nation’s rich maritime history, nor, perhaps, the industry’s importance. “Many good-paying jobs depend upon shipping,” she U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao noted. “Our nation’s energy, goods and food are transported economically and efficiently by ship. And there are many challenges and, yes, dangers, that face the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. But that is part of the tremendous heritage of the merchant marine…. The U.S. Merchant Marine serves our nation in war, and its role is not as greatly appreciated as it should be.” She observed that the displays at the American Merchant Marine Museum tell “the story of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s service to this nation during both war and peace. Visitors can learn that dur- Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 for the observance of Veterans’ Day, and on Thursday, Nov. 23 for the observance of Thanksgiving Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. November 2006 ing World War II, the U.S. Merchant Marine transported the troops, weapons and supplies that made victory possible. And they can discover that merchant mariners did this at great cost. The U.S. Merchant Marine suffered a higher casualty rate than any armed service but the Marines.” Chao listed specific ways in which the administration has demonstrated its support for the industry. They include backing the Jones Act; signing an extended, expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program MSP); promoting tax policies designed to help ensure fairness for American-flag ship operators involved in international shipping; and investing in better mariner training at union facilities as well as state and federal maritime academies. “This has strengthened our nation’s base of skilled merchant mariners,” she added. “This is essential as merchant mariners have supported every recent military conflict and are vital to winning the war on terrorism…. Today, more than 8,000 brave merchant mariners crew auxiliary vessels 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 men and women in uniform.” Looking ahead, she said, “On the horizon, we can see challenges as well as opportunities that face the maritime community. Experts anticipate that cargo and passenger traffic will double in the next two decades. So our country will continue to need a strong base of skilled merchant mariners as we head into the 21st century.” rent Jones Act-eligible vessels now sailing the trans-Pacific route available to the rest of the Horizon Lines Jones Act network. OSG Tankers The Overseas Houston is scheduled for christening Nov. 11 in Philadelphia. That vessel along with its nine sister ships each will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 dwt. On Oct. 16, the shipyard announced it had commenced production on the fourth vessel in its 10-ship series of environmentally friendly product tankers. Steel cutting for the ship, the eighth built by the shipyard since its opening six years ago and the fourth under construction concurrently, was performed on one of the yard’s two state-of-the-art plasma cutting machines. The vessel is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2008. USNS Sumner Commended The SIU-crewed oceanographic survey ship USNS Sumner has been commended by Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), for the vessel’s professional response in assisting the stricken Cambodian-registered cargo ship Shun Tong, which was adrift and without power in deteriorating weather south of Korea. According to a report from the ship, AB Pete Harper and Third Mate John Dean noticed a red parachute flare off the vessel’s starboard side at about 2330 local time Sept. 21. USNS Sumner Master Fred Smallwood was notified and ordered that the ship break its survey line and proceed to investigate. An unlit contact was seen approximately eight miles away and, upon closing to hailing distance, the Sumner’s crew learned the disabled ship had lost all power and was listing approximately 15 degrees in brisk winds. Shouting questions and answers between the two ships, Sumner mariners learned that although power was out, the ship was not taking on water and there had been no injuries among the nine Chinese crew members. The Sumner, operated by Horizon Lines, notified the U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Coordination Center in Alameda, Calif. and they, in turn, passed information on the disabled ship to the Korean Coast Guard. The Koreans dispatched a vessel to the area to assist, and the Sumner remained on station nearby throughout the remainder of the night “in case conditions on board deteriorated further and crew rescue became necessary as well as to coordinate rescue communications,” Smallwood noted. The Korean Coast Guard unit arrived at 0530 local time and the Sumner was released from onscene commander duties. In addition to Admiral Reilly’s commendation, which was directed primarily to the bridge team for its vigilance, Captain Smallwood commended the entire crew for its professional response throughout the long night. “What can I do to help?” was a question received on the bridge from virtually every member of the crew, he reported. He further noted, “The ship had been operating on one engine since speeds under 7 knots had been required, but when higher speeds, maneuvering and use of the bow thruster became necessary, engineers were notified and they quickly placed two additional engines in the propulsion loop. Watch Engineer (Second Assistant) Lawrence Woodson was assisted by QMEDS Juan Sanchez and Greg Webb.” Other Seafarers taking part in this operation included Bosun Rafael Franco, ABs Keith Williams and Anthony Lowman, OSs Ray Roldan and Dominic Gilmartin, Chief Steward Wanda Glinke, GVAs Dom Dalmacio, Frank Cacayuran and Emilio Ababa and Storekeeper Milton Haberman. The Shun Tong lists as the SIU-crewed USNS Sumner arrives to assist. Seafarers LOG 3 �From Belvoir to Balad Maersk Assists in USO Shipments Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line, Limited is assisting the United Service Organizations (USO) in delivering packages and messages to members of the U.S. armed forces in Iraq. Due to heightened security issues, individuals can no longer send letters and packages marked for delivery to “Any Service Member.” But the USO— a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to support the members of the armed forces—operates programs and services around the globe where U.S. troops are stationed. Operation USO Care Package offers individuals, groups and businesses a way to reach troops deployed around the world, and Maersk Line has helped with the logistics of getting the goods to their destination. On its current run to the Middle East, the SIU-crewed Maersk Virginia carries a special container filled with packages and messages collected by the USO for members of the U.S. military in Iraq. The 958-foot Maersk Virginia departed Norfolk, Va. Oct. 12 for Jebel Ali, Dubai on its regular service run. Along with its usual cargo, it also contained a 24-cubic foot container of care packages from the USO—which amounts to 4,000 packages weighing 8,800 pounds—or eight individual pallets. The packages (each with a message inside) were picked up from the USO warehouse at Ft. Belvoir, Va. and loaded onto the Maersk Virginia in Norfolk. The SIU-crewed vessel is expected to arrive in Dubai Nov. 4, where the items will be unloaded and airlifted to Balad, Iraq. Unit commanders from the U.S. Army will then distribute the packages to the soldiers in the field. Knox Crew Receives Expeditionary Medals APL/Matson Navigation Company Increase Pensions for New Retirees After four months of meetings and negotiations, the SIUNA West Coast unions on Sept. 12 secured a pension increase under the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements with American President Lines and Matson Navigation Company. For those members in the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan who retired on or after July 1, 2006, the benefit will increase by $120. This Watson Is Ready for Action Seafarers continue to sail aboard U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied military forces. They return home to shows of gratitude in ports throughout the United States. One recent event was held Sept. 20 on board the Cape Knox in New Orleans. The Department of Transportation and its Maritime Administration (MarAd) hosted a ceremony for the ship’s crew (above) and presented them with Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and certificates. Receiving his medal and certificate (at right) is Bosun Anthony Pacely. NCL America Cruise Ships Help Boost Hawaii’s Economy The Hawaiian economy was given a boost this year, and the three SIU-crewed NCL America cruise ships—the Pride of America, Pride of Aloha and Pride of Hawaii—can claim partial credit for the 4.4 percent rise in average daily spending. According to a recent news release issued by the Hawaii Department of Business and Economic Development, visitors to Hawaii in the first seven months of 2006 increased their spending by 4.6 percent—to $7 billion—compared to the same period last year. This includes visitors who came not only for cruises but also for vacations, meetings, incentives and other business. Of the total number of visitors in July alone, 36,085 flew to the 49th state either to board one of the three SIU-crewed vessels home ported in Honolulu or arrived on foreign cruise ships to 4 Seafarers LOG visit the islands—a 58.8 percent increase from last year. When looking at the first seven months of the year, the total cruise visitor days increased by 55.4 percent, including a 42.7 percent growth in cruise visitors to 215,733. Additionally, those who came to Hawaii to enjoy six nights aboard ship remained an average will raise the monthly pension benefit from $1,091 to $1,211 for someone retiring at age 60 or older and with at least 25 years of qualified seatime. The increase also will be applicable on a pro-rata basis to members retiring on or after July 1 who have less than 25 years’ seatime, are younger than 60 years of age, or those who retire due to disability. The SIU-crewed USNS Watson, a large medium speed roll on/roll off (LMSR) ship, is operated by Maersk Line Limited for the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. With 390,000 square feet of cargo carrying space (for transporting helicopters, tanks and other wheeled and tracked military vehicles), the 950-foot vessel currently is prepositioned off the coast of Saipan. These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by AB Jennifer Senner. of 9.7 days on the islands (necessitating hotel accommodations, food, activities, etc.) and thereby further contributing to the state’s economy. “We are very pleased with July’s extraordinary performance from the domestic market,” said State Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert. “Norwegian Cruise Lines’ home ported [vessels] contributed to the increased visitor arrivals as cruise visitors, who arrived by air, increased 54 percent compared to last year.” OS T.J. Clements Recertified Bosun Clay Poore AB Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi (left) and AB Edwin Pelingon From the left: AB Clayton Almas, AB Jennifer Senner, OS Jahn Boman and AB Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi The SIU-crewed Pride of Hawaii, along with its sister ships, the Pride of America and Pride of Aloha, help contribute to the Hawaiian economy as increasing numbers of visitors travel to the Aloha State. November 2006 �Oberstar Honored by Lakes Group Congressman James L. Oberstar (Minn.), ranking Democratic member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and longtime supporter and advocate for the U.S. maritime industry on Sept. 29 received the “Iron Man Award’’ from the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force. The award was presented in Washington, D.C. and recognizes Oberstar’s long association with and background promoting the vitality of the iron mining, steel and Great Lakes shipping industries. “Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974, Congressman James L. Oberstar has promoted and protected America’s iron mining, steel producing and Great Lakes shipping industries like none before him,” said James H.I. Weakley in a news release about the award. Weakley is president of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, a broad-based labor/management coalition promoting shipping on the Great Lakes and related industries. “Whenever an issue threatens these vital industries, you can be certain that Congressman Oberstar will play a leading role in reaching a positive conclusion,” Weakley said. Weakley, also president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, noted in the release it is difficult to decide which of Oberstar’s many accomplishments should be mentioned first. Among many other achievements, he credited the Minnesota congressman with persuading the Coast Guard to keep the agency’s icebreaker Mackinaw in service to aid vessels in their transport of Minnesota iron pellets until its replacement was in service earlier this year. (The Mackinaw was to be decommissioned in 1994.) Oberstar also has been the driving force behind efforts to build another Poe-sized Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The locks link Lake Superior to the lower four Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Roughly 70 percent of U.S.-flag carrying capacity on the Lakes is restricted to one lock, the Poe. Were it to fail, U.S.-flag shipping on the Lakes would be unable to meet the needs of commerce. American labor has long considered Oberstar a great ally, especially the men and women who crew the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet. He was among the first in the House of Representatives to sign a concurrent resolution defending the Jones Act, the law that reserves domestic waterborne commerce to vessels that are U.S.-owned, -built and -crewed, from unprecedented attacks in the mid-1990s. He also helped save jobs when he played November 2006 a key role in the reopening of an iron ore mine that now thrives as United Taconite. tion. In the next Congress, I will do everything in my power to bring our fair share of federal dredging dollars back to the Great Lakes.” The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force was founded in Toledo, Ohio, in 1992 to promote domestic and international shipping on the Great Lakes. It is the largest coalition to ever speak for the Great Lakes shipping community. Its goals include restoring adequate funding for dredging of Great Lakes deep-draft ports and waterways; construction of a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.; preserving the domestic steelmaking infrastructure; protecting the nation’s cabotage laws; and maximizing the Lakes-overseas trade. Grievances Filed Against So-Called ‘Union Workers Credit Services’ Buyer Beware: Organization Has No Connection to AFL-CIO More than 5 million union members from across the United States have received mail solicitations from a company called Union Workers Credit Services. According to several reports, this Fort Worth, Texas-based company claims to offer a $10,000 line of credit and a credit card to customers for a fee of $37. In reality, the card being offered is not a major credit card (i.e., Visa, MasterCard, etc.) at all. Instead, it is nothing more than a company card which can only be used to purchase items in the company’s catalogue via mail order. Attorneys in the SIU’s office of general counsel recently learned that this company’s web site (www.unionworkerscreditservices.com) implies that it is associated with not only the SIU and its affiliated unions (including the United Industrial Workers Nelson Appointed to MarAd Post Julie A. Nelson was appointed to the post of deputy administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration on Oct. 6 by President George W. Bush. Nelson took over responsibilities of acting deputy maritime administrator May 1, when former deputy administrator John Jamian resigned and before the confirmation of Sean T. Connaughton as maritime administrator. She joined the agency as chief counsel in August 2005. Nelson has extensive experience in the maritime industry and admiralty law, which gives her a solid understanding of the work done within the Maritime Administration. She joins MarAd from Oceaneering International, Inc., an ocean engineering development group, where she served as general manager and maritime/contracts attorney. From August 1998 to April 2003, Nelson served as general counsel and general manager for Nauticos Corporation of Hanover, Md., Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) “I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Congressman Oberstar during the ceremony. “I consider every day I serve in the House as a privilege that bears great responsibility. While much has been accomplished to keep Great Lakes shipping safe and efficient, we face new challenges, in particular, restoring adequate funding for dredging Great Lakes ports and waterways. It is incomprehensible to me that the ships that depart our Minnesota harbors cannot carry full loads of iron ore and low-sulfur coal because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does not get enough money to maintain the system. This waterway is too important a part of the national transportation infrastructure to be treated like a poor rela- Julie A. Nelson addressed those in attendance during the U.S. Maritime Administration’s 2006 Maritime Day observance in Washington, D.C. another high-technology ocean engineering firm. Among other duties, Nelson’s background also includes eight years working at the Pentagon for the Department of the Navy as an Intelligence Research Analyst and Program Manager, and eight years on active and reserve duty with the U.S. Navy. and Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union), but also a number of other international unions in the AFL-CIO. Union Workers Credit Services is not affiliated with or endorsed by the AFL-CIO or any of its affiliated unions, especially the SIU. More than a few consumers and unions have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the U.S. Postal Service alleging fraud on the part of Union Workers Credit Services. SIU attorneys recently filed a grievance with the Federal Trade Commission. According to a November 2005 release by the BBB in Ft. Worth, “Union Workers Credit Services first came to our attention April 28, 2005. Randy Walls, president of the company was formerly associated with Credicorp in Dallas. Credicorp has an unsatisfactory record with the Dallas BBB. The company stated they are not affiliated with a union.” Since making its initial waves on the BBB radar, 166 complaints have been processed on Union Workers Credit Services— 119 of which occurred during the past 12 months. Thirty-three of these complaints involved the company’s selling practices while 50 addressed advertising. For more information go to www.fwbbb.org and click on the local alerts and news section, or click on the company and charity reports section. Put in Union Workers Credit Services, Inc. and read the full public report. Union members who want a credit card that is endorsed by the AFL-CIO and affiliated unions including the SIU should check out the Union Plus credit card offered by Union Privilege. Union Plus is the union-supported provider of member benefits such as credit cards, loans, scholarships, legal services and a host of other products. The Union Plus credit card offers special features for union members, including the Lifeline Trust, which assists those who are facing financial hardship or a disability, and the Disaster Relief Fund, which is for those who have been affected by a natural disaster. The Union Plus credit card has no annual fees. More information about the Union Plus credit card as well as other available benefits may be gained online by visiting www.unionplus.org. Final Rules Pending For TWIC, MMC President Signs SAFE Port Act The SIU and the American maritime industry as a whole still are awaiting the Department of Homeland Security’s final rulemaking on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and its related Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). As reported in previous editions of the Seafarers LOG, representatives from the union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. during the last several months repeatedly have met with government and industry officials to deliberate about the protection of merchant mariners’ rights as they relate to the pending TWIC and MMC. Union officials have approached the entire situation with the greatest urgency and utmost seriousness and will continue to do so. “We will immediately and thoroughly weigh all aspects on the final rulemakings when they are delivered and, as always, keep everyone advised,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Seafarers are reminded that, based on the proposed rulemakings, it is anticipated that they will have 180 days after final rules are issued to come into compliance. Meanwhile, President George W. Bush on Oct. 13 signed H.R. 4954, The Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006, into law. The legislation heightens security at the nation’s busiest seaports by enacting a series of technological upgrades intended to make it more difficult for terrorists to smuggle in a nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. In response to the signing, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (DHawaii), co-chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement: “While we should be proud of the port security sections of this law, we should not ignore the fact that this is an incomplete transportation security bill. I had hoped that today we would be celebrating the first comprehensive effort to secure our borders since the attacks of September 11, 2001. Instead, we can only hope that in the next Congress we will have the resolve to address rail and transit security before those who would do us harm take advantage of vulnerabilities in those modes of transportation.” In addition to recommending $400 million a year in federal funding for the PSG program, the SAFE Port Act of 2006: „ Changes the statute to make the grants risk-based, consistent with how the grants are currently managed; Continued on page 8 Seafarers LOG 5 �‘SIU Through and Through’ Union Bids Farewell to Retired VP Red Campbell Fellow Seafarers knew him simply as Red. Angus Campbell spent most of his life serving the union, first as a rank-and-file member during and after World War II and later as vice president of contracts. The former bosun retired in late 1991 but continued working part-time for the SIU until his health would not permit it, roughly a year ago. Brother Campbell died on Sept. 22 in Waldorf, Md., a couple weeks shy of his 85th birthday. His SIU career deserves celebration in its own right, but his passing also marks a milestone in the union’s history. Campbell is believed to have been the last surviving headquarters official who sailed in World War II. Former shipmates, fellow union officials and company representatives all described Red as trustworthy, efficient, dedicated and by-the-book. They also mentioned his unwavering love of all things Pittsburgh, and primarily his devotion to baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates—a team that’s been bad since the mid-1990s but that Red still had followed daily. If watching the Pirates arguably had become a bad habit, Red also had an outright vice that was a constant part of his persona. He chewed tobacco for most of his adult life, usually throughout the day, with little or no ill effect on his health. “Red was one of the most dedicated officials in the SIU,” said Seafarers President Michael Sacco. “This membership was his family. He was respected by not only all of maritime labor but the entire maritime industry. He’ll be sorely missed by a lot of people.” Retired Bosun Rowland “Snake” Williams sailed with Campbell on Bull Line ships during the 1950s. “You couldn’t meet From the late 1940s to late 1950s, Campbell shared his wit via an occasional column in the union newspaper known as “Red’s Beef Box.” Red Campbell presents his report at his last official union meeting, in December 1991 in Piney Point, Md. He retired that month but continued serving the union for many years afterward. a better guy,” he recalled. “He was a great person and a good friend. He always walked around with that chaw of tobacco and talked about Pittsburgh baseball…. When he went to work for the union (as an official), we got some damn good contracts signed by him.” Tony Naccarato, an official with SIU-contracted Crowley, met Campbell in the early 1970s. “The great thing about Red was that when I came on board, he treated me like I’d been around for years,” Naccarato noted. “He was one of my favorite guys, and the kind of person who called them as he saw it. Red’s only agenda was to do right for the people. I learned very quickly that if I didn’t know an answer, I’d get the answer from Red and it wasn’t strictly to benefit himself or anyone else, but the truth.” Born in Scotland, Campbell immigrated to Pittsburgh in 1926 (at age 5) and joined the SIU in 1943 in New York, after working in the steel mills. He first sailed aboard the Daniel Willard and later took part in the historic invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 (see sidebar). He shared his sense of humor—Campbell had a penchant for one-liners—with fellow union members after World War II, when he began writing occasional articles for the Seafarers LOG. He wrote two or three stories per year, many under the title “Red’s Beef Box,” until the late 1950s. The topics were wide-ranging, but the humorous tone remained consistent. Altogether, he sailed for more than 5,000 days during his 16-plus years as a rank-and-file member, an average of 10.5 months per year at sea and a fact of which Campbell was quite proud. In this 1972 photo, Campbell (left) is pictured with fellow SIU Representative George McCartney (second from left) and two members aboard the McLean in New York. Campbell and McCartney (who died in 2004) later served the union as vice presidents. 6 Seafarers LOG He came ashore in 1960 and spent the next 20 years working as a port official, first in New York, then in San Juan, P.R. and then once again in New York. He served as vice president of the union’s collective bargaining department from 1980 through his official retirement in December 1991. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel described Campbell as “our resident historian. Young officials needing the history of a particular (contract) clause or its intent would call on Red. He would always take the time to explain it and why it was there. Red’s knowledge of the industry was a great resource to have and shortly after coming ashore, I took advantage of that and called Red on a regular basis. “He always had great stories of the old days and would remind you that being a seafarer back then was not easy,” Heindel added. “He would say, ‘The good old days weren’t so good. We’re living in the good old days!’” SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram first worked with Campbell in New York in 1981. “He was a detail person—dotted all his i’s and crossed all his t’s. He motivated me to try to be perfect when it came to union business and serving the membership,” Mangram said. “I had the utmost respect for him, and I’ll never forget him.” Mangram also noted that during the 1980s, “Red helped get us on board with military contracts when shipping was otherwise bad. He kept people working.” Capt. Robert Johnston, senior vice president of Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), met Campbell in 1976 “when I came ashore as a port captain and we’d pay off ships. I had such respect for Red. In later years, if we couldn’t settle a beef locally, I’d tell a patrolman, let’s get Red on the phone, and whatever he says is fine with me. He was probably the fairest and most honest guy you could ever meet…. Nobody knew the contract better than Red. Not only the contract, but the history behind it. He always treated everybody fairly.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, who directly worked with Campbell as assistant vice president contracts from 1988-91, said, “Red was the ultimate technician, and you always knew where he was coming from. He didn’t play games. Red saw most things in black and white terms, and he was a true creature of his upbringing. He was a child of the Depression and sailed in World War II, and his views were formed by those experiences. I’m very fortunate to have known him and learned from him. He was one of the best.” Tellez also noted that Campbell’s no-nonsense approach included constructive feedback that he provided to other officials when warranted. “There’s not a union official who broke in while Red was still around who didn’t experience the dreaded ‘click’ phone call. ‘But, Red…. Click!’” Bob Rogers, vice president of Interocean American Shipping Corporation, first worked with Campbell in 1977 when Rogers was a personnel manager. “Red was SIU through and through,” he stated. “It’s a privilege to say I knew Red. He loved the union and knew the contract backwards and forwards, and could cite the history of the union movement like no one else. “But, if you wanted to get Red’s attention off the contract, all you had to do was ask a question about one of his other two passions—Pittsburgh baseball and gardening,” Rogers continued. “He scheduled his year around the trips he’d make to Pittsburgh to watch a few home games, and watched or listened to baseball whenever he could. His lawn and garden would rival anything any professional could ever try to do.” He concluded, “More than anything else, Red was someone you immediately liked—and trusted. The tone of my entire relationship with both Red and the SIU was set early on when I called him with a contract question. I described the situation and I can still remember Red saying, ‘No, that’s not what the contract says, and it isn’t payable.’ To Red, the contract was the contract—if it was in the contract it was payable, if it wasn’t in the contract it wasn’t paid. He never tried to change the meaning. From that moment on, back in 1977, I knew without any doubt or reservation that Red —and the SIU—could always be trusted.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker said, “Over the last 25 years I have had the privilege of knowing Red Campbell, first as a member, then a junior officer and eventually as one of his successors. Among the lessons I’ve learned from Red is sacrifice. Whether postponing vacations, cancelling plans or doing without, Red’s priority was this union. His example is the standard when it comes to dedication and why Red was simply the best at what he did.” Campbell’s survivors include his wife, Marie, and four daughters. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be scattered at sea from an SIU ship. Believed to have been taken in 1950, this photo shows Campbell (standing, left) and others looking over a list of candidates for SIU offices. ‘Red’ Recalls D-Day Scene Editor’s note: This story is reprinted from the April 1994 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Brother Campbell also was a strong advocate in the long, successful fight to secure veterans’ status for World War II mariners. He joined the merchant marine in 1943 after being rejected for volunteer service in the military due to medical issues. Retired SIU Vice President Angus “Red” Campbell was one of many Seafarers who took part in the historic invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. “It was better than any John Wayne movie,” said Campbell. “I was on the Thomas Wolfe, a Liberty ship, and we left New York in April. We discharged cargo in Wales. Then we went to Scotland to take on some preparatory gear for the invasion, along with three British aircraft spotters. Eventually we loaded in Southampton, England, about a week before the invasion. Then we followed the mob.” He described the scene at Normandy as “remarkable. There were hundreds of airplanes, battleships, cruisers…. A week later, you were still getting shell fire from the 88 millimeters, from the pillboxes on the beach, which were about 12 feet thick. “There was no problem with the air, but the water was filled with acoustic mines, which are drawn by sound into the propeller. There were lots of bodies in the water: soldiers and sailors…. “We discharged cargo at the beachhead for 90 cents an hour. Seamen also were required to assist the gun crews. So, in addition to your fire and boat station, everybody on board had a gun assignment. There were 24-hour-a-day lookout assignments, including the crow’s nest.” Campbell added that there was a humorous side to the voyage. “Our engine room crew members basically all came from Georgia and Florida. The people in the deck and steward departments were from New York, so the Civil War also raged for the full 12 months of our voyage.” November 2006 �Revised Medical Guidelines Spell Out Usual Practices The U.S. Coast Guard in September issued two notices regarding merchant mariner physical examination requirements. Published in the Sept. 28 Federal Register, the announcements serve notice that the agency has drafted revised guidelines covering medical and physical exams for merchant mariner credentials. The revised guidelines are based on, respectively, requirements in the amended STCW Convention and recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that were issued in the wake of the 2003 Staten Island ferry incident in New York Harbor. The first proposal, “Medical and Physical Evaluation Guidelines for Merchant Mariner Credentials,” seeks public comment on a draft Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular on medical and physical evaluation guidelines for merchant mariner credentials. Public comments on this proposed draft may be submitted through Nov. 27. The guidelines are intended to specify what has been considered the normal practice for mariners who take physicals in order to secure or renew their z-card. The guidelines themselves generally have been used all along, without having been spelled out by a federal agency. Hence, this is not expected to be a major change in the industry. In part, the first notice—under the subhead “Why is the Coast Guard taking this action?”— reads: “The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW) requires each party to establish standards of medical fitness for seafarers. Title 46 United States Code, Subtitle II, Part E, and Title 46 Code of Federal NCL CEO Veitch Honored For American-Flag Efforts Recognizing his efforts to build a vibrant and successful U.S.-flag deep sea cruise fleet, Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation (NCL) was honored on Oct. 13 by the International Propeller Club of the United States as the 2006 Maritime Person of the Year at the organization’s 80th annual international convention in Norfolk, Va. The award is presented to a person who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in furthering and promoting the maritime industry. Under Veitch’s guidance, the company’s SIU-contracted NCL America brand has revitalized the U.S.-flag large cruise ship industry, operating three Americanflag passenger ships. NCL America’s operations provide substantial economic benefits to the United States, generating hundreds of millions of dollars and creating thousands of American jobs. The individuals employed by NCL America help sustain a pool of qualified mariners who can be called upon to assist the U.S. military in times of need or national emergency. In July 2004, NCL America christened Seafarers-crewed Pride of Aloha, the first new U.S.flag deep sea cruise ship in nearly 50 years. In June 2005, the SIUcrewed Pride of America followed and at the time became the largest U.S.-flag passenger ship ever built. NCL America again made U.S. maritime history in May 2006 by christening the SIUcrewed Pride of Hawaii, which the company describes as “the largest, most luxurious and most expensive U.S.-flagged cruise ship in history.” According to NCL, the three ships are estimated to create directly and indirectly 20,000 jobs and generate more than $800 million in economic activity in the United States. “It is a great honor to be recognized by the International Propeller Club of the United States for my work in the U.S. maritime industry,” Veitch said. “Many people have contributed November 2006 NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch to the success of NCL and NCL America, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone on the NCL team, and particularly our partners in maritime labor and in the U.S. government. Without their support, I would not be receiving this award.” “Colin had the vision for a revitalized U.S.-flag cruise industry,” said A. Frank Baptista, Sr., the Propeller Club’s international president. “He followed through to make it a reality, investing more than a $1.3 billion dollars in U.S.-flag cruise ships, offering new seagoing opportunities for American seafarers, and providing tremendous economic benefits to Hawaii and the rest of the United States.” Veitch joined NCL in 2000 and has embarked the company on a major new build campaign that has resulted in the company adding eight new ships to the NCL and NCL America brands in six years, with a ninth due for delivery in November. Veitch holds an MBA degree from the Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of London. He is based in NCL’s corporate headquarters in Miami. The International Propeller Club of the United States is a non-profit organization whose members comprise a cross-section of the maritime industry throughout the United States and in many cities in other countries. Regulations (CFR) subpart B require that mariners be physically able to perform their duties, using terms such as ‘general physical condition,’ ‘good health’ and ‘of sound health.’ Title 46 CFR parts 401 and 402 contain special requirements for registration as a Great Lakes Pilot, including the requirement to ‘pass a physical examination given by a licensed medical doctor.’ None of these references contain specific standards, with the exception of visual acuity and color vision, for determining if mariners are physically and medically qualified. “The lack of specificity in the above statutes and regulations has led to confusion and unnecessary delays in processing credential applications as well as inconsistent evaluations by medical practitioners conducting examinations of credential applicants. Moreover, it has caused confusion on the part of Coast Guard personnel charged with determining whether a credential should be issued. The proposed NVIC provides the specificity that the above statutes and regulations lack. It details the specific medical and physical conditions that are potentially disqualifying, and the data recommended for evaluation of each of these conditions. This is expected to reduce the inconsistency and subjectivity of the medical evaluation process and eliminate the guesswork that mariners may currently encounter as to what specific physical and medical information is needed to process their applications.” The second notice, “Exercise of Authority to Require Pilots to Submit Annual Physical Examinations,” announced that the agency will require pilots of certain vessels to provide a copy of Labor Vows Fight Over ‘Kentucky River’ Cases The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Oct. 3 voted to slash longtime federal labor laws protecting workers’ freedom to form unions and opened the door for employers to classify millions of workers as supervisors. Under federal labor law, supervisors are prohibited from forming unions. The NLRB ruled on three cases, collectively known as “Kentucky River,” but it was the lead case—Oakwood Healthcare Inc.—that created a new definition of supervisor. In this litigation which involved an acute care hospital in Michigan, the board ruled that permanent charge nurses are supervisors (but not nurses who sometimes rotate into the charge nurse role). The board used that case and two others—one involving a Minnesota nursing home, the other a Mississippi metals plant—to address issues raised by a 2001 Supreme Court ruling. Union officials predicted the ruling would have a chilling effect on union organizing because employees who are uncertain whether they qualify for membership would be less inclined to advocate a union. Dozens of cases involving the definition of supervisor now before the NLRB will be sent back, with employers having the option to craft arguments that will meet the new definition of supervisor and limit the number of workers who can join a union. Although the Oakwood decision covers only nurses, the expanded definition of supervisors means up to 8 million workers—including nurses, building trades workers, newspaper and television employees and others— may be barred from joining unions. The ruling sets broad definitions for determining who is a supervisor that invite employers to classify nurses and many lower-level employees with minor authority as supervisors. The board’s new definition essentially enables employers to make a supervisor out of any worker who has the authority to assign or direct another and uses independent judgment. Amazingly, the board also ruled that a worker can be classified as a supervisor if he or she spends as little as 10 percent to 15 percent of his or her time overseeing the work of others. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney called the decisions “outrageous and unjustified.” It’s the latest example of how the NLRB is prepared to use legal maneuvering to deny as many workers as possible their basic right to have a voice on the job through their union, he said. “The NLRB should protect workers’ rights, not eliminate them,” the federation president concluded. “If the administration expects us to take this quietly, they’re mistaken.” In their dissent, NLRB members Wilma Liebman and Dennis Walsh said the decision “threatens to create a new class of workers under federal labor law—workers who have neither the genuine prerogatives of management, nor the statutory rights of ordinary employees.” Liebman and Walsh wrote that most professionals and other workers could fall under the new definition of supervisor, “who by 2012 could number almost 34 million, accounting for 23.3 percent of the workforce.” They went on to say that the majority did not follow what Congress intended in applying the National Labor Relations Act: Congress cared about the precise scope of the Act’s definition of “supervisor” and so should the Board. The NLRB currently is holding up dozens of cases that address the definition of supervisor, 60 of which are union election cases. These cases have been sent back to the various regional boards. In some of these instances, workers who voted several years ago to form a union still are waiting for their ballots to be counted. The American Federation of Teachers and AFT Healthcare in a statement also said the decisions will jeopardize health care: “If nurses and other skilled workers are considered supervisors and lose union protection, they would be extremely reluctant to speak out about patient care problems out of fear of being fired or disciplined. The ramifications of this case are extremely serious; the decision could have a significant their annual physical examinations to the Coast Guard. The requirement applies to all first class pilots on vessels greater than 1,600 gross registered tons and other individuals who serve as pilots on certain types of vessels. Materials related to the foregoing matters, including copies of the Federal Register notices and procedures for submitting comments on the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular are available on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Homeport web site: http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/po rtal/ep/home.do To access the information from the Homeport main page, visitors should click on “Merchant Mariner” in the left column. On the next page, click “Updates” under “Medical Evaluations” in the center column. Updates and new information will be posted to this site as they become available. A link to the Federal Register notice also is available through the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org. impact on the quality of patient care and workers’ rights.” A group of 13 religious leaders in September wrote the NLRB expressing deep concern over the impending decisions. The letter read in part: “Our religious traditions support workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively. We support proposals that expand coverage and access to collective bargaining rather than limit it. We believe that all persons are created in the image of God and as such their work unites them with others and should be endowed with dignity, equality and justice. In the workplace, collective bargaining is the most effective process for workers to express this dimension of their humanity.” Speaking at a Sept. 22 conference on the possible impact of the Kentucky River cases, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) condemned the NLRB’s refusal to conduct oral arguments in these cases. “These decisions could very well change the basic rights of American workers,” she said. “Given the stakes, the NLRB needs to be as thorough as possible in hearing testimony. The fact that the NLRB has not held hearings shows that the board is not taking this case as seriously as it should. At the heart of the issue is the right of workers to organize, to bargain collectively and to share in decisions,” the congresswoman concluded. The Economic Policy Institute, some three months before the NLRB Kentucky River decisions, issued a report on the impact of the body’s pending rulings. According to the EPI: „ Bad rulings in these cases could strip remaining federal labor law protections of the freedom to form unions and bargain collectively from eight million private sector workers. „ Workers who are at risk of being deemed “supervisors” by the Labor Board and who could therefore lose their union rights can be found in nearly every occupation and industry. EPI finds, for example, that 843,000 registered nurses—more than one-third of all the private sector RNs in the country—may be stripped of union rights coverage. Nearly 400,000 computer systems analysts— more than one in four—could lose coverage. Seafarers LOG 7 �Pension Reform Q&A – Information about the New Law First in an occasional series. Q: What are a few basics of the new pension reform law? A: The Pension Protection Act of 2006 was signed into law in August. Like most bills, it is considered a compromise measure. It’s also considered major reform and is, to say the least, complex (the final document contains nearly 400 pages). The law’s stated intent, as its name indicates, is to initiate or strengthen rules to help ensure proper funding of various types of pension plans. Q: What are a few of the specifics? A: The new law requires companies that under-fund their pension plans to pay additional premiums (a strong incentive to reach and maintain full funding levels). It closes loopholes that allow under-funded plans to skip pension payments. It raises limits on the amount of money that employers can put into their pension plans (to allow for a financial cushion). For multiemployer defined benefit plans, it requires actuarial certification as to whether a plan is in endangered or critical status. It specifies certain language that must be included in mandatory annual funding notices like the one that was published in the September 2006 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Q: Why did the Seafarers Pension Plan notice in the September LOG include a long section on rules governing insolvent plans? Is the SPP in trouble? A: The Seafarers Pension Plan is fully funded. The Plan is not in trouble at all. The Plan is financially sound. Under the new law, the federal government dictates virtually everything about the annual funding notice, including its content, the manner in which it is distributed, deadlines for distribution—and inclusion of the rules governing insolvent plans. At a glance it may cause undue concern for Plan participants (Seafarers). The bottom line is that SPP is in excellent shape. Q: In plain English, why was this new law needed in the first place, and how will it affect the SPP? A: There are a number of troubled pension plans across the country and this is an attempt to help repair them. Another stated reason for the reform is “transparency”—participants will be entitled to a lot more information than in years past. Generally, the new law doesn’t affect multiemployer plans (such as the SPP) as much as single-employer plans, other than with disclosure requirements. Q: What are defined benefit and defined contribution plans? A: The Labor Department describes a defined benefit plan as Final Rules for TWIC, MMC Pending Continued from page 5 Eliminates DHS’s current policy of limiting eligibility by allowing all port facilities within an Area Maritime Transportation Security Plan to apply; „ Ties federal port grants to state plans, area plans and Port Wide Risk Management plans; „ Allows multi-year funding of approved projects for up to 20 percent of each year’s grants; „ Sets a deadline for implementing a new credentialing program for port workers to ensure they are not security risks and calls for pilot projects to test biometric readers at ports; „ Requires DHS to deploy nuclear and radiological detection systems at 22 of the nation’s largest seaports; „ Mandates DHS to develop a detailed incident recovery plan to get trade moving again in the event of an attack; and, „ Sets in motion cargo scanning pilot programs at overseas ports to test the practicality and effectiveness of systems designed to scan 100 percent of cargo, which was approved for funding in the just-passed DHS appropriations bill. In a related development, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), during the days before the SAFE Port Act of 2006 became law, praised Congress for passing the measure— the first legislation of its kind to authorize an annual federal fund„ 8 Seafarers LOG ing level to help secure United States ports against terrorism. “In this important new legislation, members of several House and Senate committees took components of the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act (S. 2459), the SAFE Port Act (H.R. 4954) and the Public Transportation Terrorism Prevention Act of 2006 (S. 2791) to develop a bill that enhances port and cargo security at home, strengthens the lone federal program that helps America’s ports harden their facilities against terrorism, and reduces the potential for terrorists or weapons to reach our shores via maritime commerce,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO. Nagle recognized Reps. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) and Jane Harman (D-Calif.) for introducing and moving their version of the port security legislation through the House. He credited Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), together with Sens. Ted Stevens (R-Ark.) and Inouye of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, as the key drivers for negotiating a similar bill in the Senate. “By passing the SAFE Port Act, we’re gratified that Congress recognizes it needs to have a greater financial partnership with U.S. ports to pay for critical seaport security measures,” said Nagle. “Yet, for this upcoming fiscal year, dramatic differences remain between the amount Congress recommended for port security and what it will actually fund.” one that “promises you a specified monthly benefit at retirement. The plan may state this promised benefit as an exact dollar amount, such as $100 per month at retirement. Or, more commonly, it may calculate a benefit through a plan formula that considers such factors as salary and service for example, 1 percent of your average salary for the last 5 years of employment for every year of service with your employer. A defined contribution plan, on the other hand, does not promise you a specific amount of benefits at retirement. In these plans, you or your employer (or both) contribute to your individual account under the plan, sometimes at a set rate, such as 5 percent of your earnings annually. These contributions generally are invested on your behalf. You will ultimately receive the balance in your account, which is based on contributions plus or minus investment gains or losses.” (An administrative charge also may affect an account balance.) Q: Generally, how has the labor movement reacted to the new law? A: Labor’s response has varied, with some unions praising the bill and others being far more cau- tious. AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka put it this way: “If employers continue to offer fully funded defined benefit pension plans, retirement security will indeed be strengthened. But if employers use the requirements of the act as an excuse to freeze or terminate the plans they have, the act will put our nation’s retirement security at even greater risk than it is now.” His quote points to one of the concerns about the new law—namely, that it ultimately may decrease the number of companies offering pensions to their employees. Q: Where can I get more information? A: The SPP funding notice appears on page 10 of the September LOG. For more information about the notice, you may contact Margaret R. Bowen, plan administrator, at (301) 899-0675, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For more information about the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency, go to their web site, www.pbgc.gov, or call them at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll-free at 1-800-8778339 and ask to be connected to 1800-400-7242). For more information on various types of pension plans, visit the Department of Labor web site (www.dol.gov). Notice NMU Plans Relocating To Camp Springs Effective Jan. 1, 2007, the NMU Pension, Annuity and Vacation Plans will be moved to SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. According to SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, this move is being done in an effort to provide better service to the membership. Reductions in administrative cost also should be realized as a result of the relocation. NOTICE TO SIU CIVMAR MEMBERS SAILING ABOARD ACOE, MARAD, MSC AND NOAA VESSELS September 26, 2006 As a result of a rule adopted by the U.S. Department of Labor in June 2006, all unions that represent employees who work for the federal government (which includes CIVMARS) are now required to send out a notice to their government employee/members containing certain information. As you know, your union is constantly working to protect your safety, health and employment rights and there are many benefits and advantages for all CIVMARS who join the Seafarers International Union. The summary noted below is intended to make sure that all SIU members understand the rights and privileges of union membership and the responsibilities of the union officers they elect. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights — Union members have: „ equal rights to participate in union activities „ freedom of speech and assembly „ voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments „ protection of the right to sue „ safeguards against improper discipline Collective Bargaining Agreements — As an SIU member you have the right to have input into collective bargaining negotiations. Members and certain nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Constitutions, Bylaws and Reports — Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make these documents available to members and permit members to examine the records necessary to verify the financial reports for just cause. The documents are public information and copies of reports are available from OLMS and on the Internet at www.union-reports.dol.gov. Officer Elections — In accordance with the union’s constitution, union members have the right to: „ nominate candidates for office „ run for office „ cast a secret ballot „ 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 — A union may not be placed in trusteeship by a parent body except for those reasons specified in the standards of conduct regulations. Protection for Exercising CSRA Rights — A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any CSRA right. Prohibition Against Violence — No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of his or her CSRA 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. The union must provide accounting and financial controls necessary to assure fiscal integrity. Prohibition of Conflicts of Interest — A union officer or employee may not (1) have any monetary or personal interest or (2) engage in any business or financial transaction that would conflict with his or her fiduciary obligation to the union. 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 that 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 „ retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years 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 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. The union also works to make sure that CIVMARS understand their shipboard rights and responsibilities and receive fair treatment from their agency. Additional benefits for union members include life insurance coverage which may be purchased for a nominal fee and access to many other benefits through the AFL-CIO’s Union Privilege program. For more information about how the SIU can better serve you please contact: Chet Wheeler 1121 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 cwheeler@seafarers.org Kate Hunt 635 4th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 khunt@seafarers.org Maurice Cokes 115 Third Street Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 rcokes@seafarers.org November 2006 �Aboard the Alaskan Legend, which recently docked in Long Beach, Calif., Chief Cook Johnson Ashun looks over one of the newly delivered LOGs while AB Paul Longley finishes up his lunch. S eafarers At Sea And Ashore QMED Walt “Wilden” Filleman goes about his chores on board the USNS Gordon. With election time nearing, SIU Rep Dan Duncan (left) discusses maritime issues in Johnson City, Tenn. with Harold Ford Jr., a congressman from Memphis who is running for the U.S. Senate. A new Word War II memorial was dedicated July 4, 2006 in Gloucester, Mass. Anthony Testaverde, who sailed with the SIU in the early ’80s, stands in front of the memorial, which notes that Gloucester had double the national average of men and women in the service. Vanessa Fickel, steward aboard the Capt. Steven L. Bennett, took “Best Overall Taste” honors for her entry in the “Chili Cook-off,” held Sept. 10, 2006 at the Seaman’s Center in Diego Garcia. She was crowned “Chili Queen” for her tasty recipe. Proceeds from the event were donated to support the Navy Ball Fund. Thanks to Capt. Rhett Mann for sending this photo to the LOG. Ships’ wheels were among the retirement gifts given to Tarlton (Buddy) Langele and Paul (Red) Roach from Crescent Towing of Mobile. From the left are Crescent Towing VP Arthur Kulp, Langele, SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly, Crescent Towing VP Tad Wilcutt and Roach. Some of the first Seafarers to line up at the Oakland hall to cast their ballots on the first day of voting for the purpose of amending the constitution of the SIU are (from left) OMU Cirico Geonanga, DEU Emmanuel Bayani Jr. and AB Jimmy Taranto. Handing out the ballots is Safety Director Kathy Chester. The balloting period was from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31. A delicious birthday cake helped Dispatcher Nick Rios celebrate his September birthday at the Wilmington, Calif. hall. November 2006 Seafarers LOG 9 �Floating Railroad Continues a Proud Tradition N ew York New Jersey Rail, which operates Cross Harbor Railroad in New York Harbor, is one of the most unique operations in the United States, and the SIU members who work there continue to find it an exciting way of life. A century ago, several hundred rail cars were floated across the harbor each day from the Greenville yard in Jersey City, N.J. to the Bush Terminal yard in Brooklyn, N.Y. aboard barges. Today, rail cars are making a rebirth by crossing the harbor on carfloats carrying nearly 8,000 rail cars each year and operating in much the same manner as they did in the late ’30s and ’40s. The trip across the harbor takes 45 minutes—much quicker than shipping overland, which can take up to 5 days round trip. The Seafarers International Union represents seven employees at New York New Jersey Rail: conductors, engineers, brakemen and bridgemen. Working with new management, the SIU recently was able to secure for the employees a oneyear extension to their contract, which includes a wage increase, additional vacation day, guaranteed 40-hour work week and a longevity bonus. Metropolitan New York is one of the largest consumer markets in the world, receiving goods at its ports that then need to be transported inland by way of truck. By moving much of this freight on the water, truck congestion is reduced (one rail car is the equivalent of four trucks) and so are vehicle emissions. Therefore, each round trip crossing removes 120 trucks from the local bridges, tunnels and roadways and also provides shippers— who don’t want to travel the extra 150 miles to Albany—with a shortcut across the Hudson River. Rail cars that arrive at the Greenville yard are loaded onto the operating barge—called a carfloat—which then makes the crossing to Brooklyn, where they are offloaded. The cargo moved includes a wide variety of commodities— everything from food products, building and construction materials and paper to hay, scrap and oversized machinery that is too large for road transport. The New York City Transit Authority also utilizes the train-ferry facility to get old, new and refurbished subway cars in and out of the system. New York New Jersey Rail recently made the news (The New York Times, Aug. 11, 2006) when it donated a 95-ton, 60-year-old engine locomotive to a project organized by the Department of Parks and Recreation. For the cost of the The barge carrying rail cars arrives at the Bush Terminal yard in Brooklyn. Mokihana to Be Converted From Containership to RO/RO Seafarers-contacted Matson Navigation Co. in late September signed a $17 million contact with Atlantic Marine Alabama LLC to perform work related to the conversion of the Mokihana, a containership, into a combination container and roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel. Work is scheduled to begin in April 2007 at Atlantic Marine’s shipyard in Alabama and should be completed within two months. The conversion of the Mokihana is part of a previously announced $45 million upgrade of Matson’s service capabilities in its Hawaii service, which includes shoreside facility improvements and investments in new information technology. The modifications to the ship “will increase Matson’s RO/RO capacity in our Hawaii service by 35 percent,” said Dave Hoppes, senior vice president for ocean services. “It will help further Matson’s objective of providing our auto customers with the two features they prefer: frequency of service and RO/RO capacity. The new state-of-the-art Next April, Matson’s containership Mokihana (left) will be converted into a combination container and RO/RO vessel. 10 Seafarers LOG Working at the Bush Terminal yard in Brooklyn are, from the left, Engineer Scott Toomey, Conductor Jim Lada, Brakeman Sam Evans and Brakeman Jose Torres. Engineer Paul Pietrowski and Conductor Joe Muran (not pictured) work at the Greenville yard in Jersey City. The photos accompanying this article were taken by Union Rep Joe Baselice during a recent service visit. engine’s scrap-metal value ($30,000), the No. 25 was restored and will be the centerpiece of Manhattan’s newest public park. Old No. 25 was not the kind of locomotive that powered sleek passenger trains; rather it was a rugged switching engine run by a 660-horsepower diesel engine built by the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, N.Y. in 1946 for the Erie Railroad. It was in use in Brooklyn from 1967 until the 1990s. A number of workers, including SIU members and volunteers, helped refurbish the old engine. One of the volunteers was Diane Mitchner, who shipped with the SIU for 10 years starting in 1979. A graduate of trainee class 278, Mitchner sailed in the deep sea division, last as a chief steward on the Sea-Land Express. While working on the arts project (painting the interior of the car), she made friends with the railroad crew at the yard. And in talking with them, the subject of the SIU came up and she was surprised to find out they were members. She told the Seafarers LOG that she hadn’t known about New York New Jersey Rail when she was a member and was tickled to find garage unit will have all of the features of a pure car carrier, including a fully enclosed garage, ventilation, lighting and various safety components to minimize damage in transit.” The Mokihana will join two other combination RO/RO containerships in the Matson fleet, the SS Lurline and SS Matsonia. “As one of the leading U.S.flag carriers, Matson is proud to further demonstrate its commitment to supporting U.S. shipyards,” said James Andrasick, Matson president and CEO. “In the past six years, Matson has awarded $584 million of work to U.S. shipyards, including over $500 million to Aker Philadelphia Shipyard for the construction of four new containerships.” Matson, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. of Honolulu, provides ocean transportation, intermodal and logistics services. Its RO/RO capabilities have been utilized by the U.S. Armed Forces for the movement of military equipment to and from Hawaii. Matson also maintains multi-year agreements with many of the major car companies to transport their vehicles to the island state. out that even though she had stopped sailing, she had somehow found her way back to her union roots. Layers of lead paint had to be stripped from the engine, and toxic fluids and batteries were removed in order to make it child-safe. The bright blue color was replaced with the black and yellow colors of the New York Central, and an “86” prefix was added to “No. 25” to recreate with historical accuracy the designation of trains in the original West Side rail yard. In mid-August, the engine was barged from Brooklyn to Jersey City, where it was loaded on another barge equipped with a crane. It later was floated across the Hudson River and lifted onto a flatbed truck, transported and then deposited in its new location on a set of historic rails from another section of the city. A plaza will be built around the engine with a children’s play area. No. 25 and the new West Side park will officially open to the public next spring where children and adults alike will be able to walk into the two-person interior. “It’s irresistible—everyone wants to play in a train,” said Tim Watkins, the project’s exhibit-design consultant. At right: Brakeman Sam Evans switches the tracks at the Brooklyn yard. Below: Conductor Jim Lada secures the barge lines to the dock. November 2006 �American Legion Backs U.S. Cabotage Laws The American Legion recently passed a resolution supporting the Jones Act in addition to other cabotage laws and also recognizing the vital role of the U.S.-flag fleet. Meeting Aug. 29-31 in Salt Lake City for the organization’s 88th national convention, the American Legion’s Convention Committee on National Security submitted the resolution (No. 102), titled “Support for the Jones Maritime Act and Related Cabotage Laws.” The resolution reads as follows: “WHEREAS, The American Legion has always stressed that maintaining a viable U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine and its supporting infrastructure is essential to the economic, national, and environmental security of this nation; and “WHEREAS, The maritime policy of the United States, as articulated in the 1936 Merchant Marine Act, states that ‘it is necessary for the national defense and development of its foreign and domestic commerce that the United States shall have a Merchant Marine’; and “WHEREAS, The American Legion is concerned about the continued decline of the U.S.Flag Merchant Marine and the shortage of trained American mariners; and “WHEREAS, At the beginning of 1998, the privately owned ocean-going U.S.-flag fleet consisted of only 259 active ships, which includes 119 ships in domestic trade and 36 other engaged exclusively in U.S. government work; thus, only 104 U.S.-Flag ships are operating in international trade in support of the nation’s economic and national security interests; and “WHEREAS, The United States is the world’s largest trading nation, but only three percent of U.S. imports and exports are carried in U.S.-flag ships which is economically unwise and mili- tarily imprudent; and “WHEREAS, The Jones Act which is critical to United States national security and to America’s economic well-being should be reaffirmed as should the continuation of the annual appropriations needed to fund the Maritime Security Act of 1996; now, therefore, be it “RESOLVED, By The American Legion in National Convention assembled in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 29, 30, 31, 2006, That The American Legion support the Jones Act and related Maritime cabotage laws critical to America’s maritime infrastructure, and therefore, to the United States national defense.” The group also passed a resolution titled “Commercial Shipbuilding for Defense,” in which it again emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-flag fleet, particularly for sealift missions. That resolution (No. 103) reads in part, “The American Legion urge(s) the President and Congress to boost naval budgets, promote commercial shipbuilding, expand the use of U.S. flagships in world commerce, and resist foreign actions that would further damage America’s defense industrial base.” President Bush addressed the convention Aug. 31. “As veterans, all of you stepped forward when America needed you most ... and we owe you more than just thanks,” he stated. On its web site, the American Legion notes that it was chartered by Congress in 1919 “as a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization. A communityservice organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members—men and women—in nearly 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide. These Posts are organized into 55 Departments—one each for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.” USNS Mendonca Delivers in Germany The SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca offloaded more than 100 U.S. Army Stryker Brigade combat vehicles in Bremerhaven, Germany in late July. The 950-foot ship had loaded in Tacoma, Wash. and then traveled 9,500 miles in three weeks, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The ship also delivered hundreds of other trucks, trailers, Humvees and containers, the agency reported. CIVMAR Briefs Latest NSPS Happenings Bode Well for Workers Homeland security workers whose job security is threatened by a proposed restructuring of work rules similar to that which would affect CIVMARS received good news in late September when the administration indicated that it would be putting its controversial National Security Personnel System (NSPS) program on hold, at least for now. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that it would not appeal a U.S. Court of Appeals decision blocking implementation of the program. As the judges noted, “Not only (does the NSPS program) defy the well-understood meaning of collective bargaining, it also defies common sense… (It) does not even give the illusion of collective bargaining.” The United DOD Workers Coalition, an association of labor unions representing more than 700,000 Defense Department employees, made the following observation: “We are confident that the DOD will ultimately follow the DHS’s lead. The NSPS rulings thus far have gone the way of the DHS rulings, so DOD would be smart to end this now.” The SIU is part of the coalition and has worked to exempt CIVMARS from NSPS. Those efforts have been largely successful. CIVMARS are exempt from all but the labor relations provisions. Update on Internet Access Restriction Last month the LOG reported that MSC has notified the union and CIVMARS that access to their private email servers and some web sites will be restricted. The union has submitted proposals to MSC to decrease the impact of these restrictions and to ensure that CIVMARS will be able to access e-mail as well as conduct necessary financial and other types of transactions while they are at sea. The union will keep CIVMARS posted on the progress of these negotiations. Any problems with e-mail access should be reported to your union official or civmarsupport@seafarers.org. ‘Open Season’ Starts Nov. 13 The annual “open season” for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program begins Nov. 13 and runs through Dec. 11, 2006. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), there will be 284 plans from which to choose—a record high number. Additionally, there will be seven choices for new supplemental dental insurance along with three choices for additional vision insurance. More than 8 million people are enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). During the open season, anyone “http://www.opm.gov/insure/06/html/popups/eligibility.htm” may enroll, change health plans or options, cancel their FEHB enrollment, and change participation in “http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/pretaxfehb/index.htm” (waive or begin participation). Outside of open season, newly eligible employees may enroll within 60 days of becoming eligible for the program. According to news reports, the OPM has boosted the number of high-deductible insurance options for the year 2007. There will be 29 such plans compared to 27 in 2006—the enticement being lower premiums. Both for health insurance and dental and vision coverage, federal workers may pay premiums before taxes, through payroll deduction. A wealth of additional information is available on line at the OPM Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan web site, beginning at the following address: http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp. Is Your Ship Receiving the Seafarers LOG? SIU Government Services Division representatives recently have been told by members that some MSFSC vessels are not receiving the Seafarers LOG for months at a time. Please let your Government Services Division union representative know if your vessel is not receiving the LOG by emailing: civmarsupport@seafarers.org. With Seafarers in Puerto Rico Pictured aboard the Green Ridge in mid-September are (from left) Chief Cook Luis Aceridano, SA Jose Rojas, Bosun Thomas Skubinna and Steward Robert Wagner. Electrician Ray Prim drops in at the SIU hall in San Juan. Americo “Pichi” Garayua (right) receives his first pension check at the hall. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Chief Cook Angel Perez November 2006 AB Manuel C. Rodriguez (right) proudly shows his “A” seniority book to Port Agent Crespo. QMED Electrician Luis Roebuck Seafarers LOG 11 �Snapshots from the Port of Jackso Cape Domingo Seafarers and their Sealand Florida OMUs Watts and Porter attend the shipboard meeting on the Cape Domingo. The starboard name board on the Sealand Florida was refurbished during voyage 023 and is being mounted back into position over the lifeboat. AB Eddie Ebanks (far right) did the sanding, painting and varnishing to make it look like new. Helping him return the name board to its mount are (from the left) Bosun James Saunders, AB Randell Porter and AB Leroy Woods. AB James Rush st Florida’s gangway w Cape Diamond Maersk Carolina Recertified Steward Gerard Hyman and Chief Cook Isabel Sabio work aboard the Maersk Carolina. Aboard the Cape Diamond are (from the left) Bosun R. Boyd, QMED Allen Pryor, AB Leslie Bracy Jr. and W. Coleman, bosun on the Cape Domingo. At right is Chief Cook Tulio Gomez. Alliance New York Pensioner Remains Active Chief Cook Joseph Brooks gets the griddle going. Lef Bro ley wit (ce AB Alexander Nicholson picks up his first pension check in August from Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware. Nicholson, who is 72, continues to stay involved with his union. 12 Seafarers LOG November 2006 �onville Ships Voting in the Hall Voting for the purpose of amending the constitution of the Seafarers Internatonal Union/AGLIWD/NMU began Sept. 1. SIU members were able to cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Oct. 31. The photos below were taken of SIU members exercising their rights at the Jacksonville hall. Before voting, AB David Harvey (left) presents his book to Safety Director Randy Senatore. SA Dagoberto Norales (left) receives his ballot and mailing envelope from Union Rep Thornton Elliott. tands at the bottom of the Sealand when the ship was in Jacksonville. Chief Cook Theodore Quammie returns to his car after voting. Union Rep Thornton Elliott and Executive Assistant Karen Shuford help members follow the proper voting procedures. Chief Cook Robert Thomas is ready to cast his ballot. Waiting to get their ballots from Safety Director Randy Senatore (second from left) are (from left) Chief Cook Breon Lucas, Chief Cook Michael Harris and AB Ruben Brown. Safety Director Randy Senatore (right) checks the union book of AB Luis Alvarez. Steward Willie Massaline (far left) secures his ballot from Union Rep Thornton Elliott while Steward Carol Milstead (right) gets hers from Safety Director Randy Senatore. ft: Chief Cook Joseph ooks (right) poses in the galy of the Alliance New York th Steward L.P. Packnett enter) and SA German Guity. November 2006 Seafarers LOG 13 �SIU Plan Offers Eight Scholarships For Members And Dependents In 2007 C ollege tuitions have gone up about 8 percent per year for the past 25 years, and there’s no escaping the fact that they are continuing to rise—and at a much faster rate than that of inflation or the growth in family income. According to recently released reports from the College Board, a non-profit association of 4,500 schools, colleges and universities, most students and their families can expect to pay, on average, from $112 to $1,190 more than last year for this year’s tuition and fees, depending on the type of college. Tuition costs, of course, are not the whole story. Including room and board, the cost of attending a private college is $29,026 per year on average, and $12,127 at four-year public universities. These high college costs could prevent a significant number of Americans from obtaining a college degree, and that is a shame—especially when, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, people with a college degree earn more than 62 percent more, on average, than those with only a high school diploma. Over a lifetime, the gap in earning potential between a high school diploma and a B.A. (or higher) is more than $1,000,000. But there is good news for Seafarers and their eligible dependents who want to continue their dreams of attaining a higher education without taking on any great financial burden: the scholarship program offered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. This year, the Plan is again 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 2007 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. Where to Start? This is a great time to begin the application process. The first step is to send away for the Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. To receive a copy of this guide, fill out the coupon below and return it to the address listed on the form. Alternatively, copies of the booklet may be picked up at your nearest SIU hall. Then What? Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information and, if they are eligible, should start collecting some of the other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2007 deadline. What Information Do I Need? Items that will need to be included in the application package include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools often are quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the requests are made, the better. Another part of the application includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. A photograph of the applicant as well as a certified copy of his or her birth certificate also need to be included. The selection committee, made up of a panel of professional educators, looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2007 to ensure the results reach the committee in time to be evaluated. Those Seafarers and dependents who previously 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 reaching your goals. The Seafarers Scholarship Program can make a difference! Additional Scholarship Funding Available to Union Members Fill out the form below and send away for your program booklet today! P lease send me the 2007 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name __________________________________________________________________ Mariner's Social Security Number ____________________________________________ Since 1992, the Union Plus Scholarship Program—offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation—has given out more than $2 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their secondary education. SIU members are again eligible for the 2007 awards. The students selected for university, college, trade school or technical scholarships represent a wide sampling of backgrounds, union affiliations, goals and accomplishments. Current and retired members of AFLCIO unions participating in the Union Plus program (including the SIU) are eligible, along with their spouses and dependent children. The individual must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Graduate students are not eligible. The amount of the educational stipends range from $500 to $4,000. Each is a one-time cash award sent to individual winners for undergraduate study beginning in the fall of the same year. To download a copy of the application form, go to: http://www.unionplus.org/benefits/education/scholarships/scholarship App.pdf 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. 11/06 14 Seafarers LOG November 2006 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea December 2006 & January 2007 Membership Meetings SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15, 2006 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 1 0 7 7 1 6 42 34 0 12 12 39 17 19 5 1 4 34 21 2 3 14 20 7 8 20 21 2 12 9 16 19 16 2 18 6 34 17 2 6 3 4 3 0 14 8 0 1 5 5 10 2 1 0 1 14 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 10 6 0 7 39 25 0 2 11 20 8 10 2 0 3 15 20 255 250 85 179 2 0 6 3 1 8 9 16 0 11 6 15 6 6 2 3 3 1 9 10 0 1 4 3 4 3 7 24 0 7 5 10 16 9 2 1 2 1 19 7 2 0 1 3 0 2 5 4 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 9 1 0 8 3 2 9 11 20 1 6 4 14 7 8 2 3 2 1 4 3 117 1 0 3 4 3 6 25 12 0 4 2 24 8 15 3 2 1 3 11 19 125 1 0 0 3 3 5 2 5 0 6 3 9 20 4 2 4 1 0 8 2 37 0 0 0 2 0 2 4 1 0 1 1 4 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 4 5 10 9 5 17 12 3 7 3 7 15 12 3 8 4 15 7 151 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 4 0 1 2 4 6 1 0 0 0 7 2 1 3 1 7 0 1 6 10 0 2 5 15 5 10 1 0 0 12 8 34 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 109 0 1 4 5 3 1 13 9 0 0 4 3 5 4 0 1 0 2 13 8 76 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 4 20 146 78 24 94 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 1 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 6 9 2 4 18 17 0 4 3 34 8 12 1 17 1 0 21 11 4 1 2 15 0 6 18 10 0 2 3 17 12 13 1 26 0 2 19 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 5 1 5 1 5 0 3 2 2 11 3 2 1 2 2 8 2 56 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 4 3 1 6 9 6 0 2 2 11 6 9 0 13 1 0 12 7 0 0 0 7 0 2 7 2 1 1 2 3 9 6 0 22 1 1 4 2 4 0 9 17 2 11 65 57 0 20 33 84 30 32 10 1 14 71 53 5 7 14 30 10 15 48 37 1 24 19 44 27 21 4 17 16 57 32 2 8 4 10 3 0 22 13 0 5 5 14 13 7 5 0 3 20 9 88 516 435 146 0 0 2 1 1 3 5 10 0 0 6 5 2 4 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 5 6 1 13 22 32 0 9 9 28 15 14 1 4 4 3 25 25 3 1 6 10 9 5 10 42 2 11 8 18 26 11 2 2 5 2 32 12 2 0 2 4 1 4 11 6 0 1 0 9 6 4 0 0 1 2 6 15 42 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 4 2 7 26 7 0 2 0 6 7 12 1 0 1 0 7 11 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 2 1 3 8 0 0 1 0 5 2 4 0 0 0 0 6 4 217 217 74 2 0 7 9 3 10 32 31 0 5 11 43 11 33 5 4 1 5 30 46 1 0 1 10 2 14 11 14 0 6 5 14 19 6 1 4 4 1 18 14 0 0 0 2 1 1 7 2 2 1 3 7 2 1 0 1 1 0 3 5 37 288 145 39 0 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 4 3 0 1 2 7 0 10 0 0 2 0 6 1 4 1 5 14 3 7 41 38 0 8 7 68 27 25 2 17 1 0 30 16 9 3 3 17 1 13 32 23 0 3 10 36 27 19 1 6 0 1 25 16 16 170 162 20 92 70 0 39 314 245 534 623 308 402 375 132 167 1,060 1,111 504 *“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 2006 Piney Point ...........Monday: December 4, January 8 Algonac ................Friday: December 8, January 12 ............................... Baltimore..............Thursday: December 7, January 11 Boston ..................Friday: December 8, January 12 Guam ....................Thursday: December 21, January 25 ............................... Honolulu...............Friday: December 15, January 19 Houston ................Monday: December 11 ..............................Tuesday: January 16* ..............................(*change created by Martin Luther King Jr. holiday) ............................... Jacksonville ..........Thursday: December 7, January 11 Joliet .....................Thursday: December 14, January 18 Mobile ..................Wednesday: December 13, January 17 New Orleans.........Tuesday: December 12, January 16 New York .............Tuesday: December 5, January 9 Norfolk .................Thursday: December 7, January 11 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: December 6, January 10 Port Everglades ....Thursday: December 14, January 18 San Francisco .......Thursday: December 14, January 18 San Juan ...............Thursday: December 7, January 11 St. Louis ...............Friday: December 15, January 19 Tacoma .................Friday: December 22, January 26 Wilmington...........Monday: December 18, January 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals JAMAAL SINKLER Please call your mother. LOOKING FOR SHIPMATES Jack Utz is looking for any of his shipmates on the SS Steel King from January-April 1948. Please contact him at (815) 883-8735 or e-mail jackutz@sbcglobal.net. Apostleship of the Sea of The United States of America The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America is the professional association of Catholic mariners and the official Catholic organization for cruise ship priests and catholic maritime ministers. Please contact the organization if you are interested in becoming an AOSUSA member. The Apostleship of the Sea may be reached at: 1500 Jefferson Drive Port Arthur, TX 77642-0646 aosusa@sbcglobal.net Phone: (409) 985-4545 www.aos-usa.org Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT 1 12 0 5 15 1 0 2 36 1 4 2 0 5 0 0 2 14 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 5 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 11 1 4 10 2 0 1 32 0 6 2 0 5 0 0 2 15 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 8 4 0 4 1 0 0 19 9 26 1 17 39 0 2 1 95 3 5 0 4 25 0 0 0 37 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 7 0 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 6 10 15 2 4 12 0 0 2 46 1 3 0 1 4 0 0 0 9 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 3 2 4 0 0 0 12 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 Port 2 3 2 1 4 0 0 0 12 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 4 1 3 5 0 0 5 19 2 1 1 0 5 0 0 0 9 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 2 2 2 2 0 0 5 16 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 8 20 0 6 22 0 0 0 56 4 2 0 2 24 0 0 1 33 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 Totals All Departments 67 25 9 60 21 6 29 196 79 14 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Rich Bolmarcich of Seaside Park, N.J. He is the son of the late SIU pensioner Joseph Bolmarcich (pictured in the three photos at right), who died Feb. 28, 1999 at the age of 92. His son states that his father’s career with the marine division of the New York Central Railroad Co. spanned 44 years (1927-1971). He always appreciated the many fine benefits afforded him by being an SIU member, and “loved his job as a tugboat deckhand despite working sometimes in bad weather and under difficult conditions.” Brother Bolmarcich began receiving his pension in May 1971. The top left photo was taken in 1927, the top right one in 1954. The bottom one, also taken aboard a New York Central tug, was snapped in the mid ’60s when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were under construction. 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. November 2006 �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 DAVID, 67, was born in California. Brother David joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of New York. His first ship was the La Salle on which he sailed in the engine department. Brother David’s last voyage was aboard the Long Island. He calls Chambersburg, Pa. home. RAFAEL ESQUIBEL, 65, became a Seafarer in 1974 in the port of New York. Brother Esquibel, who was born in Spain, worked primarily on A&S Transportation’s Lisa. A member of the deck department, Brother Esquibel continues to reside in Spain. MANUEL FARIA JR., 65, started shipping with the union in 1983 from the port of New York. Brother Faria first sailed on the Robert D. Conrad in the steward department. In 1996 and 2000, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Faria most recently sailed aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. He is a resident of New Bedford, Mass. AQUILINO FERNANDEZ, 66, joined the SIU ranks in 1989. Brother Fernandez was born in Honduras and shipped in the steward department. He first sailed on the Independence. Brother Fernandez most recently worked aboard the Cape Kennedy. He lives in Houston. ANGEL GARCIA, 66, joined the SIU in 1959. Brother Garcia’s first journey was aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. The Puerto Rico-born mariner sailed in the engine department. Brother Garcia most recently sailed on the Horizon Discovery. He resides in San Jose, P.R. KENNETH JONES, 65, launched his seafaring career in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Jones primarily shipped in the engine department November 2006 of the Constellation. The Texasborn mariner upgraded his skills in 2000 at the Piney Point school. Brother Jones makes his home in Sarepta, La. the educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. in 2001 and 2003. Boatman Foster is a resident of Belhaven, N.C. THOMAS LABUE, 66, began sailing with the union in 1965 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Labue was born in Wisconsin and shipped as a member of the deck department. His first vessel was the Loma Victory; his most recent was the Richard G. Matthiesen. Brother Labue calls Temple City, Calif. home. JACK GONZALEZ, 62, joined the SIU in 1986. Boatman Gonzalez work primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels during. Born in Puerto Rico, he calls Robstown, Texas home. JAMES LONG, 62, is a Pennsylvania native. Brother Long joined the Seafarers in 1969, initially working aboard the Sea Ohio. The engine department member most recently sailed on the Horizon Anchorage. Brother Long resides in Wellsboro, Pa. HANSEL SMITH, 65, became an SIU member in 1989. Brother Smith’s first voyage was aboard the USNS Altair. The Tennessee-born mariner last sailed on the 1st Lt. Alex Bonneyman. He is a resident of Pascagoula, Miss. CAROL GRIDER, 62, joined the SIU in 1994. Sister Grider was a member of the steward department. She sailed primarily aboard Orgulf Transport Company vessels. Seafarer Grider resides in Galatia, Ill. KENNETH KITCHEN, 65, began sailing with the union in 1962 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Kitchen shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions. His first vessel was the Topa Topa. Boatman Kitchen lives in Virginia Beach, Va. JACK KLOHN, 55, was born in New Mexico and joined the Seafarers in 1971 in the port of New York. Boatman Klohn first sailed in the deep sea division aboard CSX Lines’ Detroit; however, the majority of his career was spent working in the inland division. Prior to his retirement, Boatman Klohn sailed on the Padre Island. He makes his home in Hot Springs, Ariz. LUCIUS LEONARD, 62, who was born in New Orleans, became an SIU member in 1967 in that port. Boatman Leonard worked aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessels in the deck department. He is a resident of Des Allemands, La. 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. TULIO GOMEZ, 69, joined the NMU in 1977 in the port of Boston. Brother Gomez was born in Honduras. His first ship was the Mormac Sun. Brother Gomez sailed in the steward department. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Cape Domingo. PHILLIP HINES, 55, became an NMU member in 1979 in the port of Seattle. Brother Hines is a native of California. He initially sailed on the NOAA ship Discoverer. Brother Hines’ most recent voyage was aboard the Cape Taylor. He was a member of the steward department. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE EDP Charles Andrews 70 Sept. 1 William Buchheit 65 Oct. 1 Francisco King 68 Oct. 1 Raymond Lankford 55 Oct. 1 Thomas Stephens 66 Oct. 1 Alexandru Tolnaci 65 Sept. 1 INLAND ROBERT DOUGH, 62, embarked on his seafaring career in 1966. Boatman Dough’s first voyage was aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation vessel; his most recent was on a vessel operated by Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Boatman Dough lives in Belhaven, N.C. ELEANOR DOWNEN, 73, joined the SIU in 1985 in the port of New Orleans. Sister Downen worked primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship vessels during her seafaring career. The steward department member settled in her native state of Missouri. DANIEL EUBANKS, 62, was born in Mississippi. Boatman Eubanks commenced his SIU career in 1973 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He sailed in the deck department, primarily aboard Dravo Basic Materials Company vessels. Boatman Eubanks continues to make his home in Mississippi. OTTIS FOSTER, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1992. Boatman Foster shipped primarily aboard Express Marine vessels in the steward department. He took advantage of Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1942 British Prime Minister Winston Churchill offered his thanks and the thanks of the Royal Navy to the crews of two SIU-contracted ships that returned to New York after 11 months on the run to Russia. A commendation relayed by Admiral Emory S. Land, director of the War Shipping Administration, from the British Admiralty said in part, “Mr. Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, has particularly requested that he be associated with this message of congratulations…. I should like also to offer my congratulations to you and your crew for excellent work you all performed during this encounter, which is a great credit to the United States Merchant Marine.” The ships are unnamed for security reasons. 1966 SIU-contracted companies will operate 10 of the 15 C-4 type reserve fleet troopships recently allocated by the government for conversion to break bulk dry cargo and heavy lift cargo ships for charter to the Military Sea Transportation Service to serve in the Vietnam sealift. Of the SIU-contracted companies named by the government, Isthmian Lines and Waterman Steamship were allocated three ships each, Hudson Waterways received two ships, and Consolidated Mariners and Bulk Transport received one ship each…. The recently released World War IIbuilt toopships are 523-foot, 15,000-ton steamships with a rated speed of 17 knots. This Month In SIU History 1955 SIU negotiators recently won a 25 cents per man per day contribution from employers to expand health and safety benefits and raise vacation benefits. Coupled with wage increases under the contract, the vacation benefits will mean a boost in vacation pay for all Seafarers from the present $176 maximum to $244, effective November 15. The new agreement will also finance establishment of health and safety clinics in all ports so that Seafarers will be able to obtain medical care and obtain needed physical examinations. 1984 Another newly converted RO/RO ship has been added to the SIU-contracted fleet. Bringing in more jobs for the membership is the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr., which is being operated by a privately owned company for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. This 755foot long vessel is part of the U.S. military’s Maritime Prepositioning Ship (MPS) program…. During her conversion at Bethlehem Steel Corporation’s Sparrows Point Yard in Maryland, the ship was lengthened by a 157foot mid-body section and was fitted with a semi-slewing stern ramp, side port doors and ramps, and three twin-tandem heavy-lift cranes. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA PRESTON BLANC Pensioner Preston Blanc, 82, passed away Feb. 4. Brother Blanc joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the J.B. Water. The deck department member last worked aboard the Overseas Arctic. Brother Blanc retired in 1986 and called New Orleans home. PARTHA JERNIGAN Pensioner Partha Jernigan, 81, died April 28. Brother Jernigan became a Seafarer in 1947 in the port of New York. He was born in Florida and sailed in the engine department. Brother Jernigan settled in Pensacola, Fla. He began receiving his pension in 1989. GREGORY KELLY Pensioner Gregory Kelly, 80, passed away April 2. Brother Kelly joined the SIU in 1965. His first trip to sea was on an American Oceanic Corporation vessel; his last was aboard the Explorer. Born in Canada, Brother Kelly was a member of the deck department. The La Habra, Calif. resident went on pension in 1991. STANISLAW KOLASA Pensioner Stanislaw Kolasa, 80, died April 9. Born in Poland, Brother Kolasa started his seafaring career in 1959 in the port of New York. He sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Kolasa’s initial voyage was on a Boston Towing Boat Company vessel. In 1990, the steward department member began his retirement. Brother Kolasa made his home in New York. HORACE LEDWELL Pensioner Horace Ledwell, 77, passed away May 10. Brother Ledwell was born in Johnson City, Tenn. He joined the union in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Ledwell’s first voyage was on a Colonial Steamship Company vessel as a member of the engine department. He last worked aboard the Sam Houston. Brother Ledwell resided in Bristol, Tenn. and went on pension in 1992. TRAVIS MAINERS Pensioner Travis Mainers, 84, passed away April 4. Brother Mainers embarked on his seafaring career in 1966. 18 Seafarers LOG His first ship was the Santa Emilia where he worked as a member of the steward department; his last trip to sea was on the Overseas Harriette. Brother Mainers, who was born in Tennessee, retired in 1987 and continued to live in his native state. LEONARDO MANCO Pensioner Leonardo Manco, 85, died Feb. 1. Brother Manco was born in Louisiana. He joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Manco first sailed aboard the Tuskegee. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Manco’s last voyage was on the Sam Houston. The New Orleans resident became a pensioner in 1982. ANDREW MAZUREK Pensioner Andrew Mazurek, 81, died May 9. Brother Mazurek joined the ranks of the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Architect. Brother Mazurek was a Pennsylvania native. Prior to his retirement in 1987, he shipped on the St. Louis. Brother Mazurek resided in Orange, N.J. JOSEPH McCABE Pensioner Joseph McCabe, 90, passed away May 13. Brother McCabe began shipping with the Seafarers in 1956, first sailing aboard a Sheffield Tank Corporation vessel. The deck department member was a native of New York. Before his retirement in 1983, Brother McCabe worked on Pacific Gulf Marine’s Koppa. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. CRISANTO MODELLAS Pensioner Crisanto Modellas, 81, died April 22. Brother Modellas began his SIU career in 1964. He first shipped in the steward department aboard the Fanwood. Brother Modellas, who was born in the Philippines, last sailed on the Thompson Pass. He went on pension in 1994 and called Sacramento, Calif. home. DAVID ONGE Brother David Onge, 42, passed away Feb. 2. He started his seafaring career in 1990 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Onge first sailed on the Independence in the engine department. Born in Maine, he resided in Palm Beach, Fla. Brother Onge most recently worked aboard the Horizon Challenger. ROOSEVELT ROBBINS Pensioner Roosevelt Robbins, 88, died May 4. Brother Robbins joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was on the Suzanne. Brother Robbins was born in Alabama and shipped in the steward department. He last shipped on the Santa Paula. Brother Robbins started collecting his retirement pay in 1985. He lived in Philadelphia. ARTHUR RUBENSTEIN ROBERT REED SR. ERICH DECKER Brother Arthur Rubenstein, 65, passed away Feb. 13. He became a union member in 1963. Brother Rubenstein was born in New York and sailed as a member of the steward department. His first voyage was aboard the Chatham; his last was on the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Rubenstein was a resident of Randallstown, Md. Boatman Robert Reed Sr., 49, passed away Feb. 4. The German-born mariner started shipping with the SIU in 2000. Boatman Reed worked primarily aboard Allied Towing vessels. The engine department member called Virginia home. Pensioner Erich Decker, 97, died Feb. 13. Brother Decker embarked on his seafaring career in 1954 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Santa Isabel. Brother Decker, who was born in Germany, sailed in the steward department . His last ship was the United States. Brother Decker retired in 1969. JOHN SCULLY Pensioner John Scully, 78, died June 8. Brother Scully was born in Beverly, Mass. He joined the SIU in 1945, initially shipping on the Rebel. Brother Scully worked in the deck department. The Seattle resident went on pension in 1986. FRANK SISON Pensioner Frank Sison, 66, passed away April 3. Brother Sison began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. The steward department member first shipped on a Michigan Tankers vessel; he last worked on the Major Bernard F. Fisher. The Seattle-born mariner started collecting his retirement stipends in 2005. Brother Sison made his home in King, Wash. HORACE WILLIAMS Pensioner Horace Williams, 80, died Feb. 25. Brother Williams embarked on his SIU career in 1943 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Lafayette. Brother Williams was a member of the deck department. Before his retirement in 1975, he sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Williams, who was born in North Carolina, made his home in Texas. INLAND WARREN FOX SR. Pensioner Warren Fox Sr., 69, passed away Feb. 1. Boatman Fox became a Seafarer in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Maryland, he first shipped aboard an Arundel Corporation vessel in the deck department. Boatman Fox last worked aboard a vessel operated by Moran Towing of Maryland. He went on pension in 2001 and resided in his native state. GEORGE HATGIMISIOS Pensioner George Hatgimisios, 83, died May 14. Boatman Hatgimisios joined the union in 1948 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Born in Connecticut, he first sailed in the steward department aboard the Nashua; his final trip to sea was aboard a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Boatman Hatgimisios was the last surviving of four seafaring Hatgimisios brothers. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985 at his home in Coconut Creek, Fla. PAUL SCHOBERT Pensioner Paul Schobert, 71, died Feb. 18. Boatman Schobert joined the ranks of the SIU in 1968 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Germany and sailed in the steward department. During his seafaring career, Boatman Schobert shipped aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation of Wilmington. He retired in 1979 and lived in Homeland, Calif. GREAT LAKES SALEH ALI Pensioner Saleh Ali, 78, passed away Feb. 17. Brother Ali joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Detroit. His first ship was the American Seaocean; his last was the Merle McCurdy. Brother Ali, who was born in Arabia, worked in the engine department. He became a pensioner in 1982 and made his home in Yemen. GEORGE McINERNEY Brother George McInerney, 69, died Feb. 9. He joined the union in 1978 in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother McInerney originally shipped on the Steel T. Crapo in the engine department. His final trip to sea was aboard the Paul H. Townsend. Brother McInerney resided in his native state of Michigan. 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. EUGENE BARBER Pensioner Eugene Barber, 78, passed away Jan. 30. Brother Barber joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of New York. The steward department member was born in New York City. Prior to his retirement in 1975, Brother Barber sailed aboard the Christopher Lykes. FOWLER BENNETT Pensioner Fowler Bennett, 82, died Feb. 21. Born in Honduras, Brother Bennett joined the union in 1946 in the port of New Orleans. His first vessel was the Granada; his last was the Eagle Transporter. Brother Bennett went on pension in 1969. HENRY BRADY SR. Pensioner Henry Brady Sr., 85, passed away Feb. 14. Brother Brady began sailing with the NMU in 1953 from the port of San Francisco. He was born in New Orleans and first shipped aboard the Barney Kirschbaum. In 1984, Brother Brady became a pensioner. He last sailed on the Adabelle Lykes. ALFONSO ESTRADA Pensioner Alfonso Estrada, 82, passed away Jan. 1. Brother Estrada joined the NMU in 1946 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in El Salvador and shipped in the steward department. Brother Estrada first sailed aboard the Marine Fox. His last ship was the Denison Victory. Brother Estrada started collecting his pension in 1970. WILSON GUIDRY Pensioner Wilson Guidry, 75, died Feb. 23. Brother Guidry joined the NMU in 1966 in Port Arthur, Texas. His first ship was the Mission Santa Ynez. Brother Guidry was born in Louisiana and worked in the steward department. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996. HOWARD LEUNG Pensioner Howard Leung, 85, passed away March 14. Brother Leung launched his seafaring career in 1943, sailing from the port of New York. His first ship was the Helen Hunt Jackson. A member of the steward department, Brother Leung was born in China. Before retiring in 1969, he worked on board the New York. NESTER OJEDA Pensioner Nester Ojeda, 78, died Feb. 2. Brother Ojeda, who was born in Puerto Rico, joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first shipped out on the Luther Martin. Brother Ojeda went on pension in 1967. JOSEPH OLSZEWSKI Pensioner Joseph Olszewski, 88, passed away Feb. 24. Brother Olszewski started his NMU career in 1936 in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland native worked in the engine department. Brother Olszewski’s first ship was the City of Baltimore; his last was the American Courier. He became a pensioner in 1978. November 2006 �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.. ASCENSION (Sealift), Oct. 4— Chairman Gene A. Butson, Secretary William E. Knorr, Deck Delegate Alexis S. Mitsou, Engine Delegate Fabian Palacios. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 10 in Port Canaveral, Fla. after room inspections. Secretary reminded members not going ashore to get absentee ballot from headquarters to vote on constitutional amendments. He encouraged them to read the proposed changes to the constitution and make an intelligent choice when voting. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. to stay current with maritime skills and improve job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding salad bar. Ship will head back to Ascension Island since South America trip has been canceled. Next port: Port Canaveral. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Co.), Sept. 24— Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Greg S. Lynch, Educational Director Sylvester C. Crawford. Bosun highlighted aspects of new contract. Secretary thanked crew for coming to mess hall and lounge in appropriate attire. Educational director urged everyone to check documents’ expiration dates and to take advantage of Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated about $9,000 in ship’s fund. Permission needed from captain before purchasing items for vessel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New XBox currently on board. Recommendation made to get satellite radio as well. Suggestion made that someone be assigned to check rooms of riders after they leave ship. Thanks given to steward department for great meals. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. CAPE KNOX (Keystone Shipping), Sept. 17—Chairman Anthony Pacely Jr., Secretary Florencia T. Farquhar, Educational Director Robert G. Joyce, Deck Delegate James J. Foley. Chairman read and discussed August edition of Seafarers LOG. Educational director urged all members to upgrade their skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: New Orleans. CAPE TEXAS (Crowley Liner Services), Sept. 7—Chairman Jose A. Jimenea, Secretary George Maranos, Educational Director Roger D. Phillips, Deck Delegate Horace B. Rains. Chairman discussed information received from Pension and Health & Benefits departments regarding members working aboard NMU ships. ROS crew reported some beefs regarding payment for sick days and delayed paychecks, and requested clarification on pension benefits for retirees returning to work. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), Sept. 30—Chairman Jerry Borucki, Secretary Nancy S. Heyden, Educational Director Arthur K. Outlaw, Deck Delegate Timothy K. O’Brien, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll Jr., Steward Delegate William B. Young. Bosun reminded mariners to start renewal process for z-cards early. Educational director discussed importance of contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested information regarding acquisition of Maritrans by OSG. Next ports: Baton Rouge, La.; Tampa, Fla. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), Sept. 3— Chairman Michael R. Hester, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Murray. Chairman announced Sept. 5 payoff at sea. He urged crew members to attend union meetings and donate to SPAD, our voice on Capitol Hill. Secretary Swapping Provisions at Sea Crew members aboard the USNS Mary Sears help in the operation to swap provisions with the USNS Sumner while at sea. Pulling the line with the attached bundle of food are (from the left) OS Tyrell Blackburn, AB Dennis Avila, OS Darnell O’Hara and AB Mike Sherman. Chief Mate Richard Madden is in the background. November 2006 advised crew to take a look at Horizon Lines’ stock offerings. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of educational opportunities offered at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. Treasurer asked members to inform captain of any requests for DVDs or CDs they would like purchased. No beefs; some disputed OT reported in steward department. Communications from headquarters read, discussed and posted regarding new benefit requirements and proposed constitutional amendments. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Sept. 3— Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Jill M. Prescott, Deck Delegate David M. Smolen, Engine Delegate Rigoberto Beata. Chairman announced Sept. 5 payoff on arrival in Oakland, Calif. He advised members to keep documents current. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for better paying jobs and job security. Treasurer stated $100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters read pertaining to changes in eligibility for benefits. Suggestion made for drinking fountain on main deck and for repair of bridge toilet. Steward department given vote of thanks for well prepared meals. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Sept. 10—Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Paula S. Kaleikini, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman announced Sept. 16 payoff at sea before arriving in Tacoma, Wash. Patrolman to come aboard. Treasurer stated $900 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension benefits. Clarification requested regarding proposed union dues increase. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Sept. 17—Chairman Amante V. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Jan Haidir, Deck Delegate LBJ Tanoa, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate Ruben Q. Fiel. Bosun announced Sept. 23 payoff at sea prior to arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked crew members for another safe voyage; more than 530 days without a lost-time injury. Treasurer stated after purchasing barbecue supplies, $250 remains in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters read regarding changes to health insurance requirements. Vote of thanks given to AB Harold Harper for purchasing new clock as gift for crew lounge. Everyone was asked to return magazines/newspapers to lounge when finished reading them; also return DVDs to proper place. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HOUSTON (USS Transport), Sept. 4—Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Christopher J. Zaucha, Deck Delegate Stones Cooper, Engine Delegate Rudolph Lopez, Steward Delegate Jorge Ellis. Secretary thanked crew for keeping mess hall and laundry room clean. He reminded departing crew members to leave clean linen for their reliefs as a courtesy. Educational director urged mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made pertaining to medical and pension benefits. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. MAERSK MAINE (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 3—Chairman Brian P. Corbett, Secretary Fidelis N. Oliveira, Educational Director E. Gomez. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center. No with patrolman about food supply. Educational director urged eveyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $515 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for better laundry detergent and improvements to raise retirement pay. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 2—Chairman William M. Richards Jr., Secretary Pedro Sellan, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Mark Carpenter, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefont, Steward Delegate John A. Padilla. Chairman announced Seafarers on the Job Stopping the the middle of their duties for a quick snapshot are (from the left) Bosun Richard Dobbyn aboard the Green Point and Chief Cook Bill Columbo on the Maersk Nebraska. beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed concerns regarding pending contract. Next port: Newark, N.J. MAERSK NEBRASKA (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 29—Chairman Frederick L. Gathers, Secretary Luis A. Caballero, Engine Delegate J. Byrnes. Chairman informed seafarers that pay raise would be retroactive once all details were worked out. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to post all letters regarding contract for all to read. Crew would like ventilation aboard vessel to be checked and requested clarification on time off after a voyage. They also had questions as to whether work gear (coveralls, gloves, etc.) should be provided upon joining vessel or whether members can be reimbursed for purchasing such items. PFC JAMES ANDERSON (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 14— Chairman William N. Henderson, Secretary Stephan F. Osovitz, Deck Delegate Gerald Freeman, Engine Delegate Saleh Q. Omar, Steward Delegate Mario V. Siclot. Chairman thanked mariners for safe trip, making this 2½ years without a lost-time accident. Educational director advised crew to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to engine department for installing new washer and to entire crew for keeping ship clean. PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Marine Transport Lines), Sept. 3 —Chairman Stephen D. Petersen, Secretary James H. Narcisse Jr., Educational Director David Carter, Deck Delegate Stephen C. Bohne, Engine Delegate Phillip Niles. Secretary to talk receipt of new pay rate. Secretary reported great sailing with great buch of crew members. Educational director encouraged crew to continue upgrading skills for increased pay and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to provide more health-conscious food on board ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Crew members suggested Paul Hall Day be reinstated and requested satellite hookup in every cabin as well as new chairs in crew lounge and computer returned to crew lounge. SEABROOK (Maritrans), Sept. 10—Chairman Errol M. Pinkham Jr., Secretary Anthony F. French, Educational Director James T. Cerami, Deck Delegate Adolfo Figueroa, Engine Delegate Troy L. Fleming. Secretary reported smooth sailing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to GSU for keeping mess hall so clean. Members suggested installation of refrigerators and satellite TV in all crew cabins. Clarification requested as to who buys DVDs for vessel. Steward department was thanked for excellent food and spotless galley and mess hall. USNS MARY SEARS (Horizon Lines), Sept. 10—Chairman Kelly J. Doyle, Secretary Philip F. Lau, Educational Director Christopher Eason, Engine Delegate Bernard Fanuncial, Steward Delegate James C. Dewey. Chairman discussed Horizon Lines stock purchase plan for qualified Seafarers. He noted that crew members sailing out of New Orleans have been granted a one year extension on MMDs and licenses. Educational director stated that “now is the time to upgrade at Piney Point.” Next port: Sasebo, Japan. 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. Jones Act Expansion Would Boost Security Reading Mike Sacco’s article, “Supporting the Jones Act” in the October 2006 Seafarers LOG brought many memories to mind which pointed not only to the notion that American shipping needs protection from foreign attacks but also that American port security needs are now at an all-time high. As I mulled Mike’s words that President Bush “pledged to continue backing the Jones Act, a law that requires cargo moving between domestic ports to be carried on ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American,” I remembered that one of the major problems that America is facing is inspection of cargo coming into America’s ports. In particular, time seems to be the prime limiting factor, which permits only five to 10 percent of the shipped cargo to be inspected. Plugging this gaping hole in American port security would only take an updating of the Jones Act to be: “A law that requires cargo moving between foreign and American ports to be carried on ships that are crewed, built, owned and flagged American.” This simple change of a few words would allow the time needed for inspection that would be done on American ships, which are, of course, the same as America. Jim Kincaid Plumber, SS Patriot Honor WWII Mariners By Backing H.R. 23 I am writing this letter to request active and retired merchant mariners to support House bill H.R. 23 now before Congress. Bill H.R. 23 is stalled in the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Congressman Bob Filner (DCalif.) introduced Discharge Petition 109-14 to move the bill out of committee to the House floor for a vote. We need 218 members of the House of Representatives to sign Discharge Petition 109-14 to move the bill along through the legislative process. The short title of H.R. 23 is the “Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act.” The bill provides for a monthly benefit of $1,000 to qualified merchant mariners, including those who sailed in the Army Transport Service and Naval Transport Service during the period from Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946. Your readers can give us their support by writing or calling their congressional representative requesting they sign Discharge Petition 109-14 for H.R. 23. All assistance in this matter will be very much appreciated. Thank you and smooth sailing for your members. James W. Hassett President, Gene DeLong-Hudson Valley Chapter American Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII Baldwin Place, New York 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 20 Seafarers LOG 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 2006 �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 November through February 2007. 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 November 13 December 8 January 22 February 16 January 8 January 19 Lifeboatman/Water Survival Inland Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Inland Radar (non STCW) January 8 January 12 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* (5 day) January 29 February 2 Advanced Fire Fighting January 15 February 26 Basic Safety Training - AB November 6 November 10 Basic Safety Training - FOWT November 13 November 17 Medical Care Provider January 29 February 2 Tankerman Familiarization/ November 27 December 8 (*must have basic fire fighting) Assistant Cargo (DL)* (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Nov. 13. Engine Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops November 13 December 8 January 29 February 23 FOWT February 26 March 23 upgrading courses available to Junior Engineer January 8 March 2 students in the year 2007. Welding January 15 February 2 A future edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete guide of all the � 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 twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 2006 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. 11/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 678 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 678. They include (in alphabetical order) Steven Allen, Christopher Baum, Shaun Bryant, Toni Rose Clark, Daniel Dale, Timothy Delapp, Timothy Dougherty, Tyrone Ellis, Grant Fedukovich, Robert Ferguson, Peter Johnson, Zachary Knotts, Latisa May, Montree Nakwichet, Johnny Nealy, Ryan Otterbourg, Corey Overbeck, Tereza Papelopoulou, Jumar Rapuet, Mike Rottloff, David Torres, Jeffrey Tubbs, Jeremiah Vargas, Jermaine Williams and Marcus Williams. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back row) are Sept. 29 graduates of the welding course. In alphabetical order are Martin Hamilton, Joshua Kilbourn, Scott Martin, Karl Mayhew, Yamil Sanchez and Damian Spedale. Junior Engineer — Receiving certificates for completion of the junior engineer course Oct. 13 are (in alphabetical order) David Brewster, Jess Cooper, Daniel Gaffney, Peter Jensen, Charlie Johnson (accompanied by his wife), Justin Johnson, Jomar Rodriguez, Jervona Vorise and Dominic Whitty. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far left. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduates of the advanced fire fighting course that ended Sept. 29 are (in no specific order) Eugene Arcand, Nathan Rippey, Carlos Valdes, Mikhail Kozlov, Joseph Spillman, Charlene Edwards, Frank Monteiro, Ahmed Ahmed, Gheorghe Mustata, Gheorghe Davencu and Eugeniy Golubev. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Oct. 6 from instructor Stan Beck (standing, third from right) are (in no specific order) Jamison McIntyre, William Bolden, John Cash Jr., Robert Freeman Jr., Randall Brown, Jamar Allen, Mohamed Mazid, John Worae, Pete Johnson, Johnnie Potter, Grant Fedukovich, Ernest Frank III and Roy Carey. (Note: not all are pictured.) Celestial Navigation — Sept. 29 graduates of the celestial navigation course include Rafael Clemente, Glen McCullough and Sergey Kurchensko. Not pictured is Douglas Carson. Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha (standing in each photo) are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Proudly showing their certificates of achievement are, from the left, Ardeccia Hill, Wilfredo Espinosa and Bryan N. Dawson. 22 Seafarers LOG November 2006 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading students who completed this course Sept. 29 are (in no specific order) Terry Santure, David Dinan, Maurice Flemings, James Oling, Leroyal Hester II, Earl Kendrick, John Maynor Sr., Timothy Huth, Michael Kanga, Lorenzo Allen, Joaquim Ganeto, Villanito Villanueva, Alfonso Marin, Jaime Colon, Omer Almaklani, Sacarias Suazo, Ernesto Lomboy, Michael Cousin, Dimarko Shoulders, Charles Horton and Jimmie Schuck. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Water Survival — Class members who completed the lifeboatman/water survival course Sept. 29 include Ashley Pearce, Raymond Harvell, Marco Figueroa, Silvana Clark, Kyle Hudson, Paul Amato, Richard Moore, John Kelly, Darrell Moore, Peter Cooke and Rudolfo Jordan. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. (Note: not all are pictured.) Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two classes of Phase III apprentices pose for a group picture after completing this course Sept. 1. They include (in no specific order) Sherwin Jones, Randall Brown, Ernest Britt, Eeric White, DeWayne Jacobs, James Wynegar III, Myckal Sands, Robert Freeman Jr, Shaun Bryant, Latisa May-Christopher, Marcus Williams, Jermaine Williams, Kyle Spruill, Sean Fletcher Kristopher Travis, Cindy Smith, Sally Santiago, Thomas Hampshire, Michael Bussiere, Michael Stilwell, John Worae, John Cash Jr., Rustin Calame, Jason Lamadieu, Jamar Allen, Mark Hoffler, Dominic Washington, Mateusz Muller, Robert MorrIson, Jeffrey Gronotte Jr. and Daniel Dale. Their instructor (not pictured) was Jim Shaffer. 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. STCW — Certified Chief Cook — Standing in front of the Romeo Lupinacci Culinary Lab are students who upgraded their culinary skills in October. From the left are Orlando Suazo, Nelson Rochez, Robinson Eromesele, Instructor/Chef John Dobson, Caezar Mercado and Miriam Chacon. NCL, Sept. 28: Joshua Dickerson, Juan Figueroa, Steven Fisher, Richard Flood, Richard Force, Cora Forrester, Robert Frazier, John Frey, Carolina Garcia, Steven Garcia, Luis Garcia Romero, Larry Goodson, Sam Gray, Betsy Grier, Jane Healey, Jason Hegard, Josh Hegard, Eric Hines, Katrina Hopper, Claudia Hunlow, Steven Hunlow, Tache Huston, megan Jarvis and Antonia Jerusalem. November 2006 Certified Chief Cook — Completing one of the certified chief cook courses in October are (from left) Sedell Mitchell, Regie Ignacio, Instructor/Chef John Dobson, Michael Henry, Carinda Bohus and Penny Pollard. STCW — NCL, Sept. 28: Travis Johnson, Shuronda Jones, Andrew Jorden, Jonathon Kefer, Johnny Konneh, George Leiesz, Maria Lubrano, Cherie Lundy, Nellie Madera, Erica Mancina, Amor Mariano Jr., Manuel Martinez, Jamarr Massey, Megan Mauricio, Tiffany McGuire, Robin Mehlbrech, Darrin Mellinger, John Mendiola, Randy Miller, Blaine Morgan III, Stevie Moss, Agnes Ogle, Paula Old, Donald Ott, Cynthia Page, Teri Park, Jonathan Pender, Edek Perea and Nicholas Perea. Seafarers LOG 23 �Remembering our veterans from all wars November 11, 2006 Safety Training Abounds at Piney Point Maersk Crews, SIU Safety Directors Complete Separate Sessions S afety training is a staple of many curriculums at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Maersk Line Safety Directors Md. The school offers dozens of Coast Guard-approved classes concentrating on shipboard safety in all three departments as well as specialized courses such as STCW Basic Safety Training (BST). Early last month, the school provided separate and unique safety seminars to crew members from SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited and to SIU safety directors from seven ports. The Maersk group completed what was described as a “safety boot camp” (though each of the mariners previously had completed other safety training) on Oct. 3 and 4, while the safety directors tackled their agenda Oct. 3-5. For the safety directors, it was their eighth annual meeting at the school. Their workload included (but was not limited to) hands-on training, reviewing key port and shipboard safety and security regulations, galley sanitation, ship inspection procedures, techniques for uncovering hidden hazards, and various ways the Paul Hall Center can help port officials better serve crew memMaersk officials, including Capt. Bob bers. Among others, they met with Paul Hall Center Vice President Powell, addressed the participants. SIU safety directors take a hands-on tour of the full mission Don Nolan, Safety Director Jim Hanson, Assistant Director of bridge simulator. Training J.C. Wiegman and Instructor Janet Hazelzet. Completing the program were: Monte Burgett (Algonac), Kathy Chester (Oakland), Frank Iverson (Honolulu), Randy Senatore (Jacksonville), Jack Sheehan (Brooklyn), Joe Vincenzo (Tacoma) and Jimmy White (Houston). Each of the safety directors indicated SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and VP Contracts George Tricker congratthat the training will ulate Seafarers on their participation in the “safety boot camp” at Piney help them when they Point. conduct vessel Instructor Janet Hazelzet discusses The safety directors checked out all the inspections. shipboard conduct and how it may state-of-the-art equipment at the school. influence safe operations. Successfully finishing “boot camp” were some of the ABs and QMEDs who normally sail aboard Maersk vessels. They included Robert Arneel, Servando Campbell, Michelle Hopper, Andrew King, Timothy Logan, James McLeod, Cholley Moses, Michael Papaioannou, Herman Reynolds, Wilfredo Rice, Clarence Poore, Walter Loveless, Kenneth Steiner, Kimberly Strate, James Walker, Darrell Weatherspoon, Bob Powell, Ralph Garner and Curtis Williams. Among several other key topics, they studied job safety analysis, risk of electrical shock, and communications. Maersk officials David Callahan, Ed Hanley, Capt. Robert Powell and Kim Estes each met with the mariners, as did Jay Henderson, Lois Stephenson and Pat Vandergrift of the Paul Hall Center. Maersk official Kim Estes met with the Callahan reported that the feedback forms submitted mariners attending the seminar. Instructor Mike Smith (right) explains the intricacies of some of the by course participants were the most favorable he’s ever school’s training equipment. seen. Left: Pictured with Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jim Hanson (third from right) are SIU Safety Directors (from left) Frank Iverson, Jimmy White, Kathy Chester, Joe Vincenzo, Randy Senatore, Monte Burgett and Jack Sheehan. The two-day seminar took place in the school’s Maryland Room. � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES LAKE FLEET ADDS ITB HORIZON, OSG VESSEL CHRISTENINGS ALSO SIGNAL NEW SHIPBOARD JOBS REMEMBER RED CAMPBELL SIU CONTRACTS REMAIN IN PLACE AS OSG ACQUIRES MARITRANS GRALEWICZ: FOLLOW AMERICA’S EXAMPLE TO RESTORE CANADIAN MERCHANT MARINE SIU LAKES FLEET ADDS ITB HORIZON HUNTER CHRISTENED; 1ST PHILLY TANKER DUE THIS MONTH USNS SUMNER COMMENDED SECRETARY CHAO: MARINERS ARE ‘KEY PART’ OF HOMELAND DEFENSE MAERSK ASSISTS IN USO SHIPMENTS APL/MATSON NAVIGATION COMPANY INCREASE PENSIONS FOR NEW RETIREES NCL AMERICA CRUISE SHIPS HELP BOOST HAWAII’S ECONOMY OBERSTAR HONORED BY LAKES GROUP ‘GRIEVANCES FILED AGAINST SO-CALLED ‘UNION WORKERS CREDIT SERVICES’ FINAL RULES PENDING FOR TWIC, MMC PRESIDENT SIGNS SAFE PORT ACT NELSON APPOINTED TO MARAD POST REVISED MEDICAL GUIDELINES SPELL OUT USUAL PRACTICES NCL CEO VEITCH HONORED FOR AMERICAN-FLAG EFFORTS LABOR VOWS FIGHT OVER ‘KENTUCKY RIVER’ CASES PENSION REFORM Q&A- INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW LAW FLOATING RAILROAD CONTINUES PROUD TRADITION MOKIHANA TO BE CONVERTED FROM CONTAINERSHIP TO RO/RO AMERICAN LEGION BACKS U.S. CABOTAGE LAWS SAFETY TRAINING ABOUNDS AT PINEY POINT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log 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 11/01/2006 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. 68, No. 11 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/17ccdf7e35fb5077eb990edb7564eeda.pdf a935fe20de7a6e74d6332d8f70d2cd73 PDF Text Text 39285_C1X 11/28/06 6:42 PM Page 1 Volume 68, Number 12 December 2006 HAPPY HOLIDAYS Tanker Christened Beck Notice Page 3 Page 6 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 6:56 PM Page 2 ITF Gets Back Pay for FOC Crew President’s Report Promoting Our Union and Industry Although a few races in the U.S. House of Representatives remained undecided in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Election Day definitely brought about big changes in our nation’s capital. In the next Congress, there will be at least 53 new members of the House and nine new senators. As always, new elected officials also were voted into office in some of the numerous state and local elections across the country. As Seafarers know, politics affects our industry Michael Sacco all the time. Federal laws like the Jones Act and the U.S. Maritime Security Program, and proven government initiatives like cargo preference are some of the cornerstones of the American-flag fleet. We’re also constantly working with government agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard to help ensure both fair treatment of mariners and safety aboard ship and in port. With that in mind, we wasted no time forming strategies for how to best promote our union and our industry in the next Congress as well as at the state and local levels. Turnover is inevitable in the political world, so this won’t be the first time we’ve had to reach out to new representatives to help educate them about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s value to America. That’s a mission the SIU takes very seriously. At the same time, while Congress changed majority parties, newly elected leaders in both the House and Senate reflect a strong promaritime background, thanks in part to your donations to SPAD and the SIU’s backing of members from both the Democratic and Republican parties. As for the elections themselves, the labor movement did a great job getting out the vote. According to the AFL-CIO (to which the SIU is affiliated), union members made up one in four voters. The federation went all-out in its effort to help elect pro-worker candidates, including a program that reached out to 13.4 million voters in 32 battleground states. Looking ahead, the SIU’s first issue of course is maritime. But there are other important matters that should be taken up as soon as possible by our elected representatives in the House and Senate. One is the Employee Free Choice Act. This legislation is a top priority of the AFL-CIO. It would help restore fairness in union representation elections, giving workers a reasonable chance to exercise their right to join a union. For too many years, companies have gotten away with walking all over workers when they try to organize. It’s time to remedy that situation, and the Employee Free Choice Act will get the job done. Another subject for our representatives to address is U.S. trade policy. This is the right time to step back and take a close look at our current trade laws—and make an honest evaluation of what’s working and what needs to be corrected. America’s unions have insisted all along that the national and global economies must work for working families and not just increase the profits and power of multinational corporations. Our call for “fair trade” is still being sounded, because the so-called free trade agreements like NAFTA simply haven’t delivered. Congratulations to the election winners and to all who exercised their right to vote. I also want to give a special thanks to all SIU members, retirees and family members who volunteered in support of pro-maritime candidates. Grassroots action is the lifeblood of our movement, and your efforts will go a long way toward building and maintaining a healthy, vibrant U.S.-flag fleet. Season’s Greetings It’s hard to believe the holidays are upon us, but it’s that time again. On behalf of the entire SIU executive board, I extend warmest wishes to all Seafarers, retirees and SIU family members for a safe, happy holiday season. Thank you for your outstanding work in 2006, and thank you for supporting your union. Additionally, I offer heartfelt greetings and prayers for the men and women of our armed forces who are deployed overseas. May your missions be successful, and may you return home safe and sound. Volume 68, Number 12 Newspaper Unveils ‘Dark Secrets’ of Runaway Flags Extreme in some ways, sadly routine in others, the grim tale of the Trinity Sierra was exposed in a revealing newspaper article printed Nov. 5 in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. The article by Dan Chapman also included a broad look at so-called flag-of-convenience (FOC) shipping and its many pitfalls. International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Inspector Tony Sacco helped secure $73,000 in back pay and other assistance for multinational crew members from the Greek-owned, Cyprus-flagged bulk carrier, which docked in Savannah, Ga. on Oct. 2. Some of the mariners (from the Balkans and Myanmar) hadn’t been paid in five months. “The crew appreciated the ITF’s help,” Sacco noted. “They’re like any other crew in the sense that they just want to be treated fairly.” Putting it mildly, the crew of the Trinity Sierra sailed in lessthan-ideal conditions before reaching the U.S. When the ship arrived in Savannah, a U.S. Coast Guard inspection turned up 42 safety violations and detained the vessel for repairs (thereby essentially detaining the crew as well). The problems included what the agency described as serious issues with the ship’s lifeboats, watertight doors, fire-fighting equipment and crew living accommodations, among other violations. Additionally, a Nigerian stowaway was apprehended from the Trinity Sierra shortly after its arrival. (The ship recently had stayed in Lagos, Nigeria for a month because its owner, Navship Maritime Co., reportedly couldn’t pay port fees.) Those weren’t the ship’s only problems. Apparently, because of a delay in delivering its cargo of raw sugar along with a load of steel, the vessel owners were sued by the sugar traders in U.S. District Court in Savannah for more than $288,000 in damages. Mariners from the Trinity Sierra received back pay thanks to assistance from the ITF. As Chapman reported—in a story bearing the headline “Cargo ships set sail with dark secrets”—“Like a rat cornered below deck, the owners soon were the target of a flurry of lawsuits by others with grievances, including a Singapore timber dealer, a Liberian electronics supplier and a New York insurance company.” He further wrote that the owner and the ship manager (Thesarco Shipping Co., also based in Greece) face other, larger legal claims totaling millions of dollars for “alleged debts owed by sister ships,” and that Thesarco sometimes operates as Argosy Ship Management Inc. Describing the FOC scam, Chapman noted, “With 90 percent of the world’s cargo traveling by sea, competition is fierce among the hundreds of owners who employ questionably sound ships and offer low prices and quick delivery. To trim costs, owners register ships in so-called flag-of-convenience countries where regulations are typically lax, accountability is rare and taxes are minimal. Most of the 32 FOC countries don’t question ship owners who pay mariners from poor countries, like Burma, as little as $1.50 an hour. Paychecks are routinely delayed or never delivered.” Tom Matyok, who heads the International Seafarers’ Center in Tallying Committee Completes Report The Seafarers International Union’s tallying committee last month completed its tabulation of ballots cast by union members in voting on proposed SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU constitutional amendments. The tallying committee report was submitted to the secretary-treasurer and was scheduled to be mailed to each port no later than Nov. 30 (after this edition of the LOG went to press). The report will be submitted for ratification by the membership at the regular December membership meetings. The following tallying committee members were elected at the Nov. 6 membership meeting December 2006 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 © 2006 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Brunswick, Ga., told the newspaper, “What you see on many flagof-convenience ships is a form of neo-slavery. Owners skate right on the edge just to get by. Sometimes they get caught, like they did in Savannah. Sadly, most of the time they don’t. And the seamen suffer the worst from this relationship.” 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 first vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, which brings together seafaring unions from every continent. The Seafarers’ Section determines ITF policy regarding the campaign to end runaway-flag shipping and to eliminate substandard working conditions on such vessels. The Seafarers’ Section also provides international coordination for, and support to, affiliated unions and individual mariners through involvement with the International Labor Organization, International Maritime Organization and other international bodies. It maintains a network of more than 100 ITF inspectors around the world and helps oversee ITF agreements for runawayflag ships which specify minimum conditions of employment for crews, including wages. Tallying committee members take a quick break for this snapshot with SIU officials and staff at union headquarters Nov. 9. Pictured from left to right are Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Gerald Costello, Lynn Walters and Sue Plourde from the secretary-treasurer’s office, Melvin Grayson, John Reid, Robert Lindsay, Ekow Doffoh, Timothy Pillsworth and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. in Piney Point: Gerald Costello (chairman), Ekow Doffoh, Melvin Grayson, Robert Lindsay, Timothy Pillsworth and John Reid. The committee reported that each of the 11 proposed constitutional amendments was approved by a large majority. As previously reported, some of the proposed changes include a modification of the types of mail services that may be utilized for union election cycles (reflecting the increased use of overnight mail and similar services and the decline of telegrams); creation of a “retiree members” class, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2006; elimination of the position of vice-president at large from the list of elected officers (to take place after the positions are vacated by current officeholders); and a change in the port address of the San Francisco hall. Voting on the proposed amendments took place Sept. 1Oct. 31, with Seafarers casting secret ballots at union halls and by mail. December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 3 More Milestones for OSG Tankers Overseas Houston Named; Keel Laid for 3rd Vessel Significant progress continued last month in the new-build series in which 10 double-hulled tankers are being constructed for Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. On Nov. 11, the first vessel in the program officially was named the Overseas Houston. Two days later, the unionized shipyard announced the keel-laying for the third vessel in the series (the SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and Executive VP Augie Tellez greet U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Julie Nelson before the naming ceremony in Philadelphia. Overseas San Francisco). SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski attended the naming ceremony for the Overseas Houston, slated for delivery by the end of 2006. During that event, OSG President and CEO Morten Arntzen said the 10-ship order “underscores OSG’s strong commitment to the Jones Act and to the renewal of the U.S.-flag fleet, indeed in our commitment to America. It is not a coincidence that we are dedicating this ship on Veterans’ Day. This is a proud day for shipbuilding in Philadelphia and the U.S. This ship and others like her that will be built here represent a commitment to this country that is worth far more than dollars and cents.” U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Julie Nelson stated, “The Overseas Houston and sister ships will be welcome additions to the Jones Act fleet. In fact, these orders are critical to replacing America’s aging product tankers.” On Nov. 13, the first section of the Overseas San Francisco was lowered into the yard’s building dock—the same dock where construction is under way on the second ship in the series (to be named the Overseas Long Beach). According to OSG, the delivery schedule for the 10 new U.S.flag Jones Act tankers is as follows: one vessel this year (Overseas Houston), two vessels in 2007 (Overseas Long Beach and Overseas San Francisco), two more in 2008 (Overseas New York and Overseas Texas City), three in 2009 (Overseas Boston, Overseas Nikiski and Overseas Tampa), and the final two ships in 2010 (Overseas Port Arthur and Overseas Jacksonville). As previously reported, each of the new tankers will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 deadweight tons. All 10 product tankers in the series will be owned by American Shipping Corporation, a subsidiary of Aker American Shipping, and chartered to OSG. To date, eight of the 10 tankers in the build program are under signed time charter, with agreements in place between OSG and Shell, BP and Tesoro. Union, School Take Closer Look At Physical Exam Guidelines Officials from the U.S. Coast Guard on Nov. 13 met at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. with union executives and managers, officials from various SIU-contracted shipping companies and representatives of the Transportation Institute to discuss implications and possible consequences associated with the proposed guidance governing medical and physical evaluations for merchant mariner credentials. Coast Guard Captains Ernie Fink, commanding officer, National Maritime Center (NMC) and Dr. Arthur French (also of the NMC) additionally presented briefings on the agency’s “Restructuring and Centralization Project,” which in part involves relocating the NMC from Arlington, Va. to Martinsburg, W. Va. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi represented the SIU during the meeting as did Dr. Ken Miller. Union-contracted company representatives in attendance included Jane Jacobs, American Maritime Association; Bill Cole, Alaska Tanker Co.; Rick Williamson, AMSEA; Wally Becker, Horizon Lines; Harry U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Ernie Fink, commanding officer, National Maritime Center (standing at right), addresses meeting participants Nov. 13 at SIU headquarters. Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 for the observance of Christmas Day, and on Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 for the observance of New Year’s Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. December 2006 Rogers, Interocean American Shipping; Nina Timonina, Liberty Maritime; Phil Fischer, Keystone; Dennis Houghton, Maersk Line, Limited; Rich Rodgers, Seabulk Tankers; Len Becicka, Tyco; Arron Bensinger, OLS Transport; Kathy Elinski, American Steamship and Tom Lord, USS Transport. Diane Goncalves and Mike Neumann represented the Transportation Institute. Attending from the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. were Bill The Overseas Houston is scheduled for delivery this month. In addition to the Overseas Houston and the two vessels under construction in the building dock, production on the fourth tanker in the series is advancing, with steel cutting for that vessel having begun in October. When the tanker program was announced in April 2005, OSG noted that the order for 10 tankers was believed to have been the biggest of its kind within the American commercial shipbuilding sector. At that time, Arntzen Eglinton, J.C. Wiegman, Bart Rogers and Priscilla Senatore. John Mason represented American Service Technology, Inc., a maritime consulting group. As previously reported, the proposed guidelines governing medical and physical evaluations for merchant mariner credentials were published in the Sept. 28 Federal Register. Additional information about the Coast Guard Restructuring and Centralization Project is available on line beginning at the following web address: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/gm/nmc/web/index.htm The project also involves bringing the Coast Guard regional examination centers directly under NMC control. said, “The 10-ship program is OSG’s first giant step to building a world-class U.S.-flag shipping business.” Months later, during meetings of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board Feb. 24 in San Diego, OSG Senior Vice President Capt. Robert Johnston revealed that his company had begun checking the possibility of investing in up to 17 Continued on page 14 SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez asks a question about proposed guidelines for medical and physical evaluations for merchant mariner credentials. GAO Notes TWIC Program’s ‘Key Challenges’ The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in October released a new report titled “DHS Should Address Key Challenges before Implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program.” A summary in the report states, “GAO recommends that, before implementing TWIC in the maritime sector, TSA develop and test solutions to problems identified during testing to ensure that key components of the program work effectively and strengthen contract planning and oversight practices before awarding the TWIC implementation contract. DHS reviewed a draft of this report and concurred with GAO’s recommendations.” The report also states that the DHS and industry stakeholders face three major challenges in addressing problems identified during TWIC program testing and ensuring that key components of the TWIC program can work effectively in the maritime sector. These challenges are: „ Enrolling workers and issuing TWIC cards in a timely manner to a significantly larger population of workers than was done during testing of the TWIC program. „ Ensuring that the TWIC technology, such as biometric card readers, works effectively in the maritime sector. TSA has obtained limited information on the use of biometric readers in the maritime sector because most facilities that tested the TWIC program did not use these types of readers. „ Balancing the added security components of the TWIC program with the potential impact that the program could have on the flow of maritime commerce. The 57-page report is available—in PDF format —at the following link on the GAO web site: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06982.pdf The government’s final rulemakings on the TWIC and its related merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC) had not been issued as of mid-November. In a related occurrence, the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Safety Committee, responding to a request from the Department of Homeland Security, recently established a working group to address aspects of developing what the government described as a “contactless biometric specification” for the TWIC. In layman’s terms, the latest indication from the DHS is that the TWICs will be issued, but there will be a delay in establishing the electronic card readers. Therefore, there will be a need for a biometric identifier that can be verified without using a reader. Seafarers LOG 3 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 4 Union Industries Show Slated for Cincinnati Plans are being finalized for the 2007 America @ Work, AFLCIO Union Industries Show. The annual exhibition is scheduled for June 15-17 at the recently remodeled Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati. Under the title first adopted last year—“America @ Work”— this edition of the show promises to be one of the best-ever exhibits of union-made goods and services. The 2007 event will mark the fifth occasion that the show has visited Cincinnati, site of the first Union Industries Show in 1938. It returned in 1958, 1980 and 1990. Sponsored by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, the Union Industries Show is an annual expo of the best products and services America has to offer. Everything on display—including goods and services by Seafarers-contracted NCL America and the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW)—will be made and produced by union workers. The show has run continuously for nearly 70 years, with the exception of the World War II years when operations were suspended. Coming off a successful 2006 event in Cleveland in which 10 SIU/UIW-contracted companies displayed their products and services for more than 200,000 show-goers, the 2007 show will feature an even larger display of union-made-in-America items. Cars and trucks from the bigthree auto makers—Ford, General Motors and Daimler Chrysler —as well as thousands of appliances, household products, boats, motorcycles, clothing, consumer goods, and food products will be available for public scrutiny. Craft booths will feature live demonstrations of skills and crafts by iron workers, bricklayers, cement masons, roofers, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and many others. Trainers from dozens of apprenticeship programs will be on hand to talk about craft careers. Exhibition booths staffed by union workers will be spread across the Duke Center’s 200,000 square foot hall. Guests are invited to participate in free raffles which are slated to be conducted throughout the three-day show. Typically, those raffles include bags of groceries, electronic products, appliances, automotive products, sporting equipment, autos and a spectacular Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The Cincinnati location should provide easy access for visitors from nearby communities in Kentucky and Indiana as well as major metropolitan areas throughout Ohio. “We are delighted with the support we are getting from the Cincinnati Central Labor Council and sister labor councils throughout the region,” said Charles Mercer, Union Label and Service Trades Department president. “We look forward to working again with the Ohio AFL-CIO, the same great people who made our Cleveland show last year such a hit. With their continued assistance, we will make this one of the most successful shows ever.” The show will be free of charge and open to the pubic. Show hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Remembering the Poet, 26 Years Later It has been 26 years since the SS Poet, carrying a crew of 34 (including 24 SIU members) disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean. To this day, the mystery remains, for not a trace of the 11,241-ton ship or its crew was ever found. The 36-year-old bulk carrier, operated by Hawaiian Eugenia Corp., departed Philadelphia Oct. 24, 1980 bound for Port Said, Egypt with a cargo of corn. Six hours later, one of the deck officers called his wife through the marine operator. That was the last time the ship was heard from. The 522-foot vessel was due to pass Gibraltar on Nov. 4 and was scheduled to arrive in Port Said Nov. 9. It missed its 48-hour check-in on Oct. 26 but was not reported missing by the company until Nov. 3. After the company did finally report the Poet missing, the Coast Guard then delayed another five days before beginning their investigation, which included an exhaustive air search from high altitude for the missing ship over a 100,000 square mile area ranging from the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf to 1,000 miles out to sea, and then combed the same area from a much lower altitude. Another Coast Guard plane out of the Azores tracked the scheduled course of the Poet all the way to Gibraltar. On Nov. 17, the Coast Guard “regretfully” ended the futile search, having found “not a coffee can nor oil slick nor life jacket” from the vessel. Neither the pop-free life rafts nor the float-free Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), which was supposed to send a locator signal as soon as it hit salt water, were found, leading the Coast Guard to speculate the “the vessel was lost so rapidly that there was no time to send a …message…” Because the Poet was never found, and there were no witnesses to its disappearance, the mystery of what occurred to the bulk carrier can never be fully answered. Relatives of the 34 mariners lost at sea gathered in Washington, D.C. April 9, 1981 to attend congressional hearings before the full House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, chaired by Walter Jones (D-N.C.). The purpose of the hearings was to determine what happened to the SS Poet. Many theories were offered, but none could be proven— everything from a killer storm, the competency of the ship’s officers and crew, the structural integrity of the vessel, the adequacy of the safety inspection, among others. A year-and-a-half after the ship disappeared, a Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation concluded that “the most likely of the possible explanations of the Poet’s disappearance are capsizing due to instability in following or quartering seas, capsizing or foundering due to flooding of No. 1 hold and loss due to hull structural failure.” The report stated that the Poet “was most likely lost during the period when it encountered the most severe weather conditions between the morning of 25 October and the 4 Seafarers LOG The Union Label and Service Trades Department put together this poster promoting the 2007 trade show. Notice Members Covered Under Plan Level N Switch to Core Plus as of January 1 The answer to why the SS Poet disappeared without a trace remains a mystery to this day. evening of 26 October, 1980.” Then-SIU President Frank Drozak called for a complete congressional investigation of the Coast Guard and its activities for the purpose of developing new regulations to protect mariners—too late for the Poet’s crew, but aimed at protecting the lives of seafarers in the future. A number of memorial services for the 34 missing crew members were held across the country. On Jan. 22, 1981 at the Maritime Museum in San Pedro, Calif., a bell, salvaged from the battle cruiser USS Los Angeles, was tolled eight times, the knell and “end of watch” for those lost aboard the Poet. On the third anniversary of the loss of the merchant freighter, a memorial service was held at Philadelphia’s Old Swedes Church of Gloria Dei, where a bronze plaque was unveiled listing the names, ages and hometowns of the ship’s crew members. The 24 SIU members who were lost aboard the Poet were Bosun Edward D. Adams; Deck/Engine Utility Frank E. Holland; ABs Roland H. Courter, Hans P. Zukier, Mosel Myers, Shawn T. Gooden, Carl L. Goff, Rickey A. Sallee; Wiper Thaddeus M. Simmons; OSs Alfred W. Schmidt Jr., Edward E. Bradley, Stephen James Connors; Chief Seward Eddie Sylvester, Chief Cook Carl Jackson, Cook/Baker Noel W. McLaughlin, Steward Utility/Second Cook Earl K. Whatley, Messman/Third Cook Jerry Batchler Jr., Messman Tracy R. Walker; Oilers Otis R. Hunter, Walter M. Mitchell, Claude D. Berry, and FOWTs Calvin E. Bethard, Abraham G. Murillo and George E. Ward Jr. The SS Poet was built in 1944 by the Kaiser Shipbuilding Co., in Richmond, Calif. and served as a troop carrier (the SS General Omar Bundy) during World War II. In 1976, it was renamed the SS Portmar (Calmar Line) and later re-christened as the SS Poet. It was, at that time, the first U.S.-flag vessel lost at sea in 17 years. Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, members who had medical coverage under the old NMU Plan Level N will switch to Core Plus coverage under the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). For the most part the benefits are the same, although there are some differences. A booklet describing Core Plus coverage is available on line at www.seafarers.org in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section, in PDF format. (Please be sure to access the booklet for active members; there’s also one for retirees.) The same booklet is available at the union halls or by calling the Seafarers Plans office at 1-800-252-4674. Plan Level N existed under the old NMU contracts, which gradually have been replaced by SIU agreements as they’ve expired. In fact, the last NMU contracts expire at the end of this year, 2006. The NMU itself merged into the SIU in 2001; the NMU Welfare Plan merged into the SHBP in 2004. Horizon Hunter Christened As previously reported, the newly built Horizon Hunter (pictured at right and below) was named Oct. 11 at a ceremony at the Hyundai Mipo shipyard in South Korea. The Horizon Hunter and four other new containerships ultimately will join the company’s U.S.-flag fleet, beginning in 2007. Those vessels are expected to sail in Horizon Lines’ weekly service linking the U.S. West Coast with Guam and Asia. December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:01 PM Page 5 Veitch, Richardson, SIU Crews Honored AOTOS Event Spotlights Industry Progress, Mariners’ Heroism Two maritime transportation icons and the crew members and officers of five SIU-contracted vessels formally have been recognized by the United Seamen’s Service (USS). Colin Veitch, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Paul F. Richardson, president of Paul F. Richardson Associates Inc. on Nov. 3 were honored as co-recipients of USS’ 2006 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award (AOTOS), while masters and SIU mariners who on specific dates were sailing aboard the USNS Spica, MV Cape Victory, MV Cape Vincent, USNS Apache and the Sea Land Commitment received the AOTOS Mariners’ Plaque. Each of the coveted laurels was presented during the 37th annual AOTOS industry-wide dinner in New York City. SIU President Michael Sacco, who served as the dinner’s chairman, bestowed the award on Veitch. The SIU president described Veitch as “a true friend of the American-flag maritime industry.” He noted that with the deepsea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry reeling after the terrorist attacks of September 11, Veitch’s leadership helped spearhead a revival and an investment that has led to many thousands of American jobs, both aboard the SIU-contracted NCL America fleet and ashore. “We’re extremely proud of what Colin and NCL have accomplished with their U.S.-flag fleet in Hawaii,” Sacco stated. “Since the three NCL America ships (Pride of Aloha, Pride of America and Pride of Hawaii) raised the Stars and Stripes, tens of thousands of jobs have been created for American mariners, dock workers, people in the tourist industry and others. It wouldn’t have happened without Colin’s creativity. It wouldn’t have happened without Colin’s strong confidence in the U.S. fleet and his total willingness to work as a partner with all segments of our industry.” “It’s a tremendous honor to receive the prestigious Admiral of the Ocean Sea award,” Veitch said. “We’re extremely proud that through NCL America, we’ve contributed to the revitalization of U.S.-flagged passenger ship cruising.” NCL America’s three U.S.flag ships are expected to generate more than $828 million in U.S. economic activity and 20,400 jobs, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers study. Richardson’s experience in transportation has been as a specialist in containerization, company management and labor. He held a key leadership role in the dynamic growth of Sea-Land Service, Inc., forging its development and serving as president and vice chairman of the innovative steamship company. In 1977, he established Paul F. Richardson Associates, Inc., an international maritime and transportation consulting firm serving various segments of the maritime industry including carriers, ports, shipbuilding companies, inland carriers, labor and labor-management groups. Today, Richardson continues to hold key leadership and management roles in the industry serving on numerous boards, councils and committees. These include the American Bureau of Shipping, U.S. Coast Guard Foundation, Council of the Americas and numerous significant government commissions and committees. The two AOTOS Award recipients led the field of nominees for the decoration, a silver statuette of Christopher Columbus, the first Admiral of the Ocean Sea, sharing first place among a group that was solicited by USS from more than 200 maritime management, labor, and government officials. John Bowers, chairman of the 3 Honored by New York MPC The AFL-CIO Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity, part of the federation’s Maritime Trades Department, honored three individuals during the organization’s 45th annual awards ceremony Oct. 14 in New York City. The port council’s Government Man of the Year is U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (DN.Y.), pictured with MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (left), who additionally serves as president of the New York MPC. Also recognized were Maritrans CEO Jonathan Whitworth (receiving the Herb Brand Memorial Man of the Year Award) and MM&P International President Tim Brown (Paul Hall Award of Merit). Addressing an audience of approximately 500 people at the event, Soresi described the port council as “something we’re all proud to be part of. Everybody pitches in and makes it work.” December 2006 USS AOTOS committee and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association said, “These two industry icons represent the past, present and future of the U.S.-flag industry. Our recipients have been selected by those who 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.” The masters, crews and vessels that received the AOTOS Mariners’ Plaque and a basis for their respective honors were as follows: USNS Spica—Capt. Michael Flanagan and his SIU Government Services Division crew on Feb. 13 were conducting search and rescue operations off the coast of Djibouti, Africa following the crash of two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 heavy transport helicopters during a routine training mission. Of the 12 people aboard the two aircraft, only two survived. The Spica, with its crew of 103 civilian mariners and 26 military personnel, was about 53 SIU President Michael Sacco (left) is pictured with this year’s AOTOS honorees: Colin Veitch (center) and Paul Richardson. miles from the reported crash site when Flanagan received the call for help. He changed course and headed toward the site at maximum speed. En route, the Spica’s Puma helicopter was airborne, scouring the ocean for survivors. The Spica was the first coalition ship to arrive on the scene. It anchored about 2 miles off shore. At that point, Flanagan learned that members of the Djiboutian military had pulled two survivors from the water; however, it was still not clear exactly where the crash had occurred. The Spica’s rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) was launched and approached the peninsula while using night vision. Twenty minutes into the search, crewmen located wreckage, rotor blades and the main Continued on page 8 Health Premiums Increase By ‘Only’ 7.7 Percent Costs Still Far Outpace Wage Growth, Inflation Rate A number of momentous concerns permeate today’s national landscape, but none is causing greater alarm among employers and providers of medical benefits than the issue of escalating health care costs. Premiums for employer-sponsored health coverage increased an average 7.7 percent in 2006, less than the 9.2 percent increase recorded in 2005 and the recent peak of 13.9 percent in 2003, according to the 2006 Employer Health Benefits Survey released Sept.26 by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET). The survey recorded the slowest rate of premium growth since 2000, though premiums still increased more than twice as fast as workers’ wages (3.8 percent) and overall inflation (3.5 percent). Premiums have increased 87 percent over the past six years. Family health coverage now costs an average $11,480 annually, with workers paying an average of $2,973 toward those premiums, about $1,354 more than in 2000. “While premiums didn’t rise as fast as they have in recent years, working people don’t feel like they are getting any relief at all because their premiums have been rising so much faster than their paychecks,” said Kaiser Foundation President and CEO Drew E. Altman. “To working people and business owners, a reduction in an already very high rate of increase just means you’re still paying more.” “The burden of a fragmented system of coverage falls heaviest on the small employer and their workers,” said HRET President Mary A. Pittman. “About two in five small businesses do not even offer health insurance, and those that do require workers on average to contribute significantly more to their premiums for family coverage.” While there is substantial debate about consumer-driven health care, the survey found modest enrollment in consumer-driven plans, with 2.7 million workers in high-deductible plans with a savings option, including those that qualify for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). About 4 percent of covered workers are enrolled in such plans, a rate sta- tistically no different from last year. Relatively few firms that offer other types of health insurance said that they are “very likely” to adopt high-deductible plans that qualify for an HSA (4 percent) or that are associated with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (6 percent) in the next year. The annual Kaiser/HRET survey provides a detailed picture of how employer coverage is changing over time in terms of availability, costs and coverage for the 155 million Americans who rely on employer-sponsored health insurance. It was conducted this year between January and May and included 3,159 randomly selected, non-federal public and private firms with three or more employees (2,122 of which responded to the full survey and 1,037 of which responded to an additional question about offering coverage). According to the survey, about 7 percent of employers offering health benefits offer highdeductible health plans with a savings option—a category that includes both plans that qualify workers to establish an HSA as well as those associated with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). These tax-favored accounts that employees can use to pay for medical expenses are often described as consumer-driven because consumers pay directly for a greater share of their health care and may have an incentive to reduce their health-care spending. Among firms with 1,000 or more workers, 12 percent offer an HSA-qualified plan. An estimated 4 percent of covered workers, the survey showed, are enrolled in high-deductible plans with a savings option, compared with 60 percent in preferred provider organizations (PPOs), 20 percent in health maintenance organizations, 13 percent in point-of-service plans, and 3 percent in conventional indemnity plans. Among the 2.7 million workers estimated to be enrolled in HSAs or HRAs this year, 1.4 million are in HSA-qualified plans (up from 0.8 million estimated last year) and 1.3 million are in plans with HRAs (statistically unchanged from last year’s 1.6 million estimate). Premiums for these plans averaged $3,405 annuContinued on page 6 Seafarers LOG 5 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:06 PM Page 6 Health Care Costs Continue to Rise Continued from page 5 ally for single coverage, and $9,484 for family coverage, according to the study. These rates are lower than the premiums for other types of health plans, likely in part because employee cost sharing is higher. However, contributions from the employer toward the savings accounts are not included. These average $743 for single coverage and $1,359 for family coverage. Including these costs, overall spending for these plans are on average similar to that for PPOs (the most common type of plan). “We don’t know yet whether workers and employers ultimately will embrace consumer-driven health plans in big numbers, but it certainly hasn’t been a tidal wave,” said Kaiser Family Foundation Vice President, Gary Claxton, coauthor of the study and director of the Foundation’s Health Care Marketplace Project. “When you look at the total costs, the savings from these plans may not be enough to overcome consumer concerns about higher cost sharing.” “We are still losing the race between premiums and workers’ earnings—and if that trend persists, employer-based coverage will continue to decline as fewer employers and workers can afford the cost of coverage,” said Jon Gabel, a study co-author and vice president of the Center for Studying Health System Change. Other key findings of the survey include: ■ Offer rate. About 61 percent of firms nationally offer health benefits to at least some of their workers, statistically unchanged from last year’s rate (60 percent). While nearly all large businesses (with at least 200 workers) offer health BECK NOTICE benefits to their workers, fewer than half of the smallest firms (with three to nine workers) do. ■ Workers’ contributions toward premiums. On average, workers are paying $259 more this year than they did last year toward the cost of family health coverage. Workers at small firms (with three to 199 employees) on average contribute significantly more to their premiums ($3,550 for family coverage) than workers at larger companies ($2,658 for family coverage). On average, workers this year are paying about 16 percent of premiums for single coverage and 27 percent of premiums for family coverage, with their employers paying the rest. That share is essentially unchanged in recent years. ■ Cost sharing. In 2006, the average in-network PPO deductible for workers facing a deductible reached $473 for single coverage. Average co-payments for drugs across plan types were $11 for generic drugs, $24 for preferred drugs and $38 for non-preferred drugs. ■ Confidence in cost-containment strategies. Few employers have a lot of confidence in strategies to contain rising health-care costs. For example, only 17 percent of small employers and 28 percent of large employers say that they consider disease management programs “very effective” at controlling health-care costs. Employers were less likely to rate other strategies as very effective, including consumer-directed health plans (16 percent of small and 13 percent of large employers), higher employee cost sharing (15 percent of small and 13 percent of large firms), and tighter managed-care networks (9 percent of small and 4 percent of large firms). This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Trust, (EIN 13-6100329, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. 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 $37,615,369. These expenses included $6,835,152 in administrative expenses and $30,780,217 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 17,301 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 $633,159,327 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $640,306,747 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $7,147,420. 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 $30,467,949, including employer contributions of $4,235,550, losses of $6,276,043 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $32,500,127. 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 Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.20 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N1513, Washington, DC 20210. 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 $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twentyfive 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 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS PENSION TRUST 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 2005 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 68.44 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $342.20 (three hundred fortytwo dollars and twenty cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2007 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2006 and November 30, 2007 will have this calculation applied to their 2007 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2008 your objection must be received by December 1, 2007. 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 2004. 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 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 7 10 Bosuns Complete Recertification Eight of the SIU’s 10 newest recertified bosuns addressed their brothers and sisters and accepted certificates for completion of studies during the union’s Nov. 6 membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Two class members shipped out immediately following the culmination of their instruction and, as a result, did not attend the membership meeting. Finishing the four-week class, which is considered the top curriculum available for deck department Seafarers, were Scott Gallagher (from the port of Algonac, Mich.), Michael Borders (Norfolk, Va.), Charles Hill (Houston), Philip McGeoghegan (New York), Edward McLean (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), Gregory Jenkins (New Orleans), Brad Seibel (Port Everglades, Fla.), Lee Hardman (Tacoma, Wash.), Andrew Barrows (Mobile, Ala.) and Jose Gomez (Baltimore). In addition to their hands-on exercises and classroom work at the Paul Hall Center, the bosuns met at the union’s headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. with representatives from all departments. Through discussions with them about the health and benefits plans, contract negotiation and enforcement, and the Seafarers LOG, the deck department leaders enhanced their understanding of the many facets that must come together to make the union strong. Besides making complimentary remarks about the instruction they received and the training center’s staff and facilities during the meeting, the bosuns collectively lauded the SIU leadership and offered words of encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices and upgraders who were in the audience. Gallagher, who hails from Alpena, Mich., thanked union officials and the Paul Hall Center’s vocational staff for the opportunity to upgrade. Gallagher then shared a success story with the trainees in attendance. He recalled sailing aboard a ship six years ago when a Phase II trainee came aboard. The two worked side-by-side for 30 days, and by the end of that stretch “this trainee was wheeling in the rivers, through bridges…. He was also able to give distances off the stern and run deck engines for tie- Following the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., many of the newly recertified bosuns are pictured with SIU officials. From left to right are Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Mike Borders, Charles Hill, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Scott Gallagher, Gregory Jenkins, Lee Hardman, Edward McLean, President Michael Sacco, Brad Seibel, VP Contracts George Tricker, Philip McGeoghegan and VP Government Services Kermett Mangram. up…. This same individual is presently working my relief. He achieved this by paying attention and asking questions.” Borders donned the SIU colors in 1971. “My experience at Piney Point during the bosun recertification training was very refreshing,” he noted “It was good to be around all of the trainees, watching them prepare for the future.” As for his actual training, Borders said he was glad to take the refresher course in fire fighting. “It’s always good to familiarize yourself with the various aspects of this important and very demanding job, although you pray that you never will have to do it,” Borders said. He added that he was particularly pleased with the opportunity to increase his knowledge on computers. “This will help me keep better records while aboard ship… I just want to thank (SIU President) Mike Sacco and the remainder of the union officials for giving me the chance to better myself,” Borders concluded. “I enjoyed the entire experience of being here,” said Hill. “It was a tremendous learning experience for all of us, and I think the union is working extremely hard on behalf of its members. “As a result of my training and interaction with officials in the contracting department,” he continued, “I have a better understanding of how labor agreements work for the members.” Bosun Jose Gomez (front) participates in water survival training. December 2006 Hill became a Seafarer in 2001 with the merger of the NMU into the SIU. “It was a good thing that we merged with the SIU,” he told his rank-and-file brothers and sisters. “It all turned out for the best. “I don’t know what its like to be a trainee because when I came along in the NMU, we did not have trainees,” Hill told the apprentices. “But I do know that when you young people come out to sea, if you watch, pay attention, listen and learn, you can end up in a position of authority just like I am. You have good people here looking out for you, and you have excellent training. I encourage you all to take advantage of it. It will make you a better person and it will make you better able to communicate with your shipmates and anyone else you may come across during your career. “Remember, you make the union look good and it will make us all look good,” Hill concluded. “The SIU will always be there for us.” McGeoghegan has been an SIU member since 1981. “Twenty-six years—it took a long time to get here,” he said after taking the podium. “I started off here as an apprentice, went through the trainee program, came back to upgrade to AB and look where I am now. It was a long road, it was a hard road. We learn as we go.” McGeoghegan praised the Piney Point vocational staff, noting, “All teachers here have great teaching skills and positive attitudes, and being here was a very positive experience for me. The education I received about the union was very positive and something I definitely will use in the future.” McLean noted he has been sailing for 26 years aboard tankers. “I started in 1980 with the NMU and now I’m a proud member of the SIU. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this organization because the leadership is dedicated to all of our members,” he stated. Commenting on the program, McLean said, “I thought that the small arms training was excellent. As a result of it, I think I would feel comfortable handling a weapon if I was aboard a military-contracted vessel. The com- munications class was especially helpful because it taught me better ways to communicate with others.” McLean had high praise for the school and staff. “Everyone at the school—members of the staff as well as instructors—were very helpful and courteous,” he said. “Thanks to the training I received here, I now have better knowledge to carry forward to impart on my brothers and sisters aboard ship.” To the apprentices, McLean said, “When you trainees get aboard a ship, ask a lot of questions, do your best job possible, follow orders, be respectful of others and know that we all work together as a team.” Jenkins lauded union officials, the school, its staff and instructors for the many positives they collectively have afforded him over the years. The New Orleansbased mariner has been sailing since 1987. “The SIU has given me a great career as well as a different outlook on life,” he said. “The training I received, especially the communications skills instruction, will help me become a better mariner and upgrade my skills as a bosun. “I’ve been sailing for 19 years and it’s been a good ride,” Jenkins told the audience. “I just want to say thanks—you all are doing a good job and the future looks bright. To the trainees, you are our future, you have a great institution here, learn as much as possible and stay focused.” Seibel joined the SIU in 1985 in St. Louis. “I joined the union in the inland division and switched to deep sea in 1989 as an AB,” he said. “I’d like to give thanks to the SIU, the school and the staff for all of the opportunities they provided. I was really pleased with and grateful for the instruction I received in small arms and water survival. As a result of them, I will feel a lot safer while at sea.” To the trainees he advised, “When you get out there, listen to your supervisors. If you don’t understand something, ask questions and try to always keep a positive attitude.” Hardman, an SIU member for the past 19 years, said that his overall experience during his training was both informative and relaxing. “I learned how the union works both inside and out,” he said. “I am now more informed and will have more answers to questions posed by shipmates while at sea. “Being a Seafarer is a great career,” he continued. “Where else can you see the world while making a great living? It’s a great place for anyone seeking to advance themselves—all you need is a sincere desire to learn.” He concluded, “I want to express my gratitude to the school and our staff, the teachers, those in manpower and admissions for making the school run so efficiently. I also want to thank the union officials for keeping the union, the industry and contracts strong and thriving.” Barrows and Gomez did not address their brothers and sisters during the membership meeting, but provided comments to the LOG about their respective upgrading training experiences. “I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience,” said Barrows, who joined the SIU in 1990 in New York. “Meeting with the leadership provided me with a number of insights which I look forward to sharing with my crewmates aboard ships. “I came to the SIU after the collapse of the commercial fishing industry,” he said. “I’d like to thank the union and its leadership for the quality of life union membership has afforded me and my family.” Gomez launched his SIU career in 1972. The training he received in small arms, fire fighting and CPR was very valuable as was the instruction he was afforded about the union, Gomez said. “It will help me better communicate with the brothers and sisters aboard the ship when we’re discussing union business,” he concluded. Bosun Andrew Barrows takes aim during small arms training. Seafarers LOG 7 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:06 PM Page 8 AOTOS Event Honors Veitch, Richardson and SIU Crews Continued from page 5 body of the aircraft. No survivors were found. A second RHIB was launched as the USS Vicksburg, along with an Italian vessel, also arrived at the scene. U.S. Navy divers then entered the water and recovered bodies from the wreckage. Cape Victory and Cape Vincent—As Hurricane Rita approached, officials from Beaumont, Texas on Sept. 24, 2005 requested that first responder emergency vehicles and personnel from the city and surrounding communities of Port Arthur, Nederland, Groves and Port Neches be permitted to be safely stowed on board the Cape Victory and Cape Vincent. Both vessels are home ported in the Port of Beaumont. Cape Vincent Master Capt. David Scott and Cape Victory Master Capt. Kevin Brooks, in coordination with the U.S. Maritime Administration and Keystone Shipping Co., agreed to move 172 vehicles onto the Cape Vincent and 207 vehicles aboard the Cape Victory. Included were fire trucks, ambulances, police vehicles, road equipment and other vehicles, along with city records, emergency response personnel and 30 rescue dogs. Everything was stowed safely while 90 percent of area residents evacuated. Crews from each ship kept their vessels berthed as the storm passed packing 120 mph winds and extremely heavy rain. The ships’ stern ramps were lowered the following morning so that the emergency vehicles could be deployed to deal with the storm’s aftermath. The ability for the first responder vehicles to be deployed so rapidly was unprecedented in dealing with hurricane storm damage and allowed the area to swiftly and efficiently return to normalcy. The entire episode serves as a model for hurricane preparations throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast. The vessels’ masters and crews were honored for their vision and heroic acts in keeping their ships and emergency cargo safe from harm. USNS Apache—The MSC fleet ocean tug USNS Apache on Aug. 10 was under way near Monrovia, Liberia when it came across an Estonian commercial freighter, the Tahoma Reefer, engulfed in flames and being towed from the harbor. Smoke from the burning vessel was spotted from the Apache’s bridge at about the same time that help was being solicited by officials ashore at the U.S. Embassy in Liberia. Apache Capt. Charles Rodriguez headed his craft toward the stricken vessel. Other shipboard personnel including Chief Mate Troy Bruemmer departed the Apache in the vessel’s RHIB and moved in on the Tahoma Reefer to remove a mooring line that was trailing the burning vessel. The Apache crew initiated fire-fighting operations and hosed down the port side of the Reefer. After removing the mooring line from the Reefer, Bruemmer and others returned to the Apache, loaded a portable pump on the RHIB and redeployed to fight flames on the Reefer’s starboard side. They also delivered the freighter’s eight crew members to shore. The Apache remained tight alongside the freighter for more than four hours as the tug’s crew fought to bring the fire under control. Sea Land Commitment— Capt. Eric Franzen and the SIU crew aboard the Commitment on Jan. 18 came to the aid and assistance of the tugboat Valour near Cape Fear, N.C. The Valour had sent a distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard while towing an oil barge in heavy 25-foot seas and winds of 40 knots. The ocean towing tug Justine Foss began rescue operations of the tugboat prior to the Commitment’s arrival on the scene. Conditions were far from ideal as visibility was restricted by rough seas and darkness of night. Once on location, the crew aboard the Commitment established communications between the U.S. Coast Guard’s rescue helicopters and those directly involved in the rescue effort. This communications link proved vital as the exact location of the distressed seafarers was passed along to the helicopters, thereby leading to their rescue before the Valour sank. In part through the efforts and seamanship of the master and crew of the Commitment, five mariners from the stricken tug were rescued. In addition, the fully laden tank barge was prevented from impacting a North Carolina beach. Retired Navy Capt. Robert Hart and Samuel B. Nemirow served as national committee cochairmen for the 2006 AOTOS Awards. All proceeds from the event benefited the USS community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine and other seafarers of the world. The USS is a non-profit agency established in 1952. It provides services for mariners as well as members of the armed forces, and operates centers in ports around the world. The agency also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association. Longtime SIU Employee Louis Bush Dies at 88 Louis Bush, longtime pensioner and 27-year employee of the Seafarers Vacation Fund, passed away suddenly Jan. 27, 2006. He was 88. Bush started his SIU career in 1952 at the headquarters building in Brooklyn, N.Y., running the Sea Chest with Sidney Seltzer. He was active in helping the union on the picket lines in Chicago, Puerto Rico and anywhere else Paul Hall needed an extra hand in the ’60s. When the Sea Chest closed, Bush transferred to the claims department, where he had the opportunity to work with Lou Delma, Jack Boughman and Tom Cranford, among others. Delma, former plans administrator for the SIU, stated that Bush was a real asset to the union and its membership and a pleasure to work with. Bush was the brother-in-law of the late Herbert Brand, past president of the Transportation Institute. Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers in the Loop He was born in Montreal, Canada and moved to New York after marrying his wife, Frances, in 1945. She was a New York City school teacher. In 1979, he retired and moved from Jackson Heights, N.Y. to Orlando, Fla. He remained very active, traveling with his wife on cruises and scenic trips until her death in 2004. According to his son, Robert, one of his favorite pastimes was telling stories about his journeys with the union to different cities and of the union members he befriended all across the country. Bush is survived by his daughter, Isabel, of Orlando, Fla.; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Katherine of Hampton Bays, N.Y.; three sistersin-law and six nieces and nephews. He was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, Fla. Attending monthly membership meetings is an important way in which Seafarers can keep track of all the news that affects their livelihoods. Held in each SIU hall around the country, the monthly membership meeting is a forum to keep members abreast of key union and maritime issues. Below is the schedule of meetings for 2007. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. Membership Meetings in 2007 Port Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 8 5 5 2 7 4 2 6 4* 9* 5 3 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 9 6 6 3 8 5 3 7 4 9 6 4 Wednesday after first Sunday 10 7 7 4 9 6 5* 8 5 10 7 5 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 11 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 11 6 6 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 11 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 11 6 6 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 11 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 11 6 6 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 11 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 11 6 6 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 12 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 12 9 7 Boston Friday after first Sunday 12 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 12 8 7 Houston Monday after second Sunday 16* 12 12 9 14 11 9 13 10 15 13* 10 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 16 13 13 10 15 12 10 14 11 16 13 11 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 17 14 14 11 16 13 11 15 12 17 14 12 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 18 15 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 18 15 12 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 18 15 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 18 15 12 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 18 15 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 18 15 12 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 19 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 19 16 13 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 19 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 19 16 13 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 22 20* 19 16 21 18 16 20 17 22 19 17 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 25 22 22 19 24 21 19 23 20 25 23* 20 Friday after third Sunday 26 23 23 20 25 22 20 24 21 26 23 21 Philadelphia Tacoma September October November December *Piney Point changes created by Labor Day and Columbus Day holidays; Philadelphia change created by Independence Day holiday; Houston changes created by Martin Luther King’s birthday and Veterans’ Day holidays; Wilmington change created by Presidents’ Day holiday; Guam change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday. 8 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:12 PM Page 9 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU 401K 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, 2005 to December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU 401K Plan, EIN 13-6592643, Plan No. 002, for period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. 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 Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $1,126,528. These expenses included $356,182 in administrative expenses and $770,346 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 14,221 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 $37,297,661 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $27,694,584 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $9,603,077. 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 $7,328,662, including employer contributions of $5,549,160, employee contributions of $69,154, gains of $182,656 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,522,256. Benefits under the plan are provided through insurance. Plan expenses were $342,566. These expenses included $342,566 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 950 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 $3,432,409 as of December 31, 2005, compared to $3,197,802 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $234,607. 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 $577,173 including employee contributions of $435,011 and earnings from investments of $142,162. 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 Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.10 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. 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 or call the office of Mrs. Miriam Bove, who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plans, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.70 for the full annual report, or .1 cent per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees 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, NW, Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR FOR NMU PENSION TRUST OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN 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 period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. 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 a trust fund. Plan expenses were $32,648,314. These expenses included $2,938,044 in administrative expenses and $29,710,270 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 7,982 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 $296,871,091 as of December 31, 2005, compared to $318,635,814 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $21,764,723. 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 $10,883,591 including employer contributions of $780,541, realized losses of $160,438 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $10,031,942 and other income of $ 231,546. 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 Miriam Bove, Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001’ telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.60 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees 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, NW, Washington, DC 20210. December 2006 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR FOR NMU VACATION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the NMU VACATION PLAN, EIN 13-6700828, Plan No. 501, for period January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. 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 $1,077,591 as of December 31, 2005, compared to $1,270,807 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $193,216. 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 total income of $6,760,843 including employer contributions of $6,653,856 and earnings from investments of $106,987. Plan expenses were $6,954,059. These expenses included $1,020,553 in administrative expenses and $5,933,506 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 Mrs. Miriam Bove who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001, (212) 3374900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 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 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, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG 9 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 S 7:12 PM Page 10 eafarers’ napshots A recent meeting was held at the hall in Oakland (above) to approve the standard contracts. One of the many Seafarers in attendance was Recertified Bosun Lance Zollner (above right). Serving the membership in the port of Houston are office staff members (from left) Adrienne Nash, Port Agent Robert Troy, Patrolman Mike Russo and Janice Hunicke. Bosun John Cain attends the October membership meeting in Houston. Teamwork is part of what makes the galley run smoothly aboard the Alaskan Legend. Pictured above are Chief Cook Johnson Ashun (left) and SA Medel Daguio. Edwin Spencer Harris, 79, began sailing at the age of 17, working in most of the engine department ratings and in all the war zones from World War II to Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, Panama, Grenada and the first Gulf war. He is now enjoying his retirement in sunny St. Petersburg, Fla., getting lots of exercise and fishing (the little fish he is holding is used for bait). Harris is still proud to be an SIU member. Abdulhalim Ali (center) is congratulated by VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Assistant VP West Coast NIck Celona after being awarded his full union book. Left: Camilo Villafania takes the SIU oath from Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz. Right: Conrad Rivera shows off the full book he received in the port of Ft. Lauderdale. 10 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:13 PM Page 11 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREAT LAKES TUG AND DREDGE PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Pension Plan, (EIN. 13-1953878, Plan No. 003) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, (EIN. 516097856, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. 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 $665,486. These expenses included $201,651 in administrative expenses and $463,835 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 868 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 $8,162,399 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $8,531,657 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $369,258. 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 $296,228, including gains of $175,934 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $117,770. Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $1,442,947. These expenses included $208,776 in administrative expenses and $1,234,171 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 291 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 $23,482,208 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $24,191,340 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $709,132. 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 $733,815, including losses of $42,819 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $776,629. 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 Margaret R. Bowen, Plan Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.15 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N1513, Washington, DC 20210. Basic Financial Statement 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. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.80 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (EIN. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. 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 $15,585,019 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $15,731,956 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $146,937. 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 $53,361,433. This income included employer contributions of $52,169,499, realized gains of $397,165 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $747,430. Plan expenses were $53,508,370. These expenses included $6,899,250 in administrative expenses and $46,609,120 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; 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 Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.45 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. December 2006 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (EIN.13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005. 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 $22,124,202 as of December 31, 2005 compared to $6,868,009 as of January 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $15,256,193. 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. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $84,381,946. This income included employer contributions of $81,809,706, realized gains of $292,564 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $318,473. Plan expenses were $69,125,753. These expenses included $9,190,526 in administrative expenses and $59,935,227 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 Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.85 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: Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG 11 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:13 PM Page 12 Bosun Kelvin Cherington and QEP Kevin Jones check out the latest issue of the LOG aboard the Chemical Pioneer, a USS Transport vessel. The Crowley tug Pioneer (above) ties up in Philadelphia. At right is Eugeniy Golubev, an AB on the Pioneer. Standing gangway watch on the Chemical Pioneer is AB Todd Peden. On Petty’s Island, home to the Crowley shipping terminal, are SIU members Dennis Saggese (left), who is getting into the jockey truck, and Stanley Williams, who is already behind the wheel. In n an nd and the t hee h ill a off Ph Phila Rally for Justice Docked in Philadelphia are the Express Marine, Inc. tugs (from left) Russel B. Murray, Guardian and Acti Seafarers join with approximately 200 other Maritime Port Council Affiliates (including UIW, IBU, UFCW and Teamsters) to show their support for members of Teamsters Local 429 in Reading, Pa. who have been on strike against a giant French-owned, multi-national corporation—Arkema—for more than two months. The union workers, whose contract expired in March, are demanding that Arkema live up to its corporate social responsibility and come back to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair agreement. Arkema has proposed reductions in health care, pension and overtime. Lending their support in the rally are, from left, SIU members Andrew Austin, Tony Beasley and Charles Wright. Above: SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler takes care of business at the counter of the Philadelphia hall. With him are Recertified Bosun Tony Beasley (center) and his son, Felsher Beasley, who is taking an AB job. Bosun Joe Colangelo (left) takes care of some paperwor for Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, who came aboard th Resolve when the Interocean vessel docked in Delaware Mike Measley (left) is sworn in by SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler, who presents him with his union book. 12 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:13 PM Page 13 Preparing the Maunalei for Service Standing alongside the vessel are Jake Joyce and SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler. Left: Recertified Bosun Tony Beasley works as a deckhand on the Freedom ferry. Here, he is taking tickets and escorting passengers onto the vessel. Above, Roger Taylor is the captain of the ferry, which runs from Philadelphia to Camden, N.J. nd A ro o un nd Around o rtt he h e Po Port l ad d ell ph h iaa hil hiladelphia Aboard the Maunalei are (from left) Glenn Ambrosius, Andy Rescinito, Bill Kelly and SIU Patrolman Rob Wisler. The newly christened Matson ship Maunalei, which means “mountain flower” in Hawaiian, was in the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard this summer, being readied for service. The vessel’s steward department is crewed by members of the SIU. Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski and Jeff Beasley pose for a snapshot. Guardian and Active. AB Charles James (left) and Bosun Marc Marcus are among the Seafarers working aboard the USNS Gordon. Seafarers Jeff Beasley (left) and Carlo Beasley work aboard the Maunalei. Nina McFall does her part getting the Maunalei ready for deployment in Matson’s Hawaii-Guam-China service. Left: Bosun Ricardo Legorreta and AB Jim Foley work aboard Liberty Maritime’s Cape Knox, which recently docked in Philadelphia. of some paperwork o came aboard the docked in Delaware. Left: AB Ryan Jones is a cook aboard Express Marine’s tug Guardian. Right: SIU members count ballots aboard the Guardian in the vote to approve the new shipping agreements—which were ratified. Facing the camera are (from left) Capt. Riley Johnson, Mate Steve Jones and Mate Bradley Thomas. December 2006 Aboard Pacific Gulf Marine’s tug Ocean Titan are (from left) Chief Steward Jorge Bernardez and Cooks Obadi Kassem (who was getting off) and Nina McFall. Seafarers LOG 13 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 14 Progress Continues on OSG Tankers Sumner a Good Feeder – Really Continued from page 3 additional new U.S.-flag ships that also would sail in the Jones Act trades. “We believe we can deliver,” Johnston said at the MTD meetings. “We believe you can build the ships in the United States. We also believe you can crew and maintain the ships in the United States.” Mariners on the USNS Sumner showed their ability to follow orders —and their sense of humor—with this snapshot of Chief Steward Wanda Glinke ostensibly telling AB Leroy Williamson he can’t have any food. Fred Smallwood, master of the Horizon vessel, said that during a recent voyage near China he needed to take on additional crew members to stay within STCW guidelines (in this case an extra third mate and two ABs). A communication from the operator good-naturedly mentioned that in addition to completing various mandatory paperwork for the additional mariners, the Sumner was advised, “Do forget to feed them.” Of course, the company official meant “Don’t forget.” Since we’ve been known to print a typo or two of our own here at the LOG office, we’re certainly not poking fun at the error, but simply sharing the photo and story. Above: Hull No. 6 (the Overseas Long Beach) has been skidded to its final position in the building dock. Left: Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is building 10 U.S.-flag tankers for OSG, including the Overseas Houston. Education: A Gift that Keeps on Giving Apply Now for a College Scholarship in 2007 I t’s the holiday season, and amid all the frenzy of selecting the perfect gifts for your friends and family, take the time to give yourself the chance to fulfill your dreams of a college education. Completing the coupon below is the first step toward realizing those dreams. All Seafarers and their spouses and dependent children who plan to attend college are encouraged to send away for the 2007 SIU Scholarship Program booklet. It contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. (The program books also are available at all SIU halls.) Eight monetary grants will be awarded by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan in 2007 to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 and is intended to help cover the costs of attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Five scholarships are to be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. After checking for eligibility, applicants P should start collecting other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2007 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the request is made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2007 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be evaluated. A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate are two other items that must be included in the total application package. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15. Happy holidays—and don’t just wish for the gift that can affect the rest of your life—go for it today! Gov’t Services Ships Complete Unrep Exercise Bosun’s Mate Billy Bushey submitted these photos of an underway replenishment exercise involving two SIU Government Services Division vessels: the USNS Mt. Baker and the USNS Lewis and Clark. The sessions took place Nov. 6-8 at the Earle Naval Weapons Station in New Jersey. They were the first such drills for the Lewis and Clark, the first in a new series of ships being constructed in San Diego for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The photos were taken from aboard the Mt. Baker. lease send me the 2007 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. 12/06 14 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:08 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea January & February 2007 Membership Meetings OCTOBER 16 — NOVEMBER 15, 2006 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 5 0 3 8 3 10 42 25 1 14 15 34 15 21 5 4 10 0 35 28 278 0 0 6 4 1 7 28 19 0 3 11 19 8 9 2 1 3 1 15 13 3 9 3 27 7 9 37 16 1 10 12 28 16 14 6 6 8 4 34 21 271 2 0 4 6 3 5 22 17 2 6 8 17 10 4 4 5 4 3 16 11 2 0 0 3 2 1 19 10 0 0 4 9 7 3 1 2 3 1 6 6 79 0 1 1 8 1 2 5 6 0 0 3 3 6 2 2 0 2 3 2 8 150 149 55 2 0 2 6 3 13 23 10 0 5 4 26 11 20 1 4 1 1 15 20 1 0 1 7 3 7 9 12 0 5 4 6 14 5 1 1 3 1 9 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 7 2 1 0 0 1 4 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 6 8 0 6 28 19 0 6 5 28 16 13 5 3 4 1 29 20 197 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 3 3 4 10 2 6 22 9 1 4 17 17 20 8 2 13 4 4 27 9 185 1 3 0 1 1 0 7 5 0 0 3 2 4 3 1 1 0 0 6 2 40 0 0 2 10 0 3 24 9 0 2 5 9 10 5 2 0 4 3 20 9 117 98 1 1 4 2 3 2 8 11 1 6 5 5 9 2 1 4 2 2 8 5 82 1 0 3 1 1 3 5 1 0 0 1 2 4 1 1 0 2 1 3 2 32 0 0 1 1 0 1 5 7 0 1 3 4 5 6 1 0 1 0 7 4 47 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 8 2 6 14 12 0 0 4 13 6 12 0 2 0 1 9 18 1 0 0 3 2 5 4 5 0 0 2 3 10 1 2 1 1 0 3 3 167 95 25 111 46 0 0 1 0 0 3 8 2 0 3 3 7 0 8 0 0 1 0 3 1 2 4 7 10 2 8 21 11 1 4 4 36 16 19 2 3 1 0 12 9 7 0 1 5 0 12 12 12 3 2 4 19 19 13 2 22 0 0 13 11 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 2 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 7 1 4 14 10 0 1 3 21 10 6 1 10 0 0 9 6 40 172 157 15 635 687 316 421 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 13 7 0 5 14 5 13 76 52 1 24 35 78 23 35 8 2 15 2 63 54 512 4 10 12 42 13 13 50 37 2 21 10 46 20 21 7 9 18 7 52 37 431 2 4 3 10 4 1 28 17 0 3 5 14 10 7 1 1 4 1 17 12 Algonac ................Friday: January 12, February 9 ............................... Baltimore..............Thursday: January 11, February 8 Boston ..................Friday: January 12, February 9 Guam ....................Thursday: January 25, February 22 ............................... Honolulu...............Friday: January 19, February 16 Houston ................Tuesday: January 16* ..............................Monday: February 12 ..............................(*change created by Martin Luther King Jr. holiday) ............................... Jacksonville ..........Thursday: January 11, February 9 Joliet .....................Thursday: January 18, February 15 144 0 0 7 8 1 13 33 29 0 9 12 34 14 13 2 3 4 2 25 20 2 0 4 12 6 7 22 40 2 10 9 22 20 12 5 2 5 4 34 18 0 1 0 8 1 3 6 8 0 1 2 7 6 3 1 0 1 2 2 15 229 236 67 2 0 5 6 4 18 42 25 0 7 5 45 15 34 4 5 2 5 29 38 0 0 1 13 3 12 12 16 0 9 5 13 23 7 0 2 4 1 17 13 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 2 1 0 6 7 1 1 0 1 1 5 8 New Orleans.........Tuesday: January 16, February 13 New York .............Tuesday: January 9, February 6 Norfolk .................Thursday: January 11, February 8 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: January 10, February 7 Port Everglades ....Thursday: January 18, February 15 San Francisco .......Thursday: January 18, February 15 San Juan ...............Thursday: January 11, February 8 St. Louis ...............Friday: January 19, February 16 Tacoma .................Friday: January 26, February 23 Wilmington...........Monday: January 22 0 0 1 1 0 5 5 4 0 1 2 6 3 6 0 0 2 0 6 7 49 291 151 39 1 0 0 5 0 3 7 3 1 1 2 5 3 10 1 17 0 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 0 0 5 8 3 0 3 4 10 0 12 0 0 1 0 8 1 5 5 7 13 4 10 40 31 1 10 6 72 21 31 2 9 1 0 26 13 13 3 3 12 0 17 27 23 2 4 9 39 36 18 1 11 0 1 27 19 106 69 0 55 307 265 419 154 167 1,087 1,125 515 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Piney Point ...........Monday: January 8, February 5 Mobile ..................Wednesday: January 17, February 14 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 0 0 7 9 16 0 3 6 11 5 9 1 2 2 1 10 12 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ..............................Tuesday: February 20* ..............................(*change created by Presidents’ Day holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals CELSO CASTRO Please contact Melanie Williams at (817) 444-3964. She hasn’t heard from you since Hurricane Katrina. JOHN ROBINSON AND WALTER RIGBY Please contact Ed Rihn at (985) 839-3801. He has not been able to locate you since Hurricane Katrina. SHIPMATES FROM THE SS PRODUCER John Merriam is looking for shipmates from the SS Producer during the voyage to Iran (Dec. 22-March 31, 1972). You may contact him at Westwall Building, Suite 110, Fishermen’s Terminal, 4005 20th Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98199; telephone (206) 729-5252 *“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 2006 Seafarers LOG 15 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 Seafarers International Union Directory 7:09 PM Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report OCTOBER 16 — NOVEMBER 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters 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 7 2 1 2 2 0 1 11 3 2 Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Houston 9 0 4 16 1 4 8 20 4 2 Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Jacksonville 6 0 0 7 0 0 1 2 0 1 Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services New Orleans Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large New York Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large Norfolk 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 16 4 2 13 13 0 9 2 0 8 37 32 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 Wilmington 3 1 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 1 39 17 5 38 7 4 21 89 43 8 Totals Port Boston Houston Jacksonville ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 1 0 3 0 0 0 6 1 0 1 3 1 5 5 1 4 12 2 0 30 1 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 New Orleans 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 New York 6 4 0 2 2 0 3 14 5 0 Norfolk 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wilmington 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 14 8 3 14 7 3 8 42 9 1 Totals Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 4 1 Houston 4 1 0 6 2 0 1 14 1 0 Jacksonville 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 New Orleans 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 4 1 3 New York 6 9 0 5 5 0 0 22 26 0 Norfolk 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wilmington 1 2 4 0 2 4 3 1 1 0 Totals 13 15 5 15 12 4 5 47 33 4 Totals All Departments 66 40 13 67 26 11 34 178 85 13 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Charles D. Hayward Jr. of Everett, Wash. The photo was taken at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on New Year’s Day 1966 aboard the SS Australian Reef. The vessel was a West Coast C-2 operated by Farrell Lines out of New York. Hayward, who was a 33-year-old AB at the time, remembers that it was 108 degrees that day. The ship had about 16,000 tons of ammunition on board and had to be constantly guarded. In this photo, Hayward, who was relieving the Marine Guards who had gone on a lunch break, poses for a snapshot. Hayward, a full-blooded native Alaskan, sailed as a bosun/quartermaster. He 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, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:09 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 JULIUS KOTAN, 65, joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of New York. Brother Kotan initially sailed on CSX Lines’ Gateway in the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard the OMI Wabash. Brother Kotan makes his home in Pittsburgh, Pa. ROBERT MARTIN, 55, became a Seafarer in 1974. Brother Martin’s first voyage was on the Jacksonville. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Martin, who worked in the engine department, resides in Hazlet, N.J. New York. Brother Walker’s first voyage was aboard the Afoundria. In 1980, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. Brother Walker most recently sailed on the Motivator. He calls Brooklyn, N.Y. home. JONATHAN WHITE, 58, launched his seafaring career in 1966 in New York. Brother White’s first ship was the El Faro; his last was the Overseas New Orleans. He worked in the steward department. Brother White resides in his native state of Alabama. INLAND HARVEY McLUNG, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. His first ship was the Steel Executive. Brother McClung upgraded his skills often at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, the deck department member sailed on the Resolve. Brother McClung calls Milton, Wash. home. JOSEPH LUQUETTE, 64, began sailing with the SIU in 1968. Boatman Luquette worked mainly aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. In 1980 and 1981, he upgraded his seafaring skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Luquette lives in Kaplan, La. MICHAEL McKNIGHT, 62, embarked on his SIU career in 1966. Brother McKnight’s first trip to sea was aboard an Isthmian Lines Inc. vessel. He was born in Florida and shipped as a member of the engine department. He makes his home in Tacoma, Wash. LINLEY McDONALD, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1970. Boatman McDonald shipped primarily on National Marine Services’ vessels. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman McDonald is a resident of Kennedy, Texas. AHMED MOHAMMED, 59, started shipping with the union in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Mohammed, who was born in Arabia, first worked aboard the Longview Victory. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Mohammed last worked on the ITB Baltimore. He lives in New York. ANTHONY MORELLI, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1981. Brother Morelli was a member of the steward department. He settled in Boca Raton, Fla. GEORGE NOTTINGHAM, 73, was born in the Philippines. Brother Nottingham became a Seafarer in 1991 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The deck department member shipped on vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping, including the Meteor and Cornhusker State. Brother Nottingham upgraded his skills on two occasions at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in Virginia. ISAAC WALKER, 65, began his SIU career in 1973 in the port of December 2006 LEO McINTYRE, 62, joined the union in 1966 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman McIntyre initially worked aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Company vessel. His most recent voyage was on a Mariner Towing vessel. Boatman McIntyre makes his home in Dagsboro, Del. LIONEL PAUL, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1990 from the port of Houston. Boatman Paul’s first trip to sea was aboard the Seabulk Tanker. He attended upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. in 1995. Boatman Paul’s most recent voyage was on a Seabulk Tanker Inc. vessel. He settled in Port Arthur, Texas. DONALD QUINN, 62, began his seafaring career in 1978. Boatman Quinn first worked aboard a CG Willis Inc. vessel He upgraded his skills on two occasions at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Quinn’s most recent trip was on a Penn Maritime tug. He calls Warsaw, N.C. home. JUAN REBOLLO, 62, joined the SIU in 1977. Boatman Rebollo sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. He now makes his home in Catano, P.R. LUTHER SARVIS JR., 53, became an SIU member in 1969. Boatman Sarvis shipped primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels. He upgraded in 2000 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Sarvis resides in LaMarque, Texas. VINCENT THOMPSON, 62, started shipping with the union in 1980, initially aboard a Red Circle Transport vessel. Boatman Thompson enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Before retiring, he sailed aboard G&H Towing tugs. Boatman Thompson is a resident of Westwego, La. THOMAS WESCOVICH, 59, joined the union in 1970. During his SIU career, Boatman Wescovich worked primarily on Alabama Pilot Company vessels. He lives in Irvington, Ala. CYRIL WILLIAMS, 63, embarked on his SIU career in 1982. Boatman Williams shipped primarily aboard Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1950 The SIU Atlantic and Gulf District became the first seamen’s union to negotiate a companyfinanced 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. Allied Towing vessels. He upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1997 and 2003. Boatman Williams calls Trenton, S.C. home. Editor’s note: The following brothers, both former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. FREDDIE BEECH JR., 57, joined the NMU in 1977 initially sailing from the port of New Orleans. Brother Beech was born in Louisiana. His first ship was the Frederick Lykes. Brother Beech shipped in the steward department. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Marjorie Lykes. EARL RAMSEY, 68, became an NMU member in 1962 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Brother Ramsey’s first voyage was aboard the Trans Gulf. The Jamaica-born mariner sailed in both the steward and deck departments. screening. Many of them, in fact, are recruited in areas which have strong local Communist groups on the waterfront and in the local labor movements. Under the circumstances, the union has pointed out, the United States could not count on the reliability of such crews in the event of a national emergency. 1970 Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-Mich.) said he wants more than just a minimum of America’s foreign trade cargoes carried in her ships. At a luncheon sponsored by the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (with which the SIU is affiliated), the House minority leader said it is bad for this nation to be so dependent on foreign-flag ships for its import and export trade. Ford said, “If American-flag ships are not built to transport a reasonable percentage of our expanding foreign trade, we will be totally dependent upon foreign shipping interests to move those goods. We cannot afford that dependence.” This Month In SIU History 1960 Six of the 14 crew members of the wrecked Liberian freighter Francisco Morazan have been detained by the U.S. Immigration Service as “undesirable aliens.” The detention came after their vessel was blown on the rocks in Lake Michigan by an early winter storm. The six men were then placed in the custody of the ship’s New York agent for transportation to New York, from where they will leave the country. The incident tends to substantiate contentions by the SIU and other U.S. maritime unions that the so-called “effective control” policy is a sham. The SIU has pointed out that runaway-flag crew members, unlike seamen on American-flag ships, do not undergo any 1980 Frank Drozak has been overwhelmingly elected president of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in a secret mail ballot as provided for under the SIU constitution. The ballots were counted by the official union tallying committee, made up of 18 rank-and-file members. The committee consisted of two members from each of the SIU’s nine constitutional ports. They were elected by their brother members at special meetings in the nine constitutional ports on Dec. 29, 1980. Seafarers LOG 17 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:40 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA MARTIN BALAGTAS Pensioner Martin Balagtas, 85, passed away Sept. 12. Brother Balagtas embarked on his SIU career in 1973. He initially sailed on CSX Lines’ St. Louis. Brother Balagtas was born in the Philippines. The engine department member retired in 1992 and last worked aboard the Liberty Sun. Brother Balagtas made his home in San Francisco. JOSEPH BARTLETT Pensioner Joseph Bartlett, 84, died May 10. Brother Bartlett joined the union in 1942 in the port of Baltimore. He first worked aboard an Emerson Steamship Company vessel. Brother Bartlett was a native of Maryland. He began his retirement in 1989 and lived in Fairfield, Calif. JOSEPH BENNETT JR. Pensioner Joseph Bennett Jr., 78, passed away July 16. Brother Bennett was born in Coy, Ala. He became an SIU member in 1966, initially working aboard a Wall Street Traders Inc. vessel. Brother Bennett was a member of the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Star of Texas. Brother Bennett went on pension in 1992. He was a resident of Houston. JOSEPH DeJESSA Pensioner Joseph DeJessa, 80, died June 26. Brother DeJessa started his seafaring career in 1948 in the port of New York. The deck department member’s first ship was the Ocean Lotta. Brother DeJessa was born in Lyndhurst, N.J. Brother DeJessa became a pensioner in 1989. He called Brick, N.J. home. Brother DeJessa is survived by his two sons, Joseph and Robert DeJessa, and six grandchildren. JOSE GOMEZ Pensioner Jose Gomez, 90, passed away July 13. Brother Gomez donned the SIU colors in 1945 in the port of Philadelphia. He first worked in the deck department on board the Steel Worker. Brother Gomez, who was born in the Virgin Islands, last sailed aboard the Voyager. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1984. Brother Gomez resided in New York. JAMES HENRY Brother James Henry, 61, died June 30. He joined the SIU in 1987. 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Henry first shipped on the USNS Wyman in the deck department. He was born in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Brother Henry most recently sailed aboard the John A. Chapman. He made his home in Kansas City, Kan. MICHAEL LANGENBACH Brother Michael Langenbach, 47, passed away June 6. He became a Seafarer in 1978 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Langenbach first worked on the USNS Potomac. The engine department member last sailed aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. He lived in his native state of Alabama. JAMES LONG Pensioner James Long, 84, died May 19. Brother Long began shipping with the Seafarers in 1951 aboard an Ore Navigation vessel. The deck department member was born in Frostburg, Md. He last sailed on the Pioneer. Brother Long, who lived in Ocala, Fla., went on pension in 1983. ALVERNA McCOLGAN Pensioner Alverna McColgan, 81, died Aug. 25. Sister McColgan joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1959 in the port of San Francisco. She worked primarily on the President Wilson during her seafaring career. Sister McColgan was born in Alabama but called Santa Rosa, Calif. home. ANGELO MEGLIO Pensioner Angelo Meglio, 87, passed away March 22. Born in New York, Brother Meglio commenced his SIU career in 1940. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Steel Advocate. Brother Meglio last sailed in the engine department of a Michigan Tankers vessel. He retired in 1980 and lived in Staten Island, N.Y. NELSON SMITH ROBERT HALL Brother Nelson Smith, 23, died April 15. The Alabama native embarked on his SIU career in 2005 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Smith’s first ship was the USNS Altair; his last was the Samuel Cobb. He lived in Mobile, Ala. Boatman Robert Hall, 54, passed away April 16. Born in Virginia, Boatman Hall joined the SIU in the port of Norfolk in 1970. He first shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel as a member of the deck department. Most recently, he worked on a Penn Maritime vessel. Boatman Hall lived in Virginia. ROY STERN Pensioner Roy Stern, 93, passed away April 5. Brother Stern joined the union in 1948 in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard the Steel Traveler. Brother Stern sailed in the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1978, he worked on the G. Walton. Brother Stern made his home in New York. GEORGE WILLIAMS Pensioner George Williams, 59, died April 4. Brother Williams began his seafaring career in 1967 in the port of New York. His first trip to sea was aboard the Chatham. Brother Williams, who was born in San Juan, P.R., worked in the engine department. The last ship on which he worked was the San Juan. Brother Williams made his home in Puerto Rico. WILLIE CRUMPTON Pensioner Willie Crumpton, 77, passed away March 3. Brother Crumpton became an NMU member in 1945, sailing from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first trip to sea was on the Woodlake. Brother Crumpton, who worked in the steward department, was a native of Alabama. His last voyage was aboard the United States. HENRY EBANKS INLAND DENNIS BRUCE JOHN GLEICH ROBERT HARDIN Pensioner Robert Hardin, 49, died May 22. Boatman Hardin started sailing with the Seafarers in 1986. The engine department member shipped primarily aboard G&H Towing Company vessels. Boatman Hardin lived in his native state of Texas. LINDSEY RHODES Pensioner Lindsey Rhodes, 64, passed away May 16. Brother Rhodes became an SIU member in 1959 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia-born mariner first sailed aboard the Seafair. Brother Rhodes’ last voyage was on the Stonewall Jackson. He was a resident of his native state. HUBERT SNEAD 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. Pensioner Henry Ebanks, 84, died March 15. Brother Ebanks was born in the Grand Cayman Islands. He joined the union in 1943 in the port of Seattle. Brother Ebanks’ earliest voyage was on the Flying Scud. His last ship was the Green Forest. Boatman Dennis Bruce, 43, passed away May 23. He joined the SIU in 1993 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman Bruce sailed primarily in the steward department aboard Delta Queen Steamship vessels. He was born in Louisiana but called Alabama home. TANGUMA IGNACIO Boatman Tanguma Ignacio, 23, died April 6. He became a union member in 2005. Boatman Ignacio was born in Galveston, Texas. He worked in the engine department on board G&H Towing vessels. Boatman Ignacio made Corpus Christi, Texas his home. New York. He was born in Puerto Rico and sailed in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the United States. Pensioner John Gleich, 81, passed away March 4. Brother Gleich began sailing with the NMU in 1943 in the port of Philadelphia. He first shipped on the Mormac Moon in the steward department. Brother Gleich was born in Chicago, Ill. His last vessel was the Tillie Lykes. MOISES JACKSON Pensioner Moises Jackson, 69, died March 20. Brother Jackson first donned the NMU colors in 1963. He was born in Honduras and worked in the steward department. Brother Jackson’s first ship was the Amtank; his last voyage was on the Marine Floridian. Pensioner Hubert Snead, 80, passed away Feb. 28. Brother Snead embarked on his seafaring career in 1945 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first shipped on board the William N. Page in the steward department. Brother Snead was born in Virginia. His last trip to sea was aboard the Executor. GONZALO SOTO Pensioner Gonzalo Soto, 76, died Feb. 1. Brother Soto became an NMU member in 1968 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he first sailed on the Exporter. Brother Soto last worked aboard the Green Harbor. LARRY TAYLOR Pensioner Larry Taylor, 68, passed away Feb. 11. Brother Taylor, who was born in Griffin, Ga., launched his NMU career in 1971 in the port of Philadelphia. His first voyage was on the Mormacisle. 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 Ahmed, Mohamed 79 July 8 Arthur, Norman 97 Sept. 13 Corbin, Clyde 79 Sept. 16 Deethardt, Eugene 85 Aug. 31 Fernandez, Juan 88 June 16 Gallen, John 78 Aug. 21 Hanson, Richard 82 Sept. 14 Hutchinson, John 83 Sept. 20 Jacobson, John 78 July 30 Jones, Herman 71 July 19 Lorman, Donald 71 July 6 Manchester, Fred 72 Sept. 3 Minor, Harold 83 May 24 O’Connor, John 80 Aug. 14 Ortiz, Rafael 84 July 4 Pioche, Agnan 90 Aug. 10 Renfro, David 72 Sept. 20 FRANCISCO RUIZ Smedley, Jerome 67 Aug. 7 Pensioner Francisco Ruiz, 87, died Feb. 1. Brother Ruiz joined the NMU ranks in 1946 in the port of Stanley, Robert 76 June 1 Watkins, Laurence 87 Sept. 23 DONALD OWEN Pensioner Donald Owen, 84, passed away Feb. 28. Brother Owen started his NMU career in 1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The steward department member’s first ship was the Sinclair. Brother Owen, who was born in Texas, most recently sailed on the Gulf Queen. DOD December 2006 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:07 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. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker), Sept. 24—Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Sylvester Crawford. Chairman highlighted details of new contract and informed crew that next trip would be to Long Beach, Calif. He mentioned there would be long hours ahead. “Just take your time and don’t rush to get finished,” he added, in stressing the need for safety at all times. Secretary thanked everyone for coming to mess halls and lounge in appropriate attire. Educational director urged seafarers to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He asked everyone to check document expiration dates and renew early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated about $9,000 in ship’s fund and that permission is needed from captain before making a purchase for the vessel. New X-box was purchased and crew members voted on getting satellite radio. Thanks given to steward department for great meals. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid), Sept. 31—Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Deck Delegate Francis Johnson, Engine Delegate Richard Stiverson, Steward Delegate Manes Sainvil. Bosun notified crew members of 2 percent pay raise in first year, retroactive to July 1. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance skills at Seafarers-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for good meals. GREEN COVE (LMS Ship Management), Sept. 16—Chairman George Buisson, Secretary Farala F. George, Educational Director Jeremy M. Vaughan, Deck Delegate Mark Kiblis, Engine Delegate John C. Ropp, Steward Delegate Marie Mitchell. Chairman led discussion on benefit plans and seatime requirements. He asked all members to keep dues paid up. Secretary thanked steward department for good leadership skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for TVs in all rooms. ITB PHILADELPHIA (U.S.S. Transport), Sept. 30—Chairman Michael A. Eaton, Secretary Dana A. Paradise, Educational Director Willie J. Franks, Deck Delegate Errick Nobles, Engine Delegate Daryl D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Farid Zaharan. Chairman announced Oct. 2 payoff upon arrival in Port Everglades, Fla. and urged members to contribute to SPAD. Letter sent to contracts department regarding relief time and Family and Medical Leave. Secretary asked crew to see him if any forms are needed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to have patrolman come aboard to discuss shipping rules and procedures. Next ports: Port Everglades; New Orleans. December 2006 ACHIEVER (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 12—Chairman Robert B. Lindsay, Secretary Richard J. Gray, Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Deck Delegate Walter Kuchtey, Steward Delegate Darryl D. Jackson. Chairman talked about security issues with stand-bys in Houston and Norfolk. Educational director encouraged all members to inform leadership of request for additional courses at Paul Hall Center. He also urged them to tell patrolman about any problems they are having. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new desk chairs and lounge chairs. Crew members discussed pension benefits and made some recommendations. Steward department was thanked for great job keeping ship clean. Next port: Houston. COAST RANGE (Crowley Liner Services), Oct. 1—Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Tran Nee, Educational Director Wilfredo V. Martinez, Deck Delegate Donnie W. Collins, Engine Delegate Justin E. Valencia, Steward Delegate Bernard J. Butts. Bosun led discussion about new contract. Secretary reminded Seafarers to make sure rooms are clean and supplied with fresh linen before departing vessel. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at Piney Point school and contribute to SPAD. Treasurer stated $3,200 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new furniture in crew lounge. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 1— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Johnnie B. McGill, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty, Deck Delegate Michael M. Sutton, Engine Delegate Michael A. Watkins, Steward Delegate Nelson F. Morales. Chairman discussed recent contract changes. Secretary and educational director talked about importance of upgrading skills to improve job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made to lower seatime requirements for pension benefits and increase pension amount. Members were advised to stay abreast of their rights and keep a copy of the contract available. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), Oct. 24 —Chairman David L. Parks, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director William R. Kelley, Deck Delegate Leroy Reed, Engine Delegate Johnny W. Carson, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty. Chairman stated washers and dryers had been repaired, thanks to chief electrician. He also discussed upcoming projects: crew will be given dates as they become available. Crew members must have a Marshall Islands document to work on cableships; company will reim- burse for the first one, after that members have to pay for renewal fees. Secretary reported no dutyfree sales from slopchest while in port. Educational director encouraged members to keep documents current and renew early, up to one year in advance. Treasurer noted $3,500 in general fund and reminded crew that some funds must remain to repay for items when crewing up. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from headquarters regarding changes to medical benefit requirements was read and posted. Clarification requested concerning sanitation rules for three-person steward department. New TV has been ordered; waiting for delivery. All aboard were asked to use caution when using new remote as it is liable to change dish settings. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Oct. 13— Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Steward Delegate Soriano S. Grande. Bosun talked about pension plan and upcoming pay raise. Secretary reminded departing mariners to clean rooms for relief person. Educational director advised all crew members to renew documents at least six months before they expire and to upgrade at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. to stay abreast of current regulations in the maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to offer more electrician classes at Piney Point school. Crew thanked steward department for great barbecue on the way to Guam. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong; Taiwan. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), Oct. 15—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Isaac Vega, Engine Delegate Keithley L. Andrew, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 20 in Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director urged mariners to attend courses at maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. and make sure to renew necessary shipping documents before they expire. Captain is maintaining stewardship of joint funds and will give a report of totals at next crew meeting. These funds are raised for the mutual benefit and quality of life aboard the ship (e.g., satellite TV). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked crew for job well done. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Port Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), Oct. 22—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn, Educational Director Donald D. Williams Jr., Deck Delegate Michael Sorenson, Steward Delegate Lorencio N. DeLeon. Chairman announced Oct. 24 payoff to take place upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He urged crew members to keep dues paid and support SPAD. He also thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of training offered at Piney Point; it’s never too late to learn something new. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read and discussed president’s report from September Seafarers LOG. Steward department was thanked for their hard work. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Oct. 22—Chairman Amante V. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Mario G. Paquiaz, Deck Delegate F. Saleh, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate R. Fiel. Chairman announced Oct. 28 payoff prior to arrival in Tacoma, Wash. U.S. Coast Guard fire and lifeboat drills will take place in the ports of Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif. this trip. Secretary reported retroactive pay raise from July 1 will be paid to crew members aboard vessel after Tacoma; those not still aboard will have checks mailed to their homes. Treasurer stated $626 in crew fund and thanked everyone for their donations. It was suggested that the money be used for a satellite TV and upgrading gym equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding pension benefits. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG Ship Management), Oct. 1— Chairman Weldon J. Heblich, Secretary Joseph Jones, Deck Delegate Bernard Wilson Jr. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep mess hall clean. Educational director encouraged mariners to check into upgrading opportunities available at unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new furniture for crew lounge. Steward All’s Well on the Sealand Achiever Everything is running smoothly in the galley of the SIU-crewed Sealand Achiever, according to members (from left) Chief Cook Darryl Jackson, Chief Steward Rich Gray and SA Chris Coston. system. No beefs or disputed OT reported. October 2006 president’s report was read and President Sacco’s message about President Bush’s support for the Jones Act was very well received. All agreed that it is great that our union’s leadership has been able to gain this kind of support at the highest level of our government. Request was made for union to continue to work on ways to improve pension benefits and, perhaps, to lower seatime requirements for retirement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food and keeping clean ship. Crew members were asked to bring unused plates back to the galley. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland; Los Angeles; Honolulu. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 20—Chairman Carlton P. Hall, Secretary Mohamed B. Kamer, Deck Delegate Osman B. Raji, Engine Delegate John E. Conn. Bosun thanked all departments for safe trip. Secretary requested travel pay for getting off in New York. He asked for clarification on wages paid for sanitation. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 8—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Donald M. Christian, Deck Delegate Damon Lobel, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji. Chairman announced Oct. 14 payoff in Newark, N.J. He reported good crew, safe voyage and great job by all. Secretary thanked fellow crew members for help keeping ship clean and safe. Treasurer stated balance of $4,597 in ship’s fund after voting to donate $500 to USS department given vote of thanks for job well done. SEABULK CHALLENGER (Seabulk International), Oct. 24— Chairman Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Secretary Jennifer K. Jim, Educational Director Randolph E. Scott, Deck Delegate William J. Tanksley, Engine Delegate Rudolph K. Miller, Steward Delegate H. Brian. Bosun announced Oct. 24 payoff in Barber’s Point, Hawaii. Educational director urged crew to upgrade seafaring skills at SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed SIU contracts with Seabulk. Bosun to order new latches for crew linen locker. Request was made for port agent to contact company about getting e-mail for crew. Next ports: Barber’s Point; Honolulu; El Segundo, Calif. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (LMS Ship Management), Oct. 15— Chairman Grant A. Shipley, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Dale D. Nesfield, Deck Delegate Tibby L. Clotter, Steward Delegate John A. Stephen. Chairman updated crew members on vessel delay. Secretary asked mariners leaving ship to leave room clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for job well done. Suggestions made regarding medical and dental benefits as well as contract. Crew members expressed gratitude to company and officers aboard Sulphur Enterprise for giving everyone cable TV in each room. Next port: Tampa, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:14 PM Page 20 Snapshots from Ship and Shore Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio submitted two photos (top left and bottom left) from a recent voyage on NCL America’s Pride of Aloha along with two other pictures from the ceremonial opening of the new SIU hall in Oakland, Calif. In top left photo, Remetio (far right) is joined by (from left) Assistant Carpenters Mike Tadlip, Rommel Crespo and Aaron Mitchell and 1st Carpenter Carlos Velasquez Jr. Pictured below left are (from left) Mitchell, Velasquez and Remetio. Above right, Remetio poses with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and (below right) with SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz at the hall. In a note to the LOG, Remetio encouraged fellow Seafarers to “pick up the cruise ship jobs so that we continue meeting our obligations in this important part of the U.S.-flag industry. Regards to all brothers and sisters in the SIU and may God bless you all.” 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 20 Seafarers LOG 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 2006 �39285_2.6.8.18.19.21X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:07 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. for December through February 2007. 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. The next edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete guide of all the upgrading courses available to students in the year 2007. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 22 February 16 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 8 January 19 Steward Upgrading Courses Junior Engineer January 8 March 2 QMED Machinist January 8 January 26 Welding January 15 February 2 Inland Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Inland Radar (non STCW) January 8 January 12 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting January 15 February 26 Advanced Fire Fighting (one week) December 4 December 8 Basic Safety Training December 4 December 8 Medical Care Provider January 29 February 2 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Dec. 11. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops January 29 February 23 FOWT February 26 March 23 � 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 twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 ________________________________________________ December 2006 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. 12/06 Seafarers LOG 21 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:09 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 679 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 679. They include (front row, from left) Zorah Rodgers, Gregory Barrera, Marco Bolanos, Stefra Strauser, Wilbert Martinez, Ivette Flecha-Perez, (second row) Christopher Olsen, Raymond Maldonado, Patrick Lefevre, Tyler Ciranni, Scott Thompson, Kenneth Bogins II, Monica Sanchez-Quinones, (third row) Benjamin Grace, Gerret Jarman, Jason Lamadieu, Philip Gallagher, Christopher Strick, Bryan Hayden, Mark Randall, Benjamin Giles, Keith Parsons and Tom Loughead. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back row) are Oct. 27 graduates (in alphabetical order) Victor Antunez, Anthony Bartley, Richard Cole, Anya Mixon, Jo-Vanii Sprauve, Jo-Vanio Sprauve and Jome Zerna. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB course Oct. 27 are (in no specific order) Peter Cooke, Ashley Pearce, Christopher Wheeler, Raymond Harvell, Justin Ryan, Darrell Moore, Patrick Langdon, Natalie Tremblay, Thomas Guthrie IV, Marco Figueroa, Robert Godwin, Juan Gonzalez, Enrique Defendini, Villanito Villanueva, Alexander Banky IV, Gil Hernandez, Ernest Cannon, William Clifton, Terrance Dunn, John Kelly, Robert Light, Kyle Hudson and Michael Morita. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduates of the advanced fire fighting course that ended Oct. 13 are (in no specific order) MTLX boatmen Edwin Schlink, Charles Young, Jeremy Abel, Robert Bouton, Kevin Oleary, Mike Wiley, Kenneth Stanton and Vincent Whitehair. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left. Fast Rescue Boat — Graduating from this course Oct. 20 under the instruction of Stan Beck (not pictured) are MTLX boatmen (in no specific order) Kenneth Graybill IV, Charles Crim, Roger Stanus, Paul Kalmeta and Sean Leeson. HAZWOPER — Completing the Hazwoper course Oct. 16 are MTLX boatmen (in no specific order) Kevin O’Leary, Ken Stanton, Mike Wiley, Mike Tarbox, Glen McCann, Edwin Schlink, Robert Reeder, Scott Murdock, Kenneth Graybill, Sean Leeson, Charles Carlson, Paul Kalmeta and Roger Stanus. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha (standing in each photo) are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Proudly showing their certificates of achievement are, from the left (in the photo at left): Rudolfo Jordan, Omer Almaklani and Josh Kilbourn and (in the photo at right): Ernest Frank III. 22 Seafarers LOG December 2006 �39285_3.4.5.7.14.15.16.17.22.23X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:09 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge — With instructor Mitch Oakley (far left) are Oct. 27 graduates of the tankerman (PIC) barge course. Included are (in no specific order) Andre Jennette, Ronald Dean, Clarence Fortt Jr., Bryan Vallecillo, Paul Hackney, John Bilich, Bradley Thomas, Jesse Hale, Robert Stone and Euginiy Golubev. Oil Spill — Graduating from this course Oct. 20 are Penn Maritime boatmen (in no specific order) Virgil Walls, Randol Isles, Lance Bethel, David Kane, Hector Arroyave, Scott Chew, Robert Albers, Rebecca Tallman, Barrett Hickey and Leroy Adaway. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Medical Care Provider — Oct. 6 was graduation day for students in the medical care provider course. They are (in alphabetical order) Jasper Brown, Jr., Charlene Edwards, Marc Fitton and Sergey Kurchenko. Their instructor (not pictured) was Mark Cates. Medical Care Provider — Upgrading Seafarers working aboard MTLX vessels who completed the Medical Care Provider course Oct. 13 are (in no specific order) Glen McCann, Igor Loch Jr., Howard Clark, Bruce Comiskey, Bruce Walsh, William Palmer, William Harvell, Scott Murdock, Robert Reeder, Michael Tarbox, Charlie Carlson and Robert Hoffman. Their instructor (not pictured) was Mark Cates. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions depart- Certified Chief Cook — Completing one of the certified chief cook courses at the school are (front row, from left) Cheryl Lynch, Carinda Bohus, Roberto Botin, Sedell Michell and (back row) Michael Henry. ment so that another student may take that place. STCW — NCL, Oct. 10: Jennifer Ahern, Andrew Anderson, Daniel Andrews, Jason Apps, Miriam Basilio, Ramona Becker, Travis Blalock, Michael Blue, Shawna Bowen, Monique Boyles, David Brinkley, James Brokop, Mark Bult, James Byrd, John-Michael Byrd, Danielle Choquette, Daniel Coen, Rajene Colson, Charles Cool, Mark Cornelsen, Edward Cristales, Dolores DeBus, Kristi Dukoff and Daniel Dyer. December 2006 STCW — NCL, Oct. 10: Sabrina Pettis, Juan Poblete, Ulrick Prudent Jr., Leslie Purgason, Karen Ray, Michael Ray Jr., Cheryl Renstrom, Krystina Reynolds, Joshua Richard, Luis Rivero, Clifford Russell, Edith Salvador, Carmela Sarate, Michael Schoonover, William Shinogle, Nicole Smith, Marcus Snead, Christopher Solan, Jacob Stephens, Victoria Suson, Todd Tamborski, Pamela Tami and Holly Tanton. Seafarers LOG 23 �39285_9_13.20.24X.qxp 11/28/2006 7:14 PM Page 24 Volume 68, Number 12 December 2006 Summary Annual Reports for SIU, NMU and MCS See pages 6, 9, 11 USNS Mendonca Returns From Middle East Mission AB Walter Holton SA Jacqueline Ellsworth, AB Thomas Bryant, QMED Antwan Legare Right: OS Belarmino Da Rosa, AB Joseph Archer, AB Benedict Born, SIU Port Agent Dennis Metz OS Ben Hulsey The SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca recently returned to the U.S. following a successful mission to the Middle East in support of American troops. Many crew members signed off the vessel in Baltimore, where the photos on this page were taken on Oct. 25. The Mendonca, operated by American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA), is one of the Bob Hope-class ships built at Avondale in New Orleans. The U.S. Military Sealift Command cites two key missions—prepositioning and surge sealift—for its LMSRs, including the Bob Hope ships and eight Seafarers-crewed Watson-class vessels. Prior to its assignment in Kuwait, the Mendonca offloaded more than 100 U.S. Army Stryker Brigade combat vehicles in Bremerhaven, Germany in late July. The 950foot ship had loaded in Tacoma, Wash. and then traveled 9,500 miles in three weeks, according to MSC. The ship also delivered hundreds of other trucks, trailers, Humvees and containers, the agency reported. In fact, the Mendonca has mobilized in support of U.S. forces several times throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, including during the all-out combat phase. Such missions are nothing new for the SIU or for the rest of the U.S. Merchant Marine in general. As MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr. noted in his National Maritime Day message earlier this year, “Not all heroes wear military uniforms or even work for the government. Often overlooked, but no The Seafarers-crewed USNS Mendonca, pictured last summer less important, in Germany, more recently completed a mission in support of U.S. troops in the Middle East. are U.S. Merchant Mariners. These highly skilled seamen, just as the generations of mariners who preceded them, operate around the world 24/7, going in harm’s way to keep U.S. forces supplied and combat-ready. “Today’s U.S. Merchant Mariners continue in the proud tradition of those who have served the nation on the high seas for centuries and will continue for generations to come. They willingly go in harm’s way to preserve our freedoms and help our nation prosper. They have the experience, knowledge and commitment to deliver on time, every time, everywhere.” AB Anibal Vega Left: Bosun Jerry Costello Seafarers wrap up the day’s operations on the Mendonca in Baltimore. � 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 2006 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF GETS BACK PAY FOR FOC CREW TALLYING COMMITTEE COMPLETES REPORT MORE MILESTONES FOR OSG TANKERS OVERSEAS HOUSTON NAMED; KEEL LAID FOR 3RD VESSEL UNION, SCHOOL TAKE CLOSER LOOK AT PHYSICAL EXAM GUIDELINES GAO NOTICES TWIC PROGRAM’S ‘KEY CHALLENGES’ UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW SLATED FOR CINCINNATI REMEMBERING THE POET, 26 YEARS LATER VEITCH, RICHARDSON, SIU CREWS HONORED AOTOS EVENT SPOTLIGHTS INDUSTRY PROGRESS, MARINERS’ HEROISM HEALTH PREMIUMS INCREASE BY ‘ONLY’ 7.7 PERCENT LONGTIME SIU EMPLOYEE LOUIS BUSH DIES AT 88 EDUCATION: A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING APPLY NOW FOR A COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP IN 2007 USNS MENDOCA RETURNS FROM MIDDLE EAST MISSION 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 12/01/2006 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. 68, No. 12 2006 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/2dedbdc31795a84772f731e11abf5fb7.pdf 4d19c4c346cbf99ceaa964bf7af4b6b1 PDF Text Text 39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:30 PM Page 1 Volume 69, Number 1 January 2007 Paul Hall Center 2007 Course Guide The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education provides comprehensive curriculums for mariners at each stage of their careers, from entry-level training to license programs. The school also offers academic support including GED and college degree programs. Course descriptions and dates are featured in an eight-page section starting on page 9. Pictured at right are students in a few different classes conducted at the Piney Point, Md. facility. Oakland Hall Welcomes House Speaker Pelosi Traditional Thanksgiving Event Gets Strong Turnout House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (at podium, above) was the featured guest at the SIU’s traditional pre-Thanksgiving gathering on the West Coast, which took place Nov. 21 at the new hall in Oakland, Calif. Approximately 250 people turned out for the 16th annual event (some of whom are pictured at right). Pictured above are (from left) U.S. Rep. George Miller, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Speaker Pelosi, SIU Asst. VP West Coast Nick Celona, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums and San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris. Page 7. Safety Milestone for ATC Third T-AKE Ship Christened Page 2 Page 5 SIU’s Year in Review Page 24 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 12:12 AM Page 2 President’s Report Security and Fairness Some of our retired Seafarers recall that during World War II, they had to pass a very strict physical exam in order to qualify for a merchant mariner credential. They had to walk through the door to the doctor’s office. Then, depending on who was giving the exam, they usually had to show evidence of breathing. An exaggeration? Barely, from what I’ve heard over the years. Despite the loose entry requirements, somehow the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II—including thousands of SIU memMichael Sacco bers—pulled off arguably the most important sealift mission in history. They were all volunteers and they all have my utmost respect, especially the many thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice. When it came to seamanship, they were second-to-none. From a paperwork standpoint, things are slightly more complicated nowadays, as mariners have to jump through many hoops long before climbing the gangway. It probably won’t become any easier with the TWIC and proposed new physical exam guidelines right on the horizon. In any case, the SIU continues to push for fair treatment not only for our members but for all mariners as these new regulations and guidelines are formulated. We will maintain those efforts however long it takes, working cooperatively with the rest of maritime labor and with the Department of Homeland Security, including the U.S. Coast Guard, to the greatest possible extent. The bottom line is that we always have been proponents of strong shipboard security and safety, including appropriate requirements for the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. But those rules must be reasonable for everyone, from mariners to port workers to ship operators to the people who enforce them. There’s too much at stake for our government to rush finalizing any regulations or guidelines just for the sake of meeting a deadline. It has to be done right. At the same time, legitimate security enhancements are important for America’s safety, and they should be put into place in timely fashion. Finding the middle ground in that scenario is a challenge for government and industry alike. Success in 2006 The SIU met with much success throughout the previous year, a fair amount of which is detailed elsewhere in this edition of the LOG. We did it in part by sticking with a tried and true formula—one that first and foremost features the world’s safest, best-trained, most reliable unlicensed crews. It’s because of the outstanding work done by you, the rank-and-file Seafarer, that this administration can build on our foundation and continue securing new shipboard jobs and better contracts. I particularly want to thank and recognize those members who in 2006 sailed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as well as in hurricane relief missions along the Gulf Coast. Also, thanks to those members, including our brothers and sisters in the Government Services Division, who mobilized for humanitarian missions around the world. You all did a great job maintaining the U.S. Merchant Marine’s traditional role as America’s fourth arm of defense. Of course, as Seafarers know well, political action also remains essential to maintaining a strong U.S.-flag fleet. The SIU continued supporting pro-maritime candidates in 2006, many of whom were elected or re-elected in November. I believe the makeup of the next Congress is positive for our industry, and I remain optimistic about future opportunities for the SIU. Here again, our members deserve credit for their grassroots political support and their voluntary donations to SPAD. As we move forward in 2007, the SIU remains dedicated to providing more new opportunities and protecting Seafarers’ jobs. We remain committed to meeting our manpower obligations in every segment of the industry. We remain steadfast in working with our affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland to help ensure that the school always offers state-of-the-art training. With your continued support, I’m excited about 2007 and what it will bring for our union. On that note, I wish every Seafarer and retiree and SIU family a safe, healthy, productive Happy New Year. Volume 69, Number 1 January 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Alaska Tanker Company’s Latest Safety Milestone Is a Biggie: 10 Million Injury-Free Man Hours SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) continues to help set the worldwide standard for excellence in shipboard safety and environmental performance in the maritime tanker industry. The Beaverton, Ore.-based business recently added yet another signpost to its already impressive list of accomplishments when it registered 10 million man hours without a lost-time injury. This latest milestone covers five years of operations throughout the company’s SIU-crewed fleet and recognizes ATC’s achieving the highest levels of safety and environmental performance while transporting Alaska North Slope crude oil from Valdez, Alaska to refineries in Washington state, California and Hawaii. ATC operates six Seafarers-crewed vessels including the four new Alaska Class tankers built in San Diego: the Alaskan Legend, Alaskan Frontier, Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator, along with the Denali and the Prince William Sound. ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur credited the SIU for substantially contributing to the company’s outstanding safety record. “Our relationship with the Seafarers International Union has been crucial to our joint success,” he said. “The SIU leadership has an enlightened and long-term view of what is best for their membership. This view matches our view in ATC. We both see safety as deeply personal and not about statistics. Safety is about taking care of ourselves every day, so we can live full lives and earn a good living for our loved ones. Our seafarers have responded with maturity and responsibility to the work environment we have jointly created. The Pictured at a mid-November event in Washington, D.C. celebrating Alaska Tanker Company’s latest safety milestone are (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, ATC Labor Relations Director Bill Cole, SIU President Michael Sacco and ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur. world-class achievement of completing 10 million man hours without a lost-time injury truly belongs to the workforce. It has been made possible by the core values we all share.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said the latest milestone “very clearly should not be taken for granted. Ten million man hours without a lost-time injury is a great achievement—one that reflects well on the SIU members who crew their ships, the safety training that many of them have received at the Paul Hall Center, and of course the company. No pun intended, this kind of record doesContinued on page 4 SIU-Crewed Wilson Deploys Peacekeeping Cargo to Lebanon The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) recently reported that Indonesia’s army teamed up with forces from the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Army to deploy peacekeeping cargo for duty in Lebanon, with an assist from SIU members. Beginning Nov. 2, about 200 pieces of equipment, painted bright white with U.N. markings, were loaded aboard the SIUcrewed SS Wilson, operated by Sealift, Inc. Later in the month, 850 Indonesian troops flew to Lebanon to meet up with their equipment and join the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. According to MSC, the Wilson was making a routine port visit for supplies in Cape Town, South Africa, when it received the call to head to Jakarta. This was not the ship’s first visit to that city —the Wilson visited the port in both 2003 and 2005 to deliver bulk rice for the United Nations’ World Food Program. “While the news came as a surprise to the crew, we are honored to support such an important Photos Courtesy MSC Indonesian army vehicles, repainted with U.N. peacekeeping force markings, are pictured pier-side near Jakarta prior to loading aboard the SIU-crewed Wilson (visible in background). mission,” said Paul Mallory, master of the vessel. Indonesia will join 20 other nations supporting the U.N. in Lebanon who are expected to remain there for up to one year. Russian-built BTR-80A armored personnel carriers, as well as 5ton trucks, trailers, patrol vehicles, ambulances, construction equipment, water tanks and shipAn ambulance is loaded aboard the Wilson. ping containers containing various supplies were loaded aboard the Wilson during around-theclock cargo operations at the Tanjug Priok port just outside of Jakarta. The ship got underway for Lebanon Nov. 4. Personnel from the U.S. Army’s Surface Deployment and Distribution Command under the command of Army Lt. Col. Colice Powell, performed the advance planning with the Indonesian army. “We worked with the Indonesian army for several weeks to coordinate the arrival of cargo at the port as well as to develop a plan to load it aboard the vessel,” Powell said. The ship arrived at Tanjug Priok during the early hours of Nov. 2. Shipboard cranes began hoisting cargo aboard at 10 a.m. that day. After discharging its cargo, the 607-foot vessel began a long voyage to Beirut. January 2007 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 12:22 AM Page 3 Union: Medical NVIC Needs Second Opinion SIU Submits Detailed Recommendations on Proposed Guidelines The SIU in late November formally submitted comments on a proposed U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) navigation and inspection circular (NVIC) designed to spell out medical and physical evaluation guidelines for merchant mariner credentials (Docket No. USCG 2006-25080). While crediting the Coast Guard for soliciting comments and agreeing with the agency about the need for appropriate shipboard safety measures, the union voiced numerous concerns about potential unintended consequences that may stem from the draft NVIC. When the NVIC was issued in September, the unofficial word initially was that the document simply specified the normal past practices for mariners who take physicals in order to secure or renew their merchant mariner document (MMD), also called a z-card. However, while not questioning the agency’s intent, the SIU along with other maritime unions immediately recognized that the draft NVIC would significantly expand the list of poten- tially disqualifying medical conditions. The SIU worked with the AMO, MEBA and MM&P in reviewing the NVIC and crafting early strategies to help ensure appropriate revisions. In essence, each of the unions said that the NVIC goes too far, even while generally agreeing with its goals. “This is believed to be the first time a NVIC has been opened for public comment, and the Coast Guard should be applauded for doing so,” stated SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. “It’s safe to say that maritime labor only asks that the end result be fair for everyone.” Comments were filed on behalf of both the SIU and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) by Kenneth B. Miller, MD, medical director of the SHBP. The SIU’s remarks and recommendations included the following: „ In accordance with existing federal laws, develop a privacy policy to protect the rights of the individual mariner that is included in the NVIC, along with a statement indicating that mariners won’t face discrimination because of disabilities. „ The NVIC should clearly spell out basic elements of the appeals procedure for mariners. For instance, “It would be important for mariners and their physicians to know, at the outset, that any appeal must be filed in writing within 30 days, that the timeframe may be extended upon written request with good cause and that the initial action (denial) stands while the appeal is reconsidered, unless the denial is stayed by the USCG…. Given the unusually short timeframe for filing an appeal, it is unnecessarily burdensome to expect that a mariner or a physician be required to search for the critical information which may determine whether or not a mariner can retain his credential to be employed.” „ Recognize and act upon potential problems stemming from the use of Federal Newer Ship Joins MSP Fleet Washington Express Flags U.S., Replaces Liberator The SIU-crewed Maritime Security Program fleet recently became more modern as the containership Washington Express replaced the older Liberator (formerly the Stella Lykes). A ceremony took place Nov. 14 in Norfolk, Va. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram were among those representing the union. The Washington Express, operated by Seafarers-contracted Marine Personnel and Provisioning, registered under the U.S. flag earlier in November. The ship is 798 feet long with a beam of 105 feet, 8 inches. Built in 2002 and delivered in early 2003, the vessel is equipped with four cargo cranes and can sail at greater than 21 knots. It has a TEU capacity of 3,237 and gross registered tonnage of 40,146. Additionally, the Washington Express is the third of five vessels operated by Marine Personnel and Provisioning for Hapag Lloyd USA that are replacing The Washington Express, pictured in Norfolk, Va., is part of the Seafarerscrewed MSP fleet. older ships in the MSP fleet. Previously, the Philadelphia Express and the St. Louis Express, respectively, flagged U.S. in exchange for older vessels. This year, the Yorktown Express and Charleston Express are scheduled to join the Seafarers-contracted MSP fleet by late May. The MSP has been a key element of America’s economic and defense security since its enactment in 1996. The original 10year program provided limited funding for 47 U.S.-flag commercial vessels, particularly containerships and roll-on/roll-off vessels, which were available to the Department of Defense in times Standing aboard the newly reflagged ship are (from left) AB Gil Fucanan, AB Roberto Gonzalez, SIU Norfolk Safety Director Samuel Spain and AB Ciriaco Bonilla. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 for the observance of New Year’s Day, and Monday, Jan. 15 for the observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. January 2007 of war or national emergency. A 10-year extension of the MSP was signed into law in late 2003, with the expanded program starting as the old one expired in October 2005. Among other enhancements, the current MSP increases the number of participants 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. Officials from the SIU, Paul Hall Center, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, Maritime Trades Department, AMO, MEBA, and MM&P meet in Washington, D.C. in late November to take a closer look at the proposed NVIC. Aviation Administration (FAA) physical exam guidelines in the maritime industry. “Inasmuch as the genesis and basis for Encl. #3 (the list of potential disqualifiers) was the rather detailed and comprehensive standards contained in the FAA regulations rather than a more traditional set of maritime related standards, there is a persistent concern that items in Encl. #3 will generate large numbers of waiver requests, costs and delays in medical follow-up, etc. Since everyone involved in the process up until this point has invested significant efforts in adapting the FAA standards to the maritime work environment, it is critical that the USCG recognize that a significant amount of discretion must be exercised in the adherence to such a detailed set of standards. Such discretion must be exercised at all levels of review including the initial examining physician, the initial and final medical reviewers at the National Maritime Center (NMC) and the reviews that may take place in the appeals process. In accordance with the general principles as outlined in the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), each case must be handled on a case-by-case basis without application of absolute or inflexible automatic disqualifications.” „ Rewrite the list of potentially Seafarers Approve Committee Report During the December membership meetings, the SIU membership approved the tallying committee’s report which concerned ratification of 11 constitutional amendments. As previously reported, the tallying committee— composed of rank-and-file Seafarers—was elected by fellow members Nov. 6, 2006 in Piney Point, Md. The committee subsequently tabulated the ballots cast by union members in voting on proposed SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU constitutional amendments. The tallying committee report was submitted to the secretarytreasurer and was mailed to each port later in November. It was presented last month at the membership meetings. The report indicated that each of the amendments was approved by the membership, in each case by substantial majority. Voting on the proposed amendments took place disqualifying conditions, because the initial draft in places is repetitive and overly complex. In an introduction to a section titled “Technical Comments,” Miller states, “Theoretically, many of the conditions listed in this enclosure, if taken to the extreme, could possibly be determined to either represent a ‘significant impairment of functional status’ or present ‘a risk of sudden incapacitation’. Unfortunately, very little actual data exists in the medical literature to support such theoretical assumptions for many of the listed conditions. Therefore, it is even more critical that the NMC and the USCG be very thoughtful in their justification that such risks actually exist to the extent that a waiver should be denied.” He concluded, “The new USCG draft NVIC represents a major departure from current practice which may have farreaching effects upon the entire maritime community…. The challenge for medical reviewers at the NMC will reside in the application of the medical guidelines in the NVIC in a fair and consistent manner in accordance with generally accepted principles within current medical practice…. We look forward to our continuing involvement in the review process.” The SIU’s comments are posted in their entirety at www.seafarers.org in the “Heard at Headquarters” section. Sept. 1-Oct. 31, with Seafarers securing ballots from union halls and mailing them to the bank depository. Three of the amendments related to the creation of a new class of union member for retired SIU brothers and sisters. Among other things, these retiree members will receive the Seafarers LOG each month, and their annual dues rate was set at $5 per member. Other amendments included a modification of the types of mail services that may be utilized for union election cycles (reflecting the increased use of overnight mail and similar services and the decline of telegrams); elimination of the position of vicepresident at large from the list of elected officers (to take place after the positions are vacated by current officeholders); a change in the port address of the San Francisco hall; establishing the annual dues amount for active members as $500; tying wage increases for elected officials to those contained in the standard tanker and freightship agreements; and requiring that candidates for full book membership have paid an initiation fee of $1,000, except as otherwise provided in the union constitution. Seafarers LOG 3 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:30 PM Page 4 Florida Monument Honors WWII Mariners An American Merchant Marine Memorial which recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of civilian seaman during World War II formally was dedicated outside the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Nov. 11. Some 200 people, including members of the SIU, merchant marine veterans of World War II, veterans of other wars, and family members of each group turned out for the dedication. The event honored an exceptional group of seamen: U.S. Merchant Mariners who delivered cargo and troops to battle zones during the war. Although an estimated 9,300 mariners made the supreme sacrifice during the campaign and 12,000 more were wounded, their contributions over the years at The monument features the U.S. Merchant Marine seal and a likeness of the Liberty ship John W. Brown. times had been forgotten. “They had been responsible for piloting slow-moving cargo vessels and delivering goods and troops during World War II,” wrote Elizabeth Baier, a staff writer who covered the monument dedication for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, “but no one knew who they were.” These brave mariners were considered civilian volunteers, not soldiers or sailors, Baier noted. The memorial, a handsomely fashioned section of black marble, is the end result of a great deal of hard work by members of the Gulfstream Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Under the leadership of Joe Colon, president, AMMV, Gulfstream Chapter, members and community supporters raised nearly $13,000 to fund the memorial. The SIU supported the project. The memorial itself contains quotes from President Roosevelt, General Eisenhower, Winston Churchill and General MacArthur; statistics about the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II; the U.S. Merchant Marine logo; and a likeness of the Liberty ship John W. Brown. “For me personally, this is about getting the recognition that we didn’t get when the war was over,” Colon told Baier. He said that of the 250,000 civilian sea- Active and retired Seafarers join SIU officials at the dedication. Pictured from left to right are Keith Bitran, Emanuel Paul, Johnny Oscar, Terry Abbott, Port Agent Kenneth Moore, John Davis, Joe Gutierrez, Safety Director Kevin Marchand, Jose Smith, Regina Ewing, Wilfredo Lansangan, Fred Hayston, Gerardo Vega and Alex Yekimenko. men who served during World War II, an estimated 10,000 today are still alive and about 1,000 live in Florida. Florida resident Dick Parrish, a veteran mariner who served for two years during World War II, attended the ceremony and openly shared his views about the monument. “It’s absolutely beautiful,” the 78-year-old veteran seaman told Baier. “It’s taken a long time to get this recognition.” More than 1,200 SIU members gave their lives in World War II. The U.S. Merchant Marine’s contributions to the war effort are reflected in part by the statistics contained on the new momument. Dhooge Named to Governor-Elect’s Transition Team; Westbrook Appointed to Maritime Security Committee SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook recently was appointed to the Area Maritime Security (AMS) Executive Steering Committee for the New Orleans area, while SIU Boston Port Agent Gerard Dhooge was named to the transition team for Massachusetts Governor-elect Deval Patrick and Lt. Governor- elect Tim Murray. Dhooge, who also serves as president of the Maritime Port Council of Greater Boston and New England Area, will work alongside a diverse team of prominent Bay State residents— corporate executives, environmentalists, community activists, labor officials and others. In ATC’s Outstanding Safety Record Continued from page 2 n’t happen by accident—it happens because we all share a real commitment to safety, and we work together to reach our goals.” Last year, the Alaska State Legislature honored ATC for its consistently outstanding record, presenting a declaration commending the company for its safety-related efforts and achievements. The declaration noted that since 2002 (and as of The Alaskan Legend (pictured during construction early last year) is the newest doublehulled tanker in ATC’s fleet. 4 Seafarers LOG last summer, when it was presented), ATC ships safely carried 43.6 billion gallons of crude oil with just 27.2 gallons of hydraulic oil escaping to the sea (as a consequence of storm damage). The United States Coast Guard recognized ATC’s outstanding performance in 2004 when the company was awarded the Benkert “Osprey” Gold Award. In 2003, ATC earned a major Washington state award for excellence in marine safety and environmental stewardship. recent years, under his guidance, the Boston port council has been involved in urging the state government to adopt energy policies to promote a cleaner environment, a stronger economy and more job opportunities for Massachusetts workers. Patrick, who served as assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration, was elected in November. He is the second AfricanAmerican to be elected governor of a U.S. state. Westbrook’s invitation from the U.S. Coast Guard cited the SIU official’s “skills, experience and expertise in the maritime field, and the vital service your participation will contribute to the safety and security of the nation’s ports and waterways.” He is president of the Maritime Port Council of Greater New Orleans and Vicinity and also serves on the executive boards of the Greater New Orleans Central Labor Council and the New Orleans State AFL-CIO, respectively. According to Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Section 103, part 310), responsibilities of an Area Maritime Security Committee include identifying critical port infrastructure and operations; identifying risks (threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences); determining mitigation strategies and implementa- Chris Westbrook Gerard Dhooge tion methods; developing and describing the process to continually evaluate overall port security by considering consequences and vulnerabilities, how they may change over time, and what additional mitigation strategies can be applied; and providing advice to, and assisting the port captain in developing the formal AMS plan. AMS committees (at all ports where they exist) also serve as a link for communicating threats and changes in MARSEC Levels, and disseminating appropriate security information to port stakeholders. Several other SIU officials in recent years also accepted invitations to serve on AMS groups in their respective regions, all of which are voluntary. They include SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (HoustonGalveston), Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (Port of New York/New Jersey), Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz, Hawaii Port Agent Neil Dietz and Boston Port Agent Dhooge (Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts AMSC). Additionally, SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel serves as first vice chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Section, a body that performs considerable work on maritime security; and Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton serves on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s National Maritime Security Advisory Committee. January 2007 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 12:39 AM Page 5 3 T-AKE Ship, USNS Alan Shepard, Christened rd More SIU jobs came on line Dec. 6 with the christening of the USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), the U.S. Navy’s newest combat logistics ship. The vessel, which will be crewed by Seafarers in the union’s Government Services Division, was launched at the General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) yard in San Diego. It was named in honor of New Hampshire native Alan Shepard, the nation’s Ship’s sponsor and oldest daughter of Rear Adm. Alan B Shepard, Laura Shepard Churchley (right), breaks a bottle of champagne over the bow of MSC’s advanced auxiliary dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Alan Shepard at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company. first man in space. John H. Sununu, a three-term governor of New Hampshire and former White House Chief of Staff, served as the ceremony’s principal speaker. Laura Shepard Churchley, the eldest daughter of Shepard and the ship’s sponsor, christened the vessel by breaking the traditional bottle of champagne against it during the morning ceremony. Two former Apollo astronauts—William Anders and Eugene Cernan—also were among the more than 2,000 people who attended the ceremony. A native of Derry, N.H., Alan Shepard (1923-1998) joined the Navy in 1944. He was selected as one of the original seven Mercury astronauts in 1959. Shepard made two space flights, including the third successful lunar landing. He retired from NASA and the Navy as a rear admiral in 1974. Shepard was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and received two NASA Distinguished Service Medals. He spent his post-NASA career in business and for several years ran the Mercury Seven Foundation, a non-profit organization now called the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, which provides college science scholarships. The USNS Alan Shepard is the third ship of an expected class of 11 dry cargo-ammunition ships for the Navy. The first ship of the class, USNS Lewis and Clark, was delivered to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) on June 20, 2006, and the USNS Sacagawea was christened June 24. The T-AKE class incorporates international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system, to minimize operating costs over its projected 40-year service life. Construction of the Alan Shepard began in September 2005. When it joins the MSC fleet later this year following a series of tests and sea trials, its primary mission will be delivering food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to U.S. combat ships at sea. The 689-foot-long, 42,000-ton ship has modular cargo holding and handling systems onboard and can carry more than 6,600 tons of dry cargo and nearly 23,500 barrels of fuel. A day after the christening, NASSCO announced the start of construction on the sixth T-AKE ship, scheduled for delivery to the Navy in the fourth quarter of 2008. MSC operates approximately 110 non-combatant, civiliancrewed 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. Many of those MSC ships are crewed by SIU members. USNS Dahl Seafarers Embody Spirit of Giving Mariners Donate Gifts for Kids at Saipan Shelter Seafarers and officers from the USNS Dahl recently sacrificed time and money to help make the holidays brighter for those less fortunate. According to a report from the vessel (which is operated by SIUcontracted Maersk Line, Limited for the U.S. Military Sealift Command), the mariners donated $2,400 to the Guma Esperanza shelter in Saipan—a facility offering various support services primarily for victims of domestic violence and the homeless. The funds were used to buy gifts for all 72 kids at the shelter along with holiday decorations and food. It all started with a shipboard discussion about how to spend some or all of the money that crew members had earned via a quarterly safety award. The mariners quickly decided to “do some good” and reached out to a local priest at the Kristo Rai Parish on Saipan, who told them about the shelter. With a big assist from the ship’s agent, the crew rounded up gifts in a couple of days (versus the couple of weeks it would have taken on their own, according to the shipboard communication). The crew initially had been U.S. Navy photos by Alexis R. Brown The USNS Alan Shepard is launched into the San Diego Bay shortly after the ship’s christening ceremony Dec. 6. The ship will be crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. Steward James McLeod and Bosun Herman (Willie) Reynolds get into the holiday spirit. surprised to learn that so many children were at the shelter. When the priest told them they could prioritize—meaning some would go without presents—the mariners immediately came through with additional donations. As one mariner from the Dahl put it, “Sister Carol told us that she was on the verge of tears the whole time she watched us wrapping gifts, and that we should understand that we were giving to the ‘poorest of the poor’ on the island and it will absolutely make their holiday. Needless to say, it made me very proud to be part of the Dahl family.” Seafarers aboard the Dahl during this period included Bosun Herman Reynolds, ABs Robert Cullifer, William Johnson, Michael Praslicka, John Kolodziej and Timothy McHale, OSs Natalie Tremblay, Samuel Thatcher and Samir Beckford, QMEDs Kenneth Lockhart, Brent Morris and Scott Martin, QEE Alexander Zharkoff, Wiper Eric Martin, Steward/ Baker James McLeod, Chief Cook Abraham Mills, SAs Jose Clotter and Bryan Coleman and Chief Storekeeper Roberto Castaneda. Crew members get together with shelter residents for this snapshot after wrapping gifts for the kids. January 2007 Solidarity Charter Program Extended Through 2008 The AFL-CIO Executive Council on Nov. 14 renewed the federation’s solidarity charter program, allowing locals of disaffiliated unions to continue participating in local, state and regional AFL-CIO labor bodies. The council extended the solidarity charter program through the end of 2008. “We need to ensure that the labor movement stays unified at the state and local level by extending the solidarity charter program,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney during a meeting of the executive council, the 46-member leadership body of the AFL-CIO, which includes SIU President Michael Sacco. The AFL-CIO has issued more than 2,500 charters to more than 1,300 local unions, who often affiliate at both the state and local level. The program was launched in August 2005 and had been set to expire at the end of 2006. “During this past year (2006), maintaining unity at the grassroots level has enabled our local central bodies and state federations to remain strong voices for the union movement … in our communities and in our state governments,” read the statement on solidarity charters released by the executive council. “The value of a united movement was seen clearly in the recent elections…. Local unions that would not have been able to participate in labor’s mobilization instead were key partners in a stunning set of labor-led victories.” The statement pointed out that the program has had some problems, such as the fact that the AFL-CIO and the disaffiliated unions have still not reached a “fair share” agreement on the disaffiliated national unions helping to fund the local bodies. There has also been some attempted raiding among unions, which is prohibited under the solidarity charters. “The charters allow us to continue to work together. Most of the disaffiliated unions’ locals have affiliated with us. They’ve been active in our political programs and our issue work,” said Shar Knutson, chairwoman of the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation. “Solidarity charters are essential for us,” said Charlie Flemming, president of the AtlantaNorth Georgia Labor Council. “We’re in a ‘right- to-work’ state. We can’t do what we need to do without all the unions. We have to have the community, the religious groups, everybody.” Seafarers LOG 5 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 2:04 AM Page 6 Assistant VP Don Anderson Retires from SIU With 33 years as an SIU official, Assistant Vice President Don Anderson, 56, retired Oct. 31, 2006. Originally from Missouri, Anderson began sailing aboard inland tugs in 1969 and came ashore in St. Louis in 1973, working as a patrolman and organizer. He continued to help with organizing drives in St. Louis, Houston and Port Arthur, Texas. In 1986 he became port agent in Wilmington, Calif. and was appointed assistant vice president in charge of the West Coast, also in ’86. For the last 10 years, he has been working in the port of Tacoma, Wash. Anderson last addressed the membership at the monthly meeting in Tacoma on Oct. 20, and six days later was given a proper SIU send-off, complete with a buffetstyle luncheon/barbecue at the hall. Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Don Anderson is joined by Bosun Mickey Earhart and other SIU members as they enjoy good food and lively conversation at the barbecue held in honor of Anderson’s retirement after 33 years as an SIU official. Powell presented Anderson with a ship’s wheel from SIU President Michael Sacco and the union’s executive board for his many years of service, in addition to a number of other mementos from the staff and local membership. Powell said “Donnie has dedicated the past 33 years of his life to the SIU, serving our membership and furthering its interests. There are few among us who have not benefited from the efforts of people like Don and his willingness to go the extra mile. The staff and the membership here, I know, will miss him. He is a friend, a brother and a colleague to all of us, and on a personal note, the best fishing competition I have ever had. “We wish him fair winds and calm seas and a happy and healthy retirement,” Powell concluded, “and look forward to his continued involvement with the union as a retiree member!” “Donnie was a dedicated official who always looked out for the membership’s best interests, both on and off the job,” stated SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Hein- Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell (left) presents Anderson with a ship’s wheel for his many years of service to the SIU. del. “He opened his home to many seafarers who needed a place to sleep or may have just needed a meal, and it didn’t matter whether he knew them or not. If you were lucky, while staying with Donnie, he may have taken you to his favorite fishing hole to catch a huge Texas bass. “I would like to wish him well in his retirement,” Heindel concluded. “He will surely be missed by all!” When Vice President Contracts George Tricker became a patrolman in the port of Wilmington, he was taught the ropes under Anderson’s leadership. Tricker ex- 2006 — A Re v i e w o f t he Ye a r firmed Sean Connaughton as the new administrator of MarAd. Continued from page 24 aboard the USNS Spica and the Mt. Whitney. New mattresses and dressers were provided to MSC mariners, increasing the habitability and comfort aboard the vessels. The SIU with the assistance of proactive CIVMARS prompted MSC to change inadequate and unsafe hotels in Earle, N.J. and Norfolk, Va. The changes should take place in early 2007. As a result of the deaths of two CIVMARS using man-lift equipment, the union has spent and will continue spending much time and effort to upgrade safety procedures for all CIVMARS engaged in high-risk work. Communication is another very big issue addressed in 2006 and will continue in 2007. CIVMAR “e-grams” were introduced and widely applauded as a way to get union news to CIVMARS in between Seafarers LOG deliveries to the ship. (If you would like your address on the e-gram list, please send your e-mail address to civmarsup- With heavy hearts and appreciation for all they gave to the union and the industry as a whole, the SIU said goodbye to too many friends in 2006. That list included Brother Ron Emory and two officers who perished Jan. 18 in the tragic sinking of the tug Valour off the coast of Cape Fear, N.C.; SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts Steve Judd, 45; retired UIW Assistant Vice President Robert O’Keefe, 76; retired Port Representative Edward Smith, 79; Paul Hall Center Instructor Larry Malone, 65; retired Paul Hall Center official Bill Saul, 80, an industry pioneer; retired NMU Secretary-Treasurer Thomas Martinez, 88; retired Vice President Contracts Red Campbell, 84; and retired Seafarers Vacation Fund employee Louis Bush, 88. port@seafarers.org) The union also is gathering information and crafting proposals to address MSC’s limitation of internet access to private email servers for CIVMARS. Additionally, the SIU has been successful in assisting CIVMARS who were subjected to adverse actions or disciplinary proceedings, working with MSC to diminish the punishment and save jobs. All of these efforts increase the union’s costs of representation. CIVMAR dues have been increased slightly to cover rising expenses in the amount of $19.23 per pay period. Other Important News The AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated, announced a billion-dollar revitalization program for the Gulf Coast. The federation announced that for the first time in six years, the number of people belonging to unions increased in 2005. The Paul Hall Center conducted shipboard safety training on the Cape Washington and Cape Wrath in Baltimore. The school announced revised matrixes designed to help engine-department mariners advance their careers. Overall, more than 7,000 students trained at the Paul Hall Center last year. Democrats gained majorities in the House and Senate. Newly elected leaders reflect a strong pro-maritime background. Through its affiliation with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the SIU assisted in getting back pay and other reparations for crews from the Panamanian-flag gambling ship Island Casino; the Taxiarchis Sierra, a Cyprusflagged bulker; and the Trinity Sierra, also a Cyprus-flagged bulker, among others. Dollar amounts in those cases totaled several hundred-thousand dollars. MSC welcomed Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr., who succeeded the retiring Vice Adm. David L. Brewer as commander of the agency. The Senate on Aug. 3 con- Final Departures pressed thanks to his former supervisor for the countless lessons he learned and wished Anderson “continued health and happiness in your retirement.” In reminiscing about his past 33 years with the union, Anderson stated, “I have always held it to be most noble to be so involved in the labor movement and, in particular, the SIU. It is amazing to me when I look back on times past and realize how far we have come as a union and as in industry. “I can’t express in words alone how very proud I am to have been a part of the opportunities, growth and prosperity that has availed itself to us all over the years.” There’s no question about what Anderson will be doing in his retirement. He and his wife, Joyce, have a business at home specializing in preparing tax returns for seamen. Additionally, they live on a 20-acre farm in Washington state with four of their six children (the two others live nearby), so there will always be something to keep them occupied. Don’s wife, Joyce, joined in the retirement celebrations. With Ghouls Aboard the Sumner Taking a Pierhead Jump; Need Meds? When a Seafarer is at the hiring hall and a job comes up, usually there is no problem making it to the ship within the span of a few hours. But when medication is a concern, the situation becomes a bit more problematic. With the current prescription mail order program (Prescription Solutions), Seafarers can get 90 days worth of their maintenance medicines, which is usually adequate. But if they are going to be on a ship for six months, for example, and have only a 30-day supply of medicine on hand, what can they do? There is no perfect solution in this case. If they want to take the job and they do need a drug refill, there are a couple options. Time is of the essence in taking a pierhead jump. A member can obtain a prescription override form at the port office for required medications, immediately call their doctor and have him or her call in a new prescription to a nearby participating pharmacy, and then pick it up. As a last resort for late evening or weekend pierhead jumps, 6 Seafarers LOG the member can call his or her doctor for the required medication, pick it up, pay for it out of pocket and then submit the receipt to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) for reimbursement. It may happen that the doctor is not in the office that particular day, but by already having developed a relationship with one’s caregiver, this should not be a problem. The Seafarer should communicate with his or her doctor beforehand, finding out the best way to contact the doctor after hours and on weekends in such cases. That could eliminate problems such as the one involving a pierhead jump. The SHBP will do what it can to assist each SIU member in this predicament, but, ultimately, it is the responsibility of every Seafarer to be ready to take a shipboard job when it comes along. And that means being prepared by having the names, addresses and telephone numbers of their doctors and local pharmacies as well as a list of the medications they take. Seafarers aboard the USNS Sumner got into the Halloween atmosphere with a breakfast menu featuring eyes to order, steamed spider legs and grilled bat, among other, um, delicacies. The descriptions, of course, were tongue-in-cheek, but the actual food proved tasty as usual. Pictured aboard the vessel are (from left) OS Ray Roldan, GVA Dom Dalmacio, Chief Cook George Creekmore, Chief Steward Wanda Glinke and GVA Jim Hurtt. Not pictured is GVA Frank Cacayuran. (The chief steward swears that isn’t Brother Frank’s head on the platter.) Thanks to Sumner Master Fred Smallwood for forwarding the photo, taken while on survey operations in the East China Sea. January 2007 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 PM Page 7 New Location, Same Great Tradition For SIU’s West Coast Thanksgiving T Seafood from Jack London well,” said Celona. “The event he 16th installment of the Square catered the occasion. lasted from 11:30 a.m. until 2 SIU’s annual preAttendees included Speaker p.m. and no one left hungry, Thanksgiving feast in the Pelosi and U.S. Reps. Barbara that’s for sure. We had a tradiSan Francisco area proved enorLee, Jerry McNerney and tional Thanksgiving menu and, mously popular, upbeat—and as always, much of the success is George Miller; Oakland Mayor filling, according to SIU Ron Dellums; San Francisco due to the many rank-and-file Assistant Vice President West District Attorney Kamala Harris; SIU members who donated their Coast Nick Celona, who closely San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne time and talents for worked with the committee that Hayes-White; San Francisco the occasion. I organized the event. Superior Court Judge the can’t thank There was one big Honorable Charlene Mitchell; them change for the 2006 Admiral Frank Johnston, the enough.” gathering: For the Western Region director for the He first time, it took U.S. Maritime Administration; said that place at the new and James Bartha, Western many of SIU hall in Region Oakland, Calif., chief of because the union Left: House Speaker Nancy contracts for last summer Pelosi addresses the crowd at MarAd. moved out of its the Oakland hall. Also in old hall in San attendance Francisco. were repreHowever, the nine sentatives miles separating those from the 1st buildings certainly didn’t hurt Battalion, attendance or enthusiasm for 14th Marine the traditional get-together, Regiment; which featured Seafarers, SIU the U.S. retirees, members of Congress, Coast the mayor, military personnel Guard; from the Marine Corps and unions Coast Guard, and other friends including from the labor movement, the Sheet business community and local Metal government. Workers, The Nov. 21 feast also was Carpenters, a historic occasion in that keynote speaker Nancy Pelosi Guests Peggy Hardy, Clara Curry, Tracey Moore (secretary Fire (D-Calif.) made her first public at Oakland hall, standing), Brooklyn Moore Fighters, address since becoming Police Speaker of the House. the guests were getting their first Officers Association, Laborers, “We had about 250 people in looks at the Oakland hall, and IBEW, ILWU, Plumbers, San attendance and it went very the reviews were favorable. Francisco Bar Pilots, Sugar “Everyone liked the Workers, Theatrical Stage old place in San Employees, Sign Display & Francisco, but the Allied Crafts Local Union, compliments for the AMO, MEBA, MFOW, and new building were MM&P; maritime companies plentiful,” he stated. Horizon, Matson, Crowley, “The most frequent Armada Shipping, APL and comments were that Starlight Marine; Art the new hall is mod- Pulaski, executive ern and has a unique secretary-treasurer feel.” of the California The move also Labor Federadidn’t prevent tion; and Jack Alioto’s Restaurant Tatum, retired on Fishermen’s NFL star and San Francisco Fire Department Captain Jim Wharf from assistfounder of the Vannucchi, SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona, ing with the event, Jack Tatum Firefighters Union Local 798 President John as they’ve done for Fund for Hanley many years. Scott’s Youthful Diabetes. SIU Electrician Ian Hindley (right) joins members of the 1st Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment in presenting the colors. Pilar Schiavo, political director, San Francisco labor council; Leonard Stefanelli, VP of NorCal and member of Cow Palace board of directors; Honorable Charlene Mitchell, San Francisco Superior Court judge Theatrical Stage Employees Executive VP Eddie Powell (far left, partly cropped); San Francisco Bar Pilots President Peter McIsaac; USCG Captain Gerald Swanson, chief of Prevention Division; USCG Chaplain Brian Younger Right: San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White Nick Celona, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, Nick Marrone Congressman Jerry McNerney, Congressman George Miller, SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone Left: Matson Director of Vessel Operations and Labor Relations Jack Sullivan, MarAd Western Region Director Admiral Frank Johnston, USCG Captain Gerald Swanson, MarAd Western Region Chief of Contracts James Bartha, San Francisco Bar Pilots President Peter McIsaac, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums Seafarers and guests enjoy good food and good company at the Oakland hall’s pre-Thanksgiving event. January 2007 Seafarers LOG 7 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 PM Page 8 IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING NMU VACATION FUND BENEFITS November 20, 2006 Dear Fund Participant: The NMU Benefit Plans are pleased to inform you that, effective January 1, 2007, the NMU Vacation Fund (the “NMU Fund”) will merge into the Seafarers Vacation Fund (the “SIU Fund”). The Board of Trustees of each of the Funds anticipates that the merger will be mutually beneficial for all Fund participants. Benefits Under the NMU Fund as of December 31, 2006 Up to and including December 31, 2006, if you have thirty (30) days of covered employment for which you have not yet collected a vacation benefit from the NMU Fund, you will be eligible to apply for such earned and uncollected benefits from the SIU Fund at any time on or before December 31, 2008. Please be aware that the SIU Fund allows participants to collect accrued vacation benefits while working in covered employment and, thus, you will be eligible to collect the vacation benefits that you accrued under the NMU Fund at any time before January 1, 2009 even if you continue to work in covered employment. However, on January 1, 2009, all uncollected vacation benefits that you accrued under the NMU Fund will expire. Participation in the SIU Fund If you have an uncollected vacation benefit under the NMU Fund as of December 31, 2006, you will be eligible to begin accruing vacation benefits under the SIU Fund beginning on January 1, 2007, pursuant to the terms of the SIU Fund’s Plan. (A copy of the SIU Fund’s Summary Plan Description, which will govern your benefits, will be provided to you by the SIU Fund Office.) If you do not have an uncollected vacation benefit under the NMU Fund as of December 31, 2006, you must become eligible to participate in the SIU Fund before you may begin accruing benefits under the SIU Fund in accordance with the terms of the SIU Fund’s Plan, including by satisfying the rule that requires sixty (60) days of covered employment prior to the commencement of participation. Applying for Benefits Whether you are applying for your vacation ben- efit earned under the NMU Fund or a benefit earned under the SIU Fund following the merger, beginning on January 1, 2007 you will be required to apply for your benefits from the SIU Fund, and all benefits to which you are entitled will be payable by the SIU Fund. If you have already applied for a benefit from the NMU Fund prior to the merger date, with payment to begin following the merger date, the benefit will be paid by the SIU Fund. * * * The Board of Trustees of the SIU Fund reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to amend, modify or terminate the plan of benefits (including with respect to benefit levels and eligibility requirements), at any time and for any reason, consistent with the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement. It has been a pleasure to serve you over the years. We know that the Board of Trustees of the SIU Fund looks forward to administering your benefits. For more information about the SIU Fund benefits, please contact the plan administrator at (301) 8990675. Sincerely, Board of Trustees NMU Vacation Fund This Notice describes changes to the benefits provided under the NMU Vacation Plan (the “Plan”) which will take effect on January 1, 2007. This summary is intended to satisfy the requirements for the issuance of a Summary of Material Modification (“SMM”) under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). You should take the time to read this SMM carefully and keep it with your copy of the Summary Plan Description (“SPD”). If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact the NMU Fund Office at 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001, or by phone at (212) 337-4900 before December 31, 2006, or the SIU Fund Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, or by phone at (301) 899-0675 as of January 1, 2007. This SMM is intended to provide you with an easy-to-understand description of certain changes to the Plan. While every effort has been made to make this description as complete and as accurate as possible, this SMM, of course, cannot contain a full restatement of the terms and provisions of the Plan. If any conflict should arise between this summary and the Plan, or if any point is not discussed in this SMM or is only partially discussed, the terms of the Plan will govern in all cases. April 15, 2007 Is the Scholarship Deadline No matter what your qualifications or needs are, no one can be awarded an SIU scholarship without filling P 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 by completing the coupon below and mailing to the address listed. 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 higher school equivalency scores, college transcript, letters of reference and SAT or ACT results. This is a great opportunity for Seafarers or their dependents who would like to continue with their education at the college level. Don’t delay. Send for your program booklet today. lease send me the 2007 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. 1/07 8 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. January 2007 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 2:19 AM Page 9 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. Paul Hall Center Course Guide for 2007 T his year marks the 40th anniversary of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and the school enters 2007 fully focused on continuing to deliver the world’s best-trained mariners. Located in Piney Point, Md., the school offers approximately 50 U.S. Coast Guard-approved classes—the most such courses provided by any maritime school in the nation. 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. Students also may receive college credit recommendations for successfully completing certain sanctioned courses. 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. DECK DEPT. Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman Applicants completing our 4-week 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 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 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 January 2007 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 the 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. An overview of many of the courses available at Piney Point is 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 B-VIII/ 2, Part 3-1 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 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 contained in this eight-page section and also appears 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, Seafarers should check the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date class listings. Schedules also are available on the web site. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 125 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 printed in bold. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075, or call (301) 994-0010. 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-1-1A; OICNW-1-1B; OICNW-11C; 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 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 AII/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 Electronic Navigation Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Electronic Navigation course will satisfy the Electronic Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-4A; OICNW-1-4B;OICNW-1-4C; and OICNW-1-4D. Applicants who have successfully completed your course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Fast Rescue Boats Applicants completing our 30-hour Fast Rescue Boats 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. 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 Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 9 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 1:08 AM Page 10 Course Guide Continued from page 9 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. Prerequisite: 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 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 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 Magnetic and Gyro Compasses Any applicant who has successfully completed our 20-hour Magnetic and Gyro Compasses course will satisfy the Compass—Magnetic and Gyro training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this course will be 10 Seafarers LOG accepted as the equivalent of assessments OICNW-1-5A; OICNW-1-5B; OICNW-15C; OICNW-1-5D; and OICNW-1-5E from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service 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 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. Prerequisites: 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) Meteorology (Operational Level) Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Meteorology (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Meteorology training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of OICNW-17A; OICNW-1-7B; and OICNW-1-7C from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service 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 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 Code: OICNW-1-2B; OICNW1-2C; OICNW-3-1A; OICNW-3-1B; OICNW-3-1C; OICNW-3-1D; OICNW-31E; OICNW-3-1F; OICNW-3-1G; OICNW-3-1H; OICNW-3-1I; OICNW-31J; 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 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.) Prerequisite: 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; OICNW-3-2H; OICNW-3-2I; OICNW-32J; OICNW-3-2K; 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. Prerequisite: 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 Applicants completing our entire 16week 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 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 Continued on next page January 2007 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 1:12 AM Page 11 Course Guide Continued from page 10 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 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). 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 Search and Rescue (Operational Level) Any applicant who has successfully completed our 16-hour Search & Rescue (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Search & Rescue training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service 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 12.053(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. 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 January 2007 original endorsement as TankermanAssistant 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. Prerequisite: 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 17 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 boil-off heater. Prerequisite: 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 AII/1 of the STCW Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Apprentice Mate (Steersman) The Paul Hall Center’s 103-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course is a self-certifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on uninspected towing vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal, Great Lakes, and Western Rivers;—OR—(2) the examination requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 11 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 1:14 AM Page 12 Course Guide Continued from page 11 original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Master of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal, Great Lakes, and Western Rivers) provided that they also provide evidence of service in the towing industry before May 21, 2001, AND that the requirements of 46 CFR 10.464(h) are also met. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected towing vessel; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Successful students will be issued a certificate of completion for an Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation OR equivalent course OR experience as determined by the instructor; valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Master 100 Tons The Paul Hall Center’s 90-hour Master 100 Tons, Near Coastal course is a selfcertifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on passenger vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.206(i) for original license, 46 CFR 10.209(c)(iii) for renewal, and 46 CFR 209(f) for reissue. Students who present our certificate of training at a regional exam center within 1 year of the completion of training will satisfy the exam requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i)f or reissuance of a license. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected passenger vessel of 100 tons and its passengers; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Students successfully completing the course will be issued a certificate for successful completion for a Master 100 Ton, Near Coastal license. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation, valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation course will satisfy the Terrestrial Navigation and Coastal Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table AII/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-2A; OICNW-1-2B; OICNW-1-2C; OICNW-12D; OICNW-1-3A; OICNW-1-3B; and OICNW-1-3C. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Emergency Procedures (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 21-hour Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level course is designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S. flagged vessels. This stand-alone course is a component of the Paul Hall Center’s Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) Program. The functional elements of this course specifically meet Function 1: Navigation at the Operational Level; Competence 1.4 Respond to Emergencies; and Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency 1.4.1 Precautions for Protection and Safety of Passengers of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) OICNW Model Course No. 7.03 and the requirements of USCG Policy Letter 01-02. No OICNW assessments will be conducted in this course. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage course is a 66-hour course for students who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels as required by STCW 1995, as amended, and are licensed or intending to be licensed personnel. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to use cargo plans and tables or diagrams of stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given description of cargo and other weights. They will also be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within permitted limits by the use of stress data or calculation equipment, or software. They will understand safety precaution used prior to entering enclosed or potentially contaminated spaces. Students should be able to supervise the preparation and dunnaging of holds and the operation of ships’ cargo gear and will be aware of the importance of adequately securing cargo to prevent damage to the ship or cargo. Trainees will identify dangerous goods and know that they are stowed and separated according to requirements of the IMDG Code. They will also know the hazards related to some bulk cargoes and the precautions to take during their loading, carriage, and discharge. Trainees will also have a basic knowledge of the piping and pumping arrangements of oil tankers. This course specifically addresses “Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level” and “Competence: Monitor the loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and the unloading of cargoes” and “Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency: Cargo handling, stowage, and securing” found in Table AII/1 of the STCW Code, amended 1995. This is accomplished through classroom lecture and practical exercises. Students successfully completing this course will be awarded a Paul Hall Center Basic Cargo and Stowage at the Operational Level course certificate. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Possess a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD); provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 13.125; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling USCG approved sea time requirements, completion of Basic Stability course Basic Shiphandling and Steering Control Systems Any applicant who has successfully completed the 40-hour Basic Shiphandling & Steering Control Systems (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Basic Shiphandling & Steering Control Systems training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this class will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the 12 Seafarers LOG National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-6A; OICNW-1-6B; OICNW-5-1A; OICNW-51B; and OICNW-5-1C. Applicants who have successfully completed your course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Basic Stability (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Basic Stability at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. It takes into account STCW Code, Table AII/1, “Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level,” and “Competence: Maintain seaworthiness of the ship,” and “Knowledge, understanding and proficiency, Ship stability.” Upon successful completion of the course, students will have knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names of the various parts. They will be able to use tables and diagrams of ship stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given disposition of cargo and other weights. Students will be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within the permitted limits by use of stress data. They will understand the fundamental actions to take in the event of partial loss of intact buoyancy. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Basic Stability at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Students will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course, U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Ship Construction (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Ship Construction at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels whose responsibilities include maintaining the seaworthiness of the ship. It takes into Continued on next page January 2007 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 1:29 AM Page 13 Course Guide Continued from page 12 account STCW Code Table A-II/1: Function: controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level; Ship construction. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have general knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names for the various parts. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Ship Construction at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Trainees will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course; U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Watchkeeping (Operational Level) Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Watchkeeping (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Watchkeeping training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC); AND the Bridge Resource Management training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of assessments OICNW-2-1A; OICNW-2-1B, OICNW-21C, OICNW-2-1D, OICNW-2-1E, OICNW-2-1F, OICNW-2-2A, OICNW-22B, OICNW-2-2C, OICNW-2-2D, OICNW-2-2E, OICNW-2-2F, OICNW-23A, OICNW-2-3B, OICNW-2-3C, OICNW-2-3D, OICNW-2-3E, OICNW-23F, OICNW-2-3G, AND OICNW-2-3H from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service ENGINE DEPT. 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. COAST GUARD STCW CERTIFICATION COURSES 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 examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either our 63hour 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. 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 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 entry-level 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 Continued on next page ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT The Academic Department has a long history of providing support and services to members of the Seafarers International Union. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to all students. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411. General Education Program The GED program is open to all mariners who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school for many years has successfully prepared mariners to pass the test. For many students, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a 12-week residency is required.) Adult Basic Education The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T’ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgrader courses or may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency January 2007 in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. Basic Vocational Support Program The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathematic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the student with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for those students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Program The Paul Hall Center is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition the center offers general education courses required for an associate’s degree. The school currently offers Associate of Applied Science degree programs in nautical science technology (deck department students) or marine engineering technology (engine department students). Both degrees offer concentrations in either the deep sea or inland sections of the maritime industry. There also is a certificate program in maritime technology with concentrations in nautical science or marine engineering. All programs are designed to provide the opportunity for mariners to earn a college degree or certificate in their occupational areas and provide a solid academic foundation in general education subjects. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. Seafarers LOG 13 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 1:31 AM Page 14 Course Guide Continued from page 13 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 JUNIOR ENGINEER PROGRAM Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70hour 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, Junior Engineer, and Deck Engineer 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), QMED-Oiler/Motor, Total USCGapproved 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 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 Junior Engineer training program, and USCG Junior 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 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 De- 14 Seafarers LOG partment personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on motors, generators, and controllers on board ship. Prerequisite: 6 months QMED Pumpman The Paul Hall Center’s Pumpman course is a 70-hour, 10-day course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Sec. 12.15-9 (c) for Pumpman. The objective of the Pumpman course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the equipment associated with the handling of liquid cargo onboard a tankship. Topics covered in the Pumpman course are Inert Gas Systems, Crude Oil Washing (COW) Systems, Vapor Recovery, and two days of assessment in the Cargo Simulator. On successful completion of this course, students will be awarded a Paul Hall Center certificate. Each student must meet the following entrance requirements: Paul Hall Center Apprentice Program Phases I, II, and III, including Tanker Familiarization Dangerous Liquids (DL) training, Paul Hall Center FOWT Program, QMED Any Rating, Paul Hall Center QMED Junior Engineer Program Students taking training prior to April 4, 1997 or who did not have access to the Paul Hall Center UA program must satisfy the following requirements: STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training, successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Tanker Familiarization DL course, successful completion of the Paul Hall Center FOWT program (non-rated applicants), USCG-approved sea time and 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 Students entering the industry before August 1, 1998 must hold either the USCG Fireman/WT or Oiler rating endorsements (rated applicants) Marine Refrigeration Technician The Paul Hall Center’s Marine Refrigeration Technician course is a 6week (210-hour) course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Section 12.15-9 (b) for Refrigeration Engineer. The objective of the Marine Refrigeration Technician course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on ship’s stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo refrigeration, ventilation and dehumidification equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers, and ice machines. An introduction to refrigerated container units will also be presented. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training. Each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak and understand verbal orders in English; six months at sea as a Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) Junior Engineer and possess the Electrician’s endorsement or the Refrigerating Engineer’s endorsement; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 ENGINEERING SPECIALTY COURSES 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. 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 6-week 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. Prerequisites: 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 QMEDAny 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, welding, and cutting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites STEWARD DEPT. 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. 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 Continued on next page January 2007 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 1:34 AM Page 15 Course Guide Continued from page 14 Certified Chief Cook This course consists of six 2-week stand-alone 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 CLASSES 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 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 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 extinguish- ing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. Prerequisite: 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;—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. 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 CRUISE SHIPS Crisis Management and 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 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 January 2007 Seafarers LOG 15 �39917_P01_24x.qxp 12/27/2006 1:40 AM Page 16 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 2007. 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. FOWT February 26 April 23 March 23 May 18 Junior Engineer January 8 March 2 Machinist January 15 February 2 Marine Electrician March 12 May 4 Welding January 15 February 12 March 12 April 9 May 7 February 2 March 2 March 30 April 27 May 25 Inland Upgrading Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 22 March 5 April 16 May 28 February 16 March 30 May 11 June 22 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited January 29 February 2 Celestial Navigation January 15 February 9 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 8 February 19 April 2 May 14 January 19 March 2 April 13 May 25 Radar January 15 January 26 Radar Renewal (one day) February 5 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 8, 2007. Course Start Date Date of Completion Inland Radar (non STCW) January 8 January 12 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting January 15 January 26 Basic Safety Training - AB February 26 March 2 Basic Safety Training - FOWT May 21 May 25 Government Vessels January 22 March 19 February 9 April 6 Medical Care Provider January 29 February 2 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 12 April 2 February 23 April 13 February 19 February 23 (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops January 29 February 23 March 26 April 20 May 21 June 15 � 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 †t Home Port ___________________________ Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 ________________________________________________ 16 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. 1/07 January 2007 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 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 KASSEM ABDULLA, 57, joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Abdulla’s first ship was the Steel Direct. The engine department member, who was born in Saudi Arabia, most recently sailed on the Horizon Consumer. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 2000. Brother Abdulla is a resident of San Francisco. CARLOS ARBOLEDA, 65, launched his seafaring career in 1967 in the port of New York. Brother Arboleda initially shipped on the Hudson Waterways. He was born in Ecuador and upgraded his skills in 1976 at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Arboleda’s most recent voyage was aboard the Express. He calls the Bronx, N.Y. home. HENRY CAMPBELL, 55, joined the SIU in 1968, first working on the Steel Architect as a member of the engine department. He was born in Windsocket, R.I. and upgraded at the Piney Point, Md. school in 1993. Brother Campbell makes his home in Tacoma, Wash. JUAN CARVAJAL, 65, became an SIU member in 1967 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Carvajal, who was born in Mexico, first sailed aboard the Cortland in the deck department. He most recently worked on the Del Mar. Brother Carvajal lives in Forest, Va. LUIS CERCADO, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Cercado, who is a native of Ecuador, upgraded on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. The steward department member most recently worked on the Liberator. Brother Cercado resides in the Bronx, N.Y. FREDERICK COLLINS, 52, was born in Milford, Mass. and joined the union in 1971 in Piney Point, Md. He first sailed aboard the Seattle. Brother Collins was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. The deck department member’s most recent January 2007 ship was the Green Dale. Brother Collins settled in Boca Raton, Fla. BERNARDO CRUZ, 65, embarked on his seafaring career in 1985. Brother Cruz was born in Spain. His first ship was the Lawrence Gianella; his last was the Global Link. In 2000, Brother Cruz upgraded his skills in Piney Point. He now makes his home in the Canary Islands. ROBERT FRYETT, 65, joined the SIU in 1974. Brother Fryett’s first voyage was aboard the Van Defender. Born in Massachusetts, he was a member of the deck department. Brother Fryett enhanced his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. His most recent voyage was on the Sgt. William R. Button. Brother Fryett lives in Cocoa Beach, Fla. ELHASSAN HUSSEIN, 65, initiated his seafaring career in 1997 in the port of New York. Brother Hussein, who was born in Saudi Arabia, first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Hussein upgraded on three occasions at the Piney Point school. His most recent voyage was on the Commitment. Brother Hussein calls Brooklyn, N.Y. home. GORDON LINDEN, 65, joined the SIU in 1967, first shipping aboard a Liberty Navigation Trading vessel. The engine department member was born in Iowa. Brother Linden last sailed aboard the Neches. He lives in Watertown, S.D. PHILIP PARISI, 65, became an SIU member in 1968, first sailing aboard a South Atlantic Caribbean vessel. He worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills frequently at the union affiliated school in Piney Point. His most recent ship was the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez. Brother Parisi was born in Massachusetts and now calls Indian Shores, Fla. home. PIERANGELO POLETTI, 65, was born in Italy. Brother Poletti commenced his seafaring career in 1967, initially sailing on the Western Planet as a member of the deck department. Brother Poletti’s last voyage was aboard the Performance. He is a resident of Humble, Texas. INLAND LAWRENCE DOWNS JR., 66, joined the union in 1973 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Downs was born in Oxford, Maine. He first sailed aboard a Mariner Towing vessel. Boatman Downs upgraded his skills in 1998 and 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on a Penn Maritime vessel. Boatman Downs resides in Silver Springs, Fla. Boatman Vela’s most recent trip to sea was aboard a Crowley Towing of Wilmington vessel. He settled in Puerto Rico. MARY HOOPER, 62, started sailing with the SIU in 1987. Sister Hooper worked primarily aboard Orgulf Transport Company vessels. In 1996, she upgraded her skills at the Piney Point school. Sister Hooper makes her home in Sturgis, Ky. DAWUD YAMINI, 62, joined the union in 1991 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman Yamini first shipped aboard a Delta Queen Steamship Company vessel as a member of the deck department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Yamini’s last ship was the Louis J. Hauge Jr. He resides in Brookhaven, Miss. JOHN ROSSER, 47, began his SIU career in 1977. Boatman Rosser, who is a native of Louisiana, worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing of New Orleans vessels. Boatman Rosser lives in Harvey, La. THOMAS VELA, 62, joined the SIU in 1979. Boatman Vela, who was born in California, sailed in the deck department. His first ship was the Santa Magdalena. GREAT LAKES JAMES REILLY, 59, began his seafaring career in 1970. Born in Michgan, he first sailed aboard Inland Lakes Management vessels. In 2003, the engine department member upgraded his skills at the school in Piney Point. Prior to retiring, Brother Reilly worked on the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1947 After more than a month of negotiations, a contract covering wages, manning scales and working conditions for the deck, engine and steward departments was signed last week with the Peninsular and Occidental (P&O) Steamship Company. The new contract will remain in effect until September 30 and can be automatically renewed each year unless either party gives notice to terminate or amend the agreement. This agreement has been held to be one of the best in the maritime industry. Nine holidays are recognized in the new agreement and wages were raised for crew members in all three departments. American Mariner. He is a resident of 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. FREDDY ARRIOLA, 47, embarked on his NMU career in 1994 in the port of Houston. Brother Arriola, who was born in Honduras, first sailed on the Briston. He shipped in the steward department. ROBERT KNIGHT, 65, joined the union in 1968, initially sailing from the port of Boston aboard the Austin. The Connecticut native worked in the steward department. Brother Knight most recently sailed on the Green Cove. MAURICE MARTIN, 66, was born in Port Arthur, Texas. He joined the NMU in 1989 in the port of Houston. Brother Martin first sailed on the Marine Chemist. His most recent vessel was the Tallahassee Bay. pute. An impasse arose over the union’s demands for parity with the West Coast unions on overtime and penalty pay rates, plus an across-the-board 20 percent wage increase, all retroactive to July 1. 1969 New York—The SIU this week transferred 50 pints of blood from the Seafarers Blood Bank in Brooklyn to the city’s facilities in order to help alleviate the critical shortage of blood here which has resulted from the increased need for plasma and the sharp decline in contributions from regular sources due to the current Hong Kong flu epidemic. SIU Director of Social Security Al Bernstein made the original offer on behalf of the union in a letter sent last week to Dr. Edward O’Rourke, commissioner of the New York City Department of Health. “Our membership and nationwide facilities are also available to assist further in this emergency,” the letter added. This Month In SIU History 1958 The SIU’s right to picket the Bull Line was upheld in a decision issued recently by the Supreme Court in Washington. By next week the SIU will be free to resume its strike against the Bull Line at any time. The high court’s action, in effect, affirmed a Circuit Court of Appeals decision two months ago that a District Court injunction issued October 1 “must be set aside.” SIU officials and attorneys hailed this week’s decision by the nation’s highest court as being in full support of peaceful union picketing. It was regarded as a complete vindication of the SIU’s position since the Bull Line strike began. Strike action against the company began last August 19 when the SIU struck the Bull Line terminal in Brooklyn in a wage reopening dis- 1978 Lindsey J. Williams, SIU Gulf area vice president, was honored with a testimonial dinner by the Greater New Orleans A. Philip Randolph Institute on Jan. 13. Williams was cited by the institute for his many contributions over the years to labor, education and political efforts. He is president of the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council body and Committee on Political Action. The council represents over 100 unions in the New Orleans area. He is also president of the MTD Maritime Port Council of Greater New Orleans and Vicinity. Seafarers LOG 17 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA GEORGE ADAMISIN Pensioner George Adamisin, 81, passed away July 6. Brother Adamisin joined the union in 1944 in the port of New York. Born in Nantiglo, Pa., Brother Adamisin first sailed on the Alcoa Runner. His last ship was the Horizon Producer. Brother Adamisin retired in 1986 and settled in Pittsburgh. GEORGE ALEXANDER Pensioner George Alexander, 75, died July 25. Brother Alexander became an SIU member in 1951 in the port of New York. He first worked aboard a Terminal Transport Corporation vessel as a member of the deck department. The North Carolina native went on pension in 1989. Brother Alexander’s last voyage was aboard the Horizon Fairbanks. He called Elizabeth City, N.C. home. HARRY CHAMBERS Pensioner Harry Chambers, 98, passed away July 8. Brother Chambers joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1953 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Salisbury, N.C. and shipped in the steward department. Brother Chambers sailed on American President Line vessels, including the President Harrison and the President Polk. He retired in 1982 and made his home in New York. VINCE CURRIE Pensioner Vince Currie, 81, died July 12. Brother Currie launched his SIU career in 1966 in the port of New York. He initially shipped on the Delta Ecuador as a member of the steward department. Brother Currie’s last trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Vivian. He was a resident of his native state, North Carolina, and started collecting his pension in 1991. JOSE GOMEZ Pensioner Jose Gomez, 90, passed away July 31. Brother Gomez joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of Philadelphia. He first worked in the deck department on board the Steel Worker. Brother Gomez, who was born in the Virgin Islands, last sailed on the Voyager. He made his home in New York and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1984. ERROL HALL Brother Errol Hall, 53, died July 15. He began sailing with the SIU in 1977 in the port of Houston. Brother Hall was born in New Orleans and shipped in the deck department. He most recently worked on the Coast Range. Brother Hall continued to 18 Seafarers LOG live in his native state. He started receiving his pension in 2000. GEORGE LACHETSKI Pensioner George Lachetski, 83, passed away July 4. Brother Lachetski, who was born in Pennsylvania, joined the union in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Lachetski’s first ship was the Santa Maria; his last was the Santa Magdalena. He sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Lachetski went on pension in 1985 and called Butler, Pa. home. HAROLD LAWRENCE member, who was born in Alabama, first sailed aboard an ISCO Inc. vessel. Prior to retiring in 1986, he worked on the USNS Antares. Brother Miles continued to live in Alabama. JOSE PALACIOS Brother Jose Palacios, 35, passed away June 24. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 in the port of New York. Brother Palacios’ first voyage was on the USNS Charlton. He was born in Honduras and sailed in the deck department. Brother Palacios most recently worked on the USNS Watkins. He made his home in New York. Pensioner Harold Lawrence, 89, died July 26. Brother Lawrence embarked on his SIU career in 1951. His first voyage was aboard the Alcoa Pointer. Brother Lawrence worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Cove Ranger. Brother Lawrence was born in Jacksonville, Miss. and called Sierra Vista, Ariz. home. He became a pensioner in 1982. Brother Paul Rittiner, 58, died Feb. 14. A native of Louisiana, he joined the SIU in 1965 in New Orleans. Brother Rittiner first sailed on the John B. Waterman. He was a resident of New Orleans but made his home in Fort Worth, Texas after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Brother Rittiner last worked aboard the USNS Pollux. MORRIS MAULTSBY KEITHER SMITH PAUL RITTINER sel. Brother Muhsin, who was born in Yemen, shipped in the steward department. Before retiring in 1995, he sailed on the JAW Iglehart. Brother Muhsin made his home in Yemen. JOSEPH MITCHELL 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. NED EVERSLEY Pensioner Ned Eversley, 89, died March 30. Brother Eversley became an NMU member in 1943, initially sailing from the port of New York aboard the Black Point. He was born in British Guyana and sailed in the engine department. Brother Eversley’s last voyage was on the Mormac Trade. He began receiving his pension in 1970. FELIX FREEMAN Pensioner Felix Freeman, 81, passed away April 9. Brother Freeman was born in New Orleans. He joined the NMU in 1945, first sailing aboard the George W. Woodward. Brother Freeman was a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1970, he worked on the United States. Pensioner Morris Maultsby, 80, passed away July 8. Brother Maultsby began his seafaring career in 1951. His first voyage was on an Ore Navigation Corporation vessel. The steward department member was born in Bladenboro, N.C. Before retiring in 1985, Brother Maultsby’s shipped aboard the Bayamon. He lived in Conway, N.C. Pensioner Keither Smith, 85, passed away June 1. Brother Smith joined the SIU in 1950 in the port of New York. His first voyage was on the Sea Georgia, on which he shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Smith’s last journey was aboard the Steel Apprentice. He resided in his native state of Mississippi. JOHN “WHITEY” McHALE INLAND JASPER LAUGHLIN JR. Pensioner John “Whitey” McHale, 79, died June 1. Brother McHale joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New York. He sailed in the deck department for most of his career, working his way up from ordinary seaman to bosun. Brother McHale’s last trip to sea was on CSX Lines’ Oakland. He retired in 1988 and settled in Montrose, N.Y. WILLIAM JUDD Pensioner Jasper Laughlin Jr., 81, died March 28. Brother Laughlin joined the NMU in 1947 in Savannah, Ga. The deck department member, who was born in Gaffney, S.C., first sailed on the Coastal Ranger. His last voyage was on the Mormac Star. Brother Laughlin went on pension in 1985. BERNARD MICIAK Pensioner Bernard Miciak, 80, passed away July 18. Brother Miciak began his SIU career in 1963. His first ship was the Grana Polis; his last was the Cape Canaveral. Brother Miciak was a member of the deck department. He was born in Poland and resided in Baltimore, Md. Brother Miciak went on pension in 1991. WILBERT MILES Pensioner Wilbert Miles, 80, died June 14. Brother Miles joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. The steward department Pensioner William Judd, 51, passed away May 16. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Judd embarked on his seafaring career in 1972, initially sailing from the port of New Orleans. Throughout his career, he shipped aboard Crescent Towing of New Orleans vessels. Boatman Judd, who called Metairie, La. home, went on pension in 2004. WILLIAM PETERSON Pensioner William Peterson, 78, died April 7. Boatman Peterson became an SIU member in 1961. He worked primarily aboard Interstate Oil Transportation vessels. Boatman Peterson, who was born in Brooklawn, N.J., made his home in Seminole, Fla. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1989. GREAT LAKES MUSLEH MUHSIN Pensioner Musleh Muhsin, 76, passed away May 25. Brother Muhsin joined the ranks of the SIU in 1967. He first sailed on an American Steamship Company ves- Carolinas; his last was the Texaco Maryland. Brother Martinez, who sailed in the steward department, was born in Valencia, Spain. He became a pensioner in 1984. EMILIO MARTINEZ Pensioner Emilio Martinez, 85, passed away April 14. Brother Martinez started his NMU career in 1963 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Amoco Pensioner Joseph Mitchell, 100, died May 7. Brother Mitchell started shipping with the union in 1937 from the port of New York. His first ship was the San Jose. Brother Mitchell was a native of Virginia. Before retiring in 1978, he worked aboard a Farrell Lines vessel as a member of the steward department. MIHKEL MURUVEE Pensioner Mihkel Muruvee, 84, passed away April 18. Brother Muruvee embarked on his seafaring career in 1947 in Boston. Born in Estonia, he first sailed in the deck department on board the Louis B. Marshall. He went on pension in 1983. JACK OTTE Pensioner Jack Otte, 69, died May 6. Brother Otte joined the NMU ranks in 1952 in the port of New York. He first worked on the Gulf Meadows. Born in Paterson, N.J., Brother Otte was a member of the steward department. The U.S. Army veteran last sailed aboard the American Envoy. He began receiving his retirement compensation in 1976. JOHN SOLAR Pensioner John Solar, 84, passed away April 19. Brother Solar, who was born in Texas, joined the NMU in 1939 in the port of Houston. Brother Solar sailed in all three departments during his seafaring career. He went on pension in 1968. 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 Albis, Julio Bouchie, Otis Cebollero, Jesus Clute, Peter Doorn, Armand Foster, Roland Guill, Frank Mandahar, Helen Price, Edward Santiago, Juan Spreng, Andrew Stone, James Tyson, Harry Whitehouse, Henry Young, William AGE 87 83 80 80 80 80 77 62 94 84 79 69 84 80 81 DOD Oct. 9 Sept. 14 Oct. 12 Oct. 21 Oct. 30 Oct. 29 Sept. 30 Oct. 25 Oct. 23 Sept. 26 Oct. 5 Oct. 9 Sept. 2 April 3 Oct. 6 January 2007 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 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.. ADAM E. CORNELIUS (American Steamship), Oct. 31— Chairman Jared C. Smith, Secretary Walter L. Wise, Educational Director Robert T. Crosby, Deck Delegate Greg Ball, Engine Delegate Shawn C. Sayers, Steward Delegate Terri L. Sales. Chairman discussed communication received from headquarters regarding entry into Canada. Deck delegate talked about winter weather safety. Engine delegate reported ballast tank gauges not operating properly. He also went over the importance of personal protection equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on program package for satellite system. Members were urged to take advantage of upgrading opportunties at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and of benefits available from Union Plus. AMERICAN REPUBLIC (American Steamship), Oct. 27— Chairman Jeffery E. Eckhart, Secretary Karam S. Kattar, Educational Director Jeffery G. Frankovich. Chairman talked about increased security at Canadian border and reminded members to have all necessary verification on hand. Educational director inquired about internet service. Treasurer requested more copies of new contract. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held concerning medical benefits and availability of doctors in rural areas. BUFFALO (American Steamship), Oct. 31—Chairman Boyd D. Messer, Secretary Nazeh A. Nasser, Educational Director Mohamed M. Ahmed. Chairman discussed decreased tax on parts and supplies in foreign waters. He also talked about President Bush’s visit to the Piney Point school. Secretary noted satellite receivers to come aboard soon. All employees were asked to turn in safety report when departing vessel. Treasurer reported company supplies basic satellite. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new TV in lounge. Crew members were encouraged to start renewal process of MMDs early. Next port: Waukegan, Ill. BURNS HARBOR (American Steamship), Oct. 22—Chairman Michael J. Keogh, Secretary Peter J. Pines, Educational Director Martin L. Hochstafl, Engine Delegate Edric Hernandez. Bosun discussed new entry procedure for Canada. Educational director reminded crew of required safety class. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Great Lakes vice president’s report was read along with port agent’s report. Satellite boxes have been ordered. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid), Oct. 29—Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Deck Delegate Michael D. Wittenberg, Steward Delegate Manes Sainvil. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Tampa, Fla. Patrolman should be there to collect any dues owed and take care of any concerns. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower retirement age. Steward department given vote of thanks for good meals. CHESAPEAKE (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 29— Chairman David B. Zurek, Secretary Emilio Cordova, Educational Director Earl M. Macom, Deck Delegate Leodiane M. Torrenueva. Bosun informed crew that ship would be going into ROS status. Educational director urged members to stay abreast of maritime issues by reading Seafarers LOG and taking advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Crew requested copies of new contract. New pillows and mattresses were received. Next port: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), Oct. 18— Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Donald B. GaNung, Educational Director Clive A. Steward Sr. Chairman announced Oct. 19 payoff to take place in Houston. He informed crew arrival time would be later then expected due to fog. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion was held concerning medical benefits and the ever increasing costs of providing them. Clarification requested regarding shipping rules in new contract. NOBLE STAR (Sealift Tanker), Oct. 29—Chairman Damian J. Spedale, Secretary Debbie A. Randall, Educational Director John A. Osburn Jr., Deck Delegate Marvin E. Hearman, Engine Delegate Artur Symonowicz. Chairman and several crew members asked for written clarification on two wage-related issues. Secretary reported discussion about quality of food aboard ship. Crew members were asked to separate trash from plastic. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. Crew requested new clothes dryer. Next port: Japan. WALTER J. McCARTHY (American Steamship), Oct. 27— Chairman Michael L. Schaff, Secretary Dariusz T. Czepczynski, Educational Director Jeffery Johnson. Chairman reminded IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR NMU ANNUITY PLAN The notice that follows is a requirement of the federal government. It is also important that you know that your employer’s agreement to begin making contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan on January 1, 2007 is the first step in the process of merging the NMU Annuity Plan into the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Until the merger takes place, your benefits in the NMU Annuity Plan are fully protected. In addition, as a participant in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, you will begin to accrue benefits in that plan. December 15, 2006 The purpose of this notice is to provide you with advance written notice that, effective January 1, 2007, you will no longer acquire credit towards the NMU Annuity Plan for your days sailed. Please read it carefully. As you know, the National Maritime Union (the “NMU”) merged into the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO (the “SIU”) in 2001. The collective bargaining agreement between your employer and the SIU determines the amount that the employer contributes to the benefit plans covering SIU members, as well as which plans should be provided with the employer’s contributions. In order to become a participant in the NMU Annuity Plan, your employer was required to make a contribution to the NMU Annuity Plan on your behalf. Employers will not make contributions to the NMU Annuity Plan for days sailed on or after January 1, 2007. Instead, those employers who were required to contribute to the NMU Annuity Plan as of January 1, 2007, will be required to contribute to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (the “SIU Annuity Plan”). If you are sailing for such employers, you may qualify for participation in the SIU Annuity Plan. Please keep in mind that this change applies to contributions for days sailed on or after January 1, 2007 only. Contributions made to the NMU Annuity Plan for days January 2007 sailed prior to January 1, 2007 will not be affected by this collective bargaining agreement change. Although the value of your individual account in the NMU Annuity Plan will no longer increase as a result of employer contributions, the value may be affected by administrative costs and increases and decreases in the value of the investments in which the Trustees have invested the funds contained in the NMU Annuity Fund. If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact the Administrator’s Office, SIU Fund Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, or by phone at (301) 899-0675. This notice is provided by the Board of Trustees of the NMU Annuity Fund to describe a change in the rate of future benefit accruals which will take effect on January 1, 2007, and is intended to satisfy the requirements for the issuance of a 204(h) Notice under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), as well as Section 4980F Notice under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. You should take the time to read this notice carefully and keep it with your copy of the Summary Plan Description (“SPD”). This notice is intended to provide you with an easy-to-understand description of certain changes to the NMU Annuity Plan. While every effort has been made to make this description as complete and as accurate as possible, this notice, of course, cannot contain a full restatement of the terms and provisions of the NMU Annuity Plan. If any conflict should arise between this summary and the NMU Annuity Plan, or if any point is not discussed in this notice or is only partially discussed, the terms of the NMU Annuity Plan will govern in all cases. The Board of Trustees (or its duly authorized designee) reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to amend, modify or terminate the NMU Annuity Plan, or any benefits provided under the NMU Annuity Plan, in whole or in part, at any time and for any reason, in accordance with the applicable amendment procedures. Only the Board of Trustees (or its duly authorized designee) has the exclusive right and power, in its sole and absolute discretion, to interpret the terms of the NMU Annuity Plan and decide all matters, legal and/or factual, arising thereunder. mariners to have passports by December; those who don’t already have one should apply now. He also discussed new rules regarding entry into Canada and possible TWIC requirements. Educational director encouraged crew to check Seafarers LOG for information about classes available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), Nov. 10—Chairman Edward J. O’Connor Jr., Secretary Michael Hammock, Deck Delegate Gregory T. Johnson, Engine Delegate Gregorio A. Blanco. Chairman Delegate Tar Ahmed, Engine Delegate Charles M. Simmons, Steward Delegate Jaime O. Austria. Chairman announced Nov. 12 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. He asked all hands to check in with SIU patrolman before leaving vessel and informed them the Spirit would stay an extra day in Tacoma for repairs. Secretary reminded departing crew to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. New ice machine on order. Educational director noted importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point and donating to SPAD fund. Treasurer stated $378 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Halloween Spirit aboard the Horizon Spirit Chief Cook Jaime Austria (below) carved these Halloween creatures aboard the Horizon Spirit. Chief Steward Mike Gramer, who sent the photos to the LOG, noted, “At sea we have to be creative and use what’s on hand to make things festive.” asked everyone to make sure rooms are clean before departing vessel. He congratulated crew on sanitary inspections and told them to keep up good work. Next issued z-cards will not have social security numbers on them. This is being done to protect against identity theft. Secretary asked crew members to be sure plastics and aerosol cans are separated when disposing of trash. Educational director urged mariners to keep all documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Three new recliners have been ordered for crew deck lounge. Recommendation made to increase pension benefit. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Newark, N.J.; Charleston, S.C. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), Nov. 15—Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro, Engine Delegate Ronald Williams, Steward Delegate Antonio Mendez. Chairman announced Nov. 17 payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. He reminded crew that washing machine does not work in rough seas. Bosun talked about importance of contributing to SPAD and the difference it makes in the political arena. He also discussed the changeover of congressional leadership in the mid-term elections. Educational director encouraged all crew members to check work-related documents’ expiration dates. Treasurer stated $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members talked about timely receipt of money purchase pension plan statements. Issue was raised regarding lack of parking at Maersk terminal in Jacksonville. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for great meals, cook-outs and clean house. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Nov. 1—Chairman Haydon W. Gifford, Secretary Michael J. Gramer, Educational Director Milan Dzurek, Deck Members were asked to keep noise down in passageways and avoid slamming doors. Everyone on board extended happy and healthy retirement to Brother Don Anderson of the Tacoma hall. His humor, knowledge and dedication will be missed. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. MAERSK QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Nov. 24— Chairman William M. Richards Jr., Secretary Charles E. Curley, Deck Delegate Robert S. Vazquez. Chairman reported smooth, safe trip to Italy and Spain. Secretary thanked deck and engine departments for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged all mariners to take advantage of Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new chairs and stereo in crew lounge. OCEAN TITAN (Pacific Gulf Marine), Nov. 5—Chairman Kyle F. Schultz, Secretary Norman S. Bush, Educational Director John Alicea. Chairman announced Nov. 9 payoff on arrival in Houston. He reminded crew departing ship to make sure rooms are clean. Thanks given to steward department especially Apprentice Vivian—great job! No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like new DVD player and e-mail access. OVERSEAS LUXMAR (OSG Ship Management), Nov. 3— Chairman Charles H. Foley, Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director Nelson S. Lazo, Steward Delegate Leonicio A. Castro. Chairman discussed needed repairs (refrigerators and water cooler). Secretary urged members to support SPAD; it is key to a strong merchant marine. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower age requirement in order to retire. Everyone was thanked for keeping ship clean. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; St. Croix, V.I. Seafarers LOG 19 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 PM Page 20 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea February & March 2007 Membership Meetings NOVEMBER 16 — DECEMBER 15, 2006 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 1 4 12 1 5 45 41 0 11 20 41 21 29 4 2 6 3 37 29 3 8 5 15 5 5 35 24 1 16 9 18 21 9 7 1 5 10 32 19 3 4 1 6 4 2 13 7 1 2 2 10 11 1 2 1 1 1 9 11 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 5 1 4 6 1 3 35 42 0 13 16 23 13 17 4 1 7 1 34 18 315 248 92 244 0 0 3 8 1 5 13 15 0 11 9 15 11 14 2 3 4 1 13 14 1 1 3 4 4 4 6 21 1 2 4 10 11 11 2 1 5 2 12 11 0 0 2 1 1 4 4 0 0 3 1 10 7 1 0 2 1 0 3 8 0 0 5 4 0 5 11 16 0 6 6 7 11 9 1 0 5 1 12 7 142 116 48 0 0 2 7 0 4 18 19 0 10 7 19 9 23 3 3 3 2 26 26 0 0 2 8 1 3 11 8 0 5 1 6 9 9 0 2 2 2 8 5 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 2 2 2 2 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 4 5 10 4 8 25 25 0 8 5 15 11 12 5 9 7 2 22 11 189 55 0 1 1 4 0 4 20 22 0 6 9 13 10 11 1 1 8 1 23 12 147 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 106 2 1 3 3 1 2 4 17 1 3 3 10 9 7 1 1 2 0 22 10 102 0 1 0 5 1 0 4 3 0 1 0 1 5 0 0 1 0 2 1 4 29 0 0 2 1 0 3 6 9 1 3 6 7 7 4 1 1 4 1 7 7 70 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 3 1 1 18 11 0 5 3 10 7 15 3 1 1 1 22 14 0 0 2 2 2 4 1 10 0 2 1 4 10 3 0 2 1 2 8 5 82 24 118 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 1 0 1 1 10 1 5 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 5 6 8 2 6 26 18 0 6 5 44 17 12 2 5 2 1 15 13 2 1 1 6 2 9 16 11 0 2 4 25 17 6 2 42 0 0 15 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 2 0 2 1 4 0 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 8 3 2 3 16 12 0 4 2 12 8 6 1 7 0 0 8 8 Totals 32 194 167 20 670 640 331 488 Totals All Departments 1 2 1 4 2 1 9 1 0 2 2 6 5 0 1 0 1 0 7 10 59 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 16 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 2 5 0 2 16 8 0 1 5 7 4 12 0 2 2 0 12 8 4 0 5 16 4 15 73 49 1 22 30 81 26 44 6 3 14 4 56 52 4 13 9 37 12 7 52 29 2 20 13 36 26 17 9 1 13 12 53 39 3 6 3 7 5 2 28 18 1 1 5 15 14 4 2 2 4 2 14 10 505 404 146 0 0 6 10 2 11 34 27 0 13 13 34 12 16 3 4 4 1 22 22 0 0 3 8 8 7 25 33 0 9 9 21 22 14 6 1 6 5 21 17 0 0 2 4 1 5 6 4 0 2 3 14 6 3 1 1 1 0 3 19 234 215 75 2 0 4 8 3 19 37 29 0 11 9 48 16 40 4 6 4 4 29 43 0 0 1 15 2 10 19 13 0 11 5 11 21 12 0 2 4 1 10 10 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 1 3 0 5 9 0 1 0 1 1 4 6 86 316 147 37 1 1 1 2 0 4 2 6 0 2 3 6 11 9 1 30 0 0 8 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 4 11 3 0 2 4 14 0 11 0 0 0 0 4 2 5 9 2 16 2 12 44 30 1 9 5 82 24 25 3 5 3 1 29 16 10 1 2 14 2 18 33 23 2 4 8 43 31 17 2 22 0 1 27 18 100 90 0 55 323 278 450 190 303 1,110 1,089 536 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Piney Point ...........Monday: February 5, March 5 Algonac ................Friday: February 9, March 9 DECK DEPARTMENT 181 Port Trip Reliefs Baltimore..............Thursday: February 8, March 8 Boston ..................Friday: February 9, March 9 Guam ....................Thursday: February 22, March 22 Honolulu...............Friday: February 16, March 16 Houston ................Monday: February 12, March 12 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: February 8, March 8 Joliet .....................Thursday: February 15, March 15 Mobile ..................Wednesday: February 14, March 14 New Orleans.........Tuesday: February 13, March 13 New York .............Tuesday: February 6, March 6 Norfolk .................Thursday: February 8, March 8 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: February 7, March 7 Port Everglades ....Thursday: February 15, March 15 San Francisco .......Thursday: February 15, March 15 San Juan ...............Thursday: February 8, March 8 St. Louis ...............Friday: February 16, March 16 Tacoma .................Friday: February 23, March 23 Wilmington...........Tuesday: February 20* ..............................Monday: March 19 ..............................(*change created by Presidents’ Day holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals LOOKING FOR OLD SHIPMATES Edsel (Ed) Panton, 78, joined the SIU in New Orleans as a union organizer. He sailed on Isthmian, Cities Service and Victory carriers, retiring in 1956. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Panton would love to “hear from any of the guys who might still be around.” You can write him at P.O. Box 30, KYI-1801, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. *“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. 20 Seafarers LOG January 2007 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 PM Page 21 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report NOVEMBER 16 — DECEMBER 15, 2006 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Port Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Boston 1 2 2 1 1 1 3 10 4 2 Houston 2 0 0 5 0 0 3 19 2 2 Jacksonville 2 3 5 3 3 6 11 1 0 1 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 DECK DEPARTMENT New Orleans 1 0 0 3 0 0 2 14 3 2 New York 5 8 0 8 5 0 8 34 28 0 Norfolk 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 Wilmington 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 2 0 0 15 13 7 24 9 8 31 82 37 7 Totals Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 Houston 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 8 0 0 Jacksonville 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 New Orleans 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 5 1 1 New York 3 1 0 0 1 0 1 16 5 0 Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 Totals 5 3 3 1 3 2 8 39 7 2 Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston 3 0 1 1 0 1 2 7 4 1 Houston 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 14 1 0 Jacksonville 1 1 0 4 1 0 0 1 0 0 New Orleans 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 2 New York 4 7 0 4 3 0 5 21 28 0 Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wilmington 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 Totals 11 10 1 11 5 1 11 47 34 3 Totals All Departments 31 26 11 36 17 11 50 168 78 12 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Michael S. Pell of Carriere, Miss. It is of his uncle, Lee Joseph “Joe” Harvey. The picture was taken in early 1957 aboard the SS Citrus Packer when Harvey was a 32year-old AB/Deck Maintenance. Now 82, he joined the SIU on Oct. 1, 1943 and retired in January 1981 with 27 years of actual sea time. Michael Pell also is retired from the Seafarers International Union. In a note accompanying the photo, he states that he was lucky to be able to sail with his uncle and and some of his own brothers on many different ships, and notes that his uncle was a good bosun. 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 January 2007 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. Seafarers LOG 21 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 680 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 680. They include (in alphabetical order) Cameron Benson, Marcus Brown, James Burton, Seth Burton, Roy Carey, Thomas Casey, Joherky Concepcion, Rene Gil, Latasha Haley-Stanback, Maurice Jones, Christopher Justo, Donald Lasley, James Luttrell Jr., Ryan Racoma, Alex Roel, Kaikili Roldan, Whitney Sheridan, John Telles, Ryan White and John Wiles. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB course Dec. 8 are (in no specific order) Robert James, Casey O’Brien, Ben Julsey, Jesse James, Ryan Vandegriff, Joe Ward, Agustin Sandoval Manzo, Carlos Ramirez, Conan Leegard, Derik Rye, John Burns, Marvin Smith, Sean Fox, Bruce Dunbar, Atanacio Bernardez, Brian Finney and Francis Miller. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Nov. 10 graduates of this class include (in alphabetical order) Richard Cole, Steven DeLuca, Robert Goodwin, Gil Hernandez, Robert McMurray and Jome Zerna. Their instructor, James Mixon, is not pictured. Radar — Graduating from this course Dec. 1 under the instruction of Herb Walling (far right) are G&H Towing Co. boatmen (in no specific order) Rommel Artis, Richard Herrington, John Fabain, Adam Simon III, Donald Buckley Jr., Jack Pegram Jr., William Hadley Jr. and Larry Nicolaidis. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduates of the advanced fire fighting course that ended Nov. 9 are (in no specific order) MTLX boatmen Michael Maibaum, Thomas Rhew, Michael Donahue, Jeffery McCranie, John Leslie, James Suomela, Griffin Patrick and Jay O’Crotty. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha (in both photos) are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. At left is Miriam Chacon; at right is Sedell Mitchell. 22 Seafarers LOG Proudly showing their certificates of achievement are, from the left, Jome G. Zerna, Kelly Doyle, Artis E. Pilgrim and Gregory McNeil. Standing in the back is their instructor, Rick Prucha. January 2007 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels — Upgrading Seafarers completing the government vessels course Nov. 3 are (in no specific order) Penny Pollard, Peter Cooke, Patrick Langdon, Darrell Moore, Villanito Villanueva, Raymond Harvell, Kyle Hudson, Marco Figueroa and Ashley Pearce. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far right. FOWT — Graduating from the FOWT course Dec. 1 are (in no specific order) Ed Zimich, Arlyn Fernandez, Mike Crena, Brian Connell, Velton Gibbons, Joaquin Garcia, Michael Banks, Ryan Wall, Dennis Rivard, Reylan Tendido, Alex-Stephen Amarra, Michael Maskalenko, Joseph Wiegand, Michael Callahan, Richard Murray, Mark Wertz and Steven Wilson. Not pictured are David Adkins and Kathryn Lakoduk. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at far right. STCW — NCL, Nov. 9: Bobby Jackson, Stephanie Jeans, Jacqueline Jensen, Angela STCW — NCL, Nov. 9: Ryan Ang, Errika Arrington, Matthew Barrett, Leimomi Bartlow, Bernadette Beaty, Jessica Berry, Natalie Bryant, Erik Castillo, Forrest Chandler, Mecca Chism, Nathaniel Conway, Lisa Cruz, Thenet Cruz, Jay Cunanan, Michael Daley, Kevin Dutton, Charles Eaton, Muhammad El Khatib, Thomas Fuller, Michael Genereux, Sean Gideon, Charles Harding, Quineice Harris, Anna Hill and Jamie Hoover. 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. Johnson, Kathryn Johnson, Priscilla Johnson, Beth Jones, Leon Kendrick Jr., Ahmed Khammari, Linda Koehn, Iwan Jurniawan, Alison Lancaster, Margie Landrum, Martin Liese, Addy Litfin, Antonio Lomeli, Ellilian Mangarero, Maximo Mangarero, Alberta McCormick, Michael McDonald, Brian Miller, James Miller, Sandra Montanez, Lisa Moreno and John Mrosko III. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. STCW — Seafarers completing the STCW course Nov. 10 are (in alphabetical order) Peter Cooke, Regina Midgett, Darrell Moore, Ashley Pearce, Harry Petersen and Mohamed Sailan. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. STCW — NCL, Nov. 9: Aaron Hill, Catherine Nordmeyer, Kathryn O’Connor, Dustin O’Kelley, Benjamin Padilla, Peter Roan, Cesario Romero, Mark Salvesen, Alex Simoes, Timothy Smith Jr., Imelda Somers, Michael Stowers, Armondo Taylor, Emerita Tolentino, Mary Tolentino, Jason Torres, Christian Vallejos, Christopher Vander Loop, Daniel Villamaria, Mary Voelker, Danielle Ward, Gideon Wendirad, Taqsha Williams and Jason Wimberly. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. January 2007 STCW — NCL, Nov. 9: Gregory Smith, Lorrie Schulte, Andrea Schierloh, Meghan Routhier, Deanna Riem, Bryony Renouf, Suzanne Reeve, Lindsey Martin, Craig Lewis, Scott Lee, Michael Kneip, Charles Edwards, Kari Connellan and Terrance Baker. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is in the back row, third from right. Seafarers LOG 23 �39917_P01_24.qxp 12/21/2006 4:31 PM Page 24 Volume 69, Number 1 January 2007 Notice NMU V acation F und — Page 8 2006 in Review New Ships, Standard Contracts among Top Stories Port Security Remains Thorny Issue; Seafarers Continue Supporting Troops SIU President Michael Sacco (left photo) addresses the crowd last May during the Pride of Hawaii’s christening (right photo) in Los Angeles. The third NCL America ship means new jobs for the union and a boost to the U.S. economy. F or the SIU, the dominant story in 2006 may have been a compilation rather than a single event. Specifically, the union throughout the year welcomed (and worked for) news of new ships joining its contracted fleet. The SIU also made other gains, including ratification of new five-year standard freightship and tanker agreements; garnering high-level, ongoing support for the U.S. Merchant Marine from Congress, the administration and the military; and working with its affiliated training center to continue providing top-notch curriculums for mariners. Seafarers continued answering the call to help sustain U.S. troops in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, working aboard American-flag military support ships at key spots around the world. Implementing the most effective and fair procedures for domestic port security remained a big challenge across the industry. In that vein, the SIU throughout the year and into 2007 worked at local, state and federal levels to help promote and protect mariners’ rights. Following is a look back at some of the notable stories from 2006. New Ships for the SIU A U.S. Marine waits for a truck to roll down the ramp of the SIU-crewed USNS Bellatrix during troop rotations in Iraq. Taken one at a time, they were good stories. Altogether, the news of new vessels for the SIU proved quite substantial and encouraging. In March, Horizon Lines announced an agreement in principle to charter five new U.S.flag ships for 12-year terms from Ship Finance International Limited. The five vessels are expected to join Horizon Lines’ fleet beginning early this year. The first ship in the series, the Horizon Hunter, was christened Oct. 11. Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand in March in Mobile, Ala. as Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the first of six new 185,000-barrel articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessels that the company plans to take delivery of during the next two-and-a-half years. Amid fitting fanfare, the Pride of Hawaii—NCL America’s third ship—was christened May 20 in Los Angeles, with SIU President Michael Sacco as one of the featured speakers. The ship entered service soon thereafter, continuing a significant boost to the U.S. economy which includes job growth for mariners. In July, Matson’s containership Maunalei was christened at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. A month later, Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. joined with General Dynamics NASSCO in announcing an agreement to build nine doublehulled product carrier tankers in San Diego. The contract is valued at $1 billion and includes options for five additional ships. Construction of the first tanker is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2007, with delivery slated for 2009. That same month marked the delivery of the Alaskan Legend, the fourth Alaska Class tanker. Crescent Towing added the state-of-the-art tug Noon Wednesday. The SIU Great Lakes fleet added an ITB consisting of the tugboat Olive L. Moore and its barge, Lewis J. Kuber. On Veterans’ Day, the first new OSG tanker (the Overseas Houston) was christened at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. The vessel is the first in a 10-ship order. Fourth Arm of Defense Seafarers aboard the Cape Wrath in Baltimore were among those voting in favor of new standard contracts that increase wages, maintain health care benefits and preserve SIU jobs. Throughout the year, wherever and whenever needed, Seafarers mobilized ships in support of OIF and OEF. The list of vessels included (but was not limited to) the Cape Decision, which in April delivered cargo for the military in a high-profile mission in Poland; the Alliance New York, which transported materiel back to the U.S. from the Middle East; the Wright, activated from the Ready Reserve Force in September for a military support mission; the USNS Mendonca, which fulfilled key assignments in Kuwait and Germany; and the Cape Kennedy, which delivered morale-boosting cargo to U.S. troops overseas (namely, containers of pretzels). Seafarers’ efforts were recognized by counterparts at the U.S. Maritime Administration and the U.S. Military Sealift Command, and not just for OIF and OEF, although in December 2005 the Cape Trinity crew was honored for its support of Operation Enduring Freedom. MarAd and MSC also hosted ceremonies in January, March and June to thank SIU members and other mariners for their relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the summer of 2005. Among those commended were Seafarers from the following vessels: Cape Kennedy, Cape Knox, Cape Vincent, Diamond State, Equality State, Wright, Cape Victory, Empire State, USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Pililaau and USNS Pollux. Administration issued proposed regulations for implementing the long-anticipated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and its related Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). The SIU worked with other U.S. maritime unions in formally spelling out to the government that while we fully support strong security measures in port and aboard ship, those rules must be fair to the individual mariner. The GAO weighed in by pointing out several major concerns about how the TWIC will be put into place, and in the waning days of 2006, the industry collectively awaited issuance of the final rules. In July, Seafarers approved new standard contracts that improve wages, maintain medical benefits and preserve jobs. Health care costs dominated the negotiations. No jobs were lost. Members reacted very favorably as the union in August opened a new hall in Oakland, Calif., replacing the old hall in San Francisco. On Labor Day, the union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education hosted President Bush, who praised both the SIU and the school while emphatically restating his support for the Jones Act. Members approved 11 constitutional amendments. Contracts and More Progress for CIVMARS Speakers from the military, Congress and the administration reaffirmed their support of the U.S. maritime industry during remarks at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting in February in San Diego. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s claims office fully reopened in Piney Point, Md. in early April. More than 40 people work there. SHBP scholarships, with total values of $132,000, were awarded in May to Seafarers and SIU dependents. That same month, the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security In the Government Services Division, the union gained jobs as MSC launched the first two vessels in its new T-AKE class, the USNS Lewis and Clark and the USNS Sacagawea. CIVMARS also welcomed new pay schedules for National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration mariners resulting in significant wage increases. Throughout the year, the union tackled many difficult safety, health, habitability and quality-of-life issues for CIVMARS. The union met with much success regarding shipboard health issues, particularly Continued on page 6 � 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/. 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Title A name given to the resource January 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PAUL HALL CENTER 2007 COURSE GUIDE OAKLAND HALL WELCOMES HOUSE SPEAKER PELOSI ALASKA TANKER COMPANY’S LATEST SAFETY MILESTONE IS A BIGGIE: 10 MILLION INJURY-FREE MAN HOURS SIU-CREWED WILSON DEPLOYS PEACEKEEPING CARGO TO LEBANON UNION: MEDICAL NVIC NEEDS SECOND OPINION NEWER SHIP JOINS MSP FLEET SEAFARERS APPROVE COMMITTEE REPORT FLORIDA MONUMENT HONORS WWII MARINERS DHOOGE NAMED TO GOVERNOR-ELECT’S TRANSITION TEAM; WESTBROOK APPOINTED TO MARITIME SECURITY COMMITTEE 3RD T-AKE SHIP, USNS ALAN SHEPARD, CHRISTENED USNS DAHL SEAFARERS EMBODY SPIRIT OF GIVING SOLIDARITY CHARTER PROGRAM EXTENDED THROUGH 2008 ASSISTANT VP DON ANDERSON RETIRES FROM SIU NEW LOCATION, SAME GREAT TRADITION FOR SIU’S WEST COAST THANKSGIVING NEW SHIPS, STANDARD CONTRACTS AMONG TOP STORIES 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 01/01/2007 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. 69, No. 1 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/084faa4f78ce3fd268111b22ec1a1c83.pdf a1420a4c7203510c9f56a3c8a1084707 PDF Text Text Volume 69, Number 2 February 2007 SIU-Crewed ‘Duck Boats’ Coming to New York City Duck boats have been around since World War II, but they’re new to New York City and the SIU. Seafarers at New York Splash Tours will operate the company’s new “AquaBus” fleet, consisting of amphibious vehicles offering land and water trips in the city and on the Hudson. The newly contracted company’s first boat is pictured at left. Page 3. Paul Hall Center’s Deck Simulation Programs Upgraded Mariners Eventually Will Need TWIC, MMC Page 3 Mike Smith, an instructor at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., puts the institution’s new Electronic Navigation Lab Simulator through some of its paces. To find out more about the simulator and its capabilities, turn to page 6. SIU Snapshots from the Lakes Seafarers helped wrap up the 2006-2007 Great Lakes sailing season in mid-January. Pictured at left is AB Hasson Oudeif aboard the American Spirit. More photos and details about the season may be found on page 24. SIU Welcomes U.S. Troops Aboard Alliance New York SIU members and officers from the car carrier Alliance New York recently welcomed U.S. troops on board for a holiday feast while the vessel was docked in Kuwait. A few of the 50 or so military personnel are pictured at right. Page 2. Tax Tips Pages 12-13 Holiday Photos Galore Pages 8-11 Scholarship Reminder Page 20 �President’s Report Shipboard Fatigue Must Be Addressed Seafarers understand that there’s an inevitable amount of risk that comes with working in our industry, whether it’s on the rivers, the Great Lakes, the coasts or the open seas. On multiple fronts, our union consistently strives to minimize or eliminate those dangers—through safety training and education, cooperatively working with our contracted operators, and partnering with others in the maritime industry, including the Coast Guard. Some risks, perhaps most notably the weather, Michael Sacco are obvious and uncontrollable. A recent study commissioned by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) examines a far more subtle but also key hazard. In January, the ITF released the results of a six-year analysis into the role that fatigue plays on the people who crew the world’s merchant vessels. To better appreciate the study’s findings, I think it’s appropriate to briefly step back and touch on some of our industry’s history. It wasn’t until the earliest years of the 20th century that the American public started becoming aware of the perils facing American citizens who chose a career at sea. In those days, mariners basically signed their lives away to have a shipboard job. They were worked hard for little pay. They faced dangers from abusive shipowners and officers, from disease and from the sea itself. For the most part they had no voice on the job and no chance to improve their situation. These were among the many reasons that mariners organized and formed unions, including the forerunner of today’s maritime unions—the International Seamen’s Union. Led by Andrew Furuseth, the ISU worked with legislators in Washington to craft the Seamen’s Act of 1915, which outlawed many of the tactics used to imprison American mariners aboard ships. Full steam ahead to the 21st century. This time, the abuses are being laid upon desperate mariners from poor nations around the world. Like their American predecessors, these crew members from faraway lands face abuse and exploitation daily—usually far from the eyes and ears of anyone who might try to help. Thankfully, the ITF (to which the SIU is affiliated) continues its commendable, necessary role of shining a light on the daily troubles of these workers. Last month, in announcing the report on shipboard fatigue, the ITF noted that airline crews covered by the International Civil Aviation Organization average between 70 and 100 hours a month of flight time. Yet, the research pointed out that maritime regulation allows crew members to work up to 98 hours a week. Titled Adequate Crewing and Seafarers’ Fatigue: The International Perspective, the 74-page report shows how long stretches at sea can affect a mariner’s mental and physical health, which can lead to accidents and other safety concerns. Among its findings, the study revealed that one in four seafarers responding said they had fallen asleep on watch. Nearly half the respondents reported working at least 85 hours a week, and half also said their working hours had increased during the past 10 years despite new guidelines and regulations intended to combat fatigue. More than a third said their working hours sometimes posed a danger to their vessel’s safe operations. The report concludes that the maritime industry and its regulators must acknowledge that serious risks and consequences are undeniable when vessels are crewed by fatigued mariners. Among these dangers are potential for economic and environmental disasters, economic losses due to fines and increased insurance premiums, and serious health implications for the mariners themselves. The SIU joins with the ITF in calling for immediate action to end the plight faced daily by men and women who simply are trying to make a living for themselves and their families. All work is important and all people should be treated with dignity. That treatment must include proper rest—and fair oversight to ensure it. Volume 69, Number 2 Alliance New York Hosts Troops For Informal Holiday Gathering Seafarers and officers from the car carrier Alliance New York on Dec. 28 welcomed U.S. military personnel on board for an informal holiday feast while the vessel was docked in Ash Shuaybah, Kuwait. Approximately 50 U.S. troops dined aboard the roll-on/roll-off ship, which is enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). “The crew went above and beyond making the troops feel at home and providing them a release for the holidays,” said Bob Wellner, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Liberty Global Logistics, the vessel operator. The following SIU members were sailing aboard the Alliance New York when the event took place: Bosun Thomas Flanagan, ABs Jerry Foke, James Wilby, Jack Jackson and Christopher Brady, GUDEs Zamalo Only and Antony Arzu, OMU Clay McIver, Chief Steward Peter Williams, Chief Cooks Bruce Johnson and Henry Greene, GSTU Jose Santos, and UAs Corey Overbeck, Ravon Moore The Alliance New York is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. and Arthur Jones. The ship’s master, Costas Balomenos, said the steward department “went all out and did a spectacular job.” In a message to the company, Balomenos noted, “We went through four prime roasts and 25 pounds of ribs, plus a lot of homemade pastries and baked goods. A big hit was some of the soldiers taking frozen U.S. milk from our storing home with them…. We had the cadets and unlicensed apprentices giving tours of the ship. The steward wrapped up ‘doggie bags’ of food and dessert favorites for many. The troops made our port stay, and I think we made their day.” The captain added that they presented the troops with holiday gift bags, including extras to be taken to other soldiers who didn’t attend the meal. Built in 2005, the Alliance New York is 665 feet long and has a beam of 105.8 feet. The dieselpowered vessel (19,217 hp) has a speed of 20.5 knots and a total deck area of nearly 585,000 square feet. These four photos show some of the U.S. troops who enjoyed a meal on the SIU-crewed Alliance New York. The gathering took place Dec. 28 in Kuwait. Senator Akaka Visits SIU Hall February 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) stopped by the SIU hall in Honolulu on Dec. 13 to thank Seafarers for strongly supporting his successful reelection campaign. He told SIU members and port officials that the tough primary campaign re-energized him for the upcoming Congressional session and he looked forward to returning to the Senate as part of the majority party. SIU Port Agent Neil Dietz reports that the senator “took time to speak with each of the members in the hall and to especially thank Seafarer Robert Borro, who was very active in the senator’s campaign.” Pictured above right at the hall (from left) are Cheryl Hawkins, Hiruy Amanuel, Erni Lizada, Ely Hermano, Jose Dizon, Robert Borro, James Shepard, Senator Akaka, Dale Graham and Emilio Ababa. Shown in photo at left are Seafarer Borro and Senator Akaka. February 2007 �SIU’s Newest Boat Is Just Ducky ‘AquaBus’ Travels by Land and Water in New York While there’s nothing unusual about the SIU aggressively pursuing new shipboard job opportunities, the union’s latest gain definitely includes some uncommon features. Seafarers at New York Splash Tours will operate the new “AquaBus” fleet, which the company describes as “unique halfboat, half-bus amphibious vehicles offering New York City’s first ever land and water visitor experience, starting in April.” Employees at New York Splash Tours late last year voted for SIU representation. As this issue of the LOG went to press, they were very close to finalizing their first contract. The company already possesses one AquaBus and is building several more. “This is a great opportunity for our union to expand into a new segment of the industry,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “The boats certainly are eye-catching.” SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi noted that while the AquaBus’ unusual features and informal name (duck boats) inevitably have led to a good-natured joke or two, Seafarers are quite serious about safely operating them, whether on the water or the street. The U.S.-built AquaBus fleet, constructed to meet rigid safety and environmental standards, “has been designed to evoke the memory of Henry Hudson’s famous ship, The Half Moon,” the company noted. The “Splash Tour” route itself starts in Times Square, on the east side of Broadway between 47th and 48th Streets and navigates the streets of Manhattan to the waters of the Hudson River. At the edge of the Hudson, the boat will enter a theater for a multi-media experience simulating Henry Hudson’s journey, complete with the sights and sounds—and rushing wind—of an Atlantic sea voyage. Then the boat splashes into the Hudson River for a view of the New York skyline. After returning to land, the AquaBus travels back to Times Square. The total trip time is approximately one hour. Each AquaBus can accommodate 47 passengers plus two crew members. The tours will operate from April through December. More information is available on line at www.newyorksplashtours.com. While the duck boats are new to New York, many other cities already have them, including Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle and Atlanta. The design was covertly crafted during World War II, when such vehicles were used for transporting goods and troops across land and water as well as traversing beaches in amphibious attacks. It is estimated that General Motors built more than 21,000 of the crossover vehicles by late 1945. After the war, according to an article in Smithsonian magazine, many of the duck boats “would end their days rusting away on Pacific battlefields or in forgotten storage depots in Europe. Those that made it back to the United States joined the gargantuan postwar garage sale. Some DUKWs served as rescue vehicles for fire departments in flood-prone towns. Hundreds were converted to oddlooking dump trucks or wreckers, and some went to sea. In California in the late 1940s, hunters of basking sharks harpooned their enormous prey from DUKWs.” Although some of the history is sketchy because of its stealthy start, it is commonly believed that each letter in DUKW reflects a specific component. The letter D represents the year 1942; U stands for utility (amphibian); K means front-wheel drive; and W indicates two powered rear axles. Seafarers show off the new AquaBus in front of the SIU hall in Brooklyn, N.Y. Pictured from left to right are Michael Noodt, Daniel Cumberland, Bonnie Young, Melissa Stephenson, SIU Patrolman Joe Baselice, John Murray and Albert James. The new SIU-crewed “duck boats” will offer tours of New York City on land and water. TWIC and MMC: What Seafarers Should Know (for Now) As this edition of the LOG went to press in late January, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was expected to issue a final rulemaking for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program along with a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking covering the merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC). Eventually, U.S. mariners will be required to carry both a TWIC and an MMC, while the current z-card/MMD and STCW certificate will be phased out along with licenses. Earlier last month, the DHS issued an advance copy of the final rule for the TWIC program, which is supposed to improve port security by checking the backgrounds of workers before they are granted unescorted access to secure areas of vessels and maritime facilities. The TWIC itself will be an ID card that includes a biometric identifier, in this case a fingerprint. The MMC is envisioned as a paper document containing information about an individual mariner’s work qualifications. The advance copy of the final rule spanned 469 pages but didn’t include regulations on the card readers themselves, nor specific instructions on how or where to apply for the card. Nevertheless, between that copy and various communications from the U.S. Coast Guard, this much has been stated by the government: „ From the date the final rule is published in the Federal Register (expected to have taken place by the end of January), mariners have 20 months to secure a TWIC. Meanwhile, a valid z-card/ MMD will be considered as meeting the requirements of the TWIC program, provided it is supplemented by a second form of government-issued ID such as a driver’s license. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, 2007 for the observance of Presidents’ Day. Normal business hours will resume the following workday. February 2007 „ Detailed information on how and where to apply for a TWIC is supposed to be included in subsequent notices from the government. However, the enrollment process will start no sooner than March 2007 in a small number of ports, with gradual expansion nationwide. The rollout schedule will be posted to the TWIC web site: www.tsa.gov/twic „ The final rulemaking on the MMC isn’t expected to be published until at least summer 2008, and initial issuance of that credential will continue over a fiveyear period. This means that until the proposed MMC regulation is final, Seafarers should continue to apply for zcards/MMDs, licenses, CORs and STCW endorsements under the current regulations in 46 CFR parts 10 and 12. It also indicates that the MMC will be phased in over five years. „ Because mariners undergo a securityrelated background check as part of their Coast Guard application process, they are eligible to obtain a reduced-fee TWIC. If a mariner exercises this option, the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA, which oversees the TWIC program) will use the Coast Guard’s security assessment, which is valid for five years. The mariner’s TWIC, therefore, will expire on the same date as their z-card. (Essentially, the TWIC assessment would be timelimited so that the TWIC expires when the mariner’s z-card expires.) Obtaining a TWIC with a full five-year validity period will require paying the full fee and undergoing a new TSA security assessment. „ This may change in the final rule, but the advance copy reported that the fee for a TWIC card will be between $139 and $159 (for cards that are good for five years). The TSA proposes that workers with current, comparable background checks (including one for a zcard) will receive a discounted fee of between $107 and $127. The exact amount of the fee will be finalized once a contract is awarded in early 2007. A subsequent Federal Register Notice will be issued at that time. „ The cost of the MMC “will be the same as the cost of the current mariner docu- mentation. The only change will be the removal of additional issuance fees ($45) as there will no longer be multiple credentials to issue.” „ If the MMC proposed regulation is fully implemented, mariners would be able to apply for original, renewal, duplicate and raise-in-grade MMCs entirely by mail, without having to visit a Coast Guard regional examination center. Most or all of the information currently submitted in person at one of the 17 RECs already would have been submitted at one of the 125 or so TWIC enrollment centers when an individual applied for a TWIC, removing the need (though not eliminating the option) to apply for an MMC in person. „ The Coast Guard will provide a 90-day comment period on the supplemental proposed MMC rulemaking project and encourages public comment. The government estimates that approximately 750,000 workers eventually will need to carry a TWIC, including U.S. mariners. The new credential was mandated in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. Notices of Proposed Rulemakings were issued last year, and the SIU formally submitted comments in early July 2006. Additionally, the SIU joined with other U.S. maritime unions in crafting related testimony presented July 20 to the U.S. Mariners May Pay User Fees Online The U.S. Coast Guard last month issued a news release stating that merchant mariners “are now able to pay user fees for the evaluation of applications, examinations, issuance of licenses and merchant mariner documents online at http:// www.pay.gov/ “Pay.gov allows secure electronic payments to federal government agencies,” the release continues. “Payments can be made directly from an individual’s bank account or by credit or debit card, enabling mariners to quickly pay user fees and have proof of payment. This new method of paying user fees is part of the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) restructuring and centralization project to improve service to mariners and to increase the efficiency of the application review and approval process. For More Information „ The union will provide regular updates on both the TWIC and MMC in the Seafarers LOG, on our web site (www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” section), and at the monthly membership meetings. Port agents will be informed of any new developments, so Seafarers may check with them from time to time. „ Questions concerning the TWIC may be e-mailed to the Coast Guard at: uscg-twic-helpdesk@uscg.mil „ The phone number for the TSA’s TWIC help desk is 877-687-2243 „ The TSA’s TWIC web site is located at http://www.tsa.gov/ „ A list of Coast Guard RECs is located at http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/mmic-regions.htm House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. (The subcommittee is part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.) Maritime unions including the SIU have emphasized that they fully embrace strong shipboard and port security measures, but that such regulations must not cause undue burden on mariners or other transportation workers, nor should they disrupt commerce. “Mariners may continue to pay user fees in person at Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers. Regional Examination Centers also offer assistance in using pay.gov.” The web address listed in the press release (www.pay.gov) is for a general page provided by the Treasury Department explaining the “pay.gov” system. It includes an internal link to a list of participating federal agencies, and from there it takes a few more clicks to reach the Coast Guard’s “merchant mariner user fee payment” entry page. Once you’ve opened the page with the list of agencies, start by clicking on “D” for Department of Homeland Security, then click on Coast Guard, then click on the merchant mariner page. To go straight to the merchant mariner page, type in the following URL: https://www. pay.gov/paygov/ forms/formInstance.html?agencyFormId=4795779 Seafarers LOG 3 �USNS Cobb Rescues Refugees The keen eye of an on-watch able bodied seaman aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Samuel L. Cobb late last year more than likely saved the lives of eight Cuban refugees. AB Paul Moss on Sept. 27 was pulling his onwatch shift on the bridge of the Ocean Ships, Inc.operated vessel as it was en route to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. At about noon, Moss caught glimpse of a small boat in the distance through his binoculars. Although his field of vision was limited, he could distinguish vessel occupants waving their hands in apparent attempts to get help. Third Mate John Arnold notified Captain Carmen Ciccone of the situation. Within minutes, the captain altered course and headed the Cobb straight toward the refugees’ location. Once in position, Cobb crew members initiated rescue operations. Everything was over about one hour later when all eight of the small boat’s occupants—seven men and one woman—were safely on the deck of the Cobb. Spanish-speaking crew members from the Cobb learned that the freedom seekers had been floating around for 15 days and were out of food and water. After providing other relevant information about their situation, the refugees were given food and whatever other provisions they required to make their stay aboard the Cobb as reasonably comfortable as possible. At about 10 p.m. the same day, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Dallas rendezvoused with the Cobb. Captain Ciccone relinquished custody of the Cobb’s guests to the Coast Guard; the vessel then returned to its normal course. Seafarers aboard the Cobb at the time of the rescue operations included: Bosun Aristeo Padua, ABs Nestor Luzon, Jesley Callum, Jefferson Julian, Paul Moss and Jonathan Nielsen; DEUs Romulo Arzu-Ruiz and Winston Rankin; QMEDs Terence Newman and Terry Dyson; Steward/Baker Cesar Delacruz, Chief Cook Leonida Peligrino and GSUs Osman Alvarez and Robeson Carrier. The Cobb is a T-5 tanker operated by Ocean Ships for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The ship is 615 feet long with a beam of 90 feet. MSC lists the vessel’s draft as 36 feet, its displacement as 41,500 long tons and its speed as 16 knots. President Ford Moved Swiftly For Mariners in Mayaguez Incident The United States Merchant Marine and the American maritime community as a whole lost an eminent ally with the death of President Gerald R. Ford in December. The 38th President of the United States, Ford died peacefully Dec. 26 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif. at 6:45 p.m. California time, according to a statement released by the late president’s family. He was 93. No cause of death was given. President Ford is best remembered in the maritime community for his efforts in response to the May 12, 1975 seizure of a U.S.flag, SIU-crewed container vessel in Southeast Asia. Believing that the Sea-Land Service-operated SS Mayaguez was being used to transport military equipment to Vietnam, the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia ordered the vessel be seized while it was operating in recognized international sea lanes. The Mayaguez’s commercial crew of 39—including 28 Seafarers—was taken captive and held prisoner. U.S. military surveillance aircraft discovered the vessel was then moved to and anchored at Koh Tang, an island located some 50 miles off the southern coast of Cambodia near that country’s shared border with Vietnam. Regarding the seizure incident as an act of piracy, President Ford ordered a military response to retake the vessel and its crew. He directed that the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea be moved into the area and that a substantial number of U.S. Marines from Okinawa, Japan and Subic Bay in the Philippines be deployed to Utapao Air Base in Thailand. In response to President Ford’s actions, then-SIU President Paul Hall sent a telegram to the White House, declaring: “The military seizure by the Cambodian Government of the SS Mayaguez is a violation of the concept of freedom of the seas and is a hostile and unfriendly act. We share your view that this is a piratical act. We want you to know that we fully support your firm and positive action and we are confident that your efforts to protect the American citizens and the vessel involved will be in this country’s 4 Seafarers LOG Gerald Ford (at podium), who was then vice president-designate, addresses the SIU convention in November 1973 in Washington, D.C. SIU President Paul Hall is seated at right. best interests.” Hall also sent individual telegrams to the families of the captured Seafarers who were aboard the Mayaguez, expressing the union’s deep concern over the situation and the safety of the crew. The resulting battle to rescue the crew—who unknown by military planners had been held aboard a fishing vessel but released prior to the start of hostilities—left 41 military members dead or missing and another 50 wounded. The crew on May 14 was returned aboard the USS Wilson shortly after American military action was carried out by combined Marine and Air Force units. The Seafarers who made up the unlicensed portion of the Mayaguez crew when it was seized were: „ Deck department: Jack Mullis, Salvator Puntillo, Earl Gilbert, William MacDonald, Gerald Bayliss, Thomas LaBue, John Doyle, Herbert MacDonald, Polo Russi Vazquez, Geraldo Lopez and Anastacio Sereno. „ Engine department: Wilfred Friedler, Wilfredo Reyes, Americo Faria, Robert Phillips, Awat Sulaimen, Frank Conway, Robert Zimmerman, Carlos Guerrero and Stephen Zarley; and „ Steward department: Andy Anderson, Guillermo Reyes, Angel Rios, Bill Bellinger, Munasser Omer, Francis Pastrano, Darryl Kastl and Kassim Saleh. The SIU and the entire maritime community extend its condolences to President Ford’s widow and his family. Both will forever be indebted to him for his tough leadership during a time of crisis and unwavering resolve to fight for our merchant mariners and safely return them home. Ford was born Leslie Lynch King Jr., in Omaha, Neb. on July 14, 1913. He was renamed for his step-father, Gerald Ford, who married the former president’s mother after her divorce. After being the captain of his high school football team, Ford landed a football scholarship to the University of Michigan. As a Wolverine, he played center and starred on two national championship teams. He graduated in 1935 and, after turning down offers to play professional football, attended Yale Law School. The late president graduated in the top third of his class in 1941. He joined the Navy in 1942, saw wartime service in the Pacific as a lieutenant commander aboard an aircraft carrier and left the Navy in 1946. He practiced law before winning a congressional seat in 1948. In 1973, Ford was in his 13th term as a Michigan congressman and was the House Republican leader when former President Richard Nixon appointed him vice president. Ford became president on Aug. 9, 1974 immediately following Nixon’s resignation. President Ford was laid to rest Jan. 3 in Grand Rapids, Mich. on the grounds of his presidential museum. The interment followed eight days of mourning that spanned the country, from California to the nation’s capital and back to the late president’s boyhood home. Ford’s casket traveled more than 2,700 miles prior to reaching its final destination. The SIU-crewed tanker USNS Samuel L. Cobb is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet. Maersk Alabama Seafarers Brighten Holidays for Kids Donations Lift Spirits of Orphans The true spirit of giving was personified by crew members aboard the SIU-contracted Maersk Alabama when they made the holiday season very special for a group of orphaned children in Tanzania. Crew members late last year purchased and donated more than $1,400 worth of food, personal hygiene products, disinfectants, laundry and bedding items for the 95 residents of a children’s home in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Alabama Chief Mate Brian Mossman—with the assistance of Tanzania-based Maersk Agents Thomas Odeny and Isaac Mbugi—did much of the groundwork to make the project possible, including contacting officials at the orphanage to ascertain specifically what items were most needed. Among those in demand were rice and beans, cooking oil, vegetables, toothpaste, aspirin, laundry soap and sheets and mosquito nets for more than 50 bunks. Since the kids rarely have the opportunity to eat meat, the crew also pitched in so that Odeny and Mbugi could buy two goats for the children’s Christmas dinner. SIU members aboard the Alabama at the time of the goodwill gesture included: Bosun Jose F. Caballero, ABs Goducel P. Pascua, Johney August IV, William J. Schuppman, Sacarias Suazo, Syed A. Mehdi, Nieves Nunez, Maamor Mia, El-Sayed Mohamed, Jordan Polon and Pedro Campos; GU Fadel Ghaleb; QMEDS Seller T. Brooks, Tesfaye Gebregziabher and Alfredo Cuevas; GVAs Salah Saeed Saleh and Husain Salah; SBs Roger G. Griswold and Zein Z. Achmad; and Chief Cooks Alba Luz Ayala and Ali B. Hydera. The entire project was a great success to the entire crew, according to Maersk Alabama Capt. Kevin McHugh. “Since we could not celebrate with our families out here at sea, this was our Christmas present to the orphans as well as to ourselves,” he said in electronic correspondence from aboard the vessel. “Even though Christmas is now over, the officers and crew are still coming to me wanting to visit the kids and continue to help the orphanage when possible,” McHugh concluded. Seafarers and officers from the Maersk Alabama donated to an orphanage in Tanzania to help brighten the holidays for children living there, some of whom are pictured at left. It’s Never Too Late . . . At the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., Fernando Abuan (third from left), a Phase III unlicensed apprentice, was presented with his high school diploma from the state of Maryland. On hand to congratulate him were SIU officials (from the left) Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Joseph Soresi, Vice President George Tricker, President Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. February 2007 �New Study Reinforces Need for Employee Free Choice Act Employer Interference in Union Elections Often Is Out of Control Union leaders for years have spoken out about some U.S. employers resorting to aggressive and sometimes illegal tactics to prevent employees from conducting union membership drives. While it probably won’t surprise many people in the labor movement, a new report from an independent, nonpartisan think tank spells out the breadth and severity of such violations. The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), established to promote democratic debate on the most important economic and social issues that affect people’s lives, issued the report titled Dropping the Ax: Illegal Firings During Union Election Campaigns. The study says that about one in five union organizers or activists can expect to be fired as a result of their union organizing. The paper by John Schmitt and Ben Zipperer— utilizing published data from the National Labor Relations Board, which runs union elections and is the agency that resolves management-union disputes—found a steep rise in illegal firings of prounion workers in recent years. “Aggressive actions by employers—often including illegal firings—have significantly undermined the ability of U.S. workers to unionize their workplaces,” said Schmitt, CEPR senior economist and lead author of the paper. “With the legal penalties for such actions being so slight, employers can break the law to head off organizing efforts and face almost no real repercussions.” The paper found that firings of pro-union workers involved in union election campaigns are approaching the peak reached Seafarers and other trade unionists march in Washington, D.C. Dec. 8 during a rally supporting the Employee Free Choice Act—a bill that would give workers a fair chance to vote for union representation. during the 1980s of one in 42. Currently, the probability of a pro-union worker being fired is a one-in-53 chance—far greater than the rate at the end of the 1990s, when it was only one in 87. The paper also revealed that the number of successful union elections has significantly declined, partly as a result of the increase in illegal firings. If only 10 percent of pro-union workers are active campaign organizers, almost one in five union activists were fired illegally in 2005. An earlier study by the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Center for Urban Economic Development also found shocking amounts of employer resistance during organizing drives: „ 30 percent of employers fire pro-union workers „ 49 percent of employers threaten to close a worksite when workers try to unionize Philly Hall Hosts Governor Rendell Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (center) is greeted by SIU Patrolman Robert Wisler (left) and SIU member William Kelly during a November 2006 meeting with Democratic ward leaders at the SIU hall in Philadelphia. In addition to ward leaders (photo below), the meeting attracted a healthy contingent from the local neighborhood as well as the media (camera at left). February 2007 „ 82 percent of employers hire union-busting consultants to fight organizing drives „ 91 percent of employers force employees to attend antiunion meetings one-on-one with supervisors. “Our research clearly shows that firings, bribes and threats are pervasive,” said Nik Theodore, director of the Center for Urban Economic Development. “These actions greatly impede workers’ ability to form unions.” The timing for the release of the foregoing reports could not have been more opportune for labor and its supporters. One came about one year prior to the mid-term elections and the other just prior to the convening to the new Democratic-controlled 110th Congress, which among other working families issues likely will consider the Employee Free Choice Act. Initially introduced April 9, 2005 as bipartisan legislation in the 109th Congress by Sens. Edward Kennedy (DMass.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Reps. George Miller (DCalif.) and Peter King (R-N.Y.), the act would give workers a fair opportunity to choose union representation. Once law, it would: „ Certify a union as the bargaining representative if the National Labor Relations Board finds that a majority of employees in an appropriate unit has signed authorizations designating the union as its bargaining representative. (The bill also requires the board to develop model authorization language and procedures for establishing the authenticity of signed authorizations.) „ Provide that if an employer and 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 limits may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties. (This is a significant stipulation because some employers have resorted to extreme stall tactics in firstcontract negotiations—a desperate and unfair attempt to deny their employees’ votes for union representation.) „ Provide that 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 act, the NLRB must seek a federal court injunction against an employer whenever there is reasonable cause to believe 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. „ Increase 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 the amount of back pay. „ Provide 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. Mineta Joins Horizon Lines Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta last month was elected to the board of SIU-contracted Horizon Lines. Effective Jan. 1, Mineta filled a vacancy created by the resignation from the board by Admiral James Holloway (USN-Retired). The former transportation secretary currently is vice chairman of Hill & Knowlton, a well-known communications consultant. His distinguished career includes 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, the chair of the National Civil Aviation Review Commission and cabinet service under the last two United States presidents. Mineta joined the administration of President George W. Bush in January 2001 and was the longest serving Secretary of Transportation in the history of that cabinet post. He also served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Bill Clinton. Prior to joining the Clinton Administration, he was vice president of Lockheed Martin. During his years as transportation secretary, Mineta was an outstanding advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine. He seldom missed an opportunity to voice and reiterate his strong support for the U.S.-flag maritime industry. “Rarely in our history has the importance of our maritime operations been so clear or the opportunities for mariners so great,” Mineta said during his June 2004 graduation address at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. “For the first time in recent memory, we are adding demonstrably to the number of ships Former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta sailing under the American flag,” he continued. “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,” Mineta said. SIU President Michael Sacco once described Mineta as “a tremendous ally through his years of public service in both the Congress and the Clinton and Bush Administrations.” Charles G. (Chuck) Raymond, chairman and CEO of Horizon Lines, stated, “Norm Mineta has a wealth of knowledge of our nation’s commercial opportunities as well as the strengths and opportunities in our national transportation system,” Mr. Raymond said. “He will be an invaluable source of energy and guidance as we look to the future.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Paul Hall Center Adds ‘E-Nav Lab’ Training Upgrade Bolsters School’s Deck Simulation Programs Instructors and staff at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. recently installed upgrades in the school’s deck simulation programs. In a move designed to keep deck department students abreast of the latest innovations in maritime technology, the institution’s vocational staff in August unveiled their new Electronic Navigation Lab (E-Nav Lab), the latest addition to the Lindsey Williams Shiphandling Simulator and Bob McMillen Annex. The new E-Nav Lab provides functionality that supports deck officer training in a number of areas associated with “officer in charge of a navigational watch” (OICNW) program development including: Electronic Chart/ ECDIS, Automatic Identification System (AIS) GPS, LORAN C, Radar, ARPA, Echo Sounder, and navigation software. As a result of this upgrade, students working in a simulated environment now will be able to reinforce classroom theory by engaging in real-time navigation exercises. The instructor-led exercises are designed around a concept of managing all the electronic navigation equipment that typically is found on a modern integrated bridge. After mastering the basic principles involved in the various equipment packages, students then develop voyage plans, store these plans electronically, check them for safety parameters, and implement them during interactive exercises with up to five bridge stations working simultaneously. Additionally, they scrutinize their progress on ECDIS displays while using radar and ARPA overlay to monitor the movements of other vessels in the exercise area. When activated, the AIS display provides students with detailed information pertaining to the identity, nationality, routing and movements of traffic vessels visible on Radar/ARPA displays. GPS, Loran C, auto pilot functionality, and echo sounders all contribute to the equipment’s increased realism. As exercises proceed, alarms must be answered and navigation situations with other vessels must be resolved. Bridges are connected with closed loop VHF using real communication equipment. Designed and developed by TRANSAS USA, the new system was installed by NavSim services. It was up and running last year when SIU President Michael Sacco hosted President George W. Bush during a Labor Day visit to the Paul Hall Center. The equipment was a central feature of President Bush’s tour of the training facility. He showed great interest in the integrated bridge concept and enthusiastically participated in piloting exercises. Recent years have ushered in many technological advances which have affected the way mariners practice navigation while aboard merchant ships. The foregoing additions to the Paul Hall Center’s E-Nav Lab and updates to the full mission simulator will enable the institution’s training staff to continue its delivery of relevant training and provide students the skills they need to understand and manage the technologically complex navigation tools found aboard today’s ships. Instructor Mike Smith (pointing in photo above) explains a display on the Electronic Navigation Lab (E-Nav Lab) simulator to upgrader Hector Cumba, who sails with Crowley. The E-Nav Lab simulator program, whose opening window appears below, is the latest addition to the Lindsey Williams Shiphandling Simulator and Bob McMillen Annex at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Seafarers Should Take Note of Canadian Port Security Seafarers sailing aboard vessels destined for Canadian ports could encounter difficulties gaining entry into the country depending on their personal backgrounds. Our neighbors to the north—as part of their port security structure—have some extremely rigorous prerequisites that must be satisfied before vessels and mariners are permitted entry at their ports. As reported last year in the LOG, the strict enforcement of these requirements periodically was the source of negative consequences for ships in the U.S.-flag maritime industry. Such continues to be the case as isolated incidents still occur at certain ports. Fundamentally, Canadian port officials will not allow anyone who has (in their eyes) seriously breached the law—including individuals with DUI/DWI convictions—to enter their country. Vessels carrying crew members with criminal records to Canadian ports therefore could be subject to various penalties by the Canadian government. According to the Web site of Canada’s Consulate General in New York: “Members of Inadmissible Classes include those who have been convicted of minor offenses (including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal Thanking the Leadership At the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., Instructor Bernabe Pelingon (right) noted that SIU officials often thank the rank-and-file members for their hard work in helping make and keep the union strong. He wanted to turn the tables and thank the leadership, with President Michael Sacco at the helm, for their many accomplishments over the years. On behalf of the SIU members and their families at Piney Point, Pelingon expressed his appreciation to Sacco by presenting him with a wooden nameplate, beautifully carved and crafted in the Philippines. 6 Seafarers LOG substances, etc.), or of indictable criminal offenses (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) are considered Members of an Inadmissible Class. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offense in Canada. “Those who have received traffic violations (including parking/speeding tickets, etc.) and other minor violations (i.e., littering, etc.) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada. Similarly, those who have juvenile convictions (convictions for crimes committed while under age 18) most likely will NOT be prohibited from entering Canada unless they could have been tried as an adult for their offenses.” The site further states that individuals who have been convicted of an offense in Canada and who wish to return to that country first must apply for a pardon from the Clemency and Pardons Division of the National Parole Board. Those unable to obtain pardons may still apply for a temporary resident permit. The Canadian regulations have been reexamined and recirculated within parts of the U.S.flag maritime industry in an effort to comply. In addition, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System last March issued a notice to mariners titled “Pre Entry Information Required from ForeignFlag Vessels” that spells out Canada’s requirements. It should be pointed out that while the entry regulations basically are clear-cut and “to the letter,” their actual enforcement often varies from location to location. Captains of the various ports enforce the statutes autonomously, which means that what may constitute a glitch for a mariner in one port may not be a problem at all for him or her at another. Taken a step further, it also could mean that just because a mariner gained access in one port does not mean that he or she automatically will be granted access at another location. Talks are ongoing between American Maritime Association member companies and the Canadian government on the consequences of these regulations and specifically what can be done to diminish their negative effect on the U.S.-flag industry. In the meantime, SIU officials urge all mariners who may seek entry into a Canadian port to obtain passports (which eventually will be required to re-enter the U.S.). Mariners also are encouraged to contact the Canadian Consulate well in advance to ensure that all information pertaining to their backgrounds are such that no problems will be encountered. The contact information for the New York office is follows: Consulate General of Canada 1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020-1175 Telephone: (212) 596-1628 Fax: (212) 596-1790 e-mail: cngny@international.gc.ca Desserts a Hit Aboard Liberty Chief Steward Lonnie Jones submitted these photos after a recent voyage aboard the Liberty. “I had a good crew in the galley. They did a very good job,” Jones noted. The daily variety and multitude of homemade pastries proved particularly popular with the unlicensed crew and officers alike, according to the chief steward. French bread and pizza were among other items enthusiastically gobbled up. Jones is pictured above (center) with Chief Cook Bruce Johnson (left) and SA Warren Bradford, and (inset) displaying a couple of the many dessert choices. February 2007 �USNS Rappahannock Rescues 3 Fishermen The USNS Rappahannock, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, rescued three Filipino fishermen found clinging to their overturned boat off the coast of the Philippines on Dec. 19, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The Rappahannock, a fleet replenishment oiler, was operating in the South China Sea when the ship’s crew spotted flashing lights from a small, overturned vessel just minutes before midnight. Rappahannock crew members were dispatched in a rigid-hull inflatable boat to pull the three fishermen from the rough waters. Once aboard the Rappahannock, the rescued men were examined by medical personnel, clothed and fed. All three were reported uninjured. “It’s like a miracle. They were all lucky to survive for several days,” said Jeremy Guida, one of 85 civil service mariners who crew the Rappahannock. The men were transferred from the ship to authorities at Subic Bay on the morning of Dec. 19. The Rappahannock is one of MSC’s 14 fleet replenishment oilers, which provide fuel to deployed Navy ships, dramatically extending the time a Navy battle group can stay at sea. In addition to the Rappahannock’s CIVMAR crew, a small Navy contingent also is on board to support supply coordination and helicopter operations. When the rescue occurred, the Rappahannock was conducting routine replenishment operations in the area. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Thomas J. Holt The USNS Rappahannock prepares to conduct a replenishment at sea. The photo was taken late last year. The Rappahannock is crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. CIVMAR News Change in Promotion Board Procedures USNS Sacagawea Starts Sea Trials The USNS Sacagawea, the second ship of the U.S. Navy’s new T-AKE-class of resupply vessels, is pictured Dec. 13 departing from the NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego for “builder’s sea trials.” For three days, shipyard personnel tested the vessel’s systems and demonstrated its readiness for delivery to the Navy this summer. The T-AKE vessels will be crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. Construction of the USNS Sacagawea began in September 2004. The vessel is 689 feet long, displaces nearly 41,000 metric tons and will travel at speeds up to 20 knots. After a series of discussions, the union’s Government Services Division and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) have agreed to a new process regarding promotion applications for CIVMARS who would like to apply for career-advancing positions within the agency. Effective Jan. 1, 2007, MSC’s Employment Division will begin accepting promotion applications only during the period between the opening and closing dates of announcements. Previously, applications were accepted any time, as long as they were postmarked by the closing date. CIVMARS at sea will receive Promotion Opportunity Announcements approximately 30 days in advance of the opening dates via distribution to the vessels. The promotion application period will remain open for a minimum of 14 days. Announcements will be readily available on the designated shipboard official bulletin boards, or may be found at www.msc.navy.mil. (Leave and Earnings Statements will include a notice reminding employees to check the web site, except during pay periods when MSC must post special notifications such as open season, etc.) The union encourages CIVMARS to bring all their employment-related documents or copies of these documents and their work history with them each time they leave for assignment. Having this information in hand will allow CIVMARS to submit applications from the vessel via fax or e-mail. If mariners are forwarddeployed, regular mail may no longer be an appropriate method of sending an application since it must be received within the two-week period. The ship’s purser may help transmit the information to the Promotion Board personnel in a timely manner. CIVMARS should get a copy of their transmission information from the vessel to demonstrate that the application was sent within the allotted time. If mariners experience difficulties aboard the vessel with this process, they are asked to advise their union representative immediately. CMPI 610 Negotiations Union and MSC representatives are meeting with the help of a Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services mediator to settle ground rules for the CMPI 610 negotiations. Ground rule negotiations are important discussions that are conducted to determine the how the parties will conduct the substantive negotiations concerning premium, overtime and penalty pay provisions of CMPI 610. There is one large issue that remains between the parties: how CIVMARS will participate in the discussions. The union believes that CIVMARS representing each department should take part in CMPI 610 discussions for the entire series of negotiations. In part because this provision hasn’t been negotiated in more than 20 years, the union also believes that CIMVARS should participate in person and that their expertise is needed at the negotiation table to ensure the parties have all the information about how work and pay rules are currently applied on MSC vessels. MSC believes that CIVMARS should play a more limited role in the negotiations in person and has suggested that participation may be supplemented by having CIVMARS dial into the negotiations by phone. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the Federal Services Impasse Panel may be requested to hear the matter and decide which set of proposals should be adopted. CIVMARS on East Coast Assigned to Upgraded Hotel A long-awaited change finally is occurring. As a result of union and CIVMAR advocacy, East Coast CIVMARS will enjoy an upgrade in the hotels CIVMARS must use when assigned to training or the CSU. Beginning Jan. 18, CIVMARS will be assigned to the “Triple Diamondrated” Doubletree Hotel in Virginia Beach and three backup hotels of similar quality in the Norfolk area. Understanding that habitability issues ashore and afloat are a top priority for the SIU and the CIVMARS it represents has led to other improvements as well—CIVMARS at training courses in New Jersey will also be assigned to an upgraded facility. MSC is seeking new hotels for CIVMARS receiving training in that state. The union is waiting to hear from MSC as to when that new contract will be awarded. The hotel issue continues on the legal track as the union filed an unfair labor practice against MSC for failing to negotiate with the SIU regarding the hotel selection. The union believes that MSC should fulfill its legal obligations to negotiate over this very important condition of employment for all CIVMARS. Seafarer Saluted on Cape Jacob SIU member Salah Omar (third from left in photo at left) recently was recognized by Seafarers-contracted Matson for excellent shipboard work. According to Capt. Tom Stapleton, Matson’s program director for government services, Omar was named “Steward of the Quarter” for “outstanding contributions and cando attitude.” Pictured at left aboard the Cape Jacob recently in Japan are (from left) SA Bruce Davidson, SA Isaka Koanda, Assistant Cook Omar, Steward Baker Scott Dottino, SA Mohamed Omar and Chief Cook Erik Loret. Right: Also shown aboard ship are Omar, Stapleton and Grady Byrd of the Maritime Administration. Matson presented Brother Omar with a plaque and certificate. February 2007 Seafarers LOG 7 �Spending the Holidays at Sea and Ashore Christmas Aboard the Alaskan Explorer Happy holidays from the steward department aboard the Alaskan Explorer. From the left (back row) are Chief Cook David Vaughn, Recertified Steward Brian Burchette, Apprentice Benny Wright and (front) GSU Amin Saleh. AB Zaid Muthala gives his approval for the delicious Christmas Day meal. Apprentice Benny Wright watches as Chief Cook David Vaughn pulls the lobsters from the oven for dinner. Also on the dinner menu were crab stuffed mushrooms, filet mignon, twice-baked potatoes, mushroom risotto, steamed asparagus and kernel corn with fresh dinner rolls and, of course, a wide assortment of desserts. Capt. Earl Sheesley samples some of Chief Cook David Vaughn’s baked Virginia ham. Recertified Steward Brian Burchette has the dessert line under control—everything from cookies, fudge, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, caramel apple pie, baklava, an assortment of candies and nuts, and more! Thanks to Recertified Steward Brian Bruchette for sending these photos of Christmas 2006 aboard the ATC Alaskan Explorer in Port Angeles, Wash. Thanksgiving in the Port of Fort Lauderdale Apprentice Benny Wright creates a waffle masterpiece for the holiday breakfast (which also included Eggs Benedict with croissants and fresh cinammon rolls). Thanksgiving Day festivities—complete with a traditional holiday meal—were held Nov. 22 at the SIU hall in Fort Lauderdale. GSU Amin Saleh serves up some sparkling cider. 8 Seafarers LOG February 2007 �Spending the Holidays at Sea and Ashore Thanksgiving in the Jacksonville Hall Lemont Fountain and Chief Cook Isaac Newsome Fahtima Mims and Port Agent Archie Ware Chief Cook Gloria Baker and Chief Steward Grady Ingram Administrative Assistant Carmen Rodriguez (center) and her family Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware (left) and Lester Williams, labor relations manager at Crowley OMU Jermaine Love and AB James Rush Margaret Reasoner, Crowley; Port Agent Archie Ware; Jacquelyn Smith, Crowley; SIU Rep Tony Elliott Right: Chief Cook Isaac Newsome and his mother, Lois. OMU Nat Lamb, OMU Greg Holsey and AB Travis Kirkland In the serving line: SREC Michael Amador, GUDE Justin Ravnell and AB Donley Johnson ABs Donley Johnson, Paul Dooley and Kurt Bruer Oiler Tommy Ealdama, AB Arturo Orcino and AB Arsenio Omabao Magnus Lindeback, CEO, Coastal Maritime; Karen Shuford, executive assistant, SIU port of Jacksonville; Kathy Wiley, CFO, Coastal Maritime; and Bud Underwood, human resources and security, Coastal Maritime GUDE Roslyn Warner and Paul Williams Right: Chief Cook Richard Jones, OMU Stephanie Brown and SREC Gerald Kirtsey Chief Cook Shirley Bellamy ABs Ferdinand Lugo and Juan Rochez Tim Methvin QMED David Terry, AB Rubin Mitchell and AB Benjamin Bess. Bess helped decorate the hall and clean the galley. Safety Director Randy Senatore, Scott Boatright and Anthony Brown. Boatright and Brown are UIW shop stewards at Coastal Maritime. In the background is Linell Coleman. Lemont Fountain helped cater the party. GUDE Abdulla Gobah, Recertified Steward John McGill and AB Angelo Wilcox February 2007 Waiting in line: AB Kurt Bruer, GUDE Christopher Cash, AB Paul Dooley and AB Wilbur Pantin VP Kermett Mangram and Port Agent Archie Ware Seafarers LOG 9 �Spending the Holidays at Sea and Ashore Christmas in the Norfolk Hall Chief Cook Marie Mitchell and SA Ruden Perez AB Tim Heil, AB Gary White, QMED Randolph Petterson and QEE Wendell Brown SA Delicia Cross and Gov’t Services Rep Maurice Cokes Left: Miliah Cunanon Right: Elvira Cunanon and QEE Rudy Cunanon SA Herminio Pagan, Chief Cook William Brainard, Mr. Peet (father of Carmus Peet) and QMED Carmus Peet Retirees Larry McCombs and Randolph Archer SB Army Joe Leake (who catered the meal) and Ethel Brooks, Norfolk secretary Thanksgiving Aboard the Overseas Philadelphia Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny and his nephew, Phillip Higham Right: Guest Al Picott, SIU Vice President Kermett Mangram, Chief Cook Frank Washington, GUDE Harold Langly and Mr. Johnson (the brother of BB Johnson from the shore gang) Thanks to John L. Frey for sending these photos from Thanksgiving Day on the Overseas Philadelphia. OS Dionce Bright, OS William Bolden, OS Anthony Clemmens, Storekeeper Arica Shaw and AB Jonathan Davis 10 Seafarers LOG Bosun Thor Young with Baron and Gracie-May February 2007 �Spending the Holidays at Sea and Ashore Thanksgiving in the San Juan Hall Enjoying the Thanksgiving dinner at the San Juan hall are AB Kevin Gonzalez, Bosun Noel Otero, Pensioner Tyson and Assistant Port Agent Luis Roman. Thanksgiving in the Houston Hall Posing for a quick picture during the Thanksgiving dinner festivities in Houston are (from left) Bosun Monte Pereira, SIU Vice President Dean Corgey and Bosun John Cain. Music helped make the dinner more festive. Included in the music-making are Bosun Rafael Franco, Bosun Robert Flores and his son, AB Angelo Acosta and OMU Orlando Pagan. Helping out during the event are (from left) SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee, Steward/Baker Henry Manning, William Sowell, Chief Cook Mary Brayman, Vice President Dean Corgey, retired Chief Cook Joe Clark and retired Bosun Ralph Moore. AB Adiener Alfaro and his wife showed off their new baby at the Thanksgiving Day celebration. Above and below: Members and guests enjoy selecting from a wide variety of delicious choices as they celebrate the bounty of Thanksgiving. Amanda Crespo, the daughter of Port Agent Amancio Crespo, gets a large cup of soda to drink with her dinner. Bosun Luis Perez, who worked on the shore gang, receives his first pension check from Port Agent Amancio Crespo. Perez worked more than 45 years as an SIU member. February 2007 Seafarers LOG 11 �WHAT’S N EW F OR 2 006? Here are some of the changes that will take effect in 2006, along with changes that remain in effect from 2005 from the Hurricane Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act, the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005, the 2005 Energy Tax Incentive Act, the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, and other tax law changes. Standard Mileage Rates — The 2006 rate for business use of your vehicle is 44.5 cents a mile. The 2006 rate for use of your vehicle to get medical care or to move is 18 cents a mile. The special standard mileage rate in effect for 2006 for the cost of operating your car for providing charitable services solely related to Hurricane Katrina is 32 cents per mile. Exemption — The amount you can deduct for each exemption has increased from $3,200 in 2005 to $3,300 in 2006. 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 phase-out begins depends on your filing status. For 2006, the phase-out begins at: „ $225,750 for married people filing jointly and qualified widow(er) with dependent children; „ $188,150 for a head of household; „ $150,500 for single taxpayers; and „ $112,875 for married persons filing separately. Credit for Federal Telephone Excise Tax Paid — In the past, you paid a federal excise tax that was assessed on your toll calls based on how far the call was being made and how long you talked on that call. Phone companies have been given notice to stop assessing this tax as of Aug. 31, 2006. If you paid the federal excise tax on your long distance or bundled telephone service, you may be able to request a standard credit between $30-60 on line 71 of the 1040. If you file short form 1040A, you will use line 42. If you do not file a tax return, you may still request the credit using form 1040 EZ-T. On this form, the credit will be entered on line 1a. The amount of the standard credit depends on the amount of exemptions you entered on your 1040, line 6d: Exemptions: 0-$0; 1-$30; 2-$40; 3-$50; 4-$60 If you have already received a credit form from your phone company, you may not receive this credit on your tax return; and if you receive this credit on your tax return, you may not request a credit from your phone company. If you wish to claim actual expenses paid as opposed to the standard amount above, you may do so by filing Form 8913. This is a refundable credit, which means you get this money no matter how your tax return works out. It will either reduce the amount you owe or add to your refund. Direct Deposit of Refunds — If you choose direct deposit of your refund, you may be able to split the refund into two or three accounts. Increased Age Limit for Kiddie Tax — The age of minor children whose investment income is subject to tax at the parent’s rate has increased from under age 14 to under age 18. This means that unearned investment income above $1,700 or a child under age 18 will be exposed to the parent’s marginal income tax rate. Alternative Motor Vehicles — You may be able to take a credit if you place an alternative motor vehicle (including a qualified hybrid vehicle) or alternative fuel vehicle refueling property in service in 2006. See Forms 8910 and 8911. You can no longer take a deduction for clean-fuel vehicles or refueling property. Credit for Higher Education Tuition — For 2006, the maximum Hope credit has increased to $1,650. The maximum Lifetime Learning Credit remains at $2,000. These amounts are doubled for students attending an eligible education institution in the Gulf Opportunity Zone. These credits are for both returning and new students. Charitable Contributions — Beginning Aug. 17, 2006, any donations of clothing and household items won’t be deductible unless the donated items are in good used or better condition. This means that the IRS may deny a deduction for any item that has minimal monetary value. However, this rule does not apply to a contribution of any single item for which a deduction of more than $500 is claimed and for which you include a qualified appraisal and Form 8283 with your tax return. Beginning in 2007, you may no longer deduct contributions made in cash or by check unless you can produce a bank record or a receipt, letter, or other written communication from the charitable organization. This should include the organization’s name and address, the date and location of the gift, and a description of property. This requirement applies regardless of the amount of the donation. Earned Income Credit (EIC) — You may be able to take the EIC if: „ A child lived with you and you earned less than $36,348 ($38,348 if married filing jointly) or „ A child did not live with you and you earned less than $12,120 ($14,120 if married filing jointly) The maximum Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) you can have and still get the credit also has increased. You may be able to take the credit if your AGI is less than the amount in the above list that applies to you. The maximum investment income you can have and still get the credit has increased to $2,800. Uniform Definition of a Qualifying Child — In 2005, to simplify the tax law, the definition of a ‘qualified child’ changed for taxpayers who claim a child as a dependent, elects Head of Household status, or takes the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child or Dependent Care Credit. To meet this new definition, the 12 Seafarers LOG person needs to be your child, sibling (or descendent of either), adopted or foster child. The child must be under either (1) age 19; (2) under age 24 if a student, or (3) any age if permanently and totally disabled. Also, the child must be either a citizen, resident or national of the United States and must have the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the year. The child must not provide more than one-half of his/her own support for the year. Foster Child — New rules apply to determine who is a foster child and when a foster child can be used to claim certain benefits. To claim a foster child as a qualifying child for any tax benefits, the child must be placed with a taxpayer by an authorized placement agency or by judgment, decree or other order of any court of competent jurisdiction. A foster child no longer qualifies a taxpayer to use qualifying widow(er) filing status. Tuition and Fee Deduction — Individuals 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). The following highlights some of the most important provisions of the Hurricane Katrina Act and Gulf Opportunity Zone Act affecting individual taxpayers: In general, non-business casualty losses are deductible as itemized deductions to the extent they exceed 10 percent of adjusted gross income plus $100. However, these limitations are suspended for losses resulting from the hurricane and incurred in the disaster area. The 10 percent penalty imposed on premature withdrawals from IRA and other qualified retirement plans is waived for victims of a hurricane. Such individuals may withdraw up to $100,000 from those plans without penalty for distributions made after August 25, 2005 and before January 1, 2007. Also, the threshold limitations for loans from qualified employer plans for hurricane victims are increased to $100,000 or 100 percent of the account balance effective for loans made on or after September 23, 2005 and before January 1, 2007. Tax credit for the installation of non-business energy property — Starting in 2006, a tax credit is available to individuals for the installation of non-business energy property, such as residential exterior doors and windows, insulation, heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners and water heaters. The credit is limited to a lifetime maximum of $500. The credit breaks down as follows: $200 of the credit can be based on expenditures for windows; $50 of the credit on any advanced main air circulating fans; $150 on any qualified natural gas, propane, or oil furnace or hot water boiler; and $300 of the credit on any item of energy-efficient building property. Tax credit for residential alternative energy equipment — A tax credit is available to help individuals pay for residential alternative energy equipment. The credit is 30 percent of the cost of eligible solar water heaters, solar electricity equipment and fuel cell plants placed in service in 2006 and 2007. The maximum credit is $2,000 per tax year for each category of solar equipment, and $500 for each half kilowatt of capacity of fuel cell plants installed per tax year. Six-month Automatic Extensions — Beginning with 2005 returns due in 2006, individuals will be able to file Form 4868 to get an automatic six-month extension of time to file. Previously, only corporations could request an automatic six-month extension, and other taxpayers were required to file for two extensions. Also, almost all states have indicated that they are following the IRS’s lead. Donations of Automobiles — Starting in 2005, there is a limit on the charitable contribution of used motor vehicles (with a claimed value in excess of $500) to the gross sales price received by the charity for the subsequent sale of the donated vehicle, rather than the fair market value. A charitable organization must provide the donor with Form 1098-C. 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 when figuring the Earned Income Trax 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 2006 return. 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. TA X TIPS FOR As the LOG went to press, Congress was continuing to work on other ta check www.irs.gov befo Also, you may be mailing your return to a different address this year be you received an envelope with your tax package, please use it. Otherw HOW TO PREPARE A TAX RETURN Step 1. Get all records together. ‹ Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. ‹ Itemized deductions and tax credits. ‹ Medical and dental payment records. ‹ Real estate and personal property tax receipts. ‹ Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. ‹ Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled “Your Feder al I ncom e Tax f or 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. 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 1-888-729-1040 or visit web sites 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 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 74b, 74c and 74d on their Form 1040. Line 74b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 74c indicates the type of account, and line 74d 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 prepara- tion 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, visit the IRS web site at: www.irs.gov. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption—for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $3,300 per person. In 2006, 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 2006, 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 Ex- STANDARD DEDUCTION This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($1,000 for a married person or “spouse” or $1,250 for an unmarried person). Note that the personal exemption deduction is $3,300. Filing Status Standard Deduction Single. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,150 Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,300 Married filing separate return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,150 Head of household . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,550 February 2007 p a re m m d c th d P w u m e e n to In a e k lo re e e D W p th th o th e a e in d th a T (J w fu T m d it d ra In h a L 2 it $ in in E e to in in a q c D p b a e a in fy ta $ c p a c th in r T s fo D N S In d th is is ta S C w U �R MA RINERS ax law changes which may impact your 2006 income taxes. Please ore filing your return. ecause the IRS has changed the filing location for several areas. If wise, see Where Do You File? on the back cover of the instructions. penses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can esult 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 16 of his year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 44.5 cents per mile. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, olls and parking. n either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends keeping a og book or diary listing all expenses elated 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 he meal allowance of $52 per day in he continental U.S. and $58 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise he IRS standard meal allowance is generally $39. In some locations it is $45, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Travel expenses, includng meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one’s work and if hey have not been reimbursed from any other source. There has been a tax court case Johnson v. Comm. 115 TC210[2000]) where a merchant seaman was denied a ull 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 temized deduction is limited to $3 a day (in the continental U.S.) and rates anging from $1 to $53 in other areas. n lieu of these rates, to the extent you have receipts, a higher deduction amount may be allowed. Limit on Itemized Deductions: In 2006, itemized deductions may be limted for individuals earning more than $150,500 of federal adjusted gross ncome (or $72,250 if married and filng separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available o certain individuals who have earned ncome and meet certain adjusted gross ncome thresholds. For tax year 2006, 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 ncome less than $12,120 and no qualiying children—$412 maximum credit; axpayers with income less than $32,001 and with 1 qualifying child—$2,747 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $36,348 and with 2 or more qualifying children—$4,536 maximum credit. If he earned income credit reduces the ncome tax liability below zero, a efund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EIC to see if they are eligible or the credit. Dependent’s Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a S oc i al Secu r ity n u m ber (SSN ). ndividuals may get a SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with heir local Social Security Adminstration office or calling the Adminstration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually akes about two weeks to receive a SSN. Child Tax Credit: In 2006, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer February 2007 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 $1,650 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after Jan. 1, 2006, 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 single taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $45,000, and completely phase out when modified AGI reaches $55,000. For joint filers, the phaseout range is $90,000 to $110,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. In 2006, 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: ‹ 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. ‹ Traditional IRAs – The contribution limit to a traditional IRA in 2006 is $4,000. If a taxpayer reaches age 50 before 2007, the most that can be contributed will be $5,000. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phaseout range increased to $50,000-$60,000 for single, head of household, and $75,000-$85,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er). Also, solely for the purpose of figuring the $100,000 modified AGI limit on eligibility to make qualified rollover distributions from a Traditional IRA to Roth IRA, minimum required distributions from IRAs and other qualified plans received in tax year beginning with 2006 are excluded from modified AGI. ‹ Roth IRAs – The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $4,000. 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. OTHER TAX INFORMATION 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. WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP 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 2006, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer’s property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: ‹ 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. WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: ‹ Benefits from government welfare programs. ‹ Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, medical costs. ‹ Maintenance and Cure. ‹ Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness. ‹ Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans’ Administration. ‹ Child support. ‹ Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed. ‹ Dividends on veterans’ life insurance. ‹ Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death. ‹ Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME 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. living in the home. ‹ Certain amounts received as a scholarship. FILING AN EXTENSION Taxpayers can get an automatic 6month extension if, no later than April 16, 2007, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. WHERE IS MY REFUND? In 2004, the IRS launched a new program that allows taxpayers to trace their refunds online. If taxpayer(s) have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the web site at www.irs.gov. To get the refund status, taxpayers will need to provide the information from their tax returns. You should know your Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er)) and the Refund amount (It is important to enter the refund amount exactly as it is shown on your return). WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX 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. WHERE TO GET INFORMATION 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 auto- mated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone 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 on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, check the status of your 2005 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. 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. Seafarers LOG 13 �partnership between the NPMHU and the AFL-CIO.” Hegarty added, “Mail Handlers have a long history with the federation, with our first affiliation beginning nearly 70 years ago, and we certainly look forward to a long and productive relationship well into the future.” The Mail Handlers are a major postal union, with more than 47,000 regular members and more than three times as many associate members. The Mail Handlers’ Union’s original affiliation with the AFLCIO dates back to the 1930s. They continued that affiliation through the Laborers, following their merger with the Laborers in 1968, up until the time the Laborers left the AFL-CIO in May 2006. The AFL-CIO represents 10 million working men and women nationwide and has 54 affiliate unions, including the SIU. The executive council statement authorizing the re-issuing of national charters can be found on the AFL-CIO web site, www.aflcio.org. rescue helicopter radioed the person was in deep hypothermia but alive, and had he been in the water five more minutes he would not have survived. An hour and 10 minutes elapsed since the Overseas Joyce crew members witnessed Ocean Challenger sink beneath cold Gulf of Alaska seas. The Coast Guard confirmed the one person just pulled alive from the water wore a survival suit. Soon after two others were also located and hoisted up by the rescue helicopter; but these individuals wore only life jackets and did not survive the cold water. One individual remained missing. The search continued as ships and aircraft, now including the USCG cutter Monroe and containership R.J. Pfiefer, exchanged information to narrow down the likely location of the missing man. Though the Overseas Joyce crew had stood in the cold Gulf of Alaska wind and spray for hours, thoughts were far from their own minor discomforts. As the steward department quietly passed the word that a hot breakfast was available on the bridge and a single pot meal was ready in the galley, no one rotated from their stations. All eyes were fixed on a dark gray ocean. All thoughts and prayers were with the men and the families of the men who would never return home from sea. Shortly before noon, the U.S. Coast Guard on-scene commander released the ship to continue its voyage and the Overseas Joyce resumed its track toward Unimak Pass with a quiet crew. No one felt heroic. Mail Handlers Union Rejoins AFL-CIO The AFL-CIO recently reported that the National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU, part of the Laborers) has rejoined the federation. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney presented a charter to the NPMHU’s officers on Dec. 12. The Mail Handlers are the first union to take advantage of the AFL-CIO executive council’s decision in August to authorize Sweeney to re-issue charters to unions which were once independent affiliates and now want to return to the AFL-CIO, even though they are part of unions that recently disaffiliated. (SIU President Michael Sacco serves on the federation’s executive council.) “The union movement is strengthened by the Mail Handlers’ decision to rejoin the AFL-CIO, which will bring together all the major postal workers’ unions and benefit working families nationwide,” said Sweeney. After the Mail Handlers expressed interest in rejoining the Federation, Sweeney consulted with the union leadership, the Laborers, the AFL-CIO executive council and the other postal unions to make their reaffiliation possible. NPMHU National President John Hegarty said that he is delighted with this direct affiliation agreement, indicating that he is “confident that nearly 50,000 Mail Handlers across the country will benefit from this continuing Overseas Joyce Helps Save Life, But Alaska Tragedy Claims 3 Editor’s note: This article was submitted by an individual from the Overseas Joyce who requested his name be withheld so as not to give the appearance that he or any of the crew sought individual recognition for their efforts. The LOG respects and follows those wishes in this case and also recognizes the story’s sensitivity, even while preferring to publish a crew list. According to the sender, later the same day of the rescue, the Overseas Joyce was directed by its weather-routing service to take refuge in Dutch Harbor, Alaska because another hurricane-force storm was forecast to cross its track. There it was learned a Discovery Channel film crew had been aboard the rescue helicopter. Footage of the actual search and rescue operation may be seen in an upcoming episode of “Deadliest Catch” airing sometime in March. The SIU-crewed car carrier Overseas Joyce, on its normal trade route from the U.S. to Japan, was approaching Unimak Pass in the Aleutian Islands on the morning of Oct. 18. The ship, using weather-routing services, passed close to the Shumagin Islands in order to gain a lee from high winds as a severe low pressure system was forecast to reach hurricane strength and pass south of the vessel. The previous evening was a long, storm-tossed night as the storm system made an unexpected turn and moved directly north of the ship, bringing with it 60-knot winds and 40-foot seas. After the crew endured a sleepless night, dawn brought slightly improved conditions. Though winds veered and weakened somewhat, the storm dragged with it heavy 30-foot swells and bowpounding waves. In these conditions, shortly after sunrise, the bridge watch team spotted a small fishing boat less than a mile off the starboard bow; heavy seas made the small vessel look even smaller. The fishing boat, later identified as the 50-foot Ocean Challenger, labored as it broached and foundered to the seas. Moments later the fishing vessel went over on its side as a “Mayday” call came over the radio. It was a chilling and brief transmission, a message no one in this brotherhood of the sea ever wants to hear. Ocean Challenger was going down, and its four-person crew was abandoning ship. Aboard the Overseas Joyce all hands woke up to the ship’s emergency signal, the deck gang taking lookout stations covering all 14 Seafarers LOG points of the horizon, the engineers readying machinery for maneuvering speeds, the steward department standing by to assist. Within minutes of the Ocean Challenger’s call for help, everyone was at their stations, and contact was made with the U.S. Coast Guard facility at Cold Bay, Alaska. Then, five minutes after sighting, the Ocean Challenger sank beneath wind-blown seas, leaving a debris field of fishing buoys and deck gear. By this time the Overseas Joyce was less than a mile away, yet no survivors were seen—only debris scattered through breaking waves marked with dense streaks of foam. The orange canopy of a life raft emerged from the water, apparently automatically released as the fishing boat sank, but hopes diminished when no one was seen attempting to crawl inside. The raft looked too light as it was blown easily across cresting waves. The ship moved in closer, making tight round turns around the datum where Ocean Challenger went down. Extreme conditions prevented launching boats, which would only jeopardize more lives. As the ship completed its first turn, lookouts shouted “man in the water off the starboard bow,” and the ship maneuvered to make this first spotted survivor pass down the starboard side close aboard. Those leaning over the bridge wing clearly saw a man, no life jacket, no survival suit, and only wearing what appeared to be white long johns. He clutched a small plastic barrel or bucket and seemed to look up at the ship as the ship’s crew called out words of encouragement and threw a survival suit, life ring and a marker buoy. Crew members moved aft with the person in the water as he passed down the side of the ship as the ship began to double back. By now 20 minutes had passed and concern increased. The air temperature was in the mid-forties with a wind chill at freezing, and the ocean was cold and churning; a U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter was still more than 40 minutes away. Then, a few hundred yards away, two figures, heads above water were spotted. Lookouts pointed, bearings were called out, and the ship turned taking 40-degree rolls through steep troughs. Several bolts that had held some of the ships gear securely for years sheered off. All eyes remained focused and hope increased as lookouts saw what appeared to be arms waving. But as the ship turned to close the dis- tance, heavy rolls, breaking seas and bright sunlight robbed the lookouts’ sight of the survivors. The Overseas Joyce continued turning slowly through the area attempting to relocate the three people already seen and making all efforts to spot the fourth. Search efforts intensified with the arrival of a U.S. Coast Guard C130 search plane. The SIUcrewed containership R.J. Pfiefer announced it, too, was en route, diverting from its position 30 miles away. Just as lookouts spotted another person in the water several hundred yards off the starboard beam, the U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter radioed it was approaching the area. Not sure if this person sighted was one of the three previously seen or the fourth crew member of the Ocean Challenger, this man clearly wore a survival suit, orange hood over his head. The ship successfully got in close keeping the man in sight and deployed a life ring and marker buoy just upwind. Voices rose in excitement as the person swam vigorously, twice disappearing under huge breaking waves, toward the life ring as the rescue helicopter zeroed in on his position aided by the marker buoy. All watched as the helicopter lowered a rescue swimmer into the water. Moments later this survivor was pulled to warmth and safety. The Checking in from the Steven L. Bennett Chief Steward Toney Morris submitted this photo of Seafarers in the crew mess aboard the Captain Steven L. Bennett in Diego Garcia. The photo was taken in mid-December. Morris noted the mariners were “enjoying a light moment after lunch.” The Bennett is a containership operated by Sealift Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Strong Start for Mariner Outreach System The U.S. Maritime Administration’s Mariner Outreach System (MOS) is just six months old, but it has “clearly gained acceptance with the seafaring community,” the agency reported in the December edition of its newsletter. According to MarAd, the system provides mariners who agree to participate an opportunity to review their qualifications and sea service and update their contact information. Described by the agency as user-friendly, the MOS allows access by mariners via the following secure internet web site: https://mos.marad.dot.gov. Using the MOS in no way obligates mariners, according to MarAd officials. However, mariners’ participation in the MOS will improve the Maritime Administration’s ability to understand and communicate with mariners. Additionally, the MOS provides the agency with a means of monitoring their availability. As of October 1, 2006, 25 percent of mariners with a valid U.S. merchant mariner’s document had consented to participate. Anne Dougherty, a program analyst in MarAd’s Office of Sealift Support, said many of the mariners on file had previously agreed to participate in an earlier tracking system before the MOS internet portal was launched. She points out, however, that gaining the volunteer participation of some 10 to15 new mariners who register each week, for a program that has no money to advertise its existence but just depends on word of mouth, is very good. “We are working hard to get the word out and appreciate the incredible support we have received from the maritime labor unions and our industry partners,” she said. “Our goal is to use MOS to better understand what is happening with the pool of United States mariners so we can work with our industry partners to identify and address the specific issues that have a negative impact on the mariner pool.” Prior to going “live” with the new system last year, program officials put it through a stringent test and evaluation sequence. Several aspects of the system were put through the paces at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Upgrading Seafarers provided input and feedback to members of the MarAd contingent during the tests. The testing went well and all major problems with the new system were rectified. The MOS went on line as scheduled. “I would like to extend our most sincere thanks to Seafarers International Union for their assistance with testing the Mariner Outreach System,” wrote Taylor E. Jones II, director, MarAd Office of Sealift Support, in a letter to the school. “The enthusiasm and support provided by Mr. Bart Rogers and the Paul Hall Center staff were directly responsible for the success of the testing. The input provided by the SIU mariners was invaluable in helping us to create an accurate, user-friendly system that will be valuable to U.S. mariners worldwide.” February 2007 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March & April 2007 Membership Meetings DECEMBER 16, 2006 — JANUARY 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 1 0 8 9 3 5 32 29 0 6 20 45 11 20 6 0 7 1 24 35 3 1 2 14 2 10 21 18 2 3 6 25 18 5 5 13 10 3 23 14 2 3 1 1 2 0 3 7 2 3 1 11 3 0 1 4 2 1 8 9 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 0 1 7 1 5 27 12 0 6 15 25 15 9 7 1 5 2 25 18 262 198 64 183 0 0 8 7 0 9 15 21 0 3 4 18 8 8 1 2 1 0 7 9 1 0 5 8 2 3 10 9 0 3 2 11 12 4 2 1 4 1 12 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 6 1 0 2 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 4 1 2 7 14 12 0 5 5 15 10 4 2 1 1 1 10 7 121 94 24 2 0 5 2 0 10 19 9 0 1 10 15 7 12 2 2 2 0 19 18 2 0 2 10 0 5 4 9 0 0 1 4 11 3 1 1 4 1 3 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 5 0 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 1 5 4 19 4 2 24 12 2 5 8 10 15 13 4 9 5 2 24 8 176 2 2 0 1 2 1 6 7 1 1 2 5 4 1 1 4 2 0 7 3 52 101 70 137 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 6 18 0 0 2 2 0 1 5 10 0 1 2 9 3 4 1 0 1 0 7 5 53 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 2 1 12 17 9 0 2 5 14 4 15 2 2 3 1 15 12 0 0 0 8 0 2 7 7 0 2 2 3 12 4 0 0 3 0 4 3 135 66 21 120 57 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 1 0 1 1 5 0 4 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 5 3 1 7 17 13 0 2 8 25 10 9 0 21 3 0 12 11 2 0 2 8 0 6 16 15 1 2 3 11 18 9 0 3 0 2 9 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 3 1 2 2 18 5 0 3 6 11 11 7 0 12 2 0 3 4 23 148 112 15 541 506 221 419 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 15 0 0 1 1 0 2 6 5 0 2 2 4 3 7 0 1 3 0 8 7 2 0 10 17 5 16 68 62 1 19 32 82 22 50 4 0 13 2 53 61 6 8 5 26 4 13 45 30 0 15 12 45 28 10 10 5 14 11 43 36 2 4 2 3 3 1 16 15 2 3 3 17 10 2 2 2 3 3 12 14 519 366 119 0 0 9 15 0 12 30 32 0 10 10 32 12 22 2 4 5 0 19 18 1 0 6 13 4 7 25 23 0 6 5 20 24 10 4 1 6 6 23 17 0 0 2 4 1 4 8 1 0 4 2 13 5 3 1 0 1 1 5 14 232 201 69 2 0 6 8 1 16 31 26 0 11 12 36 15 34 3 5 3 1 31 42 2 0 3 15 2 11 13 13 0 7 2 9 15 10 1 3 4 2 8 9 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 4 1 4 2 3 5 0 0 0 0 3 2 3 52 283 129 33 0 0 0 3 0 2 5 4 0 1 1 4 8 5 0 15 0 1 9 3 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 1 12 3 0 2 4 13 0 9 0 0 1 0 4 3 1 7 4 14 1 16 34 30 1 6 6 76 20 21 3 10 4 1 24 17 8 0 4 14 2 18 30 25 2 3 8 39 30 18 2 7 0 1 20 11 93 61 0 53 296 242 396 146 242 1,087 992 463 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 2007 Piney Point ...........Monday: March 5, April 2 Algonac ................Friday: March 9, April 6 0 1 1 12 0 1 26 9 0 5 7 19 5 7 3 1 3 1 23 13 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 3 4 2 5 13 0 3 3 8 7 5 2 0 3 0 9 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore..............Thursday: March 8, April 5 Boston ..................Friday: March 9, April 6 Guam ....................Thursday: March 22, April 19 Honolulu...............Friday: March 16, April 13 Houston ................Monday: March 12, April 9 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: March 8, April 5 Joliet .....................Thursday: March 15, April 12 Mobile ..................Wednesday: March 14, April 11 New Orleans.........Tuesday: March 13, April 10 New York .............Tuesday: March 6, April 3 Norfolk .................Thursday: March 8, April 5 Oakland ................Thursday: March 15, April 12 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: March 7, April 4 Port Everglades ....Thursday: March 15, April 12 San Juan ...............Thursday: March 8, April 5 St. Louis ...............Friday: March 16, April 13 Tacoma .................Friday: March 23, April 20 Wilmington...........Monday: March 19, April 16 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals Irvin Crutchlow Loyd Ange would like to hear from you. You can write him at 842 Esconditas Place, Pensacola, FL 325063717; or call him at (850) 549-3226. Correction An article in the January 2007 LOG about pierhead jumps and meds contained an inaccurate statement in the 2nd column. It says, “…the member can call his or her doctor for the required medication, pick it up, pay for it out of pocket and then submit the receipt to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) for reimbursement.” The Claims department does not process out-of-pocket prescription claims. Any prescription reimbursement requests must be sent to Prescription Solutions and they will process it at their reimbursement rates and send a check to the member. The member should submit a “Direct Member Reimbursement” form with their prescription receipt and send both items to Prescription Solutions. The form is available on Prescription Solutions’ Web site (www.rxsolutions.com/a/login/ Login_MIDDOB.asp?NextPage=23). Attention Seafarers: S P A D Help Keep America’s Maritime Industry Strong. Contribute to SPAD. Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report DECEMBER 16, 2006 — JANUARY 15, 2007 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Port Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Boston 3 0 0 1 0 0 3 10 4 2 Houston 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 13 1 2 Jacksonville 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 1 0 1 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Seafarers LOG DECK DEPARTMENT New Orleans 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 13 3 2 New York 3 0 0 4 0 0 8 30 26 0 Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 Totals 7 0 0 6 0 0 31 70 34 7 Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 Houston 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 Jacksonville 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 New Orleans 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 1 1 New York 2 0 0 4 0 0 1 14 5 0 Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 Totals 3 0 0 6 0 0 8 32 7 2 Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 3 1 Houston 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 11 1 0 Jacksonville 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 New Orleans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 2 New York 0 0 1 1 0 1 5 17 25 0 Norfolk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tacoma 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Totals 3 0 1 4 0 1 11 39 30 3 13 0 1 16 0 1 50 141 71 12 Totals All Departments PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Jerry Lopez of Georgiana, Ala. AB John Kelly They were taken aboard the SS Hastings (a former (Waterman Steamship Corp.) on a trip that began patrolman in New York or Baltimore Sept. 21, 1966 and paid from Mobile), off in New York Jan. 2, 1967 after traveling to left, and OS Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Sudan, Jerry Lopez French Somalia, Ethiopia and Iran. Lopez, who were on the 812 watch signed on in Mobile, Ala., sailed as an OS. aboard the After leaving the Navy in 1965, Lopez joined the Hastings. SIU in 1966 and went through training at the New Orleans hall. His first ship was the SS Robin Trent on which he made his first around-the-world voyage. “My shipmates helped me to adjust from military to merchant seaman life,” he wrote, “and I have to tell you, it was a great time in my life, and I learned to appreciate the SIU and the ability to have representation and a contract to live and work by.” In the 1970s Lopez attended electronics training and has worked in that field since. Left: This is a view from the bow, looking aft, as the ship transited the Suez Canal. Right: The bosun and 4-8 OS lean on one of the Suez line handler’s boats. These boats were picked up at the start of the canal transit. 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 2007 �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 KASSEM ABDULLA, 57, began shipping with the SIU in 1969 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Abdulla’s first ship was the Steel Direct. The engine department member, who was born in Yemen, most recently sailed on the Horizon Consumer. Brother Abdulla resides in San Francisco. HESSIN ASUMARI, 74, joined the SIU in 1967, initially sailing aboard the Fair Isle. A native of Yemen, Brother Asumari upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1999 and 2000. Prior to his retirement, Brother Asumari shipped on the ITB Groton. He calls Tulare, Calif. home. SOLOMON BENJAMIN, 65, began his seafaring career in 1970. Brother Benjamin first worked aboard Seatrain Lines vessels. The Louisiana-born mariner upgraded his skills on two occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Benjamin’s most recent voyage was on the Cape Fear. He lives in Gretna, La. TULIO GOMEZ, 69, joined the SIU in 2001. Brother Gomez shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by Marine Personnel and Provisioning, most recently the Cape Domingo. Born in Honduras, he worked in the steward department. Brother Gomez makes his home in Kissimmee, Fla. CURTIS JACKSON, 60, became an SIU member in 1967, initially sailing aboard a Calmar Steamship Company vessel. Brother Jackson upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He was born in Florida and shipped in the engine department. Before retiring, Brother Jackson worked on the Sirius. He continues to reside in Florida. SHEILA LEWIS, 51, hails from Louisiana. Sister Lewis joined the Seafarers in 1986; her first voyage was aboard the USNS Regulus. She upgraded her skills February 2007 often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Lewis was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Houston. She is a resident of Livingston, La. ROBERT MULL, 73, joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Mull sailed in the deck department of both deep sea and inland division vessels. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Sentry. Brother Mull is a native of North Carolina. He most recently worked on a Crowley Towing vessel. Brother Mull calls Newton, N.C. home. JUAN ROCHEZ, 65, was born in Honduras. Brother Rochez became an SIU member in 1990, first sailing aboard the Independence. He was a frequent upgrader at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Rochez most recently shipped on the Overseas Philadelphia. He makes his home in Kingwood, Texas. GUILLERMO THOMAS, 64, started his employment with the Seafarers in 1970 aboard a vessel operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation Company. Brother Thomas was born in Eagle, Texas and was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Intrepid. Brother Thomas upgraded his seafaring skills often at the Piney Point, Md. school. He makes his home in New Mexico. JOHN TRENT, 64, joined the SIU in 1964. His first ship was operated by Hudson Waterways. Brother Trent, who was born in Arkansas, worked as a member of the engine department. He upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Trent’s most recent voyage was aboard the Overseas New Orleans. He lives in Florida. ANTONINO UDAN, 65, joined the SIU in 1983. Brother Udan initially shipped on the Constitution in the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Horizon Pacific. Brother Udan calls Ewa Beach, Hawaii home. WILLIAM WALES, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1968 from the port of Seattle. Brother Wales first worked on the President Adams. The steward department member attended the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. on three occasions. Brother Wales’ most recent voyage was aboard the Westward Venture. The Texas native now resides in Seattle. JOHN WHITING, 65, became a union member in 1964, first sailing aboard a U.S. Steel Corporation vessel. Brother Whiting makes his home in Palmdale, Calif. ROY ZANCA, 65, was born in Louisiana and began his seafaring career in 1995 in the port of New Orleans. He first shipped aboard the USNS Antares as a member of the engine department. Brother Zanca upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. He most recently worked on the USNS Pomeroy. Brother Zanca is a resident of New Orleans. INLAND VERTIS BELCHER, 62, joined the union in 1970 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman Belcher sailed primarily aboard Moran Towing Company vessels. Born in Florida, he currently resides in Pylesville, Md. LYMAN LAWRENCE, 70, began sailing with the SIU in 1974. Boatman Lawrence worked aboard Virginia Pilot Corp. vessels. He lives in his native state of Virginia. JOHN RIDLEY, 61, began his seafaring career in 1987. Boatman Ridley worked primarily aboard ships operated by Red Circle Transport. In 2000, he enhanced his seafaring abilities at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Ridley makes his home in Baton Rouge, La. STEVEN MATTISON, 54, was born in Iowa. Boatman Mattison joined the SIU in 1986 in the port of Baltimore. He first went to sea aboard a vessel operated by Moran Towing of Maryland. Boatman Mattison was a member of the engine department; he upgraded his skills in 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Mattison most recently sailed on the Eva. He calls Dickinson, Texas home. WILLIAM SOUTHARD, 62, joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Pennsylvania, Boatman Southard initially sailed on a Meyle Towing vessel. In 1985 and 1990, he attended classes at the Piney Point school. Boatman Southard’s most recent voyage was aboard a vessel operated by Moran Towing of Philadelphia. He continues to live in Pennsylvania. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1942 During the last week of February, the SIUcrewed S.S. Marore was attacked about midnight by three German submarines. Even though she was torpedoed and hit by over 100 shells, the entire crew escaped in lifeboats. One of the boats rigged a sail and made port at Cape Hatteras. The other two boats, containing 25 men, were spotted by a Navy plane which directed a ship to their rescue. regime. In a joint position, the International Longshoremen’s Association, the National Maritime Union and the Seafarers International Union of North America said that the time for “pussyfooting is long past” and that they would soon begin “protest demonstrations” in all U.S. ports against vessels of those nations which permit trade with North Vietnam. This Month In SIU History 1955 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. 1966 JAMES PARISI, 62, joined the SIU in 1980. Boatman Parisi initially worked with Gloucester Fisherman’s Fund vessels. Prior to his retirement, he shipped aboard a Homeport Inc. vessel. Boatman Parisi is a resident of Gloucester, Mass. Three AFL-CIO maritime unions have charged that the U.S. State Department’s recently announced blacklist of ships trading with North Vietnam will not deter shipowners or their governments from supplying the North Vietnamese The joint union position was set forth in a telegram to President Lyndon B. Johnson on February 14. Identical wires were also sent to Commerce Secretary John Connor, Labor Secretary Willard Wirtz and Secretary of State Dean Rusk. 1997 The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has enhanced and expanded its curriculum for entry-level mariners. For years, the trainee program exclusively has consisted of 12 weeks of training at the center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Now, following an extensive internal review of the class, the revised program will feature 90 days of shipboard training plus increased schooling at the center in Piney Point, Md. Overall, the new curriculum will last about 2.5 times as long as the old class…. Many of the revisions were made so that students may comply with amendments to an international maritime treaty governing the methods used to train and certify merchant mariners. Parts of that agreement—the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW)—took effect February 1, and other segments will be phased in during the next few years. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA FREDERICK BENEDICT Pensioner Frederick Benedict, 84, passed away March 31. Brother Benedict started sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 from the port of San Francisco. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping. Brother Benedict was born in Pennsylvania and worked in the steward department. He retired in 1987 and made his home in Reno, Nev. NORMAN CARLSON Brother Norman Carlson, 66, died March 21. He joined the SIU in 2002, first shipping aboard the USNS Heezen. Brother Carlson, who was born in Seattle, last sailed on the Eric G. Gibson. He was a resident of Fox Island, Wash. ROBERT CLIFFORD Pensioner Robert Clifford, 68, passed away May 27. Brother Clifford joined the union in 1963 in Detroit, Mich. He shipped as a member of the deck department in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Clifford initially worked aboard vessels operated by Rockport Steamship Company. The Michigan-born mariner’s last voyage was aboard the USNS Washington. Brother Clifford, who went on pension in 2000, called Houston home. ROBERT COOK Pensioner Robert Cook, 78, died April 6. Brother Cook launched his seafaring career in 1946 in the port of New York. His first trip was aboard a Sinclair Oil Corporation vessel. Brother Cook, who was a native of Wisconsin, sailed in the steward department. His most recent voyage was on the Penny. Brother Cook began receiving his retirement pay in 1994. He resided in Baltimore, Md. LEO CRONSOHN Pensioner Leo Cronsohn, 77, passed away March 3. Brother Cronsohn joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of Seattle. The steward department member, who was born in New York, sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Waterman Steamship Corporation. Prior to his retirement in 1997, Brother Cronsohn worked on the Robert E. Lee. He lived in Las Vegas. RICHARD DIXON Brother Richard Dixon, 79, died March 14. He embarked on his SIU career in 1966, initially sailing on a Columbia Steamship vessel. Brother Dixon was born in Illinois. His last voyage was aboard the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. Brother Dixon shipped in the steward department. He made his home in Compton, Calif. HERBERT EHMSEN Pensioner Herbert Ehmsen, 78, passed away Aug. 18. Brother Ehmsen was born in New Jersey and joined the union in 1947 in the port 18 Seafarers LOG of New York. Brother Ehmsen was a member of the deck department. Before retiring in 1988, he sailed on the Kaimoku. Brother Ehmsen continued to live in his native state. DONALD FOSTER Pensioner Donald Foster, 89, died May 23. Brother Foster began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 from the port of New York. He first worked aboard an American Dredging Company vessel. Brother Foster shipped in the steward department, most recently aboard the USNS Potomac. He was born in Ohio and made his home in Texas City, Texas. Brother Foster became a pensioner in 1982. ALI MOHAMED Pensioner Ali Mohamed, 66, passed away April 12. Brother Mohamed began his SIU career in 1963, first sailing on the Marine. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Mohamed’s last voyage was aboard the Defender. He was a resident of Garden Grove, Calif. Brother Mohamed started collecting his pension in 1994. CALVIN “COTTON” MORRIS Greece, he continued to live there. Brother Saslos began collecting his retirement in 1979. EMIL SPODAR Pensioner Emil Spodar, 82, passed away Oct. 5. Brother Spodar embarked on his seafaring career in 1947 in the port of New York. The engine department member’s first ship was the Oremar; his last the Del Sol. Brother Spodar, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, called Florida home. KEVIN SULLIVAN Brother Kevin Sullivan, 42, died May 7. He was born in California and joined the union in 2004 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Sullivan worked primarily aboard Alaska Tanker Company vessels during his seafaring career, most recently on the Alaskan Explorer. He was a resident of Carson, Calif. FRANK UNGER Pensioner Frank Unger, 82, passed away April 17. Brother Unger started sailing with the Seafarers in 1956. The Pennsylvaniaborn mariner worked in the deck department. Brother Unger first shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. His final voyage was on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Unger resided in Carson City, Nev. and went on pension in 1989. ROY WATFORD Pensioner Calvin Morris, 82, died Nov. 11. Brother Morris joined the SIU in 1951, initially sailing in the deck department on a Delta Steamship vessel. He was born in Missouri. Prior to his retirement in 1984, he worked aboard the Overseas Juneau. Brother Morris resided in Fresno, Calif. Pensioner Roy Watford, 77, died March 23. A native of Alabama, Brother Watford became an SIU member in 1953 in the port of Mobile. His first voyage was on the Alcoa Planet, on which he sailed in the deck department. Brother Watford’s last voyage was aboard the Dodge Island. He retired in 1983 and continued to live in Alabama. RALPH MURRAY SHUEY WONG Pensioner Ralph Murray, 81, passed away Oct. 9. Brother Murray joined the union in 1945 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard a Sinclair Oil Corporation vessel. Brother Murray was a Virginia native and shipped in the deck department. He last worked aboard the Voyager. Brother Murray went on pension in 1988. He made Las Vegas his home. Pensioner Shuey Wong, 79, passed away April 1. Brother Wong joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member initially shipped on board the Kopaa. Brother Wong, who was born in California, last worked on the Mahi-Mahi. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1997 and made his home in San Francisco. NIKOLAOS SASLOS Pensioner Nikolaos Saslos, 79, died May 22. Brother Saslos became an SIU member in 1962 in the port of New York. He worked in the engine department, first sailing on the Rocky Point. Brother Saslos’ last voyage was aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Born in Athens, INLAND WILLIAM OWENS Pensioner William Owens, 81, passed away May 2. Boatman Owens was born in Virginia. He became an SIU member in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Owens shipped aboard vessels operation by Moran Towing of Virginia throughout his career. He became a pensioner in 1987 and resided in Virginia Beach, Va. PERRY KEENE Boatman Perry Keene, 58, died May 26. He started his seafaring career in 2002. Boatman Keene sailed primarily on Penn Maritime vessels. He called Lutz, Fla. home. GREAT LAKES MOHAMMED ELJANNY Pensioner Mohammed Eljanny, 75, died March 13. Brother Eljanny joined the SIU in 1970. Born in Arabia, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Eljanny’s first vessel was the Adam E. Cornelius; his last the JAW Iglehart. He started collecting payment for his retirement in 1995. Brother Eljanny lived in Sanaa, Yemen. 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. JOHN CAMACHO Pensioner John Camacho, 78, passed away March 26. Brother Camacho began shipping with the NMU in 1947 from the port of New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner sailed in the engine department. Brother Camacho’s first ship was the Gulf Gem. He became a pensioner in 1970. LESLIE COPE Pensioner Leslie Cope, 79, died April 19. Brother Cope joined the NMU in 1944 in Detroit, Mich. His first ship was the William D. Crawford. Brother Cope was born in Michigan and worked in the deck department. He last sailed on the Charlotte Lykes. Brother Cope went on pension in 1992. JOSEPH EAGAN Pensioner Joseph Eagan, 86, passed away April 24. Brother Eagan was born in New York and joined the union in 1987. His first ship was the Exanthia. Prior to his retirement in 1987, Brother Eagan shipped on the Letitia Lykes. FLOYD GREENWAY Pensioner Floyd Greenway, 82, died April 21. Brother Greenway joined the NMU in 1944 in the port of New York. His earliest journey was aboard the Abner Doubleday. Brother Greenway, who was born in Salem, Va., last sailed on the Green Forest. He went on pension in 1976. EUGENIO JUAN Pensioner Eugenio Juan, 82, passed away May 6. Brother Juan launched his NMU career in 1944, sailing from Tampa, Fla. aboard the Harjurand. He was born in Cuba and last worked on the Santa Paula. Brother Juan started collecting his pension in 1968. TOMAS MONTALVA Pensioner Tomas Montalva, 86, died April 12. Brother Montalva became an NMU member in 1945 in the port of New York. He first worked aboard the Pierre L’Enfant in the steward department. Brother Montalva’s last voyage was on the Lash Italia. He retired in 1972. JAN MULLER Pensioner Jan Muller, 82, passed away April, 22. Brother Muller joined the NMU in 1943, initially shipping from Boston, Mass. He first worked aboard the Cape Neddick. Brother Muller, who was born in Poland, sailed in the steward department, most recently on the United States. He became a pensioner in 1970. PERCY PEARSON Pensioner Percy Pearson, 99, died April 26. Born in South Carolina, Brother Pearson joined the NMU in 1940. His first ship was the Cubore. Brother Pearson shipped in the steward department. Before retiring in 1967, he sailed on the Australian Gem. LINDSEY SCOTT Pensioner Lindsey Scott, 83, passed away March 20. Brother Scott began his NMU career in 1944 in Tampa, Fla. The steward department member first worked aboard the Wanks. Brother Scott’s last voyage was on the Texaco Maryland. He went on pension in 1985. PETRONIO SILVA Pensioner Petronio Silva, 94, died March 30. Brother Silva began sailing with the NMU in 1941 from the port of San Francisco. He was born in the Philippines and worked in the steward department. Brother Silva’s last voyage was aboard the Sinclair Texas. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1973. WILLIE WILLIAMS SR. Pensioner Willie Williams, Sr., 83, died March 16. Brother Williams joined the NMU in 1942 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The engine department member first shipped on the Chippewa. Prior to retiring in 1971, Brother Williams sailed aboard the Texaco Mississippi. February 2007 �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.. ASCENSION (Sealift), Dec. 6— Chairman Gene A. Butson, Secretary William E. Knorr, Deck Delegate Spencer J. Brooks. Chairman announced Dec. 6 arrival in Cape Canaveral, Fla.; payoff to take place following completion of sanitary inspections. Secretary asked crew members to report safety hazards to department heads immediately and urged them not to be afraid to speak up during safety meetings. “The life or limb you save may be your own or your fellow seafarer’s.” Bosun encouraged all mariners to attend classes offered at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like visit from patrolman. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 19—Chairman Edward J. O’Conner, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Greg Johnson, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Amasha. Chairman stated sanitary inspection would take place Dec. 21 and asked everyone to make sure rooms are clean. He informed seafarers that Dec. 23 payoff would take place in Newark, N.J. Educational director stressed need for safety when walking around dock area; cords and hoses present tripping hazards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters read and posted. Recommendation was made to increase pension benefits and reduce seatime needed to qualify. Crew expressed concerns about getting enough medicine for trips. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food and extra effort. Next ports: Elizabeth City, N.J; Charleston, S.C.; Houston. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), Dec. 4 —Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty. Chairman informed members of Christmas party to be held Dec. 8, which will be paid out of the crew’s fund, including Christmas trees and wreaths. Captain Thomas expressed gratitude for great job on audit. Bosun discussed new TWIC document. Secretary reported crew laundry moved from mess hall to room 603. Treasurer stated $4,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion made to change rotation schedule and raise transportation rate from Tacoma to ship. Thanks given to the steward department for good work. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Dec. 3—Chairman Manolo V. Delos Santos, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Sangie Mohamed, Steward Delegate Jessy G. Sunga. Chairman thanked crew members for smooth trip and announced Dec. 4 payoff upon arrival in Oakland, Calif. Secretary urged everyone to clean rooms and make sure they’re ready for next person to move in. February 2007 Educational director advised all mariners to know the contract and upgrade skills at Piney Point school whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from Seafarers LOG was read and discussed. Seafarers requested list of Coast Guard-approved medications so there would be no problems when taking drug test. Vote of thanks to steward department for nice Thanksgiving spread. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Dec. 22—Chairman Anthony R. Carvalho, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Earl Sparkes, Engine Delegate Roy L. Scott, Steward Delegate Vince Grande. Chairman informed crew of Dec. 23 arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Educational director urged mariners to check z-cards and STWC documents for expiration dates and renew early to avoid problems when trying to ship out. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was stated that English is to be spoken during working hours and meal times. Captain reminded crew to mintain proper conduct at all times. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), Dec. 11—Chairman Steve L. Bush, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Ursel R. Barber, Deck Delegate Augustus C. Udan, Engine Delegate Prentiss R. Smith, Steward Delegate Regalado M. Bayan. Chairman talked about importance of donating to SPAD and how it benefits the membership. He also encouraged members to check in with customs and immigration, as well as with SIU patrolman, when coming ashore. Those mariners departing vessel are asked to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Secretary and educational director advised members to update skills at Paul Hall Center and to make sure drug test, shipping documents and dues are current. Treasurer stated $320 in cook-out fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read and discussed president’s report from October Seafarers LOG. Crew gave vote of thanks to President Sacco and his staff for job well done. Crew members expressed gratitude to steward department for great menus and cook-outs. Captain congratulated crew on successful sanitation inspection. Everyone aboard was asked to keep noise down while watchstanders are sleeping. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; Taiwan. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Dec. 8—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director Robert L. Stafford. Chairman informed mariners of Dec. 9 payoff. He thanked everyone for following safety proce- dures and reminded them to use tunnel during cargo operations, especially in Hong Kong. Secretary said new mattress were on order. Educational director informed members that new class schedule for 2007 was available in Seafarers LOG. Treasurer stated $193 in video fund; new movies to be purchased next trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for good food, especially the barbecue, and clean mess hall. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), Dec. 2—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Donald D. Williams Jr. Bosun announced Dec. 5 payoff upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He urged crew members to keep dues paid and support SPAD. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of training offered at Piney Point school. “It’s never too late to learn something new.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for job well done and for keeping ship clean. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 1—Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Ernest Polk, Educational Director Dimarko L. Shoulders, Engine Delegate Peter E. Sternberg, Steward Delegate Mario A. Firme Jr. Chairman reported smooth, safe voyage. He asked crew to leave clean linen and supplies for next mariner when going ashore. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade skills at SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and check expiration dates on MMDs. Treasurer stated $512 in ship’s fund. New refrigerator was purchased with money from ship’s fund (which will be reimbursed by the company). No beefs or disputed OT reported. New locks were put on movie store room. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for wonderful Thanksgiving Day meals. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 10—Chairman Carlton P. Hall, Secretary Kristin L. Krause, Deck Delegate Joel Cadarea, Steward Delegate Breon A. Lucas. Chairman reported smooth voyage. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made regarding improving medical benefits. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. OVERSEAS MAREMAR (OSG Ship Management), Dec. 15— Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Theodore E. Quammie, Educational Director Anthony N. Jones, Deck Delegate Llyod F. Stock, Engine Delegate Roy P. Martinez, Steward Delegate Eduardo R. Elemento. Chairman discussed needed repairs with chief engineer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made to improve prescription plan. Request made for juice machines, commercial style coffee pot and more outlets in mess halls. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Next port: Houston. PRIDE (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 8—Chairman John A. Ellias Jr., Secretary Norman A. Jackson, Educational Director Ronald M. Pheneuf, Engine Delegate Humberto G. Lopez, Steward Delegate Obencio M. Espinoza. Bosun announced Dec. 10 payoff. Seafarers were asked to check pay vouchers for transportation reimbursement; it should be $45 from Houston and $40 from Jacksonville, Fla. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Water cooler in need of repair, and ice machine does not work at sea. Crew thanked steward department for excellent Thanksgiving dinner. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (LMS Ship Management), Dec. 17— Chairman Ray A. Waiters, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Dale D. Nesfield, Deck Delegate Joel H. Fahselt, Steward Delegate John A. Stephen. Chairman updated crew on port delays. Secretary reminded crew members getting off to clean rooms and leave fresh linen for next person. Educational director talked about importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested refrigerators for all crew rooms. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Galveston, Texas. WASHINGTON EXPRESS (Marine Transport Lines), Dec. 3 —Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Frances J. Dvoroznak, Educational Director George W. Bieselin, Steward Delegate Kathryn S. Hanson. Chairman talked about issues pertaining to trash separation. He also encouraged members to contribute to SPAD. Secretary announced Dec. 12 payoff in Houston. Educational director advised Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Inquiry was made as to when new dues amount goes into effect. Thanks given to steward department for job well done on first voyage of the Washington Express. Next port: Charleston, S.C.; Houston. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean American Shipping), Dec. 3—Chairman Tom M. Arriola, Secretary Robert S. Davis. Bosun discussed letter from military authorities restricting everyone to ship in Kuwait. Treasurer stated $600 in ship’s fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in all departments due to port issue. Chairman requested new mattresses and box springs for crew. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. Sea Trials on the Overseas Houston The newly built Overseas Houston went on sea trials in early December. This is the first double-hulled product tanker in a 10-ship series being constructed for SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. AB Bill Yurick Steward/Baker Ekow Doffoh Chief Cook Hazel Johnson Seafarers LOG 19 �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. to SIU Vice President Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President Jim McGee, G&H Towing and once again to Janice for their kindness and friendship. May God bless all the mariners and the SIU. Fond Memories and Thanks On March 6, 2006, my husband, Capt. James C. Oliver, “crossed the bar.” I had openheart surgery three months prior to his passing, and times were very rough. I want to thank the Seafarers Union for their kindness and their expertise in handling the paperwork. I cannot say enough good words about Janice (Hunicke) in the Houston office, who helped me through this difficult time and who is such a kind and good friend. She knew I needed help and made sure that everything was as easy as possible during this stressful time. I want to say “thank you” to the union for being there when I needed them. I was married to Jim for 51 years and he had been an SIU member for nearly 61 years. He was a great seaman and an honest, good, hardworking man. He made us a good living both as a deep sea mariner and as a tug captain on the Houston Ship Channel. He served in World War II with the merchant marine and managed to escape death on several occasions. He faithfully read the Seafarers LOG and when he saw the new tugs that were being put into service he always said, “Boy, what I could do with one of those!” What I would give to see him steering one of those boats today. Special thanks to SIU President Michael Sacco, whom I met with his brother on a few occasions at the Houston office while with Jim. My appreciation Welcome Ashore I write to express my most sincere thanks to all the staff at Camp Springs and Piney Point and thanks to God for the years of having the privilege of sailing the Seven Seas. I sailed for 28 years. You name it, I’ve done it and seen it, and I enjoyed every voyage. I plan on becoming the captain, engineer and steward of my own ship called the Dock III. Anyone wanting to sail with me up and down the coast, call me at 757-639-DOCK (3625). I will miss you all and will never forget beating all you guys at the job calls (smile). Scholarship Deadline Is Just Around The Corner P Georgette Oliver Timpson, Texas Darryl White Norfolk, Virginia Dream Realized I first went to sea in February 1961 and have worked in all departments. I sailed on foreignflag ships off and on until the early 1980s. My first U.S. port was Galveston, Texas, and at that time I said to myself, “I would like to live in the U.S. and work Retiring QMED/Electrician Darryl White joined the SIU through the trainee program in 1978 under the late Ken Conklin. on a U.S.-flag ship.” I came here in 1983 and went to the U.S. Coast Guard but couldn’t wait for a ship. I had to take a land job but still kept in mind my dream to work on a U.S.-flag ship. Finally, in 2005, I retired from my land job and then went to school to secure the proper maritime paperwork. Then I went to the SIU. My first U.S.-flag ship was the MV Honor. My second was the MV Liberty. My rating is GUDE. Thank God I am living my dream, and God has blessed us with the merchant marine system. I wish Jamaica had the same system for mariners as the U.S. Please give me a space in the LOG—my lifelong dream finally came true. Vincent Keating Bronx, New York Seafarer Vincent Keating is pictured last May aboard the Liberty in New York Harbor. 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 2007. 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. Time is running out to take advantage of this generous benefit provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, so send away now for an application booklet. Name __________________________________________________________________________ Mariner's Social Security Number __________________________________________________ Street Address __________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code______________________________________________________________ ( ) Telephone Number ______________________________________________________________ † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2/07 20 Seafarers LOG 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 lease send me the 2007 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. This application is for: 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 March 5 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2006 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. 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 2007 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Welding February 12 March 12 April 9 May 7 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 2007. All pro- Safety Specialty Courses grams 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. March 2 March 30 April 27 May 25 Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training - AB February 26 March 2 Basic Safety Training - FOWT May 21 May 25 Government Vessels March 19 April 6 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 12 April 2 February 23 April 13 February 19 February 23 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion March 5 April 16 May 28 March 30 May 11 June 22 Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 19 April 2 May 14 March 2 April 13 May 25 Radar Renewal (one day) February 5 Course Able Seaman 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, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 beginning February 5, 2007. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops March 26 April 20 May 21 June 15 FOWT February 26 April 23 March 23 May 18 Marine Electrician March 12 May 4 � 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 _____________________________ Additional courses will be announced in the next issue of the Seafarers LOG. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) 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 ________________________________________________ February 2007 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. 2/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 681 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 681. They include (in alphabetical order) James Abilad, Fayed Ahmed, Rachel Alarcon, Andrew Andrini, Brian Awde, Brandon Bosch, Kevin Daughtry, Alphonso Dawson Jr., Billy Hill Jr., Nicholas Johnston, Michael Mayhew, Ryan McElroy, Gregory McNiel, Klayton Menter, Romann Mosley, Juan Ortega Jr., Dennis Platt, Steven Szymanski, Gemini Tacang, Lawrence Todd Jr., Thomas Tramutola, Ekedra Turner, Chantavia Wells, Jake Wheeler and Robert York. Marine Electrician — Receiving certificates for completion of the marine electrician course Dec. 15 are (in no specific order) Michael Kirby, Steven Haver, Clifford McGinnis, Dominic Whitty, Herman Castrol, Olson Thorne, William Watterson III, Kenneth Green, Victorino Viernes, Melgar Gaguio and Robert Norris. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is standing fourth from right. Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Nov. 27 graduates of this class include upgrading Seafarers (in no specific order) Gil Hernandez, Karl Mayhew, Allan Oculam, Michael Papaioannou, Earl Jones, Romeo Escalera, Josan Constantin, Steven DeLuca, Richard Crutchfield, Gerald Alford, Tim Chalano, Felix Garcia, Terrence Carmody, David James, Brian Freme, Emilio Gonzalez and Stephen Snapp. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Advanced Fire Fighting — Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduates of the advanced fire fighting course that ended Jan. 12 are (in no specific order) Kenneth Washington, Damon Parker, Melvin Smith, Brad Neathery, Phillip Harmon, Martin Allred, Nick Keklikos, Desmond Sealy and (not pictured) Ronnie Hadnott. Their instructor (not pictured) was Mark Cates. Graduating from this course Dec. 8 are (in no specific order) Leon Satterthwaite, Frank Bennett, Donald McGraw, Johnny McKee, Kenneth Laws, Darrell Sutton, Domingo Mireles, Cameron Miller, Sergio Giusti, Gerald McIntyre, Walter Ritvalsky, James Atwell, Stig Sasse Jr., Tina Knox and Robert Joyce. Any student who has Computer Lab Classes Left: Students who completed computer classes Nov. 25 att the Paul Hall Center are (from left) Allan T. Oculam, Instructor Rick Prucha, Thomas L. Cyrus Jr. and Gil P. Hernandez. Right: Receiving their certificates in January from Instructor Rick Prucha are Karl Mayhew and Jayne M. Peterson. 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 February 2007 �Paul Hall Center Classes Meteorology (left photo) and Ship Construction and Stability (right photo) — On Aug. 18, students in the Mates Program completed the ship construction and stability course, and on Aug. 25 they finished the meteorology course. The upgrading Seafarers are (in alphabetical order) Conrado Abinuman Jr., Andrew Ashworth, Dominic Bailey, Christopher Bartholmey, Christopher Gustafson, Rusty Kauffman, Bert Lupton, Brian McLarnon, Nebojsa Milosevic and Robert Wallace. Stacy Harris (standing second from left in the second row) was the instructor in the ship construction course, along with James Mixon (standing left in the back row. Lee Chesneau (far right) was the instructor in the meteorology course. Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two classes of Phase III apprentices graduated Jan 19 from tankerman assistant courses. They are (in no specific order) Fernando Abuan, Andrew Fung, Hos Lupisan Jr., Teddy Ramos, Robert Miskel Jr., Andrew Andrini, Joherky Concepcion, Lee Weygandt, Lawrence Cormier, Eric Thomas, Benjamin Grace, Scott Thompson, Patrick Lefevre, Michael Mayhew, Stefra Strauser, Cameron Benson, Ja’Quaral Carroll, Jake Wheller, William Cruz, Timothy Foster, Re’Nard Murphy, Rodney Payne, Phillip Ziegert, Philip Gallagher, Francis Brown, Brent Poitras, Brian Awde, Jeremy Pace, Eugene Davis Jr., Marcus Brown, Tyrone Ellis, Fayed Ahmed, Kevin Daughtry, Terrance Shinn, Kenneth Sumner, Steven Szymanski, Ryan McElroy, Johnnie Owens Jr., Cameron Newberry, James Luttall Jr., Seth Burton, Ryan White, Justin Beal, Alex Roel, Lawrence Todd Jr., James Burton and Teena Werner. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Jan. 19 graduates of this class include (in no specific order) Annie Walker, Terry Murley, Christopher Bryant, Abdulmoghni Said, Pedro DeJesus, Patrick Tucker, Towfiek Ahmed, Jerry Estenso, Abdo Ahmed and Richard Moore. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. STCW — NCL, Dec. 8: Evett Bell, Aleksey Berzon, John Biondi, Roderick Cabral, Nicholas Carlin, William Ceaser, Denise Coleman, Jennifer Colvin, Lisa Cordero, Christopher Cowan, David Cowan, Wanda Cowan, Stephanie Cramer, Alex Dennison, Rodney Dill, Thomas Divis, Andrew Dow, Francisco Espinoza, David Fox and Rufino Gonzales Jr. February 2007 STCW — NCL, Dec. 8: Kathryn Hatcher, Bradford Jeffcoat, Andrew Klekamp, Keri Koo, Josh Krauter, Janet Kunzmann, Yaku Ledbetter, Stephon Lobato, Ezequiel Macias Troncoso, Eric Martin, William McCord, Jean Memnon, Bonifacio Muelle, Austin Nolasco, Lesley Nuno, David O’Neill, Joshua Perry, Jacqulinne Rambo, Gregory Recano, Thomas Ruef and David Ruluked. STCW — NCL, Dec. 8: Sita Schlosser, Michael Scott, Christopher Simonsen, Tara Smith, Suzanne Sorenson, Joseph Tauriello Jr., Jeffrey Uhrinek Jr., Ernesto Vera, Nam Vu, Colleen Weigel, Joshua Winters, Nathaniel Ward, Brian Powell and Shawntee Medeiros. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 69, Number 2 February 2007 DUE IN APRIL Applications f or S IU S cholarship — page 2 0 Income T axes — See T ax T ips f or M ariners on p ages 1 2 a nd 1 3 Lakes Shipping Season Winds Down U Lawrence Willbanks, Tugboat Mark Hannah nseasonably warm weather this winter on the Great Lakes led to a slightly GUDE Hadi is in the bosun’s chair on the Cornelius. earlier-than-normal layup beginning the first week of January. Todd Brdak, SIU port agent in the port of Algonac, Mich., noted that unusual warmth and wind-free conditions in December meant no delays for SIU-crewed ships. As a result, with their cargoes already delivered, vessels started laying up two to three weeks ahead of their usual respective schedules. The Soo Locks closed in the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 16, signaling the traditional end of the season. Seafarers crew more than 20 Lakes ships along with dozens of tugboats, ITBs and ferries. The larger vessels transport cargoes including iron ore, limestone, cement, sand and salt. According to figures published by the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA), the 2006-2007 sailing season was a mixed bag. For instance, shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 39 million net tons in 2006, an increase of 3.3 percent compared to 2005. However, for most of 2006, shipments were slightly behind the previous year; but, much calmer weather in November and December allowed loadings to rebound significantly, erase the deficit, and then exceed the 2005 total. The association also noted that in terms of the 5-year average, 2006 limestone shipments were again roughly 3.3 percent ahead of the pace. Coal shipments were down slightly from the prior season, though better than the trade’s five-year average. The LCA (whose members include SIU-contracted companies) also cited the Lakes “dredging crisis” and plummeting water levels on Lake Superior as affecting shipments. For Seafarers, it added up to a fairly routine season. SIU ships, tugs and ITBs transport various cargoes on the Lakes, including coal, limestone and more. Pictured at the hall in Algonac are (from left) Port Agent Todd Brdak, AB John Clark, Representative Don Thornton, AB/Wheelsman Richard Bockert, Bosun Mike Schaff, AB David Greig, AB/Wheelsman Larry Dahl and Representative Monte Burgett. AB David Greig paints aboard the Walter McCarthy. The Cleveland ties up. Bosun Jared Smith, Adam E. Cornelius Lakes Seafarer Answers the Call OS Saleh Amed stands on the tug Cleveland. Dean Parks (pictured late last year at Fort Dix, N.J.) is an SIU member and a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. His Reserve unit recently was mobilized for assignment in Iraq, where Parks is serving as an artillery specialist. Last October, Parks earned his FOWT endorsement through the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He most recently sailed as a gateman with American Steamship Co. Seafarer Saeed Saleh (left) receives his full SIU book at the Algonac hall. Swearing him in is Representative Monte Burgett (right), while Port Agent Todd Brdak observes. The tank-cleaning crew on the Burns Harbor includes (from left) GUDEs Ahmed Algalham, Hesham Hussein and (kneeling) Taha Mohamed, 2nd Mate Matt Bassett and GUDE Mohamed Ali. � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ALLIANCE NEW YORK HOSTS TROOPS FOR INFORMAL HOLIDAY GATHERING SIU’S NEWEST BOAT IS JUST DUCKY TWIC AND MMC: WHAT SEAFARERS SHOULD KNOW (FOR NOW) MARINERS MAY PAY USER FEES ONLINE USNS COBB RESCUES REFUGEES MAERSK ALABAMA SEAFARERS BRIGHTEN HOLIDAYS FOR KIDS PRESIDENT FORD MOVED SWIFTLY FOR MARINERS IN MAYAGUEZ INCIDENT NEW STUDY REINFORCES NEED FOR EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT EMPLOYER INTERFERENCE IN UNION ELECTIONS OFTEN IS OUT OF CONTROL MINETA JOINS HORIZON LINES PAUL HALL CENTER ADDS ‘E-NAV LAB’ SEAFARERS SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF CANADIAN PORT SECURITY USNS RAPPAHANNOCK RESCUES 3 FISHERMEN MAIL HANDLERS UNION REJOINS AFL-CIO OVERSEAS JOYCE HELPS SAVE LIFE, BUT ALASKA TRAGEDY CLAIMS 3 STRONG START FOR MARINER OUTREACH SYSTEM LAKES SHIPPING SEASON WINDS DOWN 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 02/01/2007 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. 69, No. 2 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b0fbadad6b8cbb586f8c26be0f798681.pdf 94bb704453782554774ceabae2da6c03 PDF Text Text 40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20X:2007-March 2/22/2007 7:14 PM Page 1 Volume 69, Number 3 March 2007 More Tankers d e r e rd O Aker Philadelphia to Build up to 6 Additional Ships for OSG SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group on Feb. 7 announced it has signed an agreement through which Aker Philadelphia Shipyard will construct up to six additional Veteran-Class tankers. OSG will operate those ships in addition to 10 other tankers already being built at the yard. The first in the class—the Overseas Houston—is pictured above while on sea trials in mid-December. Page 3. Prepositioning Ships Play Vital Role in U.S. Sealift Capability U.S.-flag prepositioning ships like the Franklin J. Phillips (pictured in photos at right) are vital to America’s capacity to quickly, safely and reliably deliver materiel during contingencies, notes the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Pictured at far right are members of the Phillips’ deck gang (from left): Bosun Robert Buzard, AB Ruben Gamboa, AB Jim Stetter, AB Ethan Mims, AB Ron Rizzuto and AB Roy Rhodes. Additional details about the prepositioning program and more photos appear on pages 10 and 11. Houston-Area SIU Members March In Historic Parade Honoring Dr. King Approximately 20 Seafarers and SIU officials from the Houston area on Jan. 15 participated in the first ever national AFL-CIO observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Texas. Seafarers also took part in related events in Houston throughout the week, including community service projects. Pictured at the parade are members and officials along with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka (fourth from right). SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey is next to Trumka, fifth from left. Page 4. Pro-Labor Bill Re-Introduced Page 5 Photos from Petty’s Island Page 20 �40749_p2,3,4,9,13,14,15,16X:2007-March 2/22/2007 6:56 PM Page 2 President’s Report U.S. Crews Belong on New LNGs Although I’ve never pretended to be impartial on the subject, I’ve always been very sincere in my belief that SIU members are the besttrained, safest and most productive unlicensed mariners in the world. I’m equally truthful in saying that when it comes to reliability, qualifications and a proven track record, I believe you simply can’t do better than the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. We in the SIU have a well-earned reputation of making sure our members have received state-of-theart training as well as the latest information before Michael Sacco climbing the gangway. Whether it’s STCW training or tankerman courses or background checks or some other requirement, it seems we’re constantly being tested, both literally and figuratively. It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve met every challenge. Our rankand-file members have delivered. Our affiliated school, the Paul Hall Center, has been nothing short of vital in helping ensure that SIU members don’t just meet the minimum requirements, but instead have access to the absolute “latest and greatest” training tools and techniques. Our contracted companies, of course, are key partners in this effort, too. They have a lot at stake, and they are willing to invest in vessel and mariner safety by supporting cutting-edge SIU and Paul Hall Center training initiatives. Many times, our members receive training before it is government-mandated. As the saying goes, we’re ready, willing and able to deliver the goods, anytime, anywhere. And we happen to believe we can do it better and safer than anyone else. With that in mind, it was heartening to read last month about strong support for using American crews in conjunction with new U.S.-based LNG projects that are right on the horizon. Specifically, U.S. Representative Edward Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce and Homeland Security Committees, and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick both spoke out in favor of utilizing U.S. mariners aboard all ships calling on new LNG terminals in their state. Congressman Markey said, “While tougher screening and security measures were put in place for these (LNG) vessels following 9-11, I do believe that use of U.S. crews would help increase confidence in the safety and security of LNG shipments into the Commonwealth. In the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks, we found out those LNG tankers docking at the Everett terminal had been used to smuggle aliens into the U.S. and that one of them was later implicated in the Millennium bombing plot.” Governor Patrick stated, “The safe and secure transportation of liquefied natural gas is critical to the wellbeing of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The use of U.S. citizen crews will help to accomplish this critical obligation…. The use of U.S. citizen crew members on these vessels will help to best serve the Commonwealth.” As you probably know, Massachusetts isn’t the only state pursuing possible new opportunities involving LNG terminals. But it is welcome news, to say the least, to see their elected officials taking such a strong stand in favor of U.S. crews. I’m sure our entire industry appreciates the vote of confidence. Meanwhile, SIU members should know that this union is ready to take advantage of new openings aboard LNG ships. Among other efforts, we are updating our LNG training program, including installation of an LNG simulator at the Paul Hall Center. Stay tuned. Bethel is National President of American Maritime Officers The American Maritime Officers (AMO) recently announced that Thomas J. Bethel was elected by a unanimous vote of the union’s National Executive Committee to complete the fouryear term of former AMO National President Michael McKay. McKay was re-elected as national president by the AMO membership in 2006. McKay resigned his position Jan. 8, 2007 after being convicted of multiple felonies in a federal trial. Bethel was re-elected as AMO national executive vice president in the union’s 2006 election. The AMO National Executive Committee Jan. 8 designated Bethel by unanimous vote to complete McKay’s term, which began Jan. 1, 2007. AMO National Secretary-Treasurer Jose Leonard, AMO Great Lakes Vice President Daniel Smith, AMO Deep-Sea Vice President Joseph Gremelsbacker and AMO Vice President at Large Edward Kelly supported Bethel to serve as AMO national president. Bethel vowed to work closely with rank-and-file AMO members to “right the ship” in the wake of the criminal case against McKay, the union reported in its monthly newspaper. “I have every confidence in the AMO membership, and I want all AMO members to know with absolute certainty that they can have every confidence in me and in the new national executive board of our union,” Bethel said Jan. 8. “The membership’s trust in us will not be squandered.” Michael McKay and his brother, former AMO National Secre- AMO National President Thomas J. Bethel tary-Treasurer Robert McKay, were convicted of several felonies Jan. 5 in United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. SIU Ships Deliver in Operation Deep Freeze Two SIU-crewed ships recently overcame severe weather to deliver vital cargo in “Operation Deep Freeze,” the annual resupply mission to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica. The American Tern (operated by OspreyAcomarit Ship Management) and the USNS Paul Buck (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.) sailed through rough seas and high winds and around small icebergs to reach McMurdo Station, according to a report by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The National Science Foundation used two icebreakers, USCGC Polar Sea and Swedish icebreaker Oden, which began work in December to break a channel through 18 miles of ice that separated the open water from the pier. The SIU-crewed ships followed that channel. “They made it on time and did their job,” noted Larry Larsson, Deep Freeze Project manager at MSC’s Sealift Logistics Command Pacific, speaking of the civilian-crewed U.S. vessels. The American Tern, a dry cargo ship, arrived at the base Feb. 4 and spent the next few days offloading more than 29,000 tons of equipment, food and other supplies. The ship then spent another three days loading cargo for a return trip to the United States, with a stop in New Zealand. This shipment was to include ice core samples that will provide scientists studying global climate change with information about the composition of the atmosphere hundreds of thousands of years ago. The tanker Paul Buck had arrived at the station Feb. 1 and pumped off 162,000 barrels of fuel for equipment ranging from generators to helicopters. Tim Pickering, MSC cargo project officer, said ships like the Seafarers-crewed vessels used in Operation Deep Freeze are vital in keeping the base running. “Air Force cargo planes make hundreds of trips a year to McMurdo, but without the use of ships, it would not be possible to move the large quantities of supplies needed to keep the station operating,” he said. Cape Taylor Crew Honored Remembering Peter Finnerty Our industry suffered a big loss last month when Peter Finnerty, a great advocate for the U.S.-flag fleet, died unexpectedly at age 64. Peter spent most of his career with SIU-contracted Sea-Land, where he worked for 30 years advancing not just the interests of his company but those of the whole U.S. Merchant Marine. He was a respected, recognized figure when it came to promoting Peter Finnerty U.S. maritime policy. He was a great American—a hard worker and someone you could trust. On behalf of the entire SIU, I extend our condolences to Peter’s family, along with our thanks and admiration for his lifetime of dedicated work. He was a friend and he will be missed. Volume 69, Number 3 March 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The U.S. Maritime Administration late last year honored crew members from the Cape Taylor, operated by SIU-contracted Crowley Liner Services. A ceremony took place in Houston when the ship returned from a lengthy deployment in Kuwait. The Cape Taylor had been mobilized in support of U.S. troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pictured above after the ceremony are Seafarers, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (seventh from right), SIU Assistant VP Jim McGee (far right) and the ship’s master, M. Darley (next to Corgey). The SIU members recognized by the Maritime Administration include Bosun Kirk Pegan, ABs Daniel Carman, Adiawor Otumfo, Eberto Castro, Desta Gebrai, Joseph Merriweather and David Graves, GVA Deck Leandro Cacho, Electrician Jerome Dooms, Oilers Romuald Marlinski, Elmer Rochez and Adriano Coutinhou, GVA Engine Egbert Campbell, Steward/Baker Joseph Pittman, Chief Cook Pedro Castillo and SAs Adam Saleh and Younis Saleh. March 2007 �40749_p2,3,4,9,13,14,15,16X:2007-March 2/22/2007 6:57 PM Page 3 Aker Philadelphia to Build More Tankers Seafarers-Contracted OSG Will Operate New Veteran-Class Vessels Several noteworthy stories emerged last month from unioncontracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, but for Seafarers, the biggest report undoubtedly was the joint announcement by the yard and SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) concerning additional new builds for the Jones Act trade. The company and the shipyard on Feb. 7 announced they had signed an agreement in principle through which Aker Philadelphia will construct up to six additional Veteran-Class product tankers. The agreement calls for three ships and includes options for three more vessels. “Both OSG and Aker Philadelphia are demonstrating their commitment to the U.S.-flag fleet,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “The SIU in turn will proudly continue living up to our commitment to provide well-trained, reliable, safe and productive unlicensed crews for these new vessels.” That announcement wasn’t the only good news. Two days later, the SIU-crewed Overseas Houston—the first in the Veteran-Class series—was delivered. Additionally, in early February the shipyard and the Philadelphia Metal Trades Council announced that a new collective bargaining agreement between the union and the shipyard had been ratified by the Philadelphia Metal Trades membership. The new agreement followed months of determined negotiations between the yard and union leadership and will be effective through Jan. 31, 2011. Gary Gaydosh, president of the Philadelphia Metal Trades Council, stated, “Having this new agreement in place helps the shipyard and union work together to ensure a bright future for shipbuilding in Philadelphia. I believe it is a good agreement for both parties.” Dave Meehan, Aker Philadelphia Shipyard president and CEO, said, “Our union employees are the backbone of our shipyard, and their hard work and dedication to their crafts are evidenced in the ships we build. This agreement speaks to the commitment of both parties to work together building on our accomplishments to date and looking to the future. It provides a foundation for continuing our solid relationship through the entire ten tanker build program.” The tanker program first was announced in April 2005 as a series of 10 ships scheduled for completion in 2010. OSG subsequently indicated a desire to expand the program. When the first tanker was delivered last month, Eric Smith, chief commercial officer and head of government affairs for OSG America, commented, “OSG America is very excited to have taken delivery of the Overseas Houston today. Our relationship with Aker American Shipping is excellent. We use our combined resolve to deliver new Jones Act tonnage to our customers like Shell who will employ this vessel for many years to come.” The Overseas Houston was USNS Mary Sears Locates Black Boxes from Flight 574 The SIU-crewed USNS Mary Sears in late January located two flight recorders from the Indonesian jet that crashed into the sea on New Year’s Day with 102 people aboard. The plane—an Adam Air Boeing 737—ran into bad weather including winds up to 80 mph and changed course twice before disappearing from radar off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. No bodies were recovered. According to a written message from the master of the USNS Mary Sears (an oceanographic survey ship operated by Horizon Lines), the vessel was assigned to participate in recovery operations after initial search-and-rescue efforts by Indonesia were unsuccessful. “On arrival in the search area, USNS Mary Sears used her hullmounted equipment to search the bottom,” Captain James Mixon wrote. “Due to water depths in excess of a mile, this equipment was not sensitive enough to distinguish details. The vessel entered a local port and loaded more specialized equipment. USNS Mary Sears, along with the other five T-AGS 60 class vessels were designed to be easily and quickly altered to meet the demands of varying mission profiles. Two days after departing with the additional search equipment, the signals March 2007 The hull of the second tanker in the series (above) is nearing completion with only two sections remaining. As of early February, the deckhouse had been mounted atop the ship and was undergoing outfitting, while the piping systems in the engine room and main deck were being completed. slated to sail from the yard to the Gulf of Mexico where it will soon begin service transporting refined petroleum products for Shell Oil Company under that company’s time charter agreement with OSG. There are three other product Paul Hall Center to Offer Helo Fire Fighting Course The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in late January hosted a two-day meeting on behalf of the U.S. Military Sealift Command aimed at finalizing a draft curriculum for a maritime helicopter fire fighting course. Subsequently, the school submitted the curriculum to the agency for its anticipated approval, possibly with minor modifications. The one-day course to be offered by the Paul Hall Center (located in Piney Point, Md.) is intended primarily for merchant mariners (including CIVMARs) sailing aboard military support ships, particularly vessels equipped with flight decks. Representatives from the following organizations participated in the curriculum-development meeting: MSC; Calhoon MEBA Engineering School; MITAGS; Texas A&M; Elkins Marine Training International; RTM Star Center; and the Paul Hall Center. Abundant information is included in the course, which emphasizes hands-on training and also includes classroom instruction. Main topics include fire chemistry; flight quarters organization; personal protective equipment; fire fighting equipment; helicopter types; and helicopter fire fighting tactics (including practical exercises on combating engine fires, cargo fires and more). The Seafarers-crewed USNS Mary Sears assisted in an international operation to find the flight data recorders from a downed Indonesian jet. from the black boxes were located.” He further noted that MSC commended the efforts of everyone aboard the USNS Mary Sears. “The crew of Mary Sears’ ability to quickly and flawlessly shift missions was a direct reflection of its readiness and training,” Mixon added. “The Mary Sears was recognized for the superb efforts and professionalism of everyone involved.” Seafarers sailing aboard the USNS Mary Sears during the mission included Bosun Harlan Hulst, ABs Carlos Castillo, Kelly Doyle and Marco Figueroa, STOSs Brian Jackson and Thomas Tramutola, QMEDs Daryl Moore and Jim Farmer, Chief Steward Donna Saling, Chief Cook Anthony Jacobson, GVAs Shabbah Shaibi and Roberto Nunez, Chief Storekeeper Nels Nelson and MDR James Bryant. According to news reports, Indonesian authorities planned to attempt retrieval of the flight data recorders but weren’t certain the operation would be successful, given the ocean’s depth. tankers in the series currently under production at the yard. Each of the new tankers will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 deadweight tons (dwt). The Paul Hall Center’s helicopter fire fighting course will emphasize hands-on training. This photo was taken in late January at the center’s Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Participating in the curriculum meeting are (from left) Barry Van Vechten, Kyrm Hickman and Bob Smith. Van Vechten and Smith are from the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School, Hickman is from MSC. Seafarers LOG 3 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March 2/16/2007 6:49 AM Page 4 Houston Seafarers Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Some 20 Seafarers in Houston two months ago secured their places in history by participating in the first ever national AFLCIO observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Texas. While recognizing his contributions to the nation and to humanity as a whole, the federation’s observance primarily was focused on the slain civil rights leader’s solidarity with the union movement. At the time of his assassination in 1968, Dr. King was in Memphis supporting sanitation workers who were fighting to form a union. In the spirit of remembering that support, various events involving international union leaders, membership mobilizations, worker education and advocacy, and community service projects were conducted. “We can’t just celebrate Martin,” said the Rev. Joseph Lowery, president emeritus, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), in remarks he made during opening ceremonies. “We must use this holiday as an opportunity to challenge our nation to honor its commitment to King’s vision of equality.” Lowery, with King, cofounded the SCLC. In addition to Lowery, the list of guest speakers making appearances during the events included: AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka; AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson; Bill Lucy, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; Norman Hill, president emeritus of the A. Philip Randolph Institute; and Nat LaCour, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda ChavezThompson (center) was keynote speaker during the civil rights forum’s workshop on unions and immigrant workers. With Chavez-Thompson are Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (ALPA) Executive Director Gloria Caoile and ITF Inspector Swhe Aung, who also serves as an ALPA representative. American Federation of Teachers. Officials from the Texas AFLCIO, the Harris County Central Labor Council and unions affiliated with the federation also participated in the week’s events. Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Assistant Vice President Gulf Coast Jim McGee headed the contingent of SIU officials and rank-and-file members who participated in various activities staged during the Jan. 11-15 celebration. Both marched in the Martin Luther King Grande Parade. They were joined by other SIU officials from the Houston hall and members who proudly displayed the SIU colors. Among those joining Corgey and McGee were: ITF Inspector Swhe Aung, Patrolmen Mike Russo and Jimmy White, Skhin Naing, Jose Clotter, Ronald Davis, Ralph Moore, James Wheat, William Sowell, Stephen Treece, Frank Strong and Andrew Lopez. As a group, they all marched behind the AFL-CIO float. The federation’s parade entries also included two city sanitation trucks which served as reminders to onlookers that Dr. King was assassinated while working to help sanitation workers in their struggle to gain union representation. White, who also serves as SIU safety director in Houston, and Aung, a rep for the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, repre- Dredging Ambrose Channel SIU Representative Jack Sheehan recently met with SIU members aboard the dredge Liberty Island in New York Harbor after the vessel had completed a segment of operations in Ambrose Channel. Pictured clockwise from upper left are the Liberty Island; Mate Rob Ellingson; Captain Dick Roel; and SA Carlos David with Steward Karen Mischel. 4 Seafarers LOG SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right front) and SIU Assistant VP Gulf Coast Jim McGee (left front) lead a contingent of rank-and-file union members during the Jan. 15 Martin Luther King Grande Parade in Houston. The group also included Swhe Aung, Mike Russo, Jimmy White, Skhin Naing, Jose Clotter, Ronald Davis, Ralph Moore, James Wheat, William Sowell, Stephen Treece, Frank Strong and Andrew Lopez. sented the union during a civil rights forum, a lead event during the week. Each attended a workshop which focused on attacks on voting rights. Featured events during the rest of the week—in addition to the parade and forum—included reports on the AFL-CIO’s Rebuilding New Orleans Projects; updates on Zimbabwe trade unions; community service projects; and worship services. AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson (left) chats with Houston Patrolman Jimmy White following her presentation. 2007 Union Show Returns to Cincinnati The 2007 America @ Work, AFL-CIO Union Industries Show is slated for June 15-17 in Cincinnati’s recently modernized Duke Energy Convention Center. Sponsored annually by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department (UL&STD), the Union Industries Show is an expo of the best products and services America has to offer. Everything scheduled to be on display—including goods and services by Seafarers-contracted NCL America and the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW)—will be made and produced by union workers. The show has run for nearly 70 years, with the exception of the World War II era when operations were suspended. The 2007 event will mark the fifth occasion that the show has visited Cincinnati, site of the first Union Industries Show in 1938. It returned in 1958, 1980 and 1990. Coming off a successful 2006 event in Cleveland in which 10 SIU/UIW-contracted companies displayed their products and services for more than 200,000 show-goers, the 2007 show will feature an even larger display of union-made-in-America items. Cars and trucks from the big-three auto makers—Ford, General Motors and Daimler Chrysler—as well as thousands of appliances, household products, boats, motorcycles, clothing, consumer goods, and food products will be available for public scrutiny. Craft booths will feature live demonstrations of skills and crafts by iron workers, bricklayers, cement masons, roofers, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and many others. Trainers from dozens of apprenticeship programs will be on hand to talk about craft careers. Exhibition booths staffed by union workers will be spread across the Duke Center’s 200,000 square-foot hall. Guests are invited to participate in free raffles which are slated to be conducted throughout the three-day show. Typically, those raffles include bags of groceries, electronic products, appliances, automotive products, sporting equipment, autos and a spectacular HarleyDavidson motorcycle. UL&STD representatives, in what will be the last big meetings leading up to the June show, on April 17 will meet with returning and prospective exhibitors in Cincinnati to preview details of the event. The show will be free of charge and open to the pubic. Show hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. March 2007 �40749_p2,3,4,9,13,14,15,16X:2007-March 2/22/2007 7:00 PM Page 5 Employee Free Choice Act Re-Introduced in House ‘Card Check’ Legislation Would Restore Fairness Far too often, America’s workers unfairly experience significant difficulties when they want to exercise their right to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions, according to the AFL-CIO. A December 2006 poll by Hart Research reported that given a fair chance, 60 million workers in the U.S. would form or join a union. For this reason, Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) early last month introduced H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), in the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed measure—which if passed would make it considerably easier for people to join unions—is identical to legislation introduced in the House (H.R. 1696) and Senate (S. 842) last year. The bill, sometimes called “card check” legislation, has 230 House co-sponsors, or more than half the 435 members. “Today the procedures for forming a union and bargaining for better wages and benefits are stacked against the workers,” Miller, who chairs the House Committee on Education and Labor, said during a Capitol Hill press conference Feb. 7, one day after introducing the measure. “The Employee Free Choice Act is very simple. It says that if a majority of workers in a workplace sign authorization cards in support of a union, they get a union. That’s it.” Currently, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRA) requires that decisions on union representation be conducted through a system of secret ballot elections. Employees must first present “show of interest” cards to the NLRB and demand an election. Regardless of the number of cards, the employer can force an election. In a workplace with 100 workers, even if 100 of those workers sign cards stating plainly that they want the union to represent them, an election must still take place if the employer demands it. Far too often, as frequently reported by the labor federation, that’s where the problems escalate—not because of any wrongdoings or shortcomings on the part of unions or prospective members, but rather because of stall tactics, intimidation and firings by antiunion, anti-worker employers. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, who also spoke during the Capitol Hill news conference said, “The current system for forming unions and bargaining is badly broken. Every day, corporations harass, intimidate and even fire people who try to form unions to bargain for better wages and benefits. They deny employees the freedom to decide for themselves whether to form unions. And when they do that, they deny working men and women the freedom to pursue a better life. We must change the system.” Rep. Robert Andrews (D-N.J.), who chairs the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions, said he was confident Government Publishes TWIC Rule, MMC Update As anticipated, the Federal Register dated January 25 contained a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking for the consolidation of merchant mariner qualification credentials, abbreviated as MMC. It also contained the final rule for phase one of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential or TWIC program. The government is accepting comments on the supplemental notice for the MMC until April 25, 2007. The final rulemaking on the new mariner credential isn’t expected to take effect until approximately August 2008. Initial issuance of that credential will continue over a five-year period beginning around that same time in 2008. This means that until the proposed MMC regulation is final, Seafarers should continue to apply for z-cards/MMDs, licenses, CORs and STCW endorsements under the current system. As previously reported, U.S. mariners eventually will be required to carry both a TWIC and an MMC, while the current mariner qualification documents and licenses are phased out. The published summary of the TWIC rule states, “Those seeking unescorted access to secure areas aboard affected vessels, and all Coast Guard credentialed merchant mariners must possess a TWIC by September 25, 2008.” Maritime unions including the SIU had urged the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration to add a biometric identifier to the current z-card and thereby let it also function as a TWIC. The supplemental notice goes into detail about why that request was rejected. Essentially, the notice states it would be too costly to add a biometric identifier to the existing z-card. It also indicates that the government doesn’t believe a z-card (even with a biometric identifier) fulfills the mandate of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, which is the legislation behind these programs. However, on a potentially very important note, the notice more than once indicates a strong willingness to work toward incorporating the MMC information onto a TWIC in the years ahead, so that eventually mariners would end up with one credential for everything. (If this happens, it undoubtedly will be years in the making—but the supplemental notice does indicate acknowledgement on the government’s part that the one-credential system for mariners has merit.) Among many other points, the supplemental notice stated the following: March 2007 There will be more than 125 TWIC enrollment centers. The MMC rule proposes to remove the requirement that mariners appear at an REC. The format of the MMC hasn’t been finalized. The Coast Guard also is considering a different format of the MMC for officers and ratings. The Coast Guard will work to ensure that the TWIC is accepted by the international community as a “replacement MMD for shore leave.” “The TWIC/MMC enrollment process would work like this: To begin, a mariner would have the option of going online to provide preenrollment information for the TWIC to reduce the amount of time at the TWIC enrollment center. They would then travel to one of the many TWIC enrollment centers to be fingerprinted, photographed, show proof of ID and complete the TWIC application process. At any time after they have applied for their TWIC, the mariner would be able to mail his or her MMC application to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard would then contact TSA to obtain electronic copies of the applicant’s fingerprints, photograph, ID, and if applicable criminal record, FBI number and proof of alien status. If an examination is required, the mariner would be contacted to schedule the examination after the initial evaluation is completed. Once the TWIC has been issued, the MMC application approved, and the examination(s), if necessary, are completed, the MMC would be mailed to the applicant. The RECs would remain open and mariners would be allowed to apply in person or seek assistance from REC personnel if they choose.” The union will continue monitoring and publicizing information on the TWIC and MMC as it is released by the DHS, TSA and Coast Guard— including when, where and how to start applying for a TWIC. As reported in the February LOG, questions concerning the TWIC may be emailed to the Coast Guard at uscg-twic-helpdesk@uscg.mil. The phone number for the TSA’s TWIC help desk is 877-687-2243, and the TSA’s TWIC web site is located at http://www.tsa.gov/. A list of Coast Guard RECs is located at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/mmic-regions.htm. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney that the bill likely would pass, noting, “We’ll get it through the House.” If approved in the House, the EFCA will head—pending passage in the Senate—to the president’s desk. He added, “I believe that restoring workers’ free choice, through the Employee Free Choice Act, is the only way to ensure that they have the right to bargain for fair wages and benefits. It is imperative that Congress take this action for all middle class Americans and particularly for the over 60 million nonunion workers who seek nothing more than decent wages and healthcare.” Sen. Edward Kennedy (DMass.) promised the bill would be introduced soon in the Senate, noting “the Senate is a couple of weeks behind” the House when it comes to putting the bill on the legislative agenda. But Kennedy made it clear that he intends to fight for the bill in the Senate, where experts believe it will be tougher to gain a majority vote. If passed, the EFCA would make the process of choosing a union more fair by: Establishing stronger penalties for violation of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during firstcontract negotiations. Providing mediation and arbitration for first-contract disputes. Allowing employees to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation. BLS Releases Annual Data on Unions The number of union members in the United States declined in 2006 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual union membership report, but union members continued to earn significantly higher wages than their unrepresented counterparts. Released Jan. 25, the government account states that union membership last year dropped from 12.5 percent of all workers in both 2004 and 2005, to 12.0 percent of all workers last year. These figures translate into a decline of more than 325,000 to 15.4 million in all wage and salary workers in the country. When it came to income, full-time wage and salary workers who were union members had median usual weekly earnings of $833, compared with a median of $642 for wage and salary workers who were not represented by unions. Last year, the union membership rate for government workers (36.2 percent) was substantially higher than for private industry workers (7.4 percent). Within the public sector, local government workers had the highest union membership rate, 41.9 percent. This group includes occupations such as teachers, police officers and fire fighters. Among major private industries, transportation and utilities had the highest union membership rate, at 23.2 percent, followed by construction (13.0 percent). Within the information industry, telecommunications had a 20.7 percent union membership rate. Financial activities had the lowest unionization rate in 2006—1.9 percent. In occupational groups, education, training, library occupations (37.3 percent) and protective service occupations (34.7 percent) had the highest unionization rates in 2006. Higher than average union membership rates also were registered in transportation and material moving occupations (18.5 percent), construction and extraction occupations (17.6 percent), installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (15.8 percent), community and social services occupations (15.6 percent), and production occupations (15.5 percent). Sales and related occupations (3.1 percent) and farming, fishing and forestry occupations (3.5 percent) had the lowest unionization rates. The largest numbers of union members lived in California and New York. Just under half of the 15.4 million union members in the U.S. lived in six states (California, 2.3 million; New York, 2.0 million; Illinois, 900,000; Michigan, 800,000; New Jersey, 800,000; and Pennsylvania, 700,000). Among the five states reporting union membership rates below 5 percent in 2006, North Carolina and South Carolina continued to post the lowest rates (3.3 percent each). The next lowest rates were recorded in Virginia (4.0 percent), Georgia (4.4 percent), and Texas (4.9 percent). While news of the decline in union membership last year is far from a positive development, its timing perhaps is not all bad in that it underscores the need to restore fairness in the nation’s labor laws. Specifically, it comes as organized labor is pushing for the passage of legislation in Congress that would make it easier for workers to form unions (see related story, this page). That proposition, the Employee Free Choice Act, would permit workers to form unions simply by signing a card or petition. It would also impose stronger penalties on employers who violate labor laws and would allow for arbitration to settle first contract disputes. Seafarers LOG 5 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March 2/16/2007 7:07 AM Page 6 At Sea and Ashore . . . With the SIU The SIU-crewed USNS Harry L. Martin’s “Repel Boarders” team poses on the ship’s deck after a drill. Seafarers pictured include ABs Allan Marshall and Kathleen Kemp, QMED Kerry and Steward Baker Greg Johnson. Also shown are members of the ship’s Nepalese private security force: Sgt. Tika Ram Rai with his squad, including officers Khem Bahadur Angdembe, Kajiman Rai and Hari Bahadur Gurung. These men are all retired members of the famed British fighting unit “The Gurkha Rifles.” Thanks to Recertified Bosun Mike Hester for sending this photo to the LOG. “Hats off to the steward department,” wrote Robert Lee, captain aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Lawrence Gianella. “The members of the department have answered the call to duty in grand fashion. The skills of each and every member of the department have been greatly appreciated by the crew, and we all have new waistlines to prove it.” From the left are GSU John Rascon, Chief Cook Gerald Joseph, SIU Apprentice Tabethia Twine, Chief Steward David Belle and GSU Carlos Balado-Hernandez along with some freshly baked desserts. Capt. Lee also recognized the great work by GSU William Carter, who went on vacation just before this photo was taken. Jack Wyatt (right), a captain at Crowley for more than 30 years, has retired to the Florida Keys, where he plans to do a lot of fishing. Here, he receives his first pension check from SIU Safety Director Kevin Marchand at the Ft. Lauderdale hall. 6 Seafarers LOG SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (right) keeps Seafarers’ interests front and center as he meets with the newly elected Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, who represents Maryland’s 2nd district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pelosi, who is a representative from California, was born and raised in Baltimore. Seafarer Jimmy Gray (left) received many beautiful and thoughtful gifts at his recent retirement party. Gray worked for more than 22 years at Crowley Tug and Towing in the Los Angeles/Long Beach harbor as an AB/Deck Utility and Engine Utility. Helping Gray celebrate this milestone are (above, from left) Capt. Ed Brady, Capt. Mike Wilson, Engineer Deso Hrboka, Gray, Engineer Arsen Perhat, Capt. Rick Cavalier, Deckhand Mike Privette and Capt. William Privette. A union meeting recently took place aboard the USNS Benavidez. Included among those in attendance (shown in these three photos) were Recertified Bosun Thomas Minton and Recertified Steward Fernando Guity. The 950-foot vessel, which is in the Military Sealift Command fleet, was en route to the Middle East. March 2007 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20X:2007-March 2/22/2007 6:54 PM Page 7 Making the Holidays Special On the Alaskan Navigator eing away from home for long periods of time is hard enough; being away from home over festive holidays like Christmas and New Year’s can often be especially challenging. Donnell (Don) Lewis, who is sailing as chief steward aboard the Alaskan Navigator, recognized the need to create a little bit of home for his fellow crew members over the holidays. Along with Chief Cook Craig Lundberg and Steward Assistant Norberto Cacpal, the galley gang went all out to make the days special, including a wide assortment of delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner selections. The dinner entree on Christmas Day included grilled filet mignon and fresh lobster. Lobster Alfredo and steak kabobs were B the New Year’s Day choices. Lewis wrote a poem that sums up his feelings about working on Christmas. Winter to Fall Being aboard an oil tanker in the middle of winter is the last place that I wanted to be; I’d rather be far, far away from here with family and friends you see, but then there’s 30 other men who perhaps feel the same way that I do; if not me, then who?...and being aboard ship on Christmas Day ain’t really nothing new, my kids are grown and on their own, my wife is at peace and life is sweet...so here I am, yet once again touring from winter to fall; if you’re not going to do something right, then don’t do it at all, as my father used to say; so here’s a menu, to those of you who must sacrifice time away on Christmas Day. Chief Cook Craig Lundberg arranges the Christmas lunch buffet. Steward Assistant Norberto Cacpal (left) holds a freshly baked crabshaped cheese bread while Chief Steward Don Lewis stands in front of the turkey Wellington and two desserts: a strawberry cheese cake and a kiwi cheese cake. Lunch on Christmas Day included fresh Alaskan king crab (above) in addition to smoked red salmon and roasted turkey Wellington. Below is a fresh strawberry coffee cake along with an assortment of holiday cookies. March 2007 Special menus were printed up for the Christmas and New Year’s Day meals. WWII/Korean War Merchant Marine Veteran Celebrates 85th Birthday Editor’s note: Marlen Buttke celebrated his 85th birthday on Dec. 17, 2006, surrounded by friends and family. He shared the following summary of his 10 years of service in the U.S. Merchant Marine, which was sent to the Seafarers LOG by his oldest daughter, Joy Berry. I began my seaman’s training in December of 1942 at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y. and graduated the following May with basic endorsements and a lifeboat ticket. My first trip was on Bull Line’s Governor John Lind. We went through the Davis Strait to Baffin Island and unloaded the cargo ourselves. Then it was on to Hudson Bay, where we converted the ship to haul grain. Next, we carried wheat to Baltimore. Twelve ships were lost between Greenland and Newfoundland by torpedoes from subs. During the rest of the war, I sailed mostly to England and the Mediterranean. We lost 18 ships off the coast of Italy to planes. My last trip to Europe during the war was to Cherbourg (France). At that time, the U.S. was sending 2,000 bomber flights per day into Germany. The only things coming back were rockets and buzz bombs. Seeing no German planes were returning, we realized the war in Europe was over. After that, I requested ships that were bound for the Pacific Ocean and helped load cargo onto a Liberty ship headed for Okinawa. After a very eventful trip to Okinawa, due to some “error of judgment,” each of us was rationed to a half-bucket of water per day. In Eniwetok, the unlicensed crew was charged with mutiny. One guy per watch was left aboard ship; the rest were taken to prison. I remained on board. The captain tried to get crews from the Navy and the union to sail the ship, but they wouldn’t send him anyone, so he had to take the crew back from prison. From Eniwetok, we went to the Caroline Islands where we picked up gunners and operators for the equipment we had on board ship. Escorted by U.S. Navy destroyers, we saw a light come on under our ship. We Marlen Buttke celebrates his 85th birthday with family and friends. believe subs were using our ship for cover. We were in Okinawa 26 days and averaged two or three suicide attacks per day. When we returned to the Caroline Islands, the captain knew supplies were on the way but did not wait for them. We left Okinawa and headed for San Pedro. I signed onto a Waterman ship, the MV Bowline Knot. I was in the crow’s nest the day the war was over. U.S. planes were flying under me, waving up at me. The captain called up to me to get down from the crow’s nest. “The war is over!” We celebrated the rest of the day. After that, I went to Manila, unloading penicillin that was in a small refrigerator hold. We loaded barbed wire and then went to Nagasaki, but we didn’t need the barbed wire; the Japanese were real friendly. They say 60,000 people were killed there. There was a big hospital made up of 11 buildings, but the patients, nurses, everyone was dead where they stood or lay. I don’t believe the atom bomb should ever be used again. In 1950 I went around the world on the Steel Age. Then to Korea on the Robin Hood or Robin Grey on Christmas Eve of 1951. We helped evacuate Hungnam (North Korea). In January, on the same trip, we took refugees out of Inchon (South Korea). I made one more trip to South and East Africa and then retired in the spring of 1952. Buttke’s daughter, Joy, writes that after leaving the Merchant Marine, he bought a farm in South Dakota within 10 miles of the farm on which he was raised. He married Mickey and they had five children. Buttke farmed for 15 years. They sold the equipment and livestock but continued to live on the farm. He then went to work for a stone quarry for 18½ years before retiring. But not one to remain idle, Buttke worked part time for the Farm Service Agency as a fieldman for 16 years and retired once again, at age 80. A couple years ago, Buttke and his wife moved from their farm to the nearby town of Milbank. They have been married 54 years and have 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Buttke looks forward to each and every issue of the Seafarers LOG—and to his weekday games of pinochle at the local community center. This photo of Nagasaki was taken by Marlen Buttke after the atomic bomb. Buttke was one of the first Americans to view the horrific scene. Seafarers LOG 7 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March 2/16/2007 Taking on stores aboard the El Yunque are (from left) Chief Cook Adalberto Colon, AB Frank Sanchez, Unlicensed Apprentice Farren Blackwell, SA Alex Vasquez and Chief Steward Johnnie McGill. 10:23 AM Page 8 AB Ricardo Quinones readies the Horizon Discovery’s gangway to go ashore in Jacksonville. ACU Jaime Cayonte arrives at the Jacksonville hall, hoping to throw in for a job on an upcoming voyage. Around the Port of Jacksonville Recertified Bosun Pat Ray prepares the gangway aboard the Horizon Discovery. L ocated on Florida’s north Atlantic Coast, the port of Jacksonville serves the state and the nation as a shipping point for the movement of goods all over the world and as a gateway to Puerto Rico. This keeps SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware and his staff at the union hall very busy. The photos on this page represent just some of the ships that have been met recently by representatives from the Jacksonville hall, including the El Yunque, Overseas Luxmar, Horizon Discovery, Independence and Horizon Crusader. Jacksonville Port Agent Archie Ware (right) meets with Joseph Grandinetti, a QEE on the El Yunque. Right: Crew members on the car ship Independence Holding a copy of the ship’s minutes is Jonny Cruz, chief steward on the Overseas Luxmar. Crew members on the El Yunque Right: AB J. Calix (left) assists Recertified Bosun Pat Ray with the Horizon Discovery’s gangway. SA Esther Wilkes cleans dishes aboard the Horizon Discovery. The Horizon Discovery’s chief cook is Tracey Newsome. Left: Crew members on the Horizon Crusader Right: Crew members on the Overseas Luxmar Aboard the Horizon Crusader is the ship’s committee: (from left) Recertified Steward Joseph Emidy, Recertified Bosun Roan Lightfoot and Electrician Morris Jeff. 8 Seafarers LOG Getting ready for the lunch crowd on the Overseas Luxmar is SA Adolfo Bermudez. Lunch is being prepared aboard the Overseas Luxmar by Chief Cook Leoncio Castro. March 2007 �40749_p2,3,4,9,13,14,15,16:2007-March 2/21/2007 9:26 AM Page 9 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April & May 2007 Membership Meetings JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 2 2 3 14 1 18 36 25 1 13 13 39 11 20 2 0 10 2 40 29 4 5 5 12 8 10 29 22 5 12 16 24 11 15 2 6 6 5 41 19 1 1 0 5 0 0 7 6 1 0 3 12 10 3 0 0 0 2 14 6 281 257 71 1 0 4 4 0 5 13 16 0 6 10 20 8 7 1 1 3 0 15 9 0 0 4 3 2 4 15 26 2 2 7 9 9 12 2 1 4 3 20 12 0 1 2 3 0 2 6 2 1 1 0 3 7 1 1 2 0 0 2 7 123 137 41 0 0 1 6 4 9 25 21 1 9 3 22 8 27 3 4 1 1 15 23 0 0 1 6 2 9 4 17 0 3 6 9 9 1 1 2 0 0 8 9 1 0 2 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 183 87 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 2 4 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 3 2 1 6 5 7 25 23 0 4 4 27 7 13 0 6 2 0 12 15 26 613 1 0 2 10 3 8 25 25 1 7 16 28 12 25 2 0 6 0 23 22 2 4 1 8 5 5 23 16 1 7 8 19 10 7 3 9 5 3 24 11 0 1 1 2 1 0 4 5 1 2 2 1 5 1 0 0 1 3 4 3 Algonac ................Friday: April 6, May 11 0 2 0 0 0 3 16 14 0 2 8 13 3 5 1 1 2 1 21 15 3 2 9 20 1 20 67 58 0 20 28 85 17 34 3 0 15 4 63 59 6 6 8 21 6 16 46 36 4 15 19 41 27 16 6 2 14 13 51 38 3 4 1 5 1 0 9 12 2 1 4 23 13 3 2 1 1 2 17 14 216 171 37 107 508 391 118 0 0 4 5 0 6 9 17 0 4 4 10 11 11 0 2 5 0 9 9 0 0 1 4 1 2 11 11 1 3 1 5 11 5 3 1 4 2 11 6 0 1 1 1 0 2 2 0 1 2 0 3 3 0 0 2 1 1 2 4 0 0 0 5 0 2 6 9 1 1 1 3 2 3 1 0 5 1 11 2 1 0 8 12 0 12 28 28 0 11 13 35 7 17 3 3 3 0 22 18 1 0 8 10 4 8 22 32 1 4 8 16 16 15 1 1 6 4 25 18 0 0 3 4 0 4 10 2 0 3 2 11 7 2 1 0 0 0 5 12 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 106 83 26 53 221 200 66 0 0 1 3 2 7 13 15 0 4 4 13 7 13 2 3 0 0 17 18 0 0 0 7 1 7 3 8 0 1 2 4 8 3 1 2 3 2 4 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 5 8 0 0 2 7 2 5 1 0 0 0 5 8 2 0 4 8 2 13 42 27 1 12 11 35 12 42 3 5 3 2 26 44 2 0 3 12 2 13 10 17 0 6 6 10 14 6 1 3 1 0 10 16 1 0 1 2 0 0 5 2 0 3 2 3 3 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 122 58 11 46 294 132 28 7 1 0 10 1 6 11 8 0 5 4 11 18 7 1 35 0 0 12 11 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 3 2 0 4 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 1 4 1 3 11 12 0 1 3 17 6 7 0 9 2 0 4 8 1 0 0 3 2 6 4 2 0 1 2 1 8 5 1 33 0 1 10 3 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 1 10 5 0 3 4 15 0 4 0 0 0 0 6 3 3 5 3 11 5 14 42 33 0 8 5 68 15 20 0 7 3 1 28 21 10 1 2 16 0 13 29 24 1 7 6 40 27 13 1 7 0 0 16 12 162 148 19 90 83 0 52 292 225 643 275 463 402 157 206 1,075 1,015 437 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Piney Point ...........Monday: April 2, May 7 Baltimore..............Thursday: April 5, May 10 Boston ..................Friday: April 6, May 11 Guam ....................Thursday: April 19, May 24 Honolulu...............Friday: April 13, May 18 Houston ................Monday: April 9, May 14 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: April 5, May 10 Joliet .....................Thursday: April 12, May 17 Mobile ..................Wednesday: April 11, May 16 New Orleans.........Tuesday: April 10, May 15 New York .............Tuesday: April 3, May 8 Norfolk .................Thursday: April 5, May 10 Oakland ................Thursday: April 12, May 17 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: April 4, May 9 Port Everglades ....Thursday: April 12, May 17 San Juan ...............Thursday: April 5, May 10 St. Louis ...............Friday: April 13, May 18 Tacoma .................Friday: April 20, May 25 Wilmington...........Monday: April 16, May 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Inland Career Opportunities: Immediate Job Openings The SIU has immediate openings in the inland division. Interested individuals who possess either a 1,600-ton master’s or mate’s license (with near coastal or ocean endorsements) along with an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) STCW certificate; or a designated duty engineer (DDE) 5,000 hp or greater license are encouraged to contact Bart Rogers at the union’s manpower office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5317, for additional information. In Texas, the SIU has immediate openings aboard harbor tugs. Interested individuals who possess either a mate’s or master’s license (inland) greater than 200 GRT with a towing endorsement, or are licensed as a chief or assistant engineer (6,000 hp or greater) are encouraged to contact Jim McGee at the SIU hall in Houston. The phone number is (713) 659-5152. *“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 2007 Seafarers LOG 9 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March 2/16/2007 2:33 PM Page 10 Materiel aboard a prepositioning ship The Sgt. Edward A. Carter, Jr. The PFC William B. PREP SIU Sa AB Jim Stetter Bosun Robert Buzard, AB Ruben Gamboa, AB Jim Stetter, AB Ethan Mims, AB Ron Rizzuto and AB Roy Rhodes Special thanks to Third Mate Ed McDonnell for providing the photos on these two pages. Most of the shots show crew members and activities from aboard the prepositioning ship Franklin J. Phillips late last year in Diego Garcia. The ship is operated by SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. As with all vessels, steward department members aboard the Phillips play a key role in helping maintain good morale throughout the ship. 10 Seafarers LOG AB Ron Rizzuto March 2007 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March 2/16/2007 10:15 AM Page 11 Helo ops and lighterage aboard the PVT Franklin J. Phillips m B. Baugh POSITIONING POWER Sails Strategically Stationed Ships Strengthening Sealift America’s sealift capabilities depend on many factors, including reliable U.S. crews, adequate numbers of vessels, laws that help sustain a viable private U.S.flag maritime industry, and effective partnerships between the military and various segments of that industry. One important but sometimes publicly less-noticed component of U.S. sealift capacity is the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) prepositioning program, which the agency describes as “an essential element in the nation’s triad of power projection into the 21st century – sea shield, sea strike and sea basing.” The term “prepositioning” refers to ships that remain at sea, normally fully loaded and ready to sail at a moment’s notice so that vital materiel can be safely delivered to U.S. forces. SIU members sail aboard most of MSC’s 35 prepositioning vessels, which are strategically located around the world. (Two are in reduced operating status in the U.S.; the rest are fully crewed and deployed.) SIU-crewed prepositioning ships support the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps and the Defense Logistics Agency. The vessels provide “the military equipment and supplies for a contingency forward deployed in key ocean areas before it is needed,” according to MSC. Afloat prepositioning started in the early 1980s as a simple but important means of delivering the goods as quickly as possible. Today, MSC prepositioning ships are located all over the globe, in areas such as the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean and Guam, the agency notes. The vessels include a mix of chartered commercial ships, activated Ready Reserve Force vessels and other U.S. government-owned ships. U.S. civilian mariners sail aboard each type of platform, including tankers, RO/ROs, containerships and aviation logistics support vessels. Bosun Bernard Baker and AB Louis Scull Electrician Troy Ancar DEU Abdelhak Moutmir Chief Steward Raymond Alexander and SA Adobea Boateng DEUs Gustavo Brown and Damion Vaughn AB Emilio Abreau March 2007 When Chief Steward Tony Spain (above right) and Chief Cook Marlon Battad (photo above left) want fish on the menu, they sometimes take matters into their own hands. Seafarers LOG 11 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President 2/16/2007 10:46 AM Page 12 With Seafarers in the Port of Norfolk, Va. Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 In January, the SIU welcomed three new full book members at the hall in Norfolk, Va. while also expressing best wishes for happy retirements to two other Seafarers who completed their respective maritime careers. Above left, Port Agent Georg Kenny swears in full book members (from left) SA Shanita Daniel, SA Peggy Young and Steward/Baker Robert Greenwood. At right, AB/Tankerman James Kruger receives his first pension check. Below, AB/Tankerman William Matthews Sr. (second from right) is joined by family members and Kenny as he also receives his first pension check. Matthews and Kruger both sailed with Penn Maritime. BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 Attention Seafarers: Help SPAD Help You! GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr., Bldg. B, Suite 103 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96931 (671) 477-1350 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 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 12 Seafarers LOG This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Ruby Higham of Kemah, Texas, the widow of Armon Higham, a charter member of the SIU who died February 5, 1998. Mrs. Higham wrote that her husband, who was called “Jimmy,” is the 5th person from the left in the back row. She doesn’t know any of the other attendees at the SIU Crews Conference in Piney Point, Md. in 1970, but is hopeful someone will see himself pictured. Armon Higham joined the union in 1938 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in New York, he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and beefs and attended this educational conference at the school. He began receiving his pension in July 1971. 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 2007 �40749_p2,3,4,9,13,14,15,16:2007-March 2/21/2007 10:06 AM 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 JOSE CASTRO, 65, joined the SIU in 1982. Brother Castro’s first ship was the Point Julie. The Hawaii-born mariner worked in the engine department and upgraded on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Castro most recently sailed on the Commitment. He calls Houston home. LUIS COLON, 62, began his seafaring career in 1971, initially sailing on the Guayama. Brother Colon was born in Puerto Rico and shipped in the deck department. He most recently sailed on the San Juan. Brother Colon continues to live in Puerto Rico. CHARLES CLACKLEY JR., 63, joined the SIU in 1990. Brother Clackely initially sailed in the engine department on board the Eugene A. Obregon. He was born in Alabama and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on two occasions. Brother Clackley most recently worked aboard the USNS Stockham. He is a resident of Dothan, Ala. HERBERT DAVIS, 51, joined the union in 1978 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Davis first worked aboard a Southern Ohio Towing Company vessel. The steward department member upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Davis last shipped on the Atlantic Forest. Born in Norfolk, Va., he calls Hazelwood, Mo. home. RONALD DAVIS, 57, began sailing with the SIU in 1967. Brother Davis’s first trip to sea was aboard the Wayne Victory. He was born in Mississippi and worked in the deck department. Brother Davis last sailed on the Galena Bay. He is a resident of Gulfport, Miss. RALPH EGELAND, 65, became a Seafarer in 1969. Brother Egeland’s first voyage was on the Mohawk. Born in Minnesota, he shipped in the deck department. In 1974 and 2000, Brother Egeland upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Comet. Brother Egeland calls Deming, N.M. home. KENNETH HERZSTEIN, 65, embarked on his seafaring career March 2007 in 1991. Brother Herzstein first sailed on the Overseas Juneau. The deck department member was born in San Francisco. Brother Herzstein’s most recent voyage was aboard the Meteor. He upgraded his seafaring skills at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Herzstein resides in Oxnard, Calif. A.T. SALYARD, 65, started shipping with the SIU in 1965. Brother Salyard worked in both the inland and deep sea divisions during his career. He first sailed aboard an ISCO vessel as a member of the engine department. Brother Salyard upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1978. His last trip to sea was on the Seabulk Tanker. Brother Salyard makes his home in Bakersfield, Calif. SALEH SOOFI, 65, joined the SIU in 1994 in the port of New York. Brother Soofi’s first voyage was aboard the Independence. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2003. Brother Soofi most recently sailed aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. Born in Yemen, he calls Detroit home. KLAUS TANKERSLEY, 59, was born in Germany and joined the SIU in 1968. Brother Tankersley’s first ship was the Albany. He sailed in the deck department, most recently on the USNS Dahl. Brother Tankersley upgraded on numerous occasions at the SIUaffiliated school. He is now a resident of Thailand. JOHN VIERRA, 65, began sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Vierra, who was born in Oakland, Calif., worked primarily aboard Matson Navigation Company vessels in the steward department. He makes his home in Hayward, Calif. INLAND CHARLES CHAMBERLIN, 62, became an SIU member in 1963 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Chamberlin initially shipped aboard a Taylor Marine Towing vessel. The Pennsylvania native upgraded his skills at the Seafarersaffiliated school in 1974 and 1989. Boatman Chamberlin’s most recent voyage was aboard a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. He lives in Haddon Heights, N.J. MARLIN MILLER, 55, joined the SIU in 1978. Boatman Miller worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels. Born in Ohio, he was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Miller calls Neptune Beach, Fla. home. sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville vessels. In 2001 and 2004, Boatman Wyatt attended classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He resides in Miami. LOUIS GREEN JR., 58, launched his seafaring career in 1968. Boatman Green’s first ship was operated by Atlantic Carriers Inc. The deck department member, who was born in Florida, most recently sailed aboard the Dodge Island. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. EDWARD PACE JR., 55, was born in Florida. Boatman Pace started his seafaring career in 1969, initially sailing aboard a Southern Carriers Corporation vessel. He upgraded often at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point. Boatman Pace most recently worked aboard a Penn Maritime vessel. He is a resident of Portsmouth, Va. RUSSELL BROWN, 56, joined the SIU in 1977. His first voyage was on the J.J. Hutchison. Brother Brown was born in Flint, Mich. and sailed as a member of the deck department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Brown sailed aboard the H. Lee White. He now makes his home in Alger, Mich. WILLIAM MAHONEY, 62, joined the union in 1988. On two occasions, Boatman Mahoney upgraded his seafaring skills at the Piney Point school. He worked primarily aboard Maritrans Operating vessels. Boatman Mahoney resides in Clearwater, Fla. JERRY WHITLEY, 65, embarked on his seafaring career in 1968. Boatman Whitley first shipped in the deep sea division on the Penn Sailor. His final excursion was aboard a Mariner Towing vessel. Boatman Whitley lives in Lake Wales, Fla. JACK WYATT, 61, joined the SIU in 1982. Boatman Wyatt, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 Voting on the ships of the Isthmian Steamship Company in the National Labor Relations Board election commenced on March 29. The first ship to be voted was the SS Mobile City, in New Orleans on March 29. Within a few days, ballots were cast on the Wm. N. Byers in Galveston, the Nicaragua Victory and the Mandan Victory in Baltimore, the Thomas Cresap in New York and the Marine Fox in Seattle. All reports indicated a favorable SIU vote. GREAT LAKES JOHN GOFORTH, 67, commenced his seafaring career in 1963, initially shipping aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Goforth, who was born in North Carolina, most recently sailed on the William Roesch. Brother Goforth resides in McMinnville, Tenn. Year” by the Anti-Defamation League of B’Nai B’rith at a testimonial dinner conducted in New York City on March 21. The presentation to Hall was “in recognition of his devoted efforts and leadership in helping to build a world of freedom, equality and justice.” Joseph Kahn, chairman of the board of SIU-contracted Seatrain Lines, in presenting the award to the SIU president, cited his contributions to organized labor as well as his efforts in furthering the brotherhood of man. Honorary chairman of the presentation ceremonies was AFL-CIO President George Meany. This Month In SIU History 1957 The 43-man crew of a Liberian tanker was rescued by the SIU-manned Claiborne after a fire and two explosions flooded the vessel, causing her to sink in the Gulf of Mexico. The tanker Perama had reported that she was sinking fast after an explosion in her pumproom on March 18, some 150 miles southwest of St. Petersburg, Fla. The tanker was en route from Thomas Haven, England to Galveston, Texas with a cargo of soybean oil…. The Waterman freighter Claiborne went to the aid of the stricken vessel and picked up her crew. Members of the Claiborne gang manned a lifeboat and succeeded in attaching a towline to the sinking ship. However, the line later broke and further attempts to salvage the quickly sinking vessel and her cargo had to be abandoned. 1968 SIU President Paul Hall was named “Man of the 1997 The U.S. Coast Guard in March formally gave its consent for the use of the training record books (TRB) developed recently by the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for issuance to all deep sea, Great Lakes and inland Seafarers. The books are scheduled to be printed in April and will be distributed by the Paul Hall Center’s admissions office…. In a letter verifying the agency’s acceptance of the TRB, the Coast Guard pointed out that an interim final rule is due in April that will require the use of such credentials. “I am impressed that you have not let the rulemaking process discourage you from working with the companies that have contracts with the SIU to develop a TRB which will not only meet STCW requirements but will be useful for other purposes,” wrote Coast Guard Captain R.L. Skewes in the letter of acceptance to the center. Seafarers LOG 13 �40749_p2,3,4,9,13,14,15,16:2007-March 2/21/2007 1:12 PM Page 14 Final Departures DEEP SEA PRINCE BAKER Pensioner Prince Baker, 89, passed away June 2. Brother Baker became an SIU member in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. He first sailed on a vessel operated by M.J. Troy Inc. as a member of the steward department. Brother Baker was born in Arkansas. His last trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Marilyn. Brother Baker retired in 1990 and settled in Leesville, La. JAMES BOND Pensioner James Bond, 83, died June 1. Brother Bond joined the union in 1946 in the port of Baltimore. His first voyage was aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Company vessel. Brother Bond, who was a Baltimore native, shipped as a member of the deck department. He last sailed on the Seamar. Brother Bond went on pension in 1994 and called Baltimore home. ANTHONY BURRELL Brother Anthony Burrell, 39, passed away June 29. He launched his seafaring career in 1990, first sailing aboard the USNS Kane. Brother Burrell, who was born in Louisiana, most recently worked on the Atlantic Forest. Brother Burrell made his home in Westwego, La. BRYAN ELLIS KENNETH STRATTON Brother Bryan Ellis, 36, passed away July 5. He joined the SIU in 1993. Brother Ellis’ first trip to sea was on the Eugene A. Obregon. The Michigan-born mariner sailed in the steward department. Brother Ellis most recently shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel. He resided in Fenton, Mich. Pensioner Kenneth Stratton, 50, passed away July 8. Brother Stratton joined the SIU in 1972 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Brooklyn. Brother Stratton sailed in the engine department. Born in Boston, Mass., he most recently worked aboard the Humacao. Brother Stratton, who was a resident of Daytona Beach, Fla., retired in 2003. ROBERT MARTINEZ Brother Robert Martinez, 62, died June 16. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1990 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Martinez first worked aboard the Independence. Born in California, he was a member of the steward department. Brother Martinez’s last voyage was on the APL Philippines. He made his home in Gig Harbor, Wash. LESTER MOORE Pensioner Lester Moore, 88, passed away July 24. Brother Moore initiated his SIU career in 1948. His first ship was operated by Seatrain Lines Inc. Brother Moore was a member of the engine department. The Texas native last sailed aboard a Cove Shipping Company vessel. Brother Moore was a resident of Livingston, Texas. RAFAEL QUESADA Brother David Camacho, 56, died July 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1977. Brother Camacho’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Walter Rice. The steward department member, who was born in Puerto Rico, last sailed on the Developer. He was a resident of St. Augustine, Fla. Pensioner Rafael Quesada, 91, died July 16. Brother Quesada joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. He first sailed on an A.H. Bull Steamship Company vessel. Brother Quesada, who was born in Puerto Rico, shipped in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 1980, he worked aboard the Horizon Anchorage. Brother Quesada continued to live in Puerto Rico. FRANK COSTANGO TEODORO RUIZ Pensioner Frank Costango, 79, passed away June 23. Brother Costango joined the SIU ranks in 1962 when he first sailed aboard the Alcoa Pointer. He was born in Delaware and shipped in the steward department. Brother Costango’s most recent voyage was aboard the ITB Groton. He started receiving his retirement compensation in 1995 and continued to live in his native state. Pensioner Teodoro Ruiz, 92, passed away July 13. Brother Ruiz embarked on his SIU career in 1940 in the port of New York. He sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Ruiz’s first ship was operated by Edgewater Terminal Corporation. The deck department member was born in Puerto Rico but called San Antonio home. Brother Ruiz was last employed on the Humacao. He went on pension in 1979. DAVID CAMACHO WILLIAM DAVIS Pensioner William Davis, 75, died July 29. Brother Davis embarked on his seafaring career in 1966, first sailing on the OMI Sacramento. He was born in Durham, N.C. and shipped in the deck department. Brother Davis last worked aboard the Worth. He became a pensioner in 1995 and continued to call Durham, N.C. home. 14 Seafarers LOG CHARLES SIMPSON Pensioner Charles Simpson, 96, died June 1. Brother Simpson initially sailed with the MC&S in 1962 from the port of San Francisco. He worked aboard Delta Steamship Line vessels for the duration of his career to include the Santa Mercedes and the Santa Mariana. Brother Simpson was a member of the steward department. He continued to live in his native state of California. Brother Simpson began collecting his retirement pay in 1984. GOUMAS STYLIANOS Pensioner Goumas Stylianos, 81, died June 28. Brother Stylianos began shipping with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of New York, first working aboard a vessel operated by Texas City Refining Inc. Brother Stylianos last sailed on the Elizabeth. He became a pensioner in 1985 and made his home in Greece. MARCOS SUAREZ Brother Marcos Suarez, 44, passed away June 8. He joined the SIU in 1999. Brother Suarez worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. His first voyage was on NPR’s San Juan. Brother Suarez was a deck department member. The New Yorkborn mariner last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing of Jacksonville vessel. Brother Suarez resided in Puerto Rico. He went on pension in 2003. ALFONSO TUCKER Pensioner Alfonso Tucker, 77, died June 26. Brother Tucker was born in Georgia. He launched his MC&S career in San Francisco. Brother Tucker was a resident of California. He started receiving his retirement compensation in 1977. MICHAEL WILEY Brother Michael Wiley, 61, passed away June 26. He joined the union in 1978, first sailing aboard the Overseas Juneau. Brother Wiley was born in Washington and worked in the deck department. His last voyage was on the Horizon Anchorage. Brother Wiley called Everett, Wash. home. JEROME WILLIAMS Brother Jerome Williams, 48, died July 17. He began his seafaring career in 1979 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Williams’ first ship was the Connecticut; his last was the Overseas Arctic. The deck department member, who was born in Louisiana, continued to live in that state. KALEB YAFAI Pensioner Kaleb Yafai, 72, passed away July 26. Brother Yafai joined the SIU in 1967. Born in Yemen, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Yafai’s first trip to sea was aboard the TransOneida. Before retiring in 1996, he sailed on the Overseas Chicago. Brother Yafai settled in Newark, Del. INLAND HENRY BIGHAM Pensioner Henry Bigham, 79, died June 5. Boatman Bigham began his seafaring career in 1951. He initially sailed on vessels operated by Doric Shipping Corporation. Boatman Bigham, who was born in North Carolina, last worked aboard a Mariner Towing vessel. He retired in 1991 and continued to make his home in North Carolina. ALICK HELGREN Pensioner Alick Helgren, 88, passed away June 25. Born in Texas, Boatman Helgren joined the union in 1950 in the port of Houston. He shipped primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels. Boatman Helgren went on pension in 1980 and made his home in Austin, Texas. OSCAR LIND Pensioner Oscar Lind, 98, died June 13. Boatman Lind was born in Galveston, Texas. During his SIU career of 24 years, he worked primarily aboard Sabine Towing Company vessels. In 1972, Boatman Lind started collecting compensation for his retirement. He was a resident of Houston. JAMES SHIFFLETT Boatman James Shifflett, 53, passed away June 12. He became a union member in 1977. Boatman Shifflett worked primarily aboard Maritrans Operating Company vessels. He sailed in the deck department. Boatman Shifflett, who was born in Harrisonburg, Va., called Louisiana home. JOHN TANNER Pensioner John Tanner, 78, passed away July 7. Boatman Tanner joined the union in 1974 while at the Piney Point school. He first sailed aboard a Steuart Transportation vessel as a member of the engine department. Boatman Tanner was born in Illinois but called Portsmouth, Va. home. He retired in 1998. 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. WILLIAM BEREZNIK Pensioner William Bereznik, 88, died May 11. Brother Bereznik became an NMU member in 1963, initially sailing aboard the Robert E. Hopkins. He was born in Bayonne, N.J. Before retiring in 1983, Brother Bereznik worked on the American Legion. BUSTER BISHOP Pensioner Buster Bishop, 82, passed away May 11. Brother Bishop was born in Arkansas. He joined the NMU in 1946; his first ship was the Francis Wilson. Brother Bishop’s last voyage was aboard the John Lykes. He became a pensioner in 1967. GERALD JOHNSON Pensioner Gerald Johnson, 73, died May 26. Brother Johnson first sailed with the NMU in 1980 on the Pioneer Commander. He was born in Kershaw, S.C. Brother Johnson went on pension in 1997. His most recent voyage was aboard the Baltimore Trader. LEO MADRETSMA Pensioner Leo Madretsma, 83, passed away May 10. Brother Madretsma embarked on his NMU career in 1947, first sailing from the port of New York on the Brazil. He worked in the engine department. In 1987, Brother Madretsma began receiving compensation for his retirement. BERNARDO MORALES Pensioner Bernardo Morales, 87, died May 12. Brother Morales joined the NMU in 1967 in the port of New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner last worked aboard the American Pioneer. Brother Morales started collecting his pension in 1987. MARCUS TUCKER Pensioner Marcus Tucker, 81, passed away May 21. Brother Tucker joined the NMU in 1958 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Contessa; his last was the Cape Domingo. Brother Tucker was a member of the steward department. He retired in 1991. 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 Blake, Calvin 82 July 30 Martinez, Felix 78 Oct. 23 Johnson, Everett 60 June 18 Peterson, Aubrey 81 July 15 Scales, Raymond 74 Oct. 19 March 2007 �40749_p2,3,4,9,13,14,15,16:2007-March 2/21/2007 10:54 AM 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 Jay C. Dillon, Secretary Roderick L. Clay, Educational Director Marc Hoffman, Deck Delegate John N. Villarta, Engine Delegate Andrew Linares. Chairman announced Jan. 4 payoff and asked crew members to turn books over to boarding patrolman. Secretary reminded Seafarers to follow safety procedures at all times. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew read and discussed benefit booklet received from headquarters. Clarification requested about time off after the 75 days has been established for rotary jobs. Members suggested purchase of new toaster and microwave; new washing machine is on the way. EL YUNQUE (Interocean American Shipping), Dec. 31— Chairman Frank L. Thompson, Secretary Johnnie B. McGill Jr., Educational Director Joseph C. Grandinetti, Deck Delegate Anthony L. Sumlar, Engine Delegate Nat N. Lamb, Steward Delegate Adalberto Colon Rosa. Chairman talked about importance of reading monthly Seafarers LOG. Secretary encouraged mariners to take advantage of training available at Piney Point facility to help strengthen our industry. Educational director reported smooth sailing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. GALENA BAY (OSG), Dec. 31 —Chairman Lawrence H. Zepeda, Secretary Tyler N. Laffitte, Deck Delegate Sinclair Oubre. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep TV room clean and for separating discarded paper from plastic products. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at the SIU-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday feasts. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), Dec. 31—Chairman Christopher K. Pompel, Secretary Veronika K. Cardenas, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Kelly. Chairman discussed changes in new contract. He reminded crew that safety vests and hard hats must be worn when going to and from vessel. Secretary talked about importance of following safety procedures. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members thanked Tacoma Seafarers Center for Christmas presents and gave a March 2007 thumbs-up to steward department for job well done. Suggestions were made regarding medical plan and eligibility. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 18—Chairman Abdulla R. Alwaseem, Secretary James E. Harper, Educational Director David Fricker, Deck Delegate Joemar P. Abagat, Engine Delegate Romeo N. Rivera. Chairman thanked crew members for job well done. Secretary reported that satellite phone and cards have been received but stated problem exists in connecting for service. Treasurer noted $1,300 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested fans for rooms and new radio/CD player. They also would like to see more engine department classes offered at Piney Point. Recommendations made regarding pension, medical and dental plans. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. ITB PHILADELPHIA (USS Transport), Dec. 30—Chairman Joseph J. Caruso, Secretary Dana A. Paradise, Educational Director Joseph L. McCrosky, Engine Delegate Roque L. Lambert, Steward Delegate German Solar. Chairman thanked all departments for working well together and asked that everyone help keep ship clean. Secretary asked members to see him for any needed forms. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Piney Point school to keep up with the changing industry. He also stressed need to check document expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held regarding high satellite bills; recommendations were made for ways to lower future bills. Request made for new washing machine. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Norco, La.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla. MAERSK VERMONT (E-Ships Inc.), Dec. 24—Chairman Cecil M. Yearwood, Secretary Paul H. Isherwood, Educational Director Rudolph C. Maycock, Deck Delegate Richard E. Sandiford, Steward Delegate Jerry E. Stuart. Chairman reported smooth sailing. He thanked steward and deck departments for excellent work. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck department requested clarification from company as to proper attire while working on deck (e.g., coveralls, safety shoes, gloves, back brace, etc.) Clarification also requested on time for loading stores. Delegate Leo Castro. Chairman informed crew that letter pertaining to needed repairs was sent. He expressed his gratitude to crew for great trip. Secretary encouraged mariners to support SPAD and keep all necessary shipping documents current. Educational director advised members to ask for relief on time and continue upgrading skills at Seafarers-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new gym equipment as well as new washers and dryers. Steward department was thanked for excellent Thanksgiving Day meals. Next ports: New York; Corpus Christi and Beaumont, Texas; Israel. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG), Dec. 31—Chairman Fred N. Cintorino Jr., Secretary Gregory Johnson, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Deck Delegate Doyle W. Stanley, Steward Delegate Arnulfo Lacayo. Chairman talked about safety precautions when working on deck and in engine room. He advised all members to read contract and check with delegate if there is something you do not understand. Secretary reminded mariners departing vessel to make sure rooms are clean and supplied with fresh linen. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to prepare for fire and boat drill. Suggestions made regarding improvements to pension, health, dental and death benefits. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next ports: Lake Charles, La.; Tampa, Fla. SANTA CRUZ (Waterman Steamship Corporation), Dec. 10 —Chairman Samuel Reed III, Secretary John D. Bukowsky, Educational Director Glenn A. Snow, Deck Delegate Adel Alameri, Engine Delegate Adam W. Mliczewski, Steward Delegate Bridgett L. McIntosh. Chairman read letter from headquarters concerning TV, microwave and DVD player (issues which had already been resolved). He stressed need to focus on work and job safety, especially when working long hours with quick turnaround. Secretary reported that some requested food items are very expensive or unavailable in the Persian Gulf region. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to enhance skills at Paul Hall Center to increase earnings. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to lower seatime requirements for pension benefits. Crew members thanked union for pay raises in new standard contract. Bosun requested that a Kool-Aid fountain be placed in the pantry. Cook and steward asked to have a steam table installed in galley. Question raised about potability of water from tanks. Next port: Shuwaikh, Kuwait. USNS BOB HOPE (American Overseas Marine), Dec. 14— Chairman Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary John W. Hale, Educational Director David M. Dunklin, Deck Delegate Raymond Johnson, Engine Delegate Arthur Shaw. Chairman reported good trip and great crew. Secretary urged mariners to take advantage of courses offered at Piney Point training school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for washing machine in engine room specifically for washing greasy clothing. USNS STOCKHAM (Keystone Shipping), Dec. 10—Chairman Andrew B. Barrows, Educational Director Lawrence D. Miller, Deck Delegate Jason A, Powell, Engine Delegate Karim Elgallad. Chairman talked about importance of contributing to SPAD and the increase in seatime required to maintain benefits. He complimented crew for job well done and explained rotation schedule. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade and keep documents current. Treasurer stated $1,200 in ship’s fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew discussed group III personal sharing rooms and that they should be informed by hall before coming aboard. New mattresses are on order. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), Jan. 6—Chairman Michael D. Wittenberg, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Michael L. Williams. Secretary asked crew not to use galley as passageway. Educational director encouraged mariners to donate to SPAD and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $840 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made pertaining to eligibility for pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Tampa, Fla. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), Jan. 15—Chairman Rufino J. Giray, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Ursel R. Barber, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Engine Delegate Ali Hussin, Steward Delegate Thomas C. Farrell. Bosun discussed importance of contributing to SPAD and how it benefits the membership. He also urged members to check in with customs/immigration and to check with boarding patrolman before leaving ship. Those going ashore should make sure room is clean for next person. Secretary suggested crew members make sure dues are paid up and drug tests are up to date. Treasurer stated $256 in cook-out fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward Mosley thanked Chief Cook Cheryl Hawkins and SA Farrell for great job throughout the holidays. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; Taiwan. Smooth Sailing on Horizon Hawaii SIU deck department personnel help keep the Horizon Hawaii sailing smoothly. Pictured at left are (clockwise from top) ABs Edgardo Martinez Espada, Pat Lavin and Macario “Mac” Torre. The photos were taken last October while the ship was on its run from Jacksonville, Fla. to San Juan, P.R. to Elizabeth, N.J. OVERSEAS LUXMAR (OSG), Dec. 3—Chairman Charles H. Foley, Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director Nelson S. Lazo, Deck Delegate Luis Martinez, Engine Delegate Mohamed I. Ahmed, Steward Seafarers LOG 15 �40749_p2,3,4,9,13,14,15,16X:2007-March 2/22/2007 7:28 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. Remembering Red To the LOG and all the seafaring brothers who knew Red Campbell: I knew Red Campbell since 1945 when I left the Army Transport Service to join the SIU. Red was one of the nicest people I have ever known. He was a good SIU union man. Whenever we’d meet, he always shook my hand and smiled and asked how I was doing, no matter how busy he was. Red seemed more like a flesh-and-blood brother to me, and not just an SIU brother. While I never heard anyone say anything bad about him, I wanted to say something good—and I’m sure a lot of other seafaring brothers felt the same way, though many of them already have crossed the final bar. The late SIU President Paul Hall was the same way. He never forgot a face and he always had time for me. I was surprised that he remembered I came from the Know Your Rights Norfolk, Va. area. In fact, I liked all of the old officials. They were good people and I’m proud to have known them. I’m also proud to have spent most of my life in the SIU before retiring in 1987. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Bruce E. Knight Chesapeake, Virginia Angus “Red” Campbell, retired SIU vice president contracts, died last September at age 84. His obituary was published in the November issue of the LOG and remains available on the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org 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 Dig up some SIU treasures online at the Slop Chest: www.siustore.com Visit the store and place your order today. 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. 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 3/07 (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 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 2007 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March 2/16/2007 11:58 AM Page 17 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Junior Engineer July 16 September 7 Welding March 12 April 9 May 7 March 30 April 27 May 25 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 2007. All pro- Safety Specialty Courses grams 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. Start Date of Course Date Completion Basic Safety Training - AB March 5 Marcy 9 Basic Safety Training - FOWT May 21 May 25 Government Vessels March 19 May 14 April 6 June 1 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* April 2 June 4 April 13 June 15 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 Lifeboatman/Water Survival -Steward (*must have basic fire fighting) Start Date Date of Completion March 5 April 16 May 28 March 30 May 11 June 22 April 2 May 14 April 13 May 25 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning March 5, 2007. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops March 26 April 20 May 21 June 15 FOWT April 23 June 18 May 18 July 13 Marine Electrician March 12 May 4 Additional courses will be announced in the next issue of the Seafarers LOG. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. U.S. Citizen: 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 2007 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. 3/07 Seafarers LOG 17 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March 2/16/2007 12:21 PM Page 18 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 682 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 682. They include (in alphabetical order) Gillis Angeron III, Justin Beal, J.K. Borden, Sheldon Brittain, Jojuan Carey, William Cotea, Eugene Davis Jr., Jason Devine, Arnold Fernandez, Kendra Gardner, Kieran Green, Anson John, Destinie LeBlanc, Jonathan Luna, Kermit McCalpin, Andre Mitchell, Cameron Newberry, Jeremy Pace, Brent Poitras, Paul San Nicolas, Terrance Shinn, Eric Thomas and Quintonio Walden. Government Vessels — Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course Feb. 9 are (in no specific order) Terrance Shinn, Renard Murphy, Ryan McElroy, Eric Thomas, Johnnie Owens, James Hall, Joherky Concepcion, Lawrence Cormier, Cameron Benson, Phillip Ziegert, Jake Wheeler, William Cruz, Teena Werner, Stefra Strauser, Justin Beal, Philip Gallagher, Brian Awde, Ja’Quaral Carroll, Steven Szymanski, Hospicio Lupisan Jr., Fernando Abuan, Michael Mayhew, Teddy Ramos-Zayas, Andrew Fung and Andrew Andrini. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far left. Celestial Navigation — With instructor Stacey Harris (center) are upgrading students who completed the celestial navigation course Feb. 9. They are (in alphabetical order) Andy Ashworth, Christopher Gustafson, Rusty Kaufman and Brian McLarnon. Left: Students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center are (seated, from left) Rodulfo Pardilla and Jayson Ray. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in back. Right: Receiving his certificate in January from Instructor Rick Prucha is Unlicensed Apprentice Andres Nunez. Seafarers LOG Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduating from this course Jan. 26 are (in no specific order) James Orlanda, Vincent Mull, Robert Paton, Charles Bennett, Wesley Slattery, Chris Schneider, Edgar Pacana, Winston Restauro, Steve Barrows and Ron Sagadraca. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider — Completing the medical care provider course Feb. 2 are (in no specific order) Robert Paton, Gregory Carroll, Chris Schneider, Allen Pryor, Tracy Hill, David James, Paul Voisin, James Buckowski and Peter Frigoletti. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Any student who has Computer Lab Classes 18 ARPA — Receiving certificates for completion of the ARPA course Feb. 2 are (in no specific order) Hector Concepcion, Owen Gallagher, Gil Hernandez, Kenneth Johnson, Mikhail Kozlov, Joel Patzer, Scott Salo and Erick ToledoColon. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is fourth from the left. 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. March 2007 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March 2/16/2007 12:36 PM Page 19 Paul Hall Center Classes Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (second from left) are students who completed the welding course Feb. 2. They are (in alphabetical order) Domingo Leon Jr., Vernal Marshall and Shawn Sayers. Chief Cook — Students who completed the course for chief cooks in January are (from the left) Brittney Lewis, Kenneth Smith, Instructor/Chef John Dobson, Abdu-Azeem Bin-Ladin and Lorraine Keelan. Radar — The eight Seafarers completing the radar course Jan. 26 are (in alphabetical order) Hector Cumba Concepcion, Peter Frigoletti, Owen Gallagher, Gil Hernandez, Mikhail Kozlov, Joel Patzer, Jayson Ray and Erick Toledo-Colon. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far left. STCW — STCW — NCL, Jan. 25: Franklin Ada, Ashley Archer, Christopher Bakutis, Marilyn Banks, Michael Brown, Suzette Brown, Omalto Canterbury, Christina Capobianco, Joel Castro, Henrryk Cid, Markida Clawson, Jamie Davis, Anthony Diaz, Blasita Diggs, Marissa Duran, Justin Eldridge, Mioka Ellis, Patricia Fonville, Losoni Freeman, Jared Gabbard, Tyler Gilbert, Calvin Green, Johnathan Gruwell and Ronald Gunter Jr. STCW — STCW — NCL, Feb. 1: Brian O’Rourke, Abbey Patchett, Carlee Peszko, Darnita Phillips, Daniel Pia Jr., Mechelle Rice, Gregory Rider, Jeremiah Sanders, Melanie Scoma, Anthony Scotino, Denielle Seguin, Darrell Shandor, Derrick Smith, Matthew Stehlik, Kim Stroud, Gale Teel, Sharon Thackeray, Fayelene Thompson and Janaya Urritia. NCL, Jan. 25: Brittany Phillips, Jennifer Pintar, Vincent Pompo, Natali Recalde, Jillyan Rodgers, Fernando Rosas, Christopher Saltzmann, Paul Scanlan, LaShawnda Scott, Christopher Sicard, Antoinette Simon, Sean Smith, Robert Snethen, Eden Stein, Barbra Taylor, Michael Tocco, Christopher Torbik, Georgina Turla, Robert Tyus Jr. and Roy Vidal. NCL, Feb. 1: Jason Angus, Carmen Anton, Alvin Atkinson, Rebecca Behrman, Richard Branthoover, Joshua Burwell, Elizabeth Cabaniss, Leah Canino, Jerzy Chachaj, Jacob Clapham, Breanna Conklin, Nolan Cook, Aimee Cormier, Jenifer Dayo, Emiteria DeVeyra, Manoch Deekhieo, Eric Dooley, Francis Dupont, Nadiya Edwards, Todd Elder and Veronica Erdel. March 2007 Seafarers LOG 19 �40749_p1,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,17,18,19,20:2007-March 2/16/2007 1:03 PM Page 20 Volume 69, Number 3 March 2007 ATTENTION SEAFARERS Check all your shipping documents to be sure they are up to date and not about to expire. You can’t sail without them! Working at the Petty’s Island Terminal John Smith P etty’s Island is a 292-acre island in the Delaware River between Camden, N.J. and Philadelphia. Crowley Maritime Corp., a Seafarerscontracted company, operates a terminal there. The photos on this page show some of the SIU members on the job at that facility. Cecil Williams Paul Hart Jim Rutter Right: Union Steward Chris Nardone John Chapin Jim Connors Ed Haywood Left: Scott Smith John Haller Pat Farley Dennis Saggese Bill Rushon � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES BETHEL IS NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICERS SIU SHIPS DELIVER IN OPERATION DEEP FREEZE AKER PHILADELPHIA TO BUILD MORE TANKERS SEAFARERS-CONTRACTED OSG WILL OPERATE NEW VETERAN-CLASS VESSELS USNS MARY SEARS LOCATES BLACK BOXES FROM FLIGHT 574 HOUSTON SEAFARERS HONOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 2007 UNION SHOW RETURNS TO CINCINNATI EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT RE-INTRODUCED IN HOUSE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES TWIC RULE, MMC UPDATE BLS RELEASES ANNUAL DATA ON UNIONS MAKING THE HOLIDAYS SPECIAL ON THE ALASKAN NAVIGATOR WWII/KOREAN WAR MERCHANT MARINE VETERAN CELEBRATES 85TH BIRTHDAY WORKING AT THE PETTY’S ISLAND TERMINAL 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 03/01/2007 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. 69, No. 3 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/122a9f50d2e37ef116533a370068d626.pdf 1e5ff5432e3583d43c86257648d1134b PDF Text Text 41545_P01-5_7_14_18_19x:1545p00 3/27/2007 3:20 PM Page 1 Overseas Shipholding Orders 3 New ATBs Page 3 Volume 69, Number 4 April 2007 MTD Spotlights Progress, Opportunities U.S. Military Officials Emphasize Solid Backing for American-Flag Fleet The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board meetings took place March 1-2 in Las Vegas. Representatives from Congress, the administration, the military, the maritime industry and the labor movement addressed the board on a wide range of key topics, including the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine and House passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. Pictured at the meetings, clockwise from upper left are: U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (left) with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey; U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and MTD President Michael Sacco (who also is president of the SIU); some of the board members and guests; and Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command and MTD President Sacco. Coverage begins on page 3 and continues on pages 11-14. Paul Hall Center Adds Liquefied Gas Simulator SIU-Crewed Cape Washington Saluted for Latest Mission The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has added a state-of-the-art liquefied gas (LG) cargo simulator. The simulator offers comprehensive training in LG familiarization, LG specialization and LG safety. Below, instructor Jim Shaffer (standing) helps student Nicholas Bridges use the simulator. Page 6. Following a recent deployment supporting American troops in Iraq, the Cape Washington early last month arrived in snowy Baltimore. QMED George Murphy (below right) was among the crew members commended by the U.S. Maritime Administration for their service. The ship is operated by SIU-contracted Crowley Liner Services. Page 24 (back page). TWIC Fees Published House Passes EFCA Page 2 Page 5 WWII Remembrance Page 10 �41545_P01-5_7_14_18_19x:2007-March 3/27/2007 2:15 PM Page 2 TSA Publishes TWIC Fees President’s Report Working for Working Families Both at the Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings last month and the AFL-CIO executive council meetings that followed, I joined with many other union presidents and other labor officials in helping re-focus and define the key goals of our movement. This is a constant, necessary exercise that helps ensure we’re all on the same page. On the surface, it usually involves routine procedures like adopting resolutions or passing policy statements. But those declarations are just the tip of the iceberg. They’re summaries that reflect detailed plans and deep commitments by our Michael Sacco unions, our state federations and central labor councils and other bodies dedicated to improving the way of life enjoyed by working families. Taking part in those meetings, it can be a lot to digest. Whether we’re tackling maritime issues like the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program, or broader subjects such as health care and the right organize, it is important work that requires serious attention, planning and action. Nevertheless, a couple of the newest statements that jumped out at me were ones that covered the basics. One was an MTD statement about “outsourcing.” When we first heard that term many years ago, it probably didn’t hold much meaning. Today, of course, we know it’s a dirty word. Outsourcing is a tricky way of describing job losses, lower wages and disappearing benefits. It means class warfare as companies send good middle-class jobs overseas, all in the name of greater profits for CEOs and stockholders. In part, outsourcing explains why we hear rosy reports about the overall economy, while at the same time struggling homeowners try to decide between paying their electric bill and refilling their prescriptions. Outsourcing has cost millions of middle-class workers the livelihood for which they trained. Many of the first factory workers caught up in outsourcing went back to school for new jobs they were told are better suited for the global economy. They took classes to learn about computers and new work in that field. They were part of the high-tech boom of the mid- and late 1990s. Then a not-so-funny thing happened. Companies discovered that those jobs could be outsourced, too. And what advice is being given to those who have been outsourced a second time? Get over losing your job and train for one in the new global economy. It’s a grim picture but not one totally without hope. For instance, you may have read or heard about the fact that when America West completed its takeover of US Airways, the new company’s top officials realized that outsourced overseas call centers weren’t getting the job done. They reversed course and re-opened a call center in North Carolina. The MTD-affiliated Communications Workers represented the workers at the original call center and that union once again represents those women and men. The company noted it may cost more to pay the American workers, but it cost less overall because the job was done right the first time. At the risk of saying, “We told you so,” they could have saved themselves a lot of time and money by listening to those of us in the trade union movement in the first place. Sending jobs overseas to take advantage of workers in lands without labor laws is penny-wise but pound-foolish. Beyond that, it’s morally bankrupt. As we said in our MTD statement, “The great American and Canadian economies were built on the back of the middle class. These working men and women made the cars, appliances, clothing and other goods the world craved. It should be no different today. Companies deserve to make a profit, but the middle class deserves to reap their share of the rewards. They should not be cast aside as an expendable cost of business. They should be respected for what they can and do bring to a company’s bottom line.” In that same vein, the AFL-CIO executive council adopted a six-point plan to promote domestic job creation and keeping good jobs at home. Our position included that good-paying jobs with adequate health care and retirement benefits shouldn’t merely be goals—they should be realities in today’s America. We can get there by promoting true partnerships between labor, management and government. We can get there by ensuring that workers enjoy the fundamental freedom to join unions and by holding corporations accountable for their actions under our laws and standards. We can get there by protecting workers’ rights in all trade agreements and by rebuilding our manufacturing base. We can get there by providing important public services to all Americans, especially education for our children and care for those most in need. We can and will get there through solidarity and hard work. It’s a tall order, but I have no doubt the labor movement is up to the task. Volume 69, Number 4 The Federal Register dated March 20, 2007 includes a rule from the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration spelling out user fees for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. The standard fee will be $137.50. The reduced fee for applicants who have completed a “prior comparable threat assessment” is $105.25. The text of the rule appears below. Mariners with a current z-card/merchant mariner document are eligible for the reduced-fee TWIC, but those individuals should note that such a credential may not be valid for the full five years. Rather, it will expire when the “threat assessment” on the z-card/merchant mariner document expires, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Mariners will have the option of applying for a standard-fee TWIC, which would be valid for five years. In other TWIC news, the SIU is scheduled to host a meeting in early April at its headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. involving the TWIC contractor, other maritime unions and other affected parties. The first part of the TWIC program itself was set to launch late last month, despite a lag in information on applying for the credential. Mariners will be required to carry a TWIC by September 2008. In the meantime a valid z-card along with a second form of identification will be considered as meeting the requirements of the TWIC program. For the latest information, visit the TSA’s TWIC web site at www.tsa.gov/twic and the Coast Guard web site http://homeport.uscg.mil/. Additionally, the union continues to post updates at www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” and Seafarers LOG sections. Seafarers also are encouraged to check with their port agent from time to time for updates. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Transportation Security Administration ACTION: Rule. SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Coast Each year, in accordance with the SIU Constitution, rank-andfile Seafarers are elected by their fellow members to serve on a financial committee. The group is tasked with examining the union’s finances for the prior calendar year and then formally reporting its findings to the SIU secretary-treasurer. Subsequently, the committee’s report is read in all ports at the union’s monthly membership meetings and presented for membership approval. The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org 2 Seafarers LOG SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Background The Department of Homeland Security, through TSA and the U.S. Coast Guard, published a final rule on January 25, 2007 that establishes requirements for merchant mariners and workers who need unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels. These individuals must successfully complete a security threat assessment conducted by TSA and hold a TWIC that TSA issues in order to enter secure areas without escort. As required by sec. 520 of the 2004 DHS Appropriations Act, Pub. L. 108–90, TSA must collect user fees to cover the costs of implementing the TWIC program, including the cost to enroll all applicants, complete security threat assessments, provide an appeal and waiver process, and issue biometric credentials. Continued on page 14 Rank-and-File Financial Committee Approves Union’s Records for 2006 April 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Guard, published a final rule on January 25, 2007 that establishes requirements for merchant mariners and workers who need unescorted access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels. These individuals must successfully complete a security threat assessment conducted by TSA and hold a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) in order to enter secure areas without escort. As required by statute, all TWIC applicants must pay a user fee to cover TSA’s costs to enroll applicants, complete security threat assessments, and issue biometric credentials. With this notice, we announce the user fees as follows: The total standard fee for a TWIC applicant is $137.25 and the reduced fee for applicants who have completed a prior comparable threat assessment is $105.25. DATES: Effective March 20, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Beyer, Office of the Chief Counsel, TSA–2, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202–4220; telephone (571) 227–2657; facsimile (571) 227–1380; e-mail Christine.Beyer@dhs.gov. Last month, seven Seafarers fulfilled this constitutional mandate by reviewing the SIU’s financial records for the year 2006. The committee found those records in good order. Serving on the committee were ABs Jerry Costello, Kim M. Brown, Nick Milosevic and Chris Nardone, QMED/Electrician Dave Sexton and Stewards Jerome Davis and Samuel Raines. “We did a thorough review and found everything in good shape,” said Costello, who chaired the committee. “The committee consisted of a good group of rank-and-file members and they all did very well.” In its report, the committee wrote, “We find that the Headquarters of the Union is taking all steps possible to safeguard Union funds and to see that the disbursements of the Union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation.” The committee worked at SIU headquarters during the first full week of March. Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution spells out the duties of the annual financial committee as well as rules and procedures for electing the committee. At right, members who served on the financial committee are pictured with SIU officials last month at union headquarters. Standing from left are Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, AB Nick Milosevic, AB Kim M. Brown, AB Jerry Costello, Recertified Steward Jerome Davis, QMED/ Electrician Dave Sexton, Steward/Baker Samuel Raines, AB Chris Nardone and SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. In photo above, committee members near the end of their review. April 2007 �41545_P01-5_7_14_18_19x:2007-March 3/27/2007 2:16 PM Page 3 U.S. Fleet’s Importance, Labor’s Vitality in Focus at MTD Meetings Buoyed by strong words of support from guest speakers and news that the U.S. House of Representatives had passed a key labor-backed bill, the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board meetings March 1-2 in Las Vegas were characterized by great energy and wellfounded optimism. Representatives from Congress, the administration, the military, the maritime industry and the labor movement addressed the board. Most discussed the U.S. Merchant Marine’s ongoing role in bolstering national and economic security. Many talked about grassroots political action and how it has helped put the labor movement in better position to promote a pro-worker agenda. Additionally, the guest speakers and MTD President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, examined other important topics including promoting U.S.-flag LNG vessels See pages 11-14 for full coverage of the MTD meetings and U.S. crews; the U.S. Maritime Security Program; domestic shipbuilding; the Transportation Worker Identification Card program and its related Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential initiative; port dredging; infrastructure development; container taxes; keeping good jobs in the U.S.; MTD President Michael Sacco (right) welcomes AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka. Good News Comes in Threes: OSG Orders Jones Act ATBs The unprecedented Jones Act fleet expansion by SIUcontracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), which commenced in April 2005, continues full speed ahead with the recent announcement of additional vessel orders. The New York-headquartered conglomerate on March 6 announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to build three new articulated tug barges (ATBs) for service in the Jones Act market. Each of the new ATBs will boast a 290,000-barrel capacity and be connected to a different 12,000 horsepower tugboat. The units carry individual price tags of $90 million and are slated for delivery from late 2009 through late 2010. Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc., in Mobile, Ala. will build the tugboats while its affiliated company, Florida’s Tampa Bay Shipbuilding & Repair Company, will construct the barges. These latest vessel orders come on the heels of, and in addition to, previous orders for three new 335,000-barrel April 2007 ATBs by OSG. Those vessels, which will come from the same builders, will be delivered this year and into 2008. Additionally, OSG officials in February announced that they had signed an agreement in principle under which Aker Philadelphia Shipyard will construct up to six additional Veteran-Class product tankers. This agreement calls for three ships, includes options for three more and came in the wake of a 2005 agreement which had Aker building 10 Veteran-Class OSG tankers with deliveries to be complete in 2010. OSG’s diversified U.S.-flag fleet offers unique, flexible benefits to customers who require different transport options within the U.S. Jones Act market. According to OSG, the three new ATBs will add 148,200 deadweight tons to the company’s U.S.-flag fleet. Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. is one of the largest publicly traded tanker companies in the world. the Employee Free Choice Act (passed in the House on March 1); support for U.S. troops; trade agreement standards; cabotage laws and more. The MTD consists of 24 international unions (including the SIU) and 19 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing approximately 5.5 million working men and women. In order of appearance, the following people addressed the executive board: U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton; Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Alaska Tanker Co. President and CEO Anil Mathur; Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley; U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Devon Brennan; U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (DMiss.); AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka; Lt. Gen. Robert Dail, director, Defense Logistics Agency; U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii); and U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.). In his opening remarks, Sacco pointed to orders for new U.S.flag ships to be constructed in Philadelphia and San Diego, U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley mixed in some humorous comments along with serious remarks about labor-backed candidates and their responsibilities to advance the interests of America’s working families. MTD President Michael Sacco is seated at right. respectively, as representative of the progress than can be made by MTD affiliates working together. “That’s what I call great news,” he said, while also acknowledging there have been some rough spots along the way. “Union workers building unioncrewed, American-owned, American-flag ships.” SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) is pictured with Lt. Gen. Robert Dail, director of the Defense Logistics Agency. Powell, Ware Appointed To SIU Assistant VP Slots Two SIU officials recently were selected for appointment to the office of assistant vice president. They are Archie Ware, formerly the port agent in Jacksonville, Fla., and Bryan Powell, who previously worked as port agent in Tacoma, Wash. Ware was appointed to the post of SIU assistant vice president for contracts and contracts enforcement while Powell was named SIU assistant vice president of the West Coast. Ware replaces the late Brother Steve Judd who passed away in March 2006; Powell fills the slot vacated by former Asst. VP West Coast Don Anderson who retired in October. Ware embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1978, joining in the port of New York. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native sailed in all three shipboard departments but eventually chose the deck department, earning his AB ticket in 1982. He completed bosun recertification at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1994. Prior to assuming duties as port agent in Jacksonville in 2005, he served in the same capacities at the ports of Houston and San Francisco. “I would like to thank the Bryan Powell Archie Ware entire union membership for everything they have done for me and my family over the years,” Ware said. “I consider everyone in the SIU as my family.” Powell launched his career with the SIU in late 1993 in the port of Piney Point, Md. After graduating from the unlicensed apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, Powell was ready to experience life at sea. His initial years were spent in the engine department; he later moved into the steward department where he sailed for the next six years. During this time, Powell advanced to the rating of steward/baker and in 1999 decided to upgrade his skills at the Paul Hall Center. It was at that junc- ture that he came ashore to work as a union official. Since that time, Powell has worked as a union representative in various ports, including headquarters, Piney Point, Houston, Jacksonville and Wilmington. In 2002, he was appointed port agent in Tacoma. He remained in that post until being tapped for appointment to his current position. “I was honored to receive this appointment, and greatly appreciate the confidence and support I have received from President Mike Sacco, the executive board and the membership,” Powell said. “It is an honor to serve the union.” Powell is working on the completion of his MBA degree from the University of Phoenix. Seafarers LOG 3 �41545_P01-5_7_14_18_19:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:30 PM Page 4 SIU’s Vincenzo Appointed To State Labor Committee SIU Safety Director Joe Vincenzo recently was appointed to the Washington State Labor Council’s Education, Training and Apprenticeship Committee. Vincenzo, based at the SIU hall in Tacoma, Wash., is scheduled to serve a three-year term on the committee ending Dec. 31, 2009. The council is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The committee meets quarterly, in conjunction with Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council meetings in various locations around the state. The committee concentrates on public and vocational education and statewide apprenticeship programs. Vincenzo started sailing with the SIU in 1991 in the port of Honolulu as a member of the engine department. His first vessel was the cruise ship Constitution. He sailed with American Hawaii Cruises until June 1995 when he returned to the University of Massachusetts in Boston. After completing his bache- SIU Tacoma Safety Director Joe Vincenzo lor’s degree, Vincenzo worked as a legal manager for a few years before returning to sea in 2000. He most recently sailed as a QMED aboard ASMEA’s Jack Lummus, then came ashore in 2003 to work for the union. The Washington State Labor Council represents and provides services for hundreds of local unions and trade councils throughout Washington state. Its core programs are legislative advocacy, political action, communications and media relations, and assistance with organizing campaigns. Notice Anthrax Immunization Program Resumption On March 7, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense issued a memo directing the immediate resumption of the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program. The SIU has been informed that, effective immediately, the U.S. Military Sealift Command is resuming anthrax immunizations for personnel embarked on MSC vessels, including civilian and contract mariners, until further notice. Seafarers are advised to check with their port agent for additional information. Retired Matson President Mulholland Dies at 65 Charles Bradley Mulholland III, 65, former president and chief executive officer of Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Co., died Feb. 20 in Oakland, Calif., from complications of cancer. He was 65. “Brad Mulholland had a remarkable career with Matson,” said James Andrasick, president and CEO of Matson, who succeeded Mulholland. “His achievements were impressive and far-reaching. Equally impressive, Brad had a warm, personable style that touched everyone he knew. He was always ready and eager to share his vast knowledge of our industry and he had a natural gift as a teacher and mentor.” Mulholland was respected and liked by SIU officials and members who knew him. He was a fourth-generation Californian and was known as C.B. or Brad. 4 Seafarers LOG He was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Seal Beach, Calif. After graduating from the University of Southern California in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in economics, the selfproclaimed “surf bum” went to work at Matson’s offices in Wilmington, Calif. as an assistant booking clerk. Mulholland rose through the ranks of the San Francisco-based shipping line and was promoted to head of the freight division in 1979. He became president of the company’s terminal subsidiary in 1986. Some four years later in 1990, Mulholland was named president of Matson; he became CEO in 1992. By the time he retired in 2004 Mulholland was executive vice president of Alexander and Baldwin (A&B), Matson’s parent company based in Honolulu. He later was board vice chairman of Matson SIU members and officers aboard the LTC John U.D. Page are pictured with a plaque signifying the “Constant Care Award” for safe operations. SIU-Crewed Page Honored Crew Recognized for Consistently Safe Operations The SIU-crewed LTC John U.D. Page recently was recognized for its outstanding record of safe operations. The Page is part of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command fleet and is operated by Seafarerscontracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL), which is based in Norfolk, Va. The honor, the “Constant Care Award,” was established last year to recognize vessels within the MLL fleet that have operated for at least five years without a lost time accident (LTA). According to the company, the award is named after part of a 1946 quote from Maersk founder A.P. Moller, who said, “No loss should hit us which can be avoided with constant care.” It also serves to focus ongoing attention on safety. Maersk reported that on Jan. 28, 2007, the award formally was presented to the Page by Port Engineer Pablito Pakingan while the vessel was at anchor in Diego Garcia, British East Indian Ocean Territory. Captain Kurt Breitfeller, the ship’s master, accepted the award on behalf of the vessel’s crew and officers. The captain challenged his crew to move forward with this safety culture and instill it on each and every vessel on which they serve in the future, according to a written communications from Navigation as well as a director of both companies. Mulholland’s career was marked with new and innovative initiatives, including pioneering the concept of ocean carriers leasing and managing their own terminals to improve shipping services. Matson moved to an “open-top” configuration of its ships during Mulholland’s tenure as a senior executive, according to Honolulu’s Pacific Business News, and the company’s intermodal division, today called Matson Integrated Logistics, was nurtured under his management. “Customers today want more than shipping,” Mulholland told the publication during a 2002 interview when Matson’s logistics operation expanded. “This gives our customers more reasons to use us. It also gives us another chance to make money.” In 1999, he led a joint venture between Matson and Stevedoring Services of America (SSA Marine), a marine terminal operator and stevedore company. The company combined port operations on the West Coast and con- The LTC John U.D. Page the company. The Page is one of two ammunition ships operated by Maersk for MSC. Of course, other Seafarers who sailed aboard the Page during the previous five years also share in the credit, but those on board the vessel when the award was presented were: Bosun Jerry Sobieraj, ABs Eugene Evans, Oleg Pankratov, Jeffrey Pearce, Stephen Snapp, Steve Wilson, Russell Luther and Timothy Heil, QMEDs Carlos Perez and Kevin McArdell, QMED/Electrician Ronnie Day, Steward/Baker Joseph Jones, Chief Cook Gary Ramirez and GUDEs Saeed Alahmadi and Anthony Moore. tinues to be successful today. “He was passionate about Matson and his service to Hawaii,” said Jon Hemingway, chief executive officer of SSA Marine, who has been friends with Mulholland for 16 years. “He was a progressive thinker and a change agent in his industry and company.” Mulholland also exuded integrity, and was straightforward and honest throughout his career, Hemingway said, adding that Mulholland always treated co-workers and service providers with respect, no matter what position they held. In 1996, Mulholland received the Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award from the United Seamen’s Service. He also served as an industry spokesman on key issues such as the Jones Act and the U.S. Merchant Marine’s importance to national and economic security. Mulholland was a lifetime member of the National Defense Transportation Association and served on the boards of the Pacific Maritime Association, the Brad Mulholland was respected throughout the maritime industry. San Francisco Bay Area Council and the National Maritime Museum 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. Mulholland is survived by his wife, Leslie, and two grown children, Sara and Mark. Funeral services were private. April 2007 �41545_P01-5_7_14_18_19:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:30 PM Page 5 House Passes Employee Free Choice Act The U.S. House of Representatives, following more than five hours of historic debate, on March 1 passed H.R. 800, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). The act requires employers to recognize a union when a majority of workers sign up for representation—a procedure that would eliminate many of the delays and illegal employer abuses that routinely happen in the current union election process. The EFCA also increases the penalties for employers who violate worker rights and provides for the arbitration of first contracts if the employer and union fail to reach agreement after a year of bargaining. The measure passed by a margin of 241-185 with bipartisan support. Labor leaders and congressional supporters hailed the vote as the most important labor law reform legislation in 70 years, an answer to the declining fortunes of middle-class workers and the growing income divide. AFLCIO President John Sweeney said the House vote “…marks a momentous turning point in the growing movement to restore our nation’s middle class. Today, the voices of tens of millions of working people who deserve the right to make a free choice to bargain for a better life have been heard and heeded on Capitol Hill. Because of today’s vote, the future looks a little brighter to all Americans who have watched corporations celebrate record profits, but have themselves been shut out of the party, left with stagnant wages and facing soaring costs. “A union card is the single best ticket into the middle class and, thanks to the Employee Free Choice Act, working people may finally have the chance to be part of a union,” the AFL-CIO president concluded. “Congress today has recognized that collective bargaining is critical in this democracy as it is in every other democracy around FINAL NOTICE Economic Pride Adjustments Crew members employed aboard the vessels named below at any time during the specified dates may be due an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA), as per stipulations in the respective agreements with the ship operators which existed at that time. To verify employment, please forward copies of discharges or pay vouchers to the contracts department at the union’s headquarters: 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Members writing to the contracts department should include their current address. Upon receipt of the employment verification, monies due, if any, will be processed and sent to the address specified in the letter mailed to the contracts department. Please note that the dates listed below—from the late 1980s—are correct. The union published multiple notices concerning the EPA beginning in 1989 and received responses from many but not all eligible crew members. AMSEA MV 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez January 1, 1987-December 31, 1989 MV 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo PFC Dwayne T. Williams MV Jack Lummus MV William R. Button January 1, 1988-December 31, 1989 MAERSK MV 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman MV PVT Harry Fisher MV Cpl. Louis Hauge Jr. MV PFC William Baugh MV PFC James Anderson January 1, 1988-December 31, 1989 OCEAN SHIPHOLDING MV Paul Buck MV Samuel Cobb 1987, 1988 and up to March 31, 1989 MV Gus Darnell January 1, 1989-March 31, 1989 MV Lawrence Gianella MV Richard Matthiesen 1988 and up to March 31, 1989 WATERMAN Sgt. Matej Kocak Pfc. Eugene Obregon Maj. Stephen W. Pless January 1, 1989-December 31, 1989 Please note this is the final notice that will appear and any outstanding claims must be received by June 30, 2007 to be evaluated. April 2007 the world,” said Larry Cohen, chair of the AFL-CIO Executive Council Committee on Organizing. Cohen, who also is president of the Communications Workers of America, continued, “Passage today of the Employee Free Choice Act by the House of Representative is a first step toward restoring the core of the preamble of the National Labor Relations Act passed 70 years ago that commits our government to promote collective bargaining in the workplace, not an endless legal battle with management declaring war on their own employees.” “The Employee Free Choice Act puts democracy back in the workplace so the decision to join a union can be made by the workers the union would represent,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (DCalif.) told colleagues. “This is the standard right that we routinely demand for workers around the world. We should accept no less a standard here in America.” The EFCA has strong bipartisan support with 233 co-sponsors. Some House members made it clear that the purpose of the bill was not pro-union or pro-business, but pro-worker. During the debate on the House floor, House Speaker Pelosi said, “Democrats believe we must make our economy fairer. We took the first step in our first 100 hours, with a strong bipartisan vote to increase the minimum wage. And today, we take the next step, with a strong bipartisan vote to ensure that America’s working families have the right to organize. “The right to organize means a better future for them, and for all of us,” Pelosi continued. “It means a future that is economically and socially just, a future where the workplace is safe, a future where our retirement is secure. Many of the benefits all workers enjoy today . . . are the result of the struggles of organized labor. Their victories have not just benefited union workers, but all workers. Unions have helped make America the most prosperous, most productive nation in the world, with a vibrant middle class so essential to our democracy.” A large segment of America’s business community attacked the bill and lobbied heavily against it. Some called it the “Employee Intimidation Act” and others falsely claimed that the EFCA would eliminate the secret ballot provision that’s currently in place. Rep. Phil Hare (D-Ill.), who worked for 13 years in a gar- ment factory, called the allegations a smokescreen. The real issue, he said, is whether workers can have the opportunity to improve their lives and the future for their children. “I would not be here today as a member of the United States Congress if it were not for my union,” he said. “My union helped me send my kids to college. It helped me buy a house…. But sadly more and more Americans are seeing these opportunities slip away.” The EFCA is a key priority for working families. The AFL-CIO sent more than 5 million e-mail messages to online activists on the Employee Free Choice Act. During a week of action, workers in more than 100 cities met with members of Congress and community leaders to push for passage of the act. Actions included conferences, worker roundtables, rallies and other gatherings, with workers and union and community leaders meeting with at least 130 members of Congress. The legislation now will move to the U.S. Senate where it faces an uncertain future. U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) said he will introduce the bill in the Senate soon, where it will likely face a filibuster. Chaotic Runaway-Flag Saga Reinforces ITF’s Effectiveness The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is worth its weight—if not significantly more—in gold for mariners around the world. That point was driven home once again in February when ITF inspectors in England successfully brought an end to a tense and potentially hostile situation by negotiating the payment of back wages owed crewmen aboard the Merchant Brilliant. The Latvian-owned, Jamaican-registered RO/RO vessel on Feb. 20 was arrested in Belfast, Ireland when ITF inspectors discovered that the vessel owners had failed to make good on a previous payment of more than $150,000 that in December 2006 had been ordered by the Irish Court. The chain of events that followed this discovery would keep many in the worldwide maritime community anxious if not outright jittery for the next several days. While in port, crew members claimed they were owed $200,000 in back pay and sought assistance from the ITF. Irish ITF Inspectors Ken Fleming and Bill Anderson dispatched to the vessel in hopes of negotiating a speedy settlement. The resulting talks between the ITF and the owners of the vessel, ADG Ship Management SIA, ended in dispute. ADG insisted that the previous wages already had been paid while the federation argued otherwise. Norfolk Lines, the company that had chartered the Merchant Brilliant for its freight services, intervened and requested that the crew continue its voyage despite not having being paid. Under protest, the crew—a combination of 20 Russians and Latvians— agreed to leave the Belfast area and sail the vessel to Heysham, England on condition that Fleming and Anderson accompanied them. Upon its arrival at Heysham, however, Norfolk Lines took the Merchant Brilliant off of charter and completely disassociated itself with ADG. Consequently, the harbor master insisted that the Merchant Brilliant leave port to make way for other vessels. After complying with the harbor master’s directives and sailing some three miles out from port, the vessel anchored. Talks then resumed between the ITF inspectors and two owner-appointed Russian representatives. On two occasions, the discussions again proved fruitless. At that juncture, according to reports, 10 of the crew members barricaded themselves into a room after the Russian representatives made threats against them, their homes and families. ITF Inspectors Fleming and Anderson joined the crew, one source said, feeling that their presence might help protect them. An agreement on the back wage issue finally was reached at around noon the following day (Feb. 21), but the promised cash was nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, while negotiations had been ongoing, seven of the crew had thrown in the towel, stating that they had had enough. According to Fleming, they were mainly the most recently hired, were owed less and largely were putting on acts because of a mixture of the intimidation to which they had been subjected and their belief that the company was never going to pay them, regardless of what they promised. The remaining crew members were told that if they wanted to get paid, they’d have to return to Belfast, not Heysham where they were first told to collect it. They were then told that another vessel would fetch their money and that it would be in Heysham. Finally, they were told that the owners would return the following day and pay up themselves. Fleming, however, discovered that the owners a day earlier already had remitted the money and further that it was aboard the Merchant Brilliant. Despite its less-than-stellar record of keeping promises in the past, ADG on the afternoon of Feb. 22 finally made good on its obligation and paid the crew members their wages. It took place while the Merchant Brilliant was en route to port in Heysham. Fleming, who witnessed the payoff, said, “This is the first major step in settling this ugly dispute and putting it behind us. The next step is to get all the crew members on their way home.” The crew was flown to Russia on Feb. 23 aboard flights arranged by the ITF. Most of them departed England during the early morning hours; one flew out at around 2 p.m. “This case is over,” said Fleming. “The crew is safe and homeward bound.” According to the British Rail Maritime and Transport Union, a similar dispute arose with ADG in November 2006. The Merchant Brilliant’s sister ship, the Merchant Bravery, was detained in Dublin by the Irish High Court until arrears were paid to the crew. Crew members involved in that episode, however, told ITF inspectors that they were later forced to give the money back. The Merchant Bravery no longer operates in Irish waters. Seafarers LOG 5 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24x:2007-March 3/27/2007 2:20 PM Page 6 Training Director Eglinton Retires Duties Greatly Evolved During 34 Years in Piney Point When Bill Eglinton first drove to the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. for a job interview, he pulled off the road twice to call and ask if he’d missed the turnoff. He was told to keep driving south. That happened in early 1973, shortly before Eglinton became an instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (then known as the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship). Since then, the school has grown tremendously—and, for better or worse, many of the pastoral areas nearby have given way to development. One could say Eglinton’s duties underwent an even more radical expansion and change since those first days as an instructor. Between then and his official retirement last month, he became a respected and wellknown representative for U.S. mariners on numerous high-level domestic and international maritime bodies. At the school, he most recently served as director of training—a position he filled since 1980. His commitment to the union, school and industry in general didn’t end upon his retirement. With mariners facing (among other upcoming challenges) the new TWIC and merchant mariner credential programs, Eglinton will remain available for freelance assignments—a development sincerely appreciated by SIU officials. “Bill’s always been a good guy and done a good job, but I Newly retired Director of Training Bill Eglinton says his fondest memories “are from teaching. I truly loved it.” think what really needs to be said is that his duties went far beyond being a vocational director,” stated Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan, who worked with Eglinton for 34 years. “When you think of all those acronyms—MERPAC, NMSAC, ITF and many others —you get an idea of how much he has meant to the school and the union, because he’s served on all of them. We wish him the best, but he’s really not going away. No one could fill those shoes.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel often worked with Eglinton on international maritime matters. “He was very instrumental in STCW negotiations, protecting our seafarers during those talks,” Heindel recalled. “He did a great job of educating not only our member- QMEDs Receive Full Books During the February membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., QMEDs Scott Spilman and Antoine Rainey received their full union books. In photo above, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez administers the oath to Spilman (left) and Rainey. Pictured in the group photo below are (from left) VP Contracts George Tricker, President Michael Sacco, Spilman, Rainey, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, Tellez and VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. ship but the U.S. public in general about compliance. Bill also played a big role looking out for U.S. mariners right after 9/11. Of course, he helped many Seafarers upgrade their skills throughout the years.” Assistant Director of Training J.C. Wiegman pointed to the school’s progress under Eglinton as evidence of his effectiveness. “The accomplishments are many, from tanker safety programs to the TRB (training record book, which Eglinton developed) and the implementation of STCW,” Wiegman noted. “In between regulatory requirements, there were cruise ships and militarycontracted company needs that were met, plus inland programs. The school upgraded by adding a fire fighting facility, full mission bridge simulation, engine room simulation and supporting programs just to name a few of his many achievements as director of training. I wish him fair winds and following seas.” Born in Claremont, N.H., Eglinton graduated from the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School in 1972 and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1983. Since 1991, he has served as a member of U.S. delegations to International Maritime Organization meetings conducted in London. He was appointed by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to serve on the Coast Guard’s Maritime and Homeland Security task group. He also has authored marine engineering books. A retired member of the U.S. Naval Reserves, Eglinton continues serving on working groups with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Security Advisory Committee and (separately) Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC), among other endeavors. At the Paul Hall Center, he was instrumental in the school’s obtaining degree-granting status (associate’s degrees in nautical science and marine engineering, respectively). He also developed or assisted in putting together the School Adds Liquefied Gas Simulator A cutting-edge liquefied gas (LG) cargo simulator has been installed at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Developed by Transas, a highly regarded company, the simulator offers comprehensive training in LG familiarization, LG specialization and LG safety. “The simulator is a competency- and assessmentbased training system,” noted J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the Paul Hall Center, which is located in Piney Point, Md. “What this means for students is they will learn or hone the ability to load and unload a vessel with liquid gas cargo. This simulator has a lot of features. It’ll help them with system alignment, cargo-pump operation, loading and discharge alignment, the ballast system, inert gas system and all the auxiliary systems necessary to complete the evolution, whatever the operation may be. It also will help students understand the volatility of the cargo.” The LG simulator’s components are wide-ranging but thorough. For instance, there is a segment covering load-control systems with sub-categories as follows: trim, draft, heel and stability; shearing force; bending moment calculation; cargo and ballast-level calculation; oil temperature effect on ullage (unfilled space in a container of liquid); and trend operation. When utilizing the simulator to study cargo plan The simulator, developed by Transas, incorporates all the newest technology. 6 Seafarers LOG center’s curriculums for LNG ships, welding, refrigeration, diesel and third assistant engineer, to name but a few. “My most cherished memories are from teaching,” Eglinton said. “I truly loved it. Watching students suddenly get that ‘Bingo! I got it!’ look on their faces cannot be replaced by any other line of work.” Reflecting on his career, Eglinton mentioned many challenges and some daunting tasks. But there were lighthearted moments, too. His funniest experience took place in the early 1990s while teaching crowd control aboard an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. “I went aboard in Portland, Ore. and had five days to instruct the unlicensed crew—two classes of 25 per day,” he remembered. “On the last day, I walked into the auditorium and there were only about 16 people seated for the class. I did all the lectures first and then started the roleplaying—how to handle drunken passengers, hysterical parents looking for their children, etc. “When I asked for a volunteer to role-play an inebriated passenger, immediately there were 16 falling-down-drunk students in front of me. I then asked for someone to be a distraught parent, and promptly had 16 people giving Academy Award performances. They suddenly stopped upon seeing my bewildered look, as I’m looking around for the Candid Camera, and laughingly explained that they were the ship’s entertainment crew: actors, actresses, singers, band members. Yeah, they got me!” Instructor Jim Shaffer (standing) assists student Mervin Cruzat on the new liquefied gas simulator. overviews, students also will learn about cargo operations planning, cargo type control, cargo data control and alarms in abnormal situations. Additional topics that will be taught by using the simulator include the following (among others): Ballast system (ballast operation, gravity flow, flow animation and valve dynamics); after-peak part of cargo system (discharge, loading, pump activity, striping pumps and emergency procedures); terminal connections (discharge, loading, flow animation, terminal connection, berth, cargo type selection and emergency procedures); inert gas plant (inert gas generation; gas cooling, drying and blowing; gas freeing operation and auxiliary operation); inert gas distribution line (tank inerting, in-tank atmosphere control, and pressure breaker operation); load control system (shearing force, bending moment calculation, cargo and ballast level calculation, oil temperature effect on ullage, and trend operation); cargo plan overview (cargo operations planning, cargo type control, cargo data control, and alarm in abnormal situations); and forepick part of cargo system (discharge, loading, flow animation, pump activity, striping pumps and emergency procedures). Current Paul Hall Center classes that can take advantage of the new simulator include tankerman assistant-LG and tankerman-PIC-LG. April 2007 �41545_P01-5_7_14_18_19x:1545p00 3/27/2007 2:18 PM Page 7 SIU Stewards’ Recipe for Success Features Hard Work, Persistence been sailing for 26 years and has gone around the world twice. “I want to personally thank the SIU and the school for giving me this opportunity to come and attend the recertification course,” he said. “I’d like to give a special thanks to President Michael Sacco and the staff around him for the hard work they do. Without them we would not be as strong as we are now. To continue to be strong, we have to perform our jobs as professional sailors. “To the trainees,” he concluded, “always do your part and learn to work together as a team. Without teamwork you will fail.” Wehr joined the SIU in 1992 and was a member of trainee class 502. “At that time, I was far away from home and looking for something different to do,” said Wehr, whose home port is Jacksonville, Fla. “After grading from Piney Point, they flew me to Singapore. To say the least, it opened my eyes to the true scope of the world around me.” He then offered his gratitude for his training experience. “This is a tremendous facility. Only through dedication, hard work and loyalty would it stand the test of time. So thanks to all who year in and out make this school the crowning jewel of the SIU.” After telling the trainees how fortunate he was to have had someone to teach him about the inner workings of the steward department and the history of the SIU, Wehr advised them that productivity on the job was key. “The bottom line is getting the job done, professionally and efficiently,” he said. “Effectively doing your jobs reflects well on our work force and our union. The steward recertification course, like most of the other classes offered at the Paul Hall Center, 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 much more. As the students approached the culmination of their training, they met with representatives of the union’s various departments at headquarters, including the contracts department, Seafarers Plans and others. They also toured Washington, D.C. and visited the AFL-CIO and the Maritime Trades Department. Vernon Wallen Lewis Johansen Allan Bright Jimmie Reddick Graduates Credit Union, School for Facilitating Advancement Hard work, persistence and sacrifice all were key ingredients extolled by the union’s eight newest recertified stewards as they formulated their individual recipes for advancement up the food preparation and galley supervision ladder. Each of them reached their respective culinary apexes in the union last month when they graduated from the steward recertification course at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Stewards Allan Bright, Jerome Davis, Lewis Johansen, Mohamed Kamer, Jimmie Reddick, Vernon Wallen, Daniel Wehr and Emmanuel Zephyr each completed the program, a four-week curriculum considered top instruction for mariners in the steward department. Five of the eight briefly shared their experiences, respective backgrounds and perspectives on the class with rank-andfile members, upgraders and unlicensed apprentices during remarks at the March SIU membership meeting in Piney Point. The remaining three (Kramer, Reddick and Wallen) departed early and were not available to offer comments. While their details varied, each of the stewards expressed appreciation for how the union not only helped them find their niche, but also enabled them to earn a good living and provide for their families. They also credited the school for helping them advance in their ratings. Davis, who hails from New York, was the first to address those in attendance. “I began my Daniel Wehr Recertified stewards and SIU officials gather for photo at union headquarters in mid-February. Pictured from left to right are Vernon Wallen, Allan Bright, Jerome Davis, Jimmie Reddick, SIU President Michael Sacco, Emmanuel Zephyr, Mohamed Kamer, Daniel Wehr, Lewis Johansen, SIU VP Rene Lioeanjie and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. career in 1977 in Brooklyn with the former NMU,” he said. Davis, who still sails out of the port of New York, has upgraded at the school on two previous occasions. Leadership and its value was the single most important thing he learned from the course, he told fellow members. He also said the course enhanced his appreciation for discipline, teamwork and hard work. “Setting a good example for others is always important in our chosen profession,” Davis said. “And I think it’s important to take time out to share your life experiences with others, especially with unlicensed apprentices and upgraders. “I’ve seen a lot of my childhood friends fall by the wayside over the years,” he said, “I don’t want that to happen to any of you.” Davis concluded his remarks by thanking the SIU and NMU for keeping him “safe, out of trouble and (from) becoming a victim of the mean city streets” over the years. Davis also thanked SIU President Michael Sacco and his staff for recognizing “the importance of getting young as well as older people involved in a profession that yields great opportunities for a lifetime.” Bright joined the union 30 years ago in St Louis and graduated from trainee class 235. Stewards hone their skills at the Paul Hall Center’s culinary lab April 2007 “The SIU has been good to me over the years,” said Bright. “I have ups and down in my life, but knew I could always depend on the SIU to be there for me and get me a job. During my career, I have been on a lot of different ships from the old tankers to the most modern vessels in the fleet. “This whole experience of upgrading has been very educational to me,” Bright continued. “Everything from learning how contracts work to going to Washington D.C. and to headquarters to learn how SPAD works was very interesting.” Addressing the trainees, Bright said, “Things have changed a lot since I came into the union, but the demands are much the same. When you go out there, work hard, ask questions, have fun, save your money and donate to SPAD because it gets us jobs.” The SIU is the second career at sea for Johansen, whose home port is Tacoma, Wash. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he joined the union in 1991 in Seattle, Wash. “One of the careers is still going on and I hope it continues for a very long time,” he said. Johansen thanked the entire Paul Hall Center staff for his upgrading experience and what he learned. “My knowledge has been greatly enhanced and I will always value the things you taught me.” Johansen sent a special thanks to his wife and daughter, and to his son who is serving in Iraq. He concluded by asking all present to keep the people of New Orleans and the armed forces in Iraq in their prayers. Zephyr launched his career as a merchant mariner with NMU. “I think the merger of the NMU into the SIU was the best thing that ever happened to us,” he said. “Everything is much better now and the union is stronger. Zephyr, who sails out of Wilmington, Calif., said he has Seafarers LOG 7 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24x:1545p0 3/27/2007 2:25 PM Page 8 Government Services Division States Case in Hotel Dispute On Feb. 15 and 16, an arbitration hearing between the SIU Government Services Division and Military Sealift Fleet Support Command took place at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va. The hearing signaled a continuation of union efforts to help ensure that CIVMARS aren’t required to stay in substandard hotels selected by MSC. Consistent with the normal schedule in arbitration hearings, a ruling isn’t expected until later this spring or summer. “This hearing was an example of the consistent hard work and dedication on the part of the SIU in looking after and aggressively defending the best interests of Government Services Division mariners,” said Bosun’s Mate William Bushey, who participated in the hearing. The following individuals also represented the union at the hearing: Assistant Vice President Government Services Chester Wheeler, SIU Tacoma Safety Director Joe Vincenzo, Patrolman Maurice Cokes, AB Denise Seaman and Union Counsel Deborah Kleinberg. Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram assisted in the preparation for this matter. CIVMARS typically have to perform certain shoreside functions required by the agency as they rotate on and off ships. During those periods and as they get ready to accept a shipboard assignment, CIVMARS are required to stay at hotels selected Retired NMU President Shannon Wall Dies at 87 Shannon J. Wall, retired president of the National Maritime Union (NMU), passed away Feb. 2 at his home in Sequim, Wash. due to natural causes. He was 87. Wall served as NMU president from 1973 until his retirement in 1990. He was the union’s second president, succeeding Joseph Curran. In addition to advocating for a strong U.S.-flag fleet, he was very active in the long, ultimately successful fight to secure veterans’ status for U.S. mariners who sailed in World War II. “I worked with Shannon since 1959 and he was a personal friend,” noted SIU Vice President at Large René Lioeanjie, who served as president of the NMU from 1997 until that organization merged into the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in 2001. “We started organizing in the federal service after President Kennedy signed the order allowing civil servants to join unions (in 1962). We also organized elsewhere.” Additionally, Lioeanjie recalled frequently working with Wall under the auspices of the International Transport Workers’ Federation. “He was a good person to Shannon J. Wall in 1987 work with,” Lioeanjie added. “Shannon was very suave, refined and intelligent. He always used to say, ‘I forgive but I don’t forget.’ I never heard him shouting or cursing…. We went all over the world together.” SIU Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, also an NMU official when the unions merged, worked with Wall from 1954 until Wall’s retirement. “For the most part he kept to himself, but he was intelligent and was respected,” Stewart said. “He knew what he was doing. He was responsible for by MSC. The dispute centers on the agency signing an agreement with a particular hotel in Norfolk. The union charged that the hotel posed substantial health and safety risks to the hundreds of civil service mariners who stayed there at any time during the period from Oct. 1, 2005 to Jan. 18, 2007. Some of those mariners had to stay at the hotel for up to eight weeks. During the hearing, the union noted, “The substantial hours worked aboard a vessel, the high operational tempo that CIVMARS must meet, the stress of the job, limited opportunities for liberty and long stretches of isolation all contribute to the need for CIVMARS to be in top physical many of our organizing campaigns, especially with the Military Sea Transportation Service” (the forerunner to today’s Military Sealift Command). Newspaper accounts of Wall’s life credited him with being politically active on behalf of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Among many other activities, he served on a high-level commission appointed by President Reagan to study and report on the merchant marine’s role in national defense. He also chaired the AFL-CIO Maritime Committee. Wall sailed as a mariner during World War II. He came ashore in 1951 to work as an NMU patrolman in San Francisco. He moved up through the ranks, including stops in San Pedro, Calif., Baltimore and New Jersey, and was elected the union’s national vice president in 1958. He was elected secretary-treasurer in 1966. As president, he was a driving force in the NMU’s controversial merger with District 1/MEBA in 1988. That merger was dissolved in 1993. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lucy; two sons, Sean and Kevin; a daughter, Maureen Hope Wall; and three grandchildren. The family asks that memorials be sent to the United Seamen’s Service, 635 Fourth Ave., Ground Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232. Promoting SIU, Maritime The union recently participated in the ninth annual maritime career day in Seattle sponsored by the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center. SIU Representative Ryan Palmer (above) manned the SIU booth as upwards of 1,000 guests visited the center, located on the city’s central waterfront. Some of those guests are pictured at left. In photo above, left, Rich Berkowitz (left), director of the Pacific Coast office of the Transportation Institute, shares a discussion about U.S.-flag maritime employment opportunities with Odyssey Career Day participants. 8 Seafarers LOG Working together in preparation for the mid-February hearing in Norfolk are (seated, from left) VP Government Services Kermett Mangram, Assistant VP Chester Wheeler, Safety Director Joe Vincenzo, (standing) Bosun’s Mate William Bushey, Union Counsel Deborah Kleinberg, Patrolman Maurice Cokes and AB Denise Seaman. and mental condition prior to leaving for an assignment on a vessel. These are just some of the important reasons that the hotel assignment can make such a difference in personnel readiness.” The union charged that the hotel in question—the Days Inn Military Circle on Chambers Street in Norfolk—posed numerous health and safety problems, including reports of bedbugs, roaches and rats, rooms with mold, unsanitary housekeeping practices and unsafe surroundings. The union is requesting the arbitrator award a monetary remedy for CIVMARS required to stay at the Days Inn Military Circle. As of mid-March, as a result of the advocacy efforts of the union and East Coast CIVMARS, MSC has contracted with new hotels in Norfolk and New Jersey. East Coast CIVMARS will now be assigned to clean, safe and suitable hotels. Those lodgings meet the same standards as the hotels which house West Coast CIVMARS—a major union goal which has now been accomplished. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John L. Beeman The USNS Ericsson (right), crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, awaits the guided missile destroyer USS Hopper for an underway replenishment last September in the Pacific Ocean. The Ericsson recently earned an environmental award from MSC. USNS Ericsson CIVMARS Earn Environmental Award Members of the SIU Government Services Division sailing aboard the USNS John Ericsson helped earn an environmental award from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the agency announced in late February. Ericsson crew members earned a 2006 Environmental Quality Small Ship award, noted Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Mullen. The 678-foot ship—recently operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii—was crewed by 81 civil service mariners and a military detachment of 23 active-duty Navy sailors. The vessel’s crew was cited for its work in preventing pollution, ensuring readiness in responding to environmental issues, conserving resources and complying with environmental regulations. While the ship voluntarily met standards stricter than required by the Navy, it also ensured that each mariner received special training in environmental management; used environmentally friendly chemicals; and conducted monthly spill drills. As a result, in two years, the Ericsson transferred almost 82 million gallons of fuel in 353 separate fuelings at sea without a significant mishap. The Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Awards recognize ships, installations and individuals or teams for their environmental stewardship. As a result of this selection, the USNS Ericsson will compete in the Secretary of the Navy Environmental Awards, according to MSC. In a message to crew members, Mullen extended his personal congratulations and noted the winners “have demonstrated that our Navy has among the finest environmental programs in the world.” The award is scheduled to be presented at a ceremony in June in Washington, D.C. The USNS Ericsson is one of 14 fleet replenishment oilers that provide fuel to Navy combat ships and jet fuel for aircraft aboard aircraft carriers. April 2007 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24x:1545p0 3/27/2007 2:39 PM Page 9 Maritime Labor Mourns Loss of Tal Simpkins Talmage E. “Tal” Simpkins, who spent more than 50 years promoting both U.S. maritime labor and the entire seafaring community, died March 11 at Fairfax (Va.) Hospital due to injuries sustained in an auto accident the previous month. He was 79. Simpkins served the industry in many capacities, including as an official with the National Maritime Union beginning in 1970. At the time of his death, he was in his 18th year as president of United Seamen’s Service, an organization that provides health, welfare and recreational services to American and international mariners at eight overseas ports. In 2006, he had retired from his position as executive vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based Labor Management Maritime Committee. He also served for many years as the director of the AFLCIO Maritime Committee. SIU Vice President at Large René Lioeanjie (president of the NMU from 1997 until that organization merged into the SIU in 2001) remembered Simpkins as a versatile official with a penchant for organizing campaigns. He particularly cited Simpkins’ strong work in Panama, where he was instrumental in advancing workers’ rights. “He was a great person, and his death is a shock to me,” said Lioeanjie. “He was very wellknown and well-respected in Panama and throughout the rest of our industry. He was always supportive. My condolences go out to his family.” “He was a wonderful man who cared deeply about the maritime industry,” said SIU Government Services Representative Kate Hunt. “He was USNS Shugart Delivers Experimental Navy Ship The SIU-crewed USNS Shughart was diverted from its routine supply mission in early February to help the Navy’s Office of Force Transformation in moving the Stiletto, its experimental “M-ship,” from San Diego to Norfolk, Va. Designed and built by the Pentagon’s Office of Force Transformation to test the way riverine and coastal operations are conducted, the Stiletto is the first and largest carbon fiber ship built in the United States. The ship’s M-shape and lightweight hull give it the air of a stealth aircraft and make it ideal for navigating shallow waters to detect mines and support special operations missions. Since its launch in January 2005, the Stiletto has participated in joint military training off the coast of California. At 88 feet long and weighing 60 tons, the experimental trimaran is considered too small to make a transoceanic journey on its own power, so the Shughart’s cranes lowered the Stiletto onto specially designed steel supports that had previously been welded to the deck of the Military Sealift Command’s large, mediumspeed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessel. The supports were capped with soft wood to cradle the hull of the Stiletto during its transport over the ocean and through the Panama Canal. The complex operation also required that the Military Sealift Command build a spreader bar to link the Shughart’s two on-board cranes, which, working as a pair, allowed them to lift more than the 50-ton limit each crane could hoist on its own. “It’s exciting to do something that hasn’t been done before,” said Capt. Albert Earl Bergeron, the ship’s civilian master, as the piggy-backed ship departed Feb. 5 for Norfolk. “Our number one mission was to do the lift safely without causing any damage to the hull.” The USNS Shughart is one of 19 LMSRs owned and operated by the Military Sealift Command to provide afloat prepositioning of equipment and supplies in strategic areas around the world. there for some of the early fights and responsible for a lot of the positive legislation for the guys in the government fleet. Tal was around for a long time, and he truly helped advance the rights of American merchant seamen.” SIU Vice President at Large Charlie Stewart stated, “I hold Mr. Simpkins in the highest esteem. He was a good friend and a loyal part of our organization. He came there when things were rough, and he did an excellent job. He was a great guy—very helpful, very good for us.” John Bowers, president of the International Longshoreman’s Association, said, “Tal Simpkins generously gave of his expertise, time and true dedication to maritime labor during his half-century of commitment to the benefit of our industry. His voice in Washington will be missed as will his leadership of United Seamen’s Service during difficult years of transition.” A native of Goreville, Ill., Simpkins attended school in Illinois and in 1945 enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After completing basic training at Parris Island, S.C., he received a fleet appointment to the United States Naval Academy in 1946, and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps on November 26, 1947 He enrolled at the University of Maryland in 1948, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952. Upon graduation, he worked in advertising Tal Simpkins is pictured in early 2006 attending MTD executive board meetings in San Diego. SIU VP René Lioeanjie is seated at his immediate right; SIU VP Charlie Stewart is at far left. and insurance, until joining the AFL-CIO Maritime Committee in 1956 In 2002, Simpkins was awarded a special United Seamen’s Service Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award (AOTOS) in recognition of his dedicated career benefiting American seafaring labor. In addition to his long commitment to USS, Simpkins served on the Military Sealift Command’s National Defense Executive Reserve Unit; was a member of the U.S. Labor Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy; was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the National Advisory Council on Continuing Education; and was a member of the U.S. delegation to the International Load Line Convention in 1966. He also was active on many local government boards in Prince George’s County, Md. for many years. Tal Simpkins is survived by his wife, Heidi. He was preceded in death in 1996 by his first wife, Irene Ann, whom he married in 1947. They had one son, Talmage E. Simpkins, Jr. (Buddy). In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to United Seamen’s Service, 635 Fourth Ave., Ground floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232. Meeting with Political Allies in Austin SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey recently traveled to Austin to attend the Texas AFL-CIO legislative meeting and reception. He also visited the state Capitol to discuss maritime issues. The legislature is currently in session until the end of May. With Corgey (at left in the two photos at left) are (top photo) Rodney Ellis (D), senator for the district in which the union hall is located and a good friend of the SIU, and (bottom photo) Senator John Whitmire (D), dean of the state Senate and an avid union supporter. Directly below with Corgey is Representative Alma Allen (D) of Houston, a great friend of labor. Although the operation was quite complex, it took just a little more than 90 minutes to move the experimental Navy ship from the water onto the deck of the SIU-crewed Shughart. April 2007 Seafarers LOG 9 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24qxp:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:38 PM Page 10 Recollections of the Merchant Marine in World War II Editor’s note: Retired Seafarer Albert Stimac was born and raised in northern Minnesota in an area north of Duluth known as the Iron Range. During World War II, workers in that region supplied more than 600,000 tons of iron ore for the war effort. Stimac grew up around unions, thanks in part to the National Labor Relations Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935. Stimac worked one season in the open-pit iron ore mines but was injured. He subsequently joined a friend headed toward the West Coast, where he secured employment at Boeing in a unionized pattern-makers shop. Stimac was too young to join the U.S. Armed Forces when the war broke out, so he went to the Pearl Harbor Navy shipyard and worked in the pattern-making department there for a year. He didn’t weigh enough to get into the service at first—but finally succeeded in shipping out. This is the first installment of his experiences in the merchant marine. They are the best recollections of his training and sea time from the end of 1943 to late 1945, so any inaccuracies in the details need not be brought to his attention. simple triple expansion steam engine. We never seemed to tie in what we learned on one piece to the complete operation of an engine room. When we started, we were informed that we would see it all come together in four, five or six weeks. It all depended on the person we were. Amazingly enough, they were right. Boy, was I proud when it hit me one day how everything worked together. In between learning one’s chosen job, we had to get in shape physically. It was always marching briskly or double-timing in. We only had to jump off the edge of the pool with all this gear on. To demonstrate how safe it was, one of the instructors climbed up 30 feet to the rafters and jumped in feet first. This was to build up our confidence. It was still quite a shock to your mental abilities even when you only had to jump off three feet at poolside. The scary part was when the splash sent a trickle of water from around your neck into the suit and down your body. The last test that we had to pass was jumping feet first off a 20-foot tower. The 1943 – Training I came home from a year in Pearl Harbor weighing 122 pounds. The draft board thought I had tuberculosis and let me stay home for three months to gain weight. No success. On the ship back to the States from Pearl Harbor, however, I had met a deckhand from the Merchant Marine who also was from Minnesota. I had no stomach for the Navy after living in Honolulu for a year. I knew I would be in big trouble if I had to go into the military. Too free-spirited and could see a lot of futility in that kind of living. I was interested in the Merchant Marine way of life with more freedom, independent living and really contributing to the war effort to defeat Germany and Japan. I went down to Duluth, Minn. while recuperating at home and found the Merchant Marine recruiting office. But I couldn’t get up to 132 pounds to be accepted. Since one got weighed with just his shorts on, the recruiter told me to pick up all my clothes and follow him to the next room. On the way, he stopped by a desk. He said his hands were full and would I carry some documents for him that were on the desk. When we got to the room, he turned and said, “Let’s weigh you one more time to make sure.” Sure enough, with all my clothes and the documents I was holding, I weighed well over 132. I was on my way to the Merchant Marine Academy in Sheepshead Bay, New York City! In basic training, one had three choices. Topside or deck as a deckhand; kitchen detail as a messman; and engine room below deck, referred to as “the black gang.” I chose the black gang because I would be sheltered from the weather. I didn’t know a thing about how a ship was provided with machinery to push it through the water. We were divided into groups of 32 or so men. We all learned how to put our left foot forward at the same time. After a couple weeks of marching four to six times a day, we got pretty good and started to take pride in our group. We liked showing off some of the more complex marching maneuvers we had mastered. The first time I saw a real triple expansion steam engine that was set up for training really amazed me. I thought, I’ll never get through this course. I was amazed with the unique system that was set up to train us. It was all piece training. You were given lessons and instructions on a piecemeal basis, whether it was on pumps, pipes, steam, boilers, oiling generators or understanding this 10 Seafarers LOG This old photo was taken of Albert Stimac on a trip from France to New York in rough weather. The ship was riding high with no cargo, only seawater for ballast—and the ship made only four miles in 24 hours. wherever we went. A most funny but satisfying experience was getting nine guys into a lifeboat—a big heavy wooden one with 12 oars. There were four guys on each side and one standing up on the stern giving directions and holding an oar for steering. You learn fast how to work together and forget your problems. Fortunately, we practiced in a calm bay from a dock. But in January or February, that sea water still is really cold when splashed on you or running down your arm. If we thought this was bad, we were surprised to be loaded on a ship one morning and taken out as far as the entrance to the bay. Out there, we could feel the wind and waves. On our abandon ship drill, we had to lower the lifeboat ourselves and climb down a net rope into the boat while it moved up and down in the waves. We had a pretty good crew and didn’t have too many problems. There were a few who lost control and were swept out to open waters. They would get towed back in the captain’s launch. It was a very wet trip if the seas were heavy. A couple guys standing on the stern got swept overboard and had to be rescued. They ended up in sick bay. This happened because rowers on one side were ordered to row and the other side had to hold their oars. All this while they were pulling with all their weight to turn the boat in the opposite direction. This made a temporary catapult out of the steering oar. If you kept hanging on to the oar or didn’t change your stance, over the side you went. Our last major hurdle to pass before we could get approved to ship out took place in the pool. We had to know how to swim. That was easy for me. Then they gave us lifesaving suits—very heavy rubber outfits that encased your entire body with just your head exposed—but not completely! You had a hood that came up and was tied to cover all of your head except your face. The suit weighed about 20 or 25 pounds. First you put on all your clothes. Then a life jacket. And then you had to try and get into the suit and zip it up. The reason for all the clothing was the freezing waters of the North Atlantic. Even with all this gear, you had to be rescued within 15 minutes or so if you fell exact form was with a life jacket on, you held your arms firmly folded against the life jacket. You also firmly held the jacket right next to your chin and had to be in that position when you jumped. If you didn’t hold on tight to the jacket, you would go right through it when you hit the water. It took all I could do to complete this test. There were always one or two in a group of 50 or so who would get to the top of the platform and then refuse to jump. But there were a couple big, husky lifeguards who tossed you off if you didn’t. Our training lasted three months. Then they found a berth for me on an old rust bucket. I went on as a fireman-watertender at $90 per month. (We got double pay in a war zone; half pay in a semi-war zone.) First Trip My first trip was to Trinidad to pick up bauxite ore used to make aluminum. We carried wheat and flour and other basic goods. We sailed down the East Coast and then over to Trinidad to Port of Spain. This ship was a real rust bucket. The engine was one of the first low-pressure turbines. The throttle was stuck and only opened so far. So we had to tie down the pop-off valves on the boilers and get another 20 or 30 pounds of steam to go faster. When we did that, we put bigger tips on the oil burners to get a hotter fire for more steam. Our next problem was not to have the stacks smoke because submarines would be able to spot us. The only problem was that the air fan could not blow enough air to burn clean, and we left a trail of black smoke you could see for 15 miles. We were running with two other rust buckets and, if lucky and wide open, we could make 8 or 9 knots. Being the youngest and last guy on board just before they sailed, I got the top bunk and worst watch. The 12-4, 4 on and 8 off. We had just left the East Coast off the Carolinas, and I was napping after supper so I could stay awake on my night 124 watch. I heard a knock on the door and said “Come in.” I was very surprised to see an officer there. I later found out it was the captain. He told me not to get off the bunk but that he had something to tell me. “Don’t get excited, but look out the porthole and you’ll see a submarine sailing along with the three of us.” I looked out and there was a submarine out there going parallel with us. I could see it very plainly. The captain told me to get my survival gear ready and put on my life jacket. He left. I did put on my life jacket and went back to sleep. I later learned that all the rest of the crew was made up of old-timers and I was the only one out on his first trip. Nobody bothered to talk or associate with me up until that time. I guess that because I didn’t panic and went back to sleep, I was OK. At least after that, they would say hi or comment on the sea or the weather or something. The thing that struck me about Trinidad was the culture and lifestyle. Almost like in the movies. Tropical isle, English in charge and blacks unloading the cargo. The utter poverty struck me the most. One English officer with his riding crop tucked under his arm controlled the whole loading area. The black crews were made up of eight men and they unloaded each hold. They had a leader for each group. When it was time to eat, the leader would hand out food that he had scavenged from our garbage cans. One area spilled a 50-pound sack of flour. It split open and some flour was on the deck. The first mate got the OK to let the workers on the ship have it to bring home. Instead of taking it home, they ate it raw . . . all the time looking about to see if the English officer was around. They would not try to take any home or sneak it off in their clothes. Of course, that would be hard to do as they all wore shorts of some kind and no shirts. We bought new Levi pants to give them, and they would cut the legs off and tie a string around them. Then they would toss them over the side and let the sea water make them look old. The trip back to New York was uneventful. It was a short trip, so $90 a month didn’t amount to very much for a six-week trip. Once we were paid off and left the ship, we used all our own money for living, room, board and travel, as well as clothes, etc., so I grabbed the first ship I could sign on for. I joined a union for seamen called the Seafarers International Union, SIU. When you wanted to ship out, you went to the union hall and signed in. With that, you received a card with your name and date on it. This would specify how long you were ashore since you were last on a ship. When you wanted to ship out, you went to the union hall and looked at the “board.” This was a large black slate board like you had in school. In chalk, there were a number of ships listed that were looking for specific vacancies for qualified men on their ship. They were listed in three categories: Mess—cooks, dishwashers, etc.; Deckhands—men who worked on deck; and the Black Gang—firemen/watertenders, oilers and junior engineers. They usually called jobs on the hour, but if badly needed, jobs were called continually. When they read off a job you wanted for the job class you could perform, you went up to the counter and tossed in your card. If you had been on shore the longest, you got the first pick. You were then informed where the ship was docked and the pier number. The black gang had non-officers from the union. There would be three of each class—three firemen/watertenders, three oilers and sometimes three junior engineers. It would all depend on the type of ship you picked out. Brother Stimac’s wartime recollections will continue in a future edition of the Seafarers LOG. April 2007 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24x:1545p0 3/27/2007 2:44 PM Page 11 MTD Executive Board Meeting Military Leaders: U.S. Mariners Crucial to Defense Capabilities Gen. Schwartz, Lt. Gen. Dail Reaffirm Value of U.S.-Flag Fleet The heads of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), respectively, recently made strong statements reflecting their appreciation for the U.S. Merchant Marine’s key role in national security. Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, TRANSCOM, and Lt. Gen. Robert Dail, who’s in charge of the DLA, addressed the MTD executive board meetings in Las Vegas. Schwartz spoke on March 1 and Dail offered remarks the next day. Both men made it clear that America’s reliance on sealift isn’t about to change, including dependence on civilian mariners. “It’s all about chartering the direct course to deliver military power in the quickest, most efficient, most businesslike manner wherever and whenever the nation calls on us to serve,” stated Schwartz. “I’m taking no chances at all by telling you that we’re going to continue to depend on you—all of you—to make that projection of American power possible. The vast majority of how we get things done is through sealift.” Dail said that when it comes to sealift, U.S. maritime labor is “absolutely critical to that capability. The work that you have done with the Maritime Security Program, the Jones Act and many of the other national security programs in the maritime industry have given us this capability. We need to continue our commitment between government, labor and industry to underscore this capability, make sure it doesn’t get put on the back burner, and make sure it’s there for us tomorrow.” Dollars and Sense General Schwartz cited practical economic reasons why maintaining a strong U.S. fleet makes sense for the country. “We are counting on you to continue to play this very important role, and we know you’ll always be our shipmates.” —Gen. Norton Schwartz April 2007 combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001 has moved via U.S.-flag sealift. “Our alliance is constant and “Every rank-andfile member of your Maritime Trades Department membership has a deep love of country.” —Lt. Gen. Robert Dail Gen. Norton Schwartz credits the U.S. Merchant Marine for its efficiency and reliability. While the need for adequate sealift capability is a given, so too is the desire to achieve that goal efficiently. For example, he noted that 10 U.S.-flag military support ships were underway on missions that very day—seven from the commercial sector, three from the government-owned fleet, all crewed by civilian mariners. “A good way to get our minds around what this implies is that only about 21 percent of the shipping that we use is owned by the U.S. government,” Schwartz explained. “The other 79 percent is present in U.S. flags in American commerce. I think the ships that you sail aboard clearly represent one of the most costeffective of expenditures people have figured out how to make in government.” He pointed to the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) as a prime illustration. If the government were tasked with replicating the vessels and infrastructure now available to the military via the MSP and VISA, it literally would cost tens of billions of dollars, Schwartz stated. Instead, those programs function for a fraction of that cost, and they help ensure the continued existence of a well-trained pool of reliable U.S. mariners along with dozens of privately owned, militarily useful American-flag ships. “The truth of the matter is that in many ways you can do business much better than we can in government and that’s why the teamwork here is so very important and why a fully funded Maritime Security Program is important to the defense community,” he said. Additionally, Schwartz pointed out that more than 90 percent of the materiel that has entered we’re all pulling on the same rope,” he concluded. “The bottom line I hope you will carry away from this is that we are much about being accountable. We are certainly interested in Lt. Gen. Robert Dail (left) is pictured with MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco immediately after addressing the executive board. investing in you as partners in America’s maritime strength. We are counting on you to continue to play this very important role, and we know you’ll always be our shipmates.” Answering the Call Dail noted that he formerly served as deputy commander at TRANSCOM and has long been acquainted with the maritime Continued on page 14 Congressional Reps Point to Free Choice Act, 2006 Elections as Proof of Labor’s Vitality Fair Treatment for Maritime Workers Vowed Three members of Congress spoke at the MTD executive board meetings, and while each representative took a unique approach, they all highlighted the importance of unions and the power of solidarity in addition to expressing support for maritime. Addressing the board March 2 were (in order) U.S. Reps. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) and Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.). ‘A Friend in Washington’ Rep. Thompson chairs the House Homeland Security Committee. He emphasized his gratitude to the union movement for its consistent support. “I would not be in Congress had it not been for the working men and women of this country,” he stated. “For that, I thank you and I’ll never ever forget you…. You have a friend in Washington.” He spoke about several important maritime matters, including a frank assessment of the myriad regulations affecting workers who must access ports as part of their jobs. “With port security, we plan to fix it but we plan to do it right,” he commented. “With respect to the TWIC card, sooner or later we’ll get it right. We’ll roll out some things to get it right, but I want you to help us get it right. My door is open. We now have a committee that will work with people with respect to what the problems are.” Thompson said that when it comes to American-flag vessels, “you’re preaching to the choir, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (right) showed up early and took in some of the meeting. He’s pictured here with SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (right) welcomes U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson to the meetings. whether it’s LNG facilities coming on line and the fact that many of those people ought to be Continued on page 14 Many audience members thanked U.S. Rep. Shelly Berkley (left) for her remarks, including SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski. Seafarers LOG 11 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24x:1545p0 3/27/2007 3:23 PM Page 12 MTD Executive Board Meeting Maritime Administrator Discusses Agency Reorganization, New Opportunities for U.S. Seafarers In his first formal address to the MTD executive board, U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton—who began serving in that position last summer —wasted no time candidly describing several very newsworthy developments involving the agency. Connaughton spoke to the board March 1, within a few days of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters having approved a reorganization of the Maritime Administration (MarAd). “It’s the first reorganization of our agency in 50 years,” noted Connaughton, a veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard as well as a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. As part of the restructuring, MarAd this month was scheduled to move into new offices near the Washington Navy Yard. “What that reorganization will entail is essentially focusing on four main areas,” Connaughton said. “The first area is to deal with some of these broader transportation and infrastructure problems at our ports. I think everyone understands that we’re facing greater congestion and we’re facing issues on infrastructure investment, and MarAd needs to play a much stronger role in doing that. “The second area is getting more involved in helping industry deal with the issues of environmental safety and security compliance challenges because right now I think everyone understands that these issues are looming larger and larger for our industry and for our nation,” he continued. “We have a lot of regulatory agencies but we don’t have that many that are out trying to help people get through some of these hurdles and that is what we are going to be focusing on.” He said a third area of focus “is a traditional MarAd function,” namely supporting the U.S. military through the utilization of a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. The fourth endeavor involves efforts to improve an oftenrepeated frustration within the maritime community. “The one area that we really need to focus on is promoting the American industry,” Connaughton asserted. “All of our promotional programs are essentially stand-alone, and the question is how do we get them to work better together— whether it’s supporting shipyards, supporting operators, supporting our labor and training programs, U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton or whether it’s out there doing more work on the Jones Act-compliance issues. “So what were going to be doing is actually consolidating and placing all these programs into one office with one leader whose job it is to go out and advance the American industry and make all our promotional programs work better together. A part of that will be for the first time we’re going to have a workforce development program and we’re going to work very closely with you all…. The issue is for us, what can we do as a government agency to help in the development of the workforce so we make sure that the younger people end up joining our industries and making sure that they end up having a career?” Another key topic Connaughton addressed is the burgeoning liquefied natural gas (LNG) trades. He pointed out that MarAd is responsible for the licensing of offshore LNG facilities, and that in 2006 Congress “provided some statutory provisions that ask that we include consideration of whether they are Americans or not Americans involved in these operations in us actually issuing licenses. It was not a mandatory requirement that Americans be brought on board the vessels, but [the provisions asked] us to take that into consideration.” Since then, he said, MarAd has received commitments from several LNG applicants who will utilize crews consisting—at minimum—of 25 percent American mariners. “They’ve also agreed that 10 percent of the vessels they charter in—even if they don’t own them—will be Americans as well.” He mentioned that the agency opened a Federal Register docket on this issue to ask for comments “and we had over 1,000 comments come in, with 99.9 percent being very supportive of this effort.” (Both the SIU and MTD submitted comments.) Subsequently, MarAd conducted meetings with maritime training facilities including the Paul Hall Center to start or continue developing LNG curriculums and career paths. Turning his attention toward the Jones Act (which mandates that domestic waterborne commerce takes place on vessels crewed, owned, built and flagged American), Connaughton said the longstanding law offers a “great opportunity” for the Department of Transportation to ease highway and rail congestion. “We’ve identified some carriers that will expand the use of the waterways to take trucks off the road and actually start to see more coastwise trades in the future,” he stated. “What’s interesting about this is that the trucking industry is very supportive because they’re having some difficulties because of all this congestion. And we think this is a great growth opportunity for the (maritime) industry in the future, and so we’re very much encouraged by it.” He concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong domestic shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities “for commercial and for military reasons.” Trumka: Political Action Vital for Workers AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka covered many topics when addressing the MTD executive board March 2 in Las Vegas, but he particularly emphasized the importance of political action for America’s working families. Trumka spoke to the board one day after the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)—legislation that would restore fairness in the process whereby workers may choose union representation. “The first thing I want to do is thank everybody in this room that worked hard to get that done and make it possible,” Trumka said while addressing an audience of approximately 200 people, including presidents of MTDaffiliated unions—among them SIU President Michael Sacco, who also is president of the MTD. “It’s the first time since the fall elections that we’ve been able to flex our muscles just a little bit. We swamped the House of Representatives with phone calls, with faxes, with e-mails, with our shining faces, and we hosted events in 93 cities last week with members of Congress who showed up.” 12 Seafarers LOG AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka Trumka described the grassroots action leading to House passage of the EFCA as a “federation-wide effort with all of our affiliates involved.” But he also said that those activities marked both a continuation of labor’s efforts prior to last year’s elections as well as a portent of the continuous exertion needed leading up to Election Day 2008. “It makes the work that we have to do over the next two years even more important,” Trumka declared. “If we don’t shore up our working family majority in the House and the Senate … then these guys are going to finish wrecking what was the strongest economy in the history of the world. And that is just inexcusable.” He candidly pointed out that after the most recent AFL-CIO convention (summer 2005), “when several of our largest unions disaffiliated, people began whispering about the future of the labor movement. They began to question whether we could get it all together for the most important election that working people have faced in probably the last three or four decades. “Not only did we get it together, not only did we win back the House and the Senate, but we won all six of the state minimumwage initiatives that we sponsored. We took back control of six state legislatures and we won some very tough governors’ races.” Trumka mentioned that although the disaffiliations hurt, the unions remaining the AFLCIO “wasted no time crying crocodile tears. We made the adjustments that had to be made. We initiated a solidarity charter program that brought 2,600 locals of the disaffiliated unions back into our state and local organizations, and we took off running with the most aggressive, well-financed off-year political program that the labor movement has ever had.” The education and mobilization efforts worked. Trumka told the audience that the weekend before last year’s elections, more than 300,000 union volunteers went door-to-door in their neighborhoods to help get out the vote. Additionally, one of every four voters at the polls came from a union household, and 75 percent of them voted for labor-endorsed candidates. “We put down our marker once again as the most powerful single organization in the pro-worker political movement,” he said. The federation secretary-treasurer also shared a compelling personal story reflecting the fact that advancing a pro-worker agenda is far more than a statistical exercise. In May 2006, Trumka said, his son brought home a number of teammates from his college football team for a visit. While working through the daunting logistics of helping prepare breakfast for all those football players, Trumka looked up at them and was struck by “that special sparkle that they have in their eye because they really don’t know what’s about to hit them when they go out the door (after graduation). I’m looking through the door at them—all 14 of them—and I started thinking that my generation isn’t leaving them an America that had the same kind of opportunity as the America that we walked into when we came out of school or came out of the service. And I made up my mind that day that every single minute of the rest of my life I was going to work to change the policies of this country so that that generation can have the same type of America that we did. Not stagnating wages but wages that are growing because productivity is growing and you’ve earned part of the pot. Not 46 million people without health care, but everybody having health care and having a better chance at life. Knowing that I was going to do better than my dad, and my dad did better than my grandpap who came here on a boat…. “I look forward to that fight for that next generation and the generation that’s coming. They deserve better than what is in front of them if we do nothing.” April 2007 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24x:1545p0 3/27/2007 3:23 PM Page 13 MTD Executive Board Meeting LCA President Urges Government Action on Lakes Dredging Crisis As Seafarers prepared to start another sailing season on the Great Lakes, the head of the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) updated the MTD executive board on the growing dredging crisis in that region. If left unchecked by the federal government, the dredging problem will hinder the economic development of an entire region and threaten countless transportation and manufacturing jobs, said James Weakley, president of both the LCA and the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF). The LCA is composed of U.S.-flag shipping companies operating primarily on the Great Lakes, while the GLMTF is an association of maritime organizations, including several MTD affiliates, dedicated to preserving the integrity of the Jones Act while advancing policies aimed at strengthening the Great Lakes maritime industry. Modernizing Great Lakes ports to make them more competitive or even just preserving their long-term viability has proven difficult given the reflexive hostility of some environmental groups. According to Weakley, these organizations fail to realize that without economic advancement, “we cannot make progress on the environment.” Both the LCA and GLMTF are committed to ensuring the viability of the Great Lakes maritime and manufacturing industries. In an era of globalization, these industries, Weakley asserted, “are the last vestige of goodpaying jobs. And good-paying jobs depend on transportation efficiency.” Globalization and the failure of many environmental organizations to understand the importance of economic development are only two components of the crisis affecting the Great Lakes maritime industry. The third one ATC President Stresses Safety, Partnership Anil Mathur, president and CEO of SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (left), told the MTD executive board that a big reason for ATC’s outstanding safety record is its partnership with maritime labor. Mathur presented SIU President Michael Sacco and MEBA President Ron Davis with plaques commemorating ATC’s recent achievement of five years without a losttime injury anywhere throughout its fleet. “This company is a lot stronger for that partnership,” he stated. is the failure of the federal government to provide the region with a fair share of investment. Part of the problem, he noted, is due to the historical cycle of water levels. Until a decade ago, water levels remained high. This allowed the federal government to ignore port modernization; many dollars that should have gone to Great Lakes dredging projects went to other regions and other modes of transportation. When water levels began to plummet, the government didn’t adjust its capital investment strategy. “I believe our transportation policy favors our land-based modes,” Weakley said. “You can just look at the money where that goes, and our river-based systems. Not that those are necessarily bad things, but I think it puts our business at a disadvantage and it also ignores some of the economics and physics that should promote our marine transportation modes.” The result is that many Great Lakes ships have been forced to sail lighter than fully loaded, which creates an unhealthy economic environment. That means even before they sail, U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes begin with one strike against them. One needs only to look at the following statistics to know what is at stake. The Great Lakes region generates: 70 percent of all domestic steel manufacturing; 70 percent of all North American automobile manufacturing; and 55 percent of all heavy manufacturing. All in all, the Great Lakes region annually generates 200 million tons of cargo. Weakley asked executive Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley board members and guests to contact their elected officials and educate them about the fact that waterborne transportation is extremely effective. For instance, one Great Lakes shipload is equal to 700 railroad cars. It takes 2,800 trucks to carry that same amount of cargo. The bottom line is that the Great Lakes region gets shortchanged, he noted. Congress needs to set aside an additional $300 million just to restore Great Lakes channels to autho- rized dimensions that have been mandated. Putting the dredging crisis in context, Weakley stressed, “It’s about jobs. Transportation is about jobs.” Weakley also relayed this quote from late last year by U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), a longtime supporter of the U.S.flag fleet: “It is incomprehensible to me that ships that depart our Minnesota harbors cannot carry full loads of iron ore and low-sulphur coal because the Army Corps of Engineers does not get enough money to maintain the system. This waterway is too important a part of the national transportation infrastructure to be treated like a poor relation. In the next Congress, I will do everything in my power to bring our fair share of federal dollars back to the Great Lakes.” Weakley added, “I happen to believe that those people that have walked away from the manufacturing sector in America are making a tremendous mistake. We won World War II with our manufacturing might, and we’re going to win this war on terrorism with our manufacturing might.” USCG’s Brennan Tackles TWIC Questions It’s probably no overstatement to suggest U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Devon Brennan (right) took on one of the more daunting challenges during the MTD meetings – namely, answering questions from the audience about the Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) program and its related Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC) initiative. After his formal presentation, Brennan gamely responded to numerous questions and reminded board members and guests that additional, updated information may be found on the internet at www.tsa.gov/twic and http://homeport.uscg.mil/ MTD Board Continues Pro-Worker, Pro-Maritime Agenda The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO consists of 24 international unions (including the SIU) and 19 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing approximately 5.5 million working men and women. The MTD executive board met March 1-2 in Las Vegas, where board members and guests addressed many key issues that affect the maritime community and all working families. The articles on pages 11-14 are based on remarks and policy statements presented at the meetings. These two photos show some of the guests. April 2007 Seafarers LOG 13 �41545_P01-5_7_14_18_19:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:30 PM Page 14 MTD Executive Board Meeting Military Leaders Laud U.S. Merchant Marine Continued from page 11 industry’s role in U.S. national and economic security. He further stated that the labor movement is “critical to our efforts here in the Department of Defense.” Looking back at the merchant marine’s role throughout history, he recalled, “Eisenhower, Truman, Roosevelt— they’ve all accurately described the contributions that you make to our national defense. ‘Irreplaceable’ was their term. Post-World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Balkans, the first Desert Storm, Desert Shield, then the Persian Gulf. You were there. You made us a success. You were our partner. We could trust you with the very livelihood that our troops needed to conduct the business that the national leaders told us to do. “And since 9/11, maritime and other affiliated memberships have been active in helping us protect our great American life, helping us execute the global war on terror,” he continued. “You’ve also helped us to respond in our greatest role—in our greatest character—and that is our response to natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina.” Dail called attention to the fact that many trade unionists have answered their nation’s call not only as part of the fourth arm of defense, but through military service. He described them as “great patriots,” noting they have served and continue serving in reserve forces and in the National Guard. “They have deployed overseas. They have seen action. They have served to a very high standard of honor. They have bravely and courageously served their nation. And I thank you for making it so important of a value for the men and women that serve in your ranks that they would want to serve their country in uniform. One thing I have come to know as I have been with you over these several years is that that every rank-and-file member of your Maritime Trades Department membership has a deep love of country. And it’s underscored every time I meet one of them as I move around and go out across the world.” Dail said he has seen firsthand the materiel delivered to U.S. troops overseas that moved by ship, and those sights helped reinforce his belief that America’s maritime capabilities “are critical to our national defense and security. I have seen the trust and confidence that is built between our nation and our Congressional Reps Support Unionism Continued from page 11 American…. At a minimum, you can’t just come to our shores without respecting our workers and the fact that we do good jobs, too.” He described the U.S. maritime industry as “vital to our homeland security,” and vowed that supporters in Congress won’t “let people legislate your members out of business. If you have hard-working people who work every day and have been working that way for a long time, we’re not interested in pushing them out now under the guise of homeland security.” Thompson concluded by noting his “100 percent” voting record in support of labor and added, “I’ll continue to do that…. We have an opportunity to do good. The public voted for it in November. Now it’s our job to carry it out. I look forward to doing that with your help.” ‘Just a Start’ Rep. Abercrombie is chairman of the House Armed Forces Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces. He said that passage of the Employee Free Choice Act in the House a day earlier came about because union members helped elect pro-worker legislators in November 2006. When the bill was approved, “What I thought to myself was, this is just a start,” Abercrombie stated. “This is the first chance that we’ve had in years to be able to actually organize workers and not have them intimidated and shoved around, fired, kicked to the side, smashed under. Yesterday was tangible proof to all the membership and their families that if they get together, they all register, they all vote, we can win.” He emphasized that for working families, political elections should center on critical issues and who will stand up for workers’ interests. “This is about the working men and women of this country and whether they’re going to have their health care, whether they’re going to have their wages and benefits, whether they’re going to have their retirement, whether everything that they worked for is going to be undermined, whether everything that the American labor movement has stood for is going to be compromised,” he stated. Abercrombie assured the board that labor-backed candidates will not forget that support, and also noted the strong turnout at the polls by union families. “We proved in November 2006 that we can win when we stick together. We proved that even though the number of working people organized is at its lowest point, that we’re on our way up, and that the voting demographics are double what the population demographics are when it comes to voting,” he said. “When we double up in the labor movement, we win.” Lastly, he stressed unity as a key to progress. “You’ve got to have organized labor and somebody looking out for you collectively to make sure that the individual doesn’t get done in,” Abercrombie said. “That’s what the Maritime Trades Department is about. It’s a collective endeavor—all of us pulling together.” When the promise of a better job in California surfaced, the family packed all their belongings into a U-Haul connected to their car and started traveling west. Along the way, “we decided we would stop in Las Vegas for the night. We never left.” In part, that’s because her father joined a culinary union through which he secured employment as a waiter at the old Sands Hotel. Union representation made all the difference, Berkley said. “On a waiter’s salary in a union town, my dad made enough money to put a roof over our head. We bought a home, we developed roots in this community, and we belonged here. So he put a roof over our head, food on the table, clothes on our back and two daughters through college and law school. That’s not so bad on a waiter’s salary. And the only reason he was able to do that was because of a strong union in a union town.” Fast-forward the previous day’s debate The Union Difference As stated in the final rule, the fee is made up of three segments: Enrollment Segment; Full Card Production/Security Threat Assessment Segment; and FBI Segment. Most applicants will pay the Standard TWIC Fee, which includes all three segments. However, applicants who have completed a comparable threat assessment, such as the threat assessment TSA conducts on commercial drivers with a hazardous materials endorsement, will pay the Reduced TWIC Fee. These applicants are not charged for the FBI Segment and pay a reduced fee for the Full Card Production/Security Threat Assessment Segment. In the preamble of the final rule, we discussed the potential range of fees that would be charged for each Segment but did not publish specific fees for each Segment in the final rule text because the contract for enrollment and card production services was not finalized at that time. We explained that when the contract was executed and final fee amounts determined, we would publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing them. TSA has executed the contract for TWIC enrollment and card production and, with this notice, announces the final fee amounts. Rep. Berkley serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. She related a personal story that reflects how union jobs help sustain an economically healthy middle class—long considered the backbone of the economy, but currently at risk. Berkley recalled that some 43 years earlier, her father worked as a waiter in upstate New York. His job offered no medical insurance or other benefits and didn’t pay well. “What he made that night was what we spent the next day,” she said. Notice: Hurricane Relief Benefit for Pensioners In September 2005, in the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a subcommittee of the Seafarers Pension Plan authorized SIU pensioners to apply for a one-time payment of $750 for hurricane relief. Because applications for this benefit have virtually ceased, the Plan Trustees have decided to accept applications only until April 30, 2007. Applications received after that date will be denied. As noted in an earlier communication to the union halls, SIU officials who have eligible pensioners in their respective port areas may encourage them to apply before April 30. If they have already received the benefit, they are not entitled to apply again. 14 Seafarers LOG troops, knowing that wherever they are, we will deliver the goods to them and we will get them there and bring them home.” He concluded, “We all in the military leadership have a strong commitment to labor, government and industry relations, forming a capability that is second to none. Thank you for your leadership, your friendship and your commitment to the partnership.” on the Employee Free Choice Act, and it was clear to Berkley that workers deserve a fair chance to choose union representation. “When I talk about the labor movement and the unions that are sticking up for working men and women across this great country of ours, I think of my dad,” she said. “I think of him making a living and I think of him wanting a piece of the American dream for his children. That is not asking too much. “I have never heard a union member, certainly not my father, begrudge the bosses of the corporations their money,” she added. “All he wanted for his family was good job security, decent wages, good benefits, good health care and to be able to take his family on vacation a couple times a year. That, my friends, is what the union movement represents to me. The very foundation upon which this country was formed—a strong working class country of middle class Americans that do the right thing, care about their families, care about their communities, care about this country, and help build it and will continue to help it grow through the generations to come.” TSA Publishes TWIC Fees Continued from page 2 The Enrollment Segment fee is $43.25, the Full Card Production/Security Threat Assessment Segment fee is $72, and the FBI Segment fee is $22. Therefore, the total Standard TWIC Fee is $137.25 ($43.25 + 72 + 22). For applicants who have completed a prior comparable threat assessment, there is no FBI Segment fee and the Card Production/Security Threat Assessment Segment fee is $62. Therefore, the total Reduced TWIC Fee is $105.25 ($43.25 + 62). As stated in the final rule, the fee for a replacement credential is $36, but we do not believe that amount adequately funds TSA’s card replacement costs. Our calculations indicate that $60 is the correct amount for card replacement costs and invited comment on that issue. The comment period for increasing the card replacement fee closed on February 26, 2007. We will examine all comments received and determine the final card replacement fee. We will amend the rule text to include all of the fees discussed in this notice and the card replacement fee, so that they will appear in the Code of Federal Regulations, at 49 CFR 1572, subpart F, Fees for Security Threat Assessments for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). April 2007 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24qxp:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:40 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea May & June 2007 Membership Meetings FEBRUARY 16 — MARCH 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 1 1 9 2 3 11 5 1 1 3 7 10 3 0 0 2 1 7 7 1 1 6 11 0 9 33 29 0 10 7 28 6 11 2 0 7 2 23 29 1 3 5 11 5 2 18 15 3 8 6 14 13 7 1 6 4 5 22 17 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 2 0 0 4 8 5 2 1 0 0 0 8 7 0 0 3 5 1 0 12 19 0 2 7 10 4 5 1 1 3 0 13 9 4 1 10 14 2 12 66 50 1 20 26 78 24 40 5 0 13 4 62 48 9 10 9 23 6 14 52 40 3 14 19 40 28 20 5 17 15 9 55 29 2 4 1 11 2 2 14 11 3 2 4 22 15 4 1 0 3 1 16 12 270 276 76 215 166 45 95 480 417 130 0 0 2 4 0 8 17 20 1 10 4 15 8 4 1 2 0 1 13 9 1 2 5 5 0 5 9 16 1 7 3 8 11 11 1 3 2 3 17 10 2 0 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 1 0 2 4 1 0 0 2 3 4 119 120 26 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 5 0 5 14 17 0 3 4 11 5 8 2 1 0 0 15 10 1 1 3 6 0 3 11 10 0 5 2 5 11 4 1 1 2 1 9 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 5 1 1 0 0 0 1 5 1 1 1 0 0 1 7 10 0 0 2 6 1 2 3 0 0 0 13 6 1 0 7 9 0 16 26 31 2 13 10 33 12 12 1 2 2 1 17 16 1 1 8 6 3 7 19 30 2 6 8 17 13 19 1 3 7 5 32 13 2 0 2 4 0 1 8 2 0 2 2 2 3 5 1 0 0 3 6 8 102 86 20 54 211 201 51 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 8 1 4 22 12 0 5 7 17 5 23 1 1 1 2 11 17 0 0 1 6 2 4 10 16 0 7 6 2 11 3 0 1 4 1 9 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 3 0 4 3 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 139 88 18 Port 1 0 1 1 1 5 17 9 1 4 5 16 6 14 0 2 1 0 13 18 1 0 1 4 0 4 2 4 0 5 1 7 9 3 0 0 1 0 5 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 5 6 0 3 2 9 3 6 0 1 0 0 4 2 1 0 5 12 2 9 39 24 0 11 12 32 8 46 3 3 2 2 21 36 1 0 3 9 3 11 14 26 0 6 10 4 15 5 1 2 4 1 11 16 1 0 0 2 0 0 8 3 0 3 1 4 3 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 115 51 13 44 268 142 30 Baltimore..............Thursday: May 10, June 7 Boston ..................Friday: May 11, June 8 Guam ....................Thursday: May 24, June 21 Honolulu...............Friday: May 18, June 15 Houston ................Monday: May 14, June 11 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: May 10, June 7 Joliet .....................Thursday: May 17, June 14 Mobile ..................Wednesday: May 16, June 13 New Orleans.........Tuesday: May 15, June 12 New York .............Tuesday: May 8, June 5 Norfolk .................Thursday: May 10, June 7 Oakland ................Thursday: May 17, June 14 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: May 9, June 6 Port Everglades ....Thursday: May 17, June 14 San Juan ...............Thursday: May 10, June 7 St. Louis ...............Friday: May 18, June 15 Tacoma .................Friday: May 25, June 22 Wilmington...........Monday: May 21, June 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals LOOKING FOR CONTACTS Edward Soltesz is hoping to hear from anyone who sailed with his cousin, Steven Sheros, or who shipped aboard a Luckenbach Steamship Company vessel in the spring of 1946. You may call Soltesz at (419) 627-8200 or write him at 409 52nd Street, Sandusky, OH 44870. RAY ROBINSON (formerly of Florida) Please contact Ms. Elyse Walters, your daughter. She has been trying to get in touch with you. Her address is 5620 Rushmere Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464; telephone (757) 479-9512 or (757) 724-3976 (cell). Attention Seafarers: ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 2 0 0 0 12 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 2 5 5 1 8 14 15 1 4 5 43 11 14 1 28 1 1 17 10 5 0 0 4 0 9 8 13 1 3 3 18 10 12 4 18 2 0 7 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 1 3 0 2 5 18 8 0 1 1 14 6 4 0 8 2 0 9 11 1 0 1 2 0 6 4 7 0 1 1 5 10 1 1 9 1 0 8 2 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 3 10 5 0 2 3 17 0 7 0 0 0 0 6 1 5 3 4 11 4 13 34 33 1 7 8 68 17 25 1 25 3 1 24 19 8 1 1 14 0 12 23 21 2 7 5 31 20 21 3 16 1 0 13 14 Totals 33 188 121 17 93 60 0 55 306 213 561 672 241 449 396 138 193 1,014 1,066 424 Totals All Departments Piney Point ...........Monday: May 7, June 4 Algonac ................Friday: May 11, June 8 DECK DEPARTMENT 6 7 8 16 4 3 36 26 2 12 11 21 23 11 4 22 7 5 34 18 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs 2 0 8 6 1 3 42 32 1 12 11 35 19 24 4 0 7 3 33 27 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C *“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 2007 Seafarers LOG 15 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24qxp:2007-March 3/23/2007 Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr., Suite 101B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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 2:40 PM Page 16 World War II Liberty Ship to Set Sail in August The SS John W. Brown, one of only two World War II-era Liberty ships still in operation, is slated in August to sail from its home port in Baltimore to New England on a series of six-hour day cruises. Additionally, it will hold open houses in three ports in Maine and Massachusetts. (The Jeremiah O’Brien in San Francisco is the other Liberty ship still sailing.) With an all-volunteer crew (ranging in age from the 20s to the 80s—none of whom ever sailed on the Brown but some who sailed on other Liberty ships during the war), the 441-foot operating museum ship will carry up to 730 passengers as it departs Baltimore Aug. 11 on its “Yankee Adventure Voyage” and returns home Aug. 30. In between, the Liberty ship will stop at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne (on the Cape Cod Canal); Portland, Maine; and Boston. Whether in port or at sea, history lessons are a large part of the self-guided ship tours. Michael J. Schneider, chairman of Project Liberty Ship, Inc., will narrate the trip and preside over the “Living History” cruise atmosphere from his background as a commander of a U.S. Navy frigate and officer on three Navy submarines. (He also does watches as a fireman/watertender in the ship’s engine room.) Capt. George L. Maier is master of the vessel and is a professional deck officer who made 89 roundtrip crossings of the North Atlantic on passenger and cargo ships of the United States Line. The chief engineer is DeLacy L. Cook who sailed on U.S. Line ships in the engine room in all theaters of operation in World War II. It won’t be all narration of historical events during the course of the six cruises. There will be re-enactments: of Army troops, President Roosevelt, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and Abbott and Costello, as well as a Glenn Miller-style band and singing groups that will highlight some of the classic Big Band music of the ’40s. Friendly planes such as a vintage P-51 fighter will chase a Messerschmitt or other Restored to steaming condition in 1991, the World War II Liberty ship SS John W. Brown is scheduled to sail from Baltimore to New England in mid-August. The vessel is crewed entirely by volunteers. replica enemy airplane hired to fly over the deck. The biggest thrill for passengers, however, may just be the knowledge that they are steaming along on a real wartime ship powered by its original triple-expansion steam engine and No 2 diesel fuel oil. During the early years of World War II, enemy U-boats, aircraft and mines seriously crippled the Allied cause by sinking a huge number of merchant ships carrying vital military equipment, supplies and troops. In order to build ships faster than the enemy could sink them, the United States, under the leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, organized an emergency shipbuilding program which, between 1941 and 1945 produced more than 2,700 Liberty ships. The Brown was built in Baltimore in 1942. About 200 of these Liberty ships were lost in the war to the enemy, weather, error or faulty construction. Many sailed commercially after the war. Some-sixty-five years later, only the John W. Brown survives as an operating ship on the East Coast. The crew and other dues-paying mem- bers of Project Liberty Ship own the nonprofit vessel, named for John Brown, the man who helped establish Local 4 of the Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America at the Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. After being rescued in 1988 from a Virginia maritime graveyard by a group of Maryland seamen, the Brown has been on more than 70 voyages since being made ready to sail once again in 1991, including a summer-long tour in 2000 of Lakes Ontario and Erie and the St. Laurence River. The ship’s home is Pier One, Clinton Street in Baltimore. Project Liberty Ship is a non-profit, taxexempt, volunteer organization formed in 1978 to preserve the vessel. To find out more about this cruise (and others), or to become a member or make a contribution toward the preservation of the John W. Brown—write to Project Liberty Ship, Box 25846, Highlandtown Station, Baltimore, MD 2122-0546, or check out their Web site at www.liberty-ship.com. PICS-FROM-THE-PAST NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Leon Jekot of Jefferson City, Tenn. The one on the left was taken in 1969 when he was the bosun’s mate aboard the Long Lines on a cable-laying operation. “When the cable we carried and laid ran out,” Jekot wrote in a note accompanying the photos, “it was buoyed off, to be picked up later when we had more cable.” Someone had to be lowered over the side onto the buoy to retrieve it. “No one spoke up. It looked like fun...so I said I’d go. What made it interesting was the fact that when the ship pulled away and left me on that buoy, it brought home the reality of being alone, really alone, on that object in the middle of the ocean, not to mention the enormous size of the fish underneath it. I couldn’t believe I did it. Everything turned out all right and we finished the lay, but it was an experience I won’t forget.” The other photo was taken in 1965 aboard the SS Suzanne, a C2 freighter carrying a load of flour to Syria. Jekot was an AB on that vessel. “It’s a type of ship one doesn’t see or work aboard anymore,” he stated. “With all the rigging, I thought it would be interesting to have some of the sailors of today see what we had to work with back then. Things that sailors don’t do much of anymore, like rigging and splicing the lines and wires for the gear, and what I was doing that day in port: cleaning the chain locker. It turned out to be a real nasty mess after we left. The flour got wet, and it took up to a week to clean it off the ship. It was everywhere.” April 2007 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24qxp:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:41 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 ANGEL ANGLERO, 62, began his seafaring career in 1987 in Puerto Rico. Brother Anglero first sailed on the Osprey. He was born in Mayaguez, P.R. On two occasions, Brother Anglero attended classes at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He shipped in the engine department in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Brother Anglero’s most recent voyage was aboard the Horizon Fairbanks. He makes his home in Carolina, P.R. GEORGE BARBER, 62, is a New York native. Brother Barber joined the SIU in 1966. He initially shipped in the Great Lakes division on the Red Arrow, but most of his seafaring career was spent in the deep sea division. He last sailed on the Comet. Brother Barber upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1983 and 2000. He lives in San Diego. EDMUND ERDT, 68, became an SIU member in 2001. Brother Erdt sailed primarily aboard Seabulk Tanker vessels in the engine department. His first ship was the Seabulk Trader; his last was the Seabulk Mariner. Brother Erdt, who was born in Poland, calls Williamsville, N.Y. home. TONY GONZALEZ, 47, began his seafaring career in 1980. Brother Gonzalez first sailed on an El Paso Southern Tanker Company vessel. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gonzalez, who was born in New York, worked as a member of the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the San Juan. Brother Gonzalez is settled in Puerto Rico. JOHN KONETES, 61, joined the union in 1964. Brother Konetes initially worked aboard the Steel Advocate. The deck department member was born in North Carolina. In 1995 and 2003, Brother Konetes upgraded at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently shipped on the Cape Lambert. Brother Konetes is a resident of Wilmington, N.C. ALLEN LEWIS SR., 65, joined the SIU in 1958. Brother Lewis’s first voyage was aboard the Export Leader. He was born in Pennsylvania and sailed in the deck department. Brother Lewis most recently worked on the Montpelier Victory. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. April 2007 JOSE LIND, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1978. Brother Lind’s first voyage was aboard the Overseas Alaska. He was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the deck department. Brother Lind enhanced his seafaring skills at the Piney Point school in 2000 and 2003. His most recent trip to sea was on the Horizon Crusader. Brother Lind lives in Yabucoa, P.R. ROBERT PABON, 66, became a Seafarer in 1991 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Pabon upgraded his skills in 1997 and 2000 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He sailed primarily aboard Interocean American Shipping vessels, including the Cape Fear and the El Morro. Brother Pabon, who was born in New York, calls Jacksonville home. DENNIS WHALEN, 65, embarked on his seafaring career in 1969. Brother Whalen first shipped aboard the Cape Washington in the engine department. The Yonkers, N.Y. native last sailed on the Philadelphia. He now resides in Portland, Ore. Boatman Golden’s first trip to sea was aboard a Plymouth Towing Company vessel. Born in Wilmington, N.C., he most recently sailed aboard an Interstate Oil Transportation vessel. He now lives in Grantsboro, N.C. DONALD LASH, 62, joined the SIU in 1999. Boatman Lash shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by Allied Transportation Company. The deck department member attended the Paul Hall Center in 2002 to upgrade his skills. Boatman Lash makes his home in Murrells Inlet, S.C. LEVY LAWRENCE JR., 62, began his seafaring career in 1979. He sailed primarily on vessels operated by Allied Transportation Company. Born in North Carolina, Boatman Lawrence upgraded his seafaring skills in 1997 and 2002. He makes his home in Norfolk, Va. WILLIAM McDONALD, 57, joined the SIU in 1969. Boatman McDonald shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by Cape Fear Towing. He took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. in 2001 and 2002. Boatman McDonald continues to reside in his native state of North Carolina. ALBERT SCHMITT, 58, is a native of Louisiana. Boatman Schmitt became an SIU member in 1967 in the port of New Orleans. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. During his seafaring career, Boatman Schmitt worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing and Salvage Company vessels. He continues to live in Louisiana. RAYMOND SIMMONS JR., 62, embarked on his SIU career in 1970. Boatman Simmons first sailed aboard a National Marine Services vessel. The Texas-born mariner most recently worked aboard the Seabulk Tanker. Boatman Simmons is a resident of Kirbyville, Texas. DELMAS TYLER JR, 62, joined the SIU in 1987. Boatman Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. DARRYL WHITE, 51, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother White joined the SIU in 1978, first sailing on the Cove Leader. He was a frequent upgrader at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother White, who sailed in the engine department, last shipped aboard the USNS Bob Hope. He makes his home in Norfolk, Va. DWIGHT WUERTH, 55, joined the SIU ranks in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Wuerth enhanced his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. His first trip to sea was on the Santa Mercedes. Brother Wuerth was born in Florida and shipped as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Overseas New Orleans. Brother Wuerth continues to make his home in Florida. INLAND GEORGE DAVIS, 62, started his seafaring career in 1983. Boatman Davis’s first voyage was on a Steuart Transportation Company vessel. In 1993 and 1997, he attended the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. to upgrade his skills. Boatman Davis was born in North Carolina. He last sailed aboard a Maritrans Operating Company vessel. Boatman Davis is a resident of Davis, N.C. BENDERS GOLDEN, 62, became a union member in 1970. 1953 With just three days to go to strike deadline, the Cities Service Oil Company yielded completely to all SIU demands and signed the standard SIU tanker agreement, retroactive to January 1, 1953. The contract was signed on Friday, April 17, a few hours after the Seafarers LOG came out with news about the SIU’s full strike preparations and pledges of support received from shore-side Cities Service unions such as the Lake Charles Metal Trades Council, AFL, representing Cities Service employees at the Lake Charles refinery and the Louisiana State Federation of Labor. The refusal of the membership and the union negotiating committee to accept anything less than a full settlement paid off after several weeks of negotiations at which the company unsuccessfully argued for special treatment. Tyler was born in Maryland and worked in the deck department. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by the Association of Maryland Pilots. Boatman Tyler calls Crisfield, Md. home. BENJAMIN WHALEY, 62, was born in South Carolina. Boatman Whaley began sailing with the SIU in 1976 from the port of Houston. He worked primarily aboard Marine Contracting and Towing Company vessels. Boatman Whaley settled in Wadmalaw Island, S.C. THOMAS ZEHNER, 66, joined the SIU in 2001 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Zehner initially sailed aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation Company vessels. The deck department member, who was born in New Orleans, now makes his home in Pensacola, Fla. GREAT LAKES LEONARD KAUTI, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1987, first working on the Charles E. Wilson. Brother Kauti, who was born in Wisconsin, attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 2002. Brother Kauti most recently sailed aboard the Indiana Harbor. He is a resident of Superior, Wis. fleet, would not only pay dividends to the government in the form of lower cargo preference costs, but would restore our tramp fleet to a position in which, even while carrying cargo at lower rates, it could operate profitably.” 1980 Members of the SIU joined picket lines in San Francisco recently, to show solidarity with unions striking local TV station KRON. Local unions belonging to the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have been on strike for nearly three months, seeking improved wages and working conditions. The management of the TV station had publicly claimed that the striking unions did not have the support of organized labor in San Francisco. The SIU’s response was to publicly demonstrate that the IBEW and AFTRA certainly did have labor’s support by joining the picket line. This Month In SIU History 1965 The Seafarers International Union of North America told a subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Joint Economic Committee recently that the cost to the government of shipping government-generated cargoes could be substantially reduced by building new Americanflag bulk carriers which would be able to carry these cargoes at low rates and still operate gainfully. “We believe,” said the SIU in a written statement to the Subcommittee on Federal Procurement and Regulation, “that a vigorous and affirmative policy by the government, to facilitate the construction of a new bulk carrier 1997 In an endeavor described by the U.S. Coast Guard as “an extraordinary display of seamanship” and a “nearly impossible rescue,” the SIU-crewed Sea Wolf saved six people stuck in a disabled sailboat, despite 30-foot seas and 50-knot winds. The rescue happened April 2, approximately 280 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., where the containership maneuvered alongside the 34-foot sloop Allegra and helped its passengers to safety. Seafarers LOG 17 �41545_P01-5_7_14_18_19:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:31 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA RAYMOND FASSLER Pensioner Raymond Fassler, 80, passed away Aug. 26. Brother Fassler joined the union in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed on the Santa Maria as a member of the steward department. Brother Fassler was born in California. Prior to retiring in 1992, he worked aboard the Overseas Juneau. Brother Fassler made his home in Huntington Beach, Calif. SHERMAN JONES Pensioner Sherman Jones, 75, died Aug. 13. Brother Jones began his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1958 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member called Oakland, Calif. home. Brother Jones started collecting his retirement in 1980. ELI KRALICH Pensioner Eli Kralich, 84, passed away Aug. 8. Brother Kralich became a Seafarer in 1966. He first sailed aboard the Brigham Victory. Brother Kralich was a deck department member. His last voyage was aboard the Beaver State. Brother Kralich resided in his native state of Pennsylvania. He went on pension in 1987. PHILIP MAECHLING Pensioner Philip Maechling, 77, died Sept. 19. Brother Maechling was born in New Orleans. He began his seafaring career in 1947 on a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Maechling worked in the deck department. His concluding journey was aboard the Edward Rutledge. Brother Maechling settled in Louisiana. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. RICHARD MANALO Brother Richard Manalo, 62, passed away Aug. 5. He joined the SIU in 1988 initially sailing on the USNS Triumph. Brother Manalo, who was born in the Philippines, sailed in the steward department. His last ship was the Overseas Ohio. Brother Manalo made his home in Shoreline, Wash. EFRAIN MARTINEZ Pensioner Efrain Martinez, 82, died August 30. Brother Martinez started his seafaring career with the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. He shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Martinez continued to live in his native Puerto Rico. He retired in 1974. TIBURCIO RAGUINDIN Pensioner Tiburcio Raguindin, 87, passed away Aug. 22. Brother Raguindin embarked on his SIU career in 1967. His first voyage was aboard a vessel operated by Hudson Waterways Corporation. Brother Raguindin, who was born in the Philippines, sailed in the engine department. His final voyage was aboard the 18 Seafarers LOG Overseas Washington. Brother Raguindin became a pensioner in 1984 and settled in Carson, Calif. and settled there. Boatman Feagin began collecting his pension in 1982. WILBUR HAUGHWOUT BERNARD ROMBACH Pensioner Bernard Rombach, 72, died Aug. 22. Brother Rombach began his seafaring career in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Santa Magdalena; his last was the President Truman. Brother Rombach worked in the steward department. Born in Germany, he called San Francisco home. Brother Rombach started receiving his retirement pay in 1996. Boatman Wilbur Haughwout, 62, died Aug. 18. He started shipping with the union in 1960. Boatman Haughwout was born in Elizabeth, N.J. He began his seafaring career working on a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad of New York vessel. Boatman Haughwout most recently sailed on a vessel operated by New York Dock Railway Company. He made Simpsonville, N.C. home. WALTER HENRY ELMOOR STEWART Pensioner Elmoor Stewart, 72, passed away July 3. Brother Stewart joined the union in 1959 in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was on the Del Mar. Brother Stewart was a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1959, he shipped out on the Endurance. Brother Stewart was a resident of San Francisco. INLAND EDWARD CLINE Pensioner Edward Cline, 77, died Aug. 12. Boatman Cline joined the SIU in 1967, initially working aboard a Tangier Marine Transportation vessel. He last sailed on an Interstate Oil Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Cline, who was born in Ohio, resided in Baltimore. He went on pension in 1991. ALVIN COOLEY Pensioner Alvin Cooley, 82, passed away July 3. Boatman Cooley was born in Mississippi. He first sailed with Colle Towing Company as a member of the deck department. Boatman Cooley’s last voyage was aboard a National Marine Service vessel. He began collecting his retirement stipends in 1989. Boatman Cooley made his home in Leakesville, Miss. RAYMOND DABNEY Pensioner Raymond Dabney, 82, died July 23. Boatman Dabney joined the union in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Charles H. Harper and Associates. Boatman Dabney was born in Virginia. The deck department member went on pension in 1982. He lived in Barhamsville, Va. BERRY FEAGIN Pensioner Berry Feagin, 88, passed away June 21. Boatman Feagin became an SIU member in 1964. He first sailed aboard a vessel operated by Inland Tugs in the engine department. Boatman Feagin last worked aboard a Southern Ohio Towing vessel. He was born in Paducah, Ky. Pensioner Walter Henry, 81, passed away July 29. Boatman Henry was born in Ohio. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1979 initially working aboard a Dixie Carriers vessel. Boatman Henry sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. His most recent voyage was on the USNS Altair. Boatman Henry started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. He lived in Sealy, Texas. NEWMAN JONES Pensioner Newman Jones, 85, died July 9. Boatman Jones began sailing with the SIU in 1970 in the port of Philadelphia. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Gellenthin Barge Lines. Boatman Jones was a Virginia native. The Parksley, Va. resident retired in 1984. FLOYD LOLLEY Pensioner Floyd Lolley, 77, passed away July 31. Boatman Lolley joined the Seafarers in 1973. He worked primarily aboard Dravo Basic Materials Company vessels. Boatman Lolley was born in Alabama. He went on pension in 1992. Chickasaw, Ala. was home to Boatman Lolley. HOWARD OCHS Pensioner Howard Ochs, 85, died July 23. Boatman Ochs began his seafaring career in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Maryland, Boatman Ochs worked primarily aboard Moran Towing of Maryland vessels. He became a pensioner in 1982. Boatman Ochs was a resident of Glen Burnie, Md. ily aboard Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company vessels. Boatman Powell was born in North Carolina. The deck department member went on pension in 1980. Boatman Powell made his home in Hampton, Va. CARMELO SALAMAN Pensioner Carmelo Salaman, 67, died Aug. 2. Boatman Salaman was born in Puerto Rico, which is also where he joined the union in 1976. He sailed primarily on vessels operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation of San Juan. Boatman Salaman was a member of the steward department. He began collecting his pension in 2000 and lived in Bayamon, P.R. JOHN YOUNG Pensioner John Young, 75, passed away July 30. Boatman Young joined the SIU in 1953, first sailing aboard an Alcoa Steamship vessel. He was a Mississippi native. Prior to his retirement in 1993, Boatman Young shipped aboard a Dravo Basic Materials Company vessel. He resided in Mobile, Ala. GREAT LAKES SAID ALTAIRI Pensioner Said Altairi, 74, died July 8. Brother Altairi, who was born in Yemen, launched his seafaring career in 1967. Brother Altairi sailed in both the Great Lakes and inland divisions. The deck department member’s first ship was the American Seaocean. Brother Altairi last worked aboard the Bob-Lo Island. He went on pension in 1997 and called Dearborn, Mich. home. Pensioner Paul Powell, 81, passed away Oct. 22. Boatman Powell joined the SIU in 1960. He worked primar- 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. VERN ARMSTRONG Pensioner Vern Armstrong, 89, passed away June 23. Brother Armstrong joined the NMU in 1949 in the port of San Francisco. He worked in all three departments during his seafaring career. Brother Armstrong was born in San Diego, Calif. Before retiring in 1975, he sailed aboard the Export Freedom. SAMUEL CABERRA Pensioner Samuel Caberra, 77, died June 1. Brother Caberra was born in Puerto Rico. He joined the NMU in 1960 initially shipping from the port of New York. Brother Caberra’s first ship was the American Scout. The steward department member retired in 1987. JAMES CHEATHAM SR. Pensioner James Cheatham Sr., 77, passed away June 26. Brother Cheatham became an NMU member in 1965 in Seattle, Wash. His first ship was the Texaco Delaware. Brother Cheatham shipped in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the American Trader. Brother Cheatham began collecting his pension in 1987. JOHN FITZGERALD Pensioner John Fitzgerald, 71, passed away Aug. 14. Brother Fitzgerald became a member of the SIU in 1967. He initially worked aboard a vessel operated by Peter Kiewit Sons. Brother Fitzgerald sailed in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard a Luedtke Engineering vessel. Brother Fitzgerald was a resident of Chicago, Ill. He started receiving his retirement compensation in 1996. ALI HUBABI PAUL POWELL vessels as a member of the steward department. Brother Hubabi, who settled in Sanaa, Yemen, retired in 1996. Pensioner Ali Hubabi, 74, died June 21. Brother Hubabi started sailing with the SIU in 1963 in the port of Duluth, Minn. He worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Associates VICTORIO CORRALES Pensioner Victorio Corrales, 85, died June 3. Brother Corrales joined the NMU in 1945. He was born in Costa Rica and sailed in the engine department. Brother Corrales’ last voyage was on the Gulf Merchant. He retired in 1983. ROSARIO RANNO Pensioner Rosario Ranno, 82, passed away June 13. Brother Ranno joined the NMU in 1944, first sailing from the port of New York. The steward department member, who was born in Middletown, Conn., last sailed aboard the Christopher Lykes. He went on pension in 1979. April 2007 �41545_P01-5_7_14_18_19:2007-March 3/23/2007 4:41 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. CHARLESTON (U.S.S. Transport), Feb. 25—Chairman Elkanah B. Ladia, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Deck Delegate Eddie Major, Engine Delegate Philip Diego. Chairman encouraged all members to attend SIU meetings, whether at sea or ashore. They are the proper time to addresses any beefs. Educational director recommended mariners upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and check to make sure that all required shipping documents are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension benefits and modify prescription coverage. Next port: Houston. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), Feb. 25—Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Rocel C. Alvarez, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Deck Delegate Francis C. Johnson, Engine Delegate Lebindra B. Mahavaj, Steward Delegate Manes Sainvil. Chairman announced Feb. 28 payoff in Tampa, Fla. He thanked crew for another safe voyage—790 days without a lost-time incident. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on which holidays are observed. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Crew members voted to have HBO put back in line-up of satellite stations. HARRIETTE (Sealift), Feb. 4— Chairman Sean M. Ryan, Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Joseph M. Tuata. Chairman stated ship to discharge cargo in New Orleans and then pay off in Houston. He thanked crew for enjoyable voyage. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade frequently at union-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for their hard work. Next port: Durban, South Africa. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), Feb. 4— Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director Brian S. Leach, Deck Delegate Frank Bermudez, Steward Delegate Joel P. Crow. Chairman announced Feb. 5 payoff at sea and docking two days later in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary advised Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and urged them to contribute to SPAD, which in turn helps our union leaders fight for better ships and jobs. Educational director reminded crew members to check document expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from January Seafarers LOG read and discussed. Crew expressed appreciation for strong union leaders. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), Feb. 7—Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Carlos H. Sanchez, Educational April 2007 Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Isaac Vega, Engine Delegate Keithley Andrew, Steward Delegate George R. Salazar. Chairman announced Feb. 9 payoff at sea and thanked all departments for working well together. He asked crew to have union books and dues ready for boarding patrolman in port of Jacksonville. Secretary thanked deck department and bosun for great job painting main deck. room. Vote of thanks given to entire steward department. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), Feb. 20—Chairman Rufino J. Giray, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Irwin Rousseau, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Engine Delegate Ali Hussin, Steward Delegate Thomas C. Ferrell. Bosun stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and how it benefits the membership. He also urged members to check in with customs/immigration before leaving ship and make sure to stop by the union hall to re-register. Those getting off should leave room neat and supplied with clean linen for next person. Secretary led discussion on new TWIC card and informed Seafarers of on-line site. He also talked about upgrading at Paul Hall Center and of keeping all documents current. Treasurer stated $341.26 in cook-out fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report in Seafarers this month. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read and discussed presidents report from latest Seafarers LOG.. Members requested new lamp shades and artwork for common areas and rooms. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 4—Chairman Gregorio C. Cudal, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Joseph H. Brown, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate Sam K. Rashid. Bosun announced payoff at sea prior to arrival in Oakland, Calif. He informed members of increase in union dues and days of seatime required to keep benefits. Educational director recommended eligible members attend school in Piney Point for recertification. Treasurer stated $700 in crew fund; some money was spent to buy bench press. It was suggested to save toward cost Cape Jacob Seafarers Recognized Two SIU members recently received commendations for their good work aboard Matson’s Cape Jacob. They are SAs David Mohamed (center in photo above left) and Bruce Davidson (second from right in photo above right). According to the company, Mohamed received Matson’s “Inspiration Award” for his outstanding contribution to the vessel’s steward department. “David is a hard worker who demonstrates exceptional thoughtfulness and consideration towards the rest of the crew,” a Matson official noted in a communication to the Seafarers LOG. That same individual said of Davidson, who was named “Steward of the Quarter,” “Bruce is a hard worker and gives special attention to maintaining a safe work environment aboard the ship.” Both Seafarers are pictured with Capt. Tom Stapleton (left) and Capt. Morgan McManus (far right). Chief Steward Jane Altieri is at far left in the photo that includes Davidson. The vessel (right) is part of the RRF but is activated for duty with MSC’s prepositioning program. Educational director encouraged mariners to check out wide variety of courses offered at Piney Point school. He also reminded them to keep documents current or chance losing out on a job. Renewals often take a long time, so Seafarers should start the process well in advance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding medical benefit requirements and raising pension benefit. LOG was read and discussed. Crew thanked President Sacco and his staff for their hard work. Steward department was thanked for great menus and cook-outs. Captain congratulated Seafarers for good job on sanitary inspection. All crew members were asked to keep noise down while watchstanders are resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; Hong Kong. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), Feb. 11—Chairman Christopher K. Pompel, Secretary Wanda J. Glinke, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Robert H. Brown, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Kelly. Chairman announced Feb. 11 payoff at sea with arrival in Tacoma three days later. He reminded crew to wear hard hats and safety vests on deck while in port. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members were asked to be considerate of others and not slam doors in laundry HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Feb. 15—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Educational Director Robert L. Stafford, Deck Delegate Rene V. Rafer, Engine Delegate Gordon L Hiltbruner. Chairman announced Feb. 17 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. He informed crew of DVD storage space in steward’s office. Secretary expressed gratitude to fellow crew members for helping keep pantry and mess hall clean. Educational director advised Seafarers to check expiration dates on all necessary documents needed to ship. Treasurer stated $30 in ship’s fund of satellite TV system. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Computer monitor was broken during heavy seas; new one to be installed and secured shortly. It was noted that crew lounge does not have TV reception in port. Steward assistant requested everyone put dirty linen in proper bags and not store personal food in crew mess reefer (use refrigerators in rooms). Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif.; Honolulu. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), Feb. 4—Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Randy A. Stephen, Educational Director David M. Tillman, Deck Delegate Ronald Owens, Steward Delegate Andres L. Caballero. Chairman thanked crew members for safe, smooth voyage and announced Feb. 7 payoff in Portland, Ore. Secretary advised members to keep up with changes in dues amounts and benefit requirements. He informed them he has application forms for all benefits, including medical, dental and vacation. Educational director discussed importance of keeping track of expiration dates on required shipping documents. He also encouraged crew to upgrade ratings whenever possible. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed OT in all three departments. Request made for new washer and dryer as well as new mattresses for crew rooms. Chairman thanked all departments for performing their jobs very well and completing another successful voyage. MAERSK VERMONT (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 3—Chairman James L. Joyce Jr., Secretary Robert J. Bostick, Educational Director Michael T. Gaciala. Chairman led discussion about importance of SPAD. Educational director recommend all members improve job performance by attending classes at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested having vacation checks sent to their homes or deposited directly into their bank accounts. Clarification requested on restriction to ship in Haifa. Vote of thanks given to steward department for being a good feeder. Suggestions given as to improvements in ship’s gym and increase in pension payments. Next ports: New York; Norfolk, Va.; Savannah, Ga. USNS FRED STOCKHAM (Keystone Shipping), Feb. 9— Chairman Andy Barrows, Secretary Robert L. Easley, Educational Director Robert A. Ott, Steward Delegate Vernon S. Thibodeaux. Chairman requested clarification on tour of duty aboard the Stockham as well as manning scale for steward department. Secretary urged Seafarers to upgrade whenever possible at SIUaffiliated school. Educational director advised crew members to stay informed about new TWIC cards and other information. Treasurer stated $3,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like copy of written evaluation of ship given by Keystone. Crew also requested new mattresses, books, movies and lounge. Next port: Guam. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), March 4—Chairman Douglas Buchanan, Secretary Paula S. Kaleikini, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Engine Delegate Erwin C. Udan. Chairman announced payoff at sea en route to Tacoma, Wash. He informed crew they will have rough weather most of the way home and asked them to secure everything. Secretary reported new refrigerator for mess hall scheduled to arrive in Tacoma. Educational director thanked both apprentices for working so hard during their time aboard vessel. Treasurer stated $1,000 in ship’s fund. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. MAERSK NEVADA (Maersk Line Limited), March 3—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary Dulip Sookhiram, Educational Director Albert Riollano, Engine Delegate Andy F. Iliscupidez. Chairman congratulated crew on no lost3-time injuries and advised them to check expiration dates on all required shipping documents. Educational director urged all mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for excellent food. Next port: New York. Seafarers LOG 19 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24qxp:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:42 PM Page 20 For Your Maritime Reading Pleasure . . . A number of books recently have been published or reprinted that may appeal to Seafarers and others interested in the seafaring life. Good Shipmates “Good Shipmates, The Restoration of the Liberty Ship John W. Brown, Volume Two: 19952006.” Written by Ernest F. Imhoff with a foreword by Russell Baker (Pulitzer Prize-winning author and columnist), this is the second volume of history written by the former Baltimore Sun editor and current volunteer on the Liberty ship John W. Brown. Through more than 200 interviews with fellow volunteers on the ship, Imhoff captures their adventures and life lessons in a colorful mosaic of hard work, volunteerism, camaraderie and inspiration. In the process, he carries the reader along on a fascinating voyage, one that describes veterans and others who ignore broken and diseased backs, knees, hips and eyes, and work with never-say-die spirits to help save a piece of American history. The John W. Brown is one of only two remaining Liberty ships of the 2,710 that were built during World War II. It still operates and sails today as a living history museum, a tribute to the American know-how that won the war, and to the “good shipmates” that brought that spirit to their ship, preserving a special part of history for generations to come. Good Shipmates runs 416 pages with more than 100 illustrations and sell for $24.95. Available from your local book store or directly from the publisher, The Glencannon Press, P.O. Box 1428 El Cerrito, CA 94530; tel. (800) 711-8985. A Careless Word “A Careless Word . . . A Needless Sinking.” This is the 8th reprinting of this book, written by Capt. Arthur R. Moore. The book is a treasure of reference material—a documented account, under one cover, of the catastrophic losses suffered by the American-flag Merchant Marine, both in ships and personnel, during World War II. It is a valuable research tool for anyone interested in the American Merchant Marine and the wartime service and sacrifice of our seamen. Capt. Moore has devoted more than 30 years gathering data pertaining to the very important and vital role played by the U.S. Merchant Marine in winning the war. They were a critical part of the “bridge of ships” that supplied our military forces worldwide. It is the story of the valiant seamen and Navy gunners who served and died without recognition and the ships on which they sailed. The names of lost seamen are recorded by vessel along with, in many cases, a photo of their ship and details of the battle action. Additional illustrations bring the magnitude of this tragedy to light. The Dennis A. Roland Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans has produced a limited number of this 8th printing. Copies of the large, fivepound volume are offered at a cost of $85 (plus $5 shipping and handling). Quotes for multiples copies and foreign delivery may be obtained from: American Merchant Marine Veterans—Dennis A. Roland Chapter, P.O. Box 306, Midland Park, NJ 07432. At All Costs “At All Costs: How a Crippled Ship and Two Merchant Mariners Turned the Tide of World War II,” written by Sam Moses, published by Random House. This book tells the story of Operation Pedestal, a supply convoy sent to rescue the strategically important island of Malta from surrender to the Axis forces during World War II. It specifically focuses on two American merchant seamen, Fred Larsen and Francis “Lonnie” Dales, who helped repair the anti-aircraft gun on a crippled oil tanker (and its cargo of 13,000 tons of fuel) in the middle of the Mediterranean and led a handful of men in fighting off enemy planes for days. Operation Pedestal involved 14 merchant vessels guarded by 64 warships. Thirteen ships were lost and approximately 350 men were killed. The actions of these two young men earned them the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal “for heroism above and byond the call of duty.” Although both men have since died, Moses talked to their widows and, among other resources, also listened to a taped interview with Larsen about the operation that had been recorded by a Newark chapter of the merchant marine. As of mid-March, the book was available on amazon.com for $17. Life of a Bluenose “Life of a Bluenose” is the first published book written by SIU member Robert Gary Haller. At just 15 pages long, it is an autobiographical account of Haller’s seafaring career, starting with his arrival as a 16-year-old for training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Haller proudly recognizes the contributions of his family in the Merchant Marine and in service to their country. His three older brothers (Chuck, Joe and John) had gone through the school; his younger brother Mike also joined up. His father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The title comes from the “Bluenose Certificate” which is awarded to someone crossing the Arctic Circle for the first time. The book is dedicated to his brother Chuck who died at the age of 46. His ashes are buried beneath a plaque at the school in honor of his 30 years in the Merchant Marine. The book is published by Dorrance Publishing, (412) 288-4543. It sells for $8. 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 4/07 (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 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. April 2007 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24qxp:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:42 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. for most of 2007. 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. Junior Engineer July 16 September 7 Machinist June 18 July 9 July 6 July 27 Marine Electrician September 24 November 16 Pumpman* July 9 July 30 July 20 August 10 Refrigeration Engineer April 23 June 1 Advanced Refrigerated Container May 21 June 15 Welding April 9 May 7 June 11 August 6 October 1 October 29 April 27 May 25 June 29 August 24 October 19 November 16 (*must have tankerman familiarization/ assistant cargo (DL) AND machinist) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 16 May 28 July 9 August 20 October 1 May 11 June 22 August 3 September 14 October 26 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) June 18 October 22 June 22 October 26 Celestial Navigation July 9 GMDSS Lifeboatman/Water Survival Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting April 16 July 9 April 27 July 20 Fast Rescue Boat May 21 June 25 July 23 August 27 May 25 June 29 July 27 August 31 August 3 Basic Safety Training Classes are conducted weekly August 13 August 24 Government Vessels April 2 May 14 June 25 August 6 September 17 October 29 April 13 May 25 July 6 August 17 September 28 November 9 May 28 June 25 July 16 August 6 September 17 November 5 June 1 June 29 July 20 August 10 September 21 November 9 Medical Care Provider Radar June 4 October 8 June 15 October 19 April 30 July 23 May 4 July 27 Radar Renewal (one day) June 25 October 29 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* April 2 June 4 September 24 November 26 April 13 June 15 October 5 December 7 June 4 August 13 June 8 August 17 (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* 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 beginning April 2, 2007. Recertification Bosun April 9 October 8 May 7 November 5 Steward July 9 August 6 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 21 July 16 September 10 June 15 August 10 October 5 FOWT April 23 June 18 August 13 October 8 May 18 July 13 September 7 November 2 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 ________________________________________________ April 2007 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. 4/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24x:1545p0 3/27/2007 3:13 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes AB — Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 683 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 683. They include (in alphabetical order) Fernando Abuan, Francis Brown, Ja’Quaral Carroll, Lawrence Cormier, Peter Dudoit III, Timothy Foster, Andrew Fung, Dominic Gordon, Quince Harrington, Paul Hart, Edward Kelly, Joel Marcano-Lopez Sr., Terrell McMillian, Hussein Mohsen, Renard Murphy, Charles Naze, Tashara Newton, Johnnie Owens Jr., Rodney Payne, Kenneth Sumner, Bradley Wade, Teena Werner, Lee Weygandt and Phillip Ziegert. (Note: not all are pictured.) Receiving certificates for completion of the AB course Feb. 16 are (in no specific order) David Anderson, Shawana Mills, Stephen McGruder, Jeffry Cesvet, Jesse Willard, Thomas Jarrett, Richard Moore, Jeremy Finley, Timothy Kauble, Christopher Vincenzo, Patrick Tucker, Wayne Altoonian, Richard Kight, Brendan O’Brien, John Galatioto, Christopher Bryant, Ryan Scott and Annie Walker. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Advanced Fire Fighting — Government Vessels — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the government vessels course Feb. 23 are (in no specific order) James Callahan, William Burdette, Juan Bernal-Helices, Dorkucho Tanihu, Towfiek Ahmed, Glenn Davis, Patrick Tucker, Richard Moore and Pete Hernandez. Their instructor (not pictured) was Mark Cates. Academic — Rahul Bagchi recently completed two collegelevel courses at the Piney Point school: College mathematics II (Math 102) and American government (POL 101). Bagchi, who ships in the engine department, is the recipient of the 2006 SIU threeyear college scholarship. He has been accepted by the State University of New York Maritime College in the Facilities (Stationary) Engineering Program and expects to start school in New York in the fall. We wish him the best of luck in using this scholarship to further his maritime career. With him in the photo are instructors Peggy Densford (left) and Rick Prucha. Graduating from the advanced fire fighting course Feb. 16 are (in no specific order) Robert Kirk, Cameron Miller, Joseph Murphy, Milton Walters, Anthony Pacely Jr. and Shawn Waring. Their instructor (not pictured) was Mark Cates. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back row) are March 2 graduates (in alphabetical order) Jaime Colon, Abdulwali Eljahmi, Jason Femminineo, Joseph Krajnik, Yaser Mohamed, Timothy Reiman and Michael Sinclair. Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha, standing in each photo, are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Showing their certificates of achievement are (from left) Seafarers Domingo Leon Jr.; Rahul Bagchi and Steve McGruder; and unlicensed apprentice Andres Nunez. 22 Seafarers LOG April 2007 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24x:1545p0 3/27/2007 3:13 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Coastal Navigation — Students in the Mates Program recently completed coastal navigation as well as the cargo handling and the stability courses. They are (in no specific order) Adam Emanuel, Robert Stone, Philip Wright, David Lane II, Darrel Konce, Clyde McNatt, Joey Lupton, Jay Templet, Scott Chew, Kesse Kesse and James Raney. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far right. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — With instructor Herb Walling (back row, second from right) are Feb. 23 graduates of the tankerman (PIC) barge course. Included are (in no specific order) Lawrence Lewis, Robert Sandman, Owen Gallagher, Joel Patzer, Christopher Vincenzo, Shawn Waring, Roy Carey, Grant Fedukovich, Donald Autery and Reynaldo Bangcob. Specially Trained OS — Two STOS classes that graduated Feb. 23 are pictured here. They include (in alphabetical order) Abdo Ahmed, Paul Amato, Brian Awde, Justin Beal, Cameron Benson, Ja’Quaral Carroll, Lawrence Cormier, William Cruz, Pedro DeJesus, Jarrod Fluitt, Philip Gallagher, Clayton Lupton, James Luttrell, Ryan McElroy, Renard Murphy, Sadeq Nasser, Johnnie Owens Jr., Rolando Salamat, Terrance Shinn, Stefra Strauser, Steven Szymanski, Eric Thomas, Teena Werner, Jake Wheeler and Phillip Ziegert. Their instructors were Stacey Harris (fourth from right) and Stan Beck (far right). Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading Seafarers who completed this course Feb. 23 are (in no specific order) John Groom, Gary Hirsch, Jeffery Martin, Vincent Hamm, Laurent Abad, Mario Ferrer, Arthur Quinney III, Thaddeus Jalvia, Roger Steel, Thomas McClintock and Shane Mackey. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Upgrading ABs who graduated from the lifeboatman/water survival course March 2 are (in no specific order) Kevin Stehlik, Rolando Salamat, James Orlanda, Joselito Beof, Nicasio Arzu, German Guity, Durlas Ruiz, Chris Christensen, James Donohue, Joseph Brown, Fermin Baltazar, Ernest Bohannon, Corsino Dacruz, Jose Garcia, Charles Bennett, Juan Ortiz and Michael Moody. STCW — NCL, March 8: Corrina Grover, James Hackl, Constance Hall, Reshan Hart, William Hildebrandt, Lauren Hollenstein, Orale Hood, Jeffrey Hubert, Arnold Impat, David Ingram, Bryan Iseli, Derric Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Lamar Jordan, Chelsey Key, Jayce Kielich, Jennifer Kliegl, Jessica Laing, Manuel Lazar Jr., Meryl Levine, Gregory Lindesay and Bryan Mash. April 2007 STCW — NCL, March 8: Fazli Azizi, Zachary Balstars, Jan-Ember Bartolome, Ashley Black, Oreatha Bowman, Jaonte Boyd, Leslie Britts, David Brodowski, Marcialyn Camacho, Keiana Carter, Bentley Cherry, Larry Cuestas, Emiliano DeJesus Jr., Corelle DeChane, Sterling Ellis, Mathias Enderle III, Emily Entley, Kimika Frater, Andrea Fusco and Angel Garcia-Edie. Seafarers LOG 23 �41545_P6_8-13_15-17_20-24qxp:2007-March 3/23/2007 2:44 PM Page 24 Volume 69, Number 4 April 2007 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. RRF Ship Returns from Middle East Mission Cape Washington Completes Most Recent Deployment in OIF The SIU-crewed Cape Washington, part of the RRF, successfully completed a recent mission supporting American troops in Iraq. Cape Washington QMED/ Electrician Eric Mentzer proudly displays his full union book, which he received last month. T he SIU-crewed Cape Washington recently returned from a deployment supporting U.S. troops in Iraq. The vessel, operated by Crowley Liner Services, arrived in Baltimore in early March. Representatives from the U.S. Maritime Administration came aboard and issued medals and certificates to Seafarers for their service. The Cape Washington is part of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), a fleet of civilian-crewed ships owned by the Maritime Administration. At least 40 RRF ships have participated in missions supporting U.S. troops in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. A roll-on/roll-off ship, the Cape Washington is 697 feet long, with a beam of 105 feet, 11 inches and a draft of 38 feet. The ship’s speed is listed at 14.9 knots. The vessel has been activated multiple times during Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. When they aren’t deployed, RRF vessels typically are kept pier-side in reduced operating status, with a skeleton crew on board. The mariners monitor operating systems and help ensure that the ships are ready for smooth acti- AB Mrimri Farah (left) and GVA Michael Alghafeili, like their fellow crew members from the Cape Washington, received U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and corresponding certificates from the U.S. Maritime Administration after finishing the deployment. vation whenever the call is received. Various RRF ships have different activation periods—anywhere from four to 20 days, although they normally are ready to mobilize ahead of schedule. The Cape Washington has a five-day activation period. Upon activation, RRF ships come under the operational control of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. The agency notes that RRF vessels “normally are maintained at ports close to potential military load-out sites on U.S. coasts….” In addition to mobilizations for current and recent missions in the Middle East, RRF ships historically have been very active in many types of deployments including humanitarian efforts. Among other voyages, RRF ships—many of them crewed by SIU members—were activated in the 1990s for the Persian Gulf War; for humanitarian efforts in Somalia and Central America; to support United Nations and NATO actions in Bosnia; and for Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti. The photos on this page were taken March 7 in Baltimore. GVA Jaqueline Elsworth Chief Steward McKinley Jones SA Jose Ramos Some of the Seafarers and officers from the Cape Washington are pictured in the crew mess. Right: QMED Justin Van Pelt QMED George Murphy � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES TSA PUBLISHES TWIC FEES RANK-AND-FILE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES UNION’S RECORDS FOR 2006 U.S. FLEET’S IMPORTANCE, LABOR’S VITALITY IN FOCUS AT MTD MEETINGS GOOD NEWS COMES IN THREES: OSG ORDERS JONES ACT ATBS POWELL, WARE APPOINTED TO SIU ASSISTANT VP SLOTS SIU’S VINCENZO APPOINTED TO STATE LABOR COMMITTEE SIU-CREWED PAGE HONORED RETIRED MATSON PRESIDENT MULHOLLAND DIES AT 65 HOUSE PASSES EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT CHAOTIC RUNAWAY-FLAG SAGA REINFORCES ITF’S EFFECTIVENESS TRAINING DIRECTOR EGLINTON RETIRES DUTIES GREATLY EVOLVED DURING 34 YEARS IN PINEY POINT SCHOOL ADDS LIQUEFIED GAS SIMULATOR SIU STEWARDS’ RECIPE FOR SUCCESS FEATURES HARD WORK, PERSISTENCE GOVERNMENT SERVICES DIVISION STATES CASE IN HOTEL DISPUTE RETIRED NMU PRESIDENT SHANNON WALL DIES AT 87 USNS ERICSSON CIVMARS EARN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD MARITIME LABOR MOURNS LOSS OF TAL SIMPKINS USNS SHUGART DELIVERS EXPERIMENTAL NAVY SHIP RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MERCHANT MARINE IN WORLD WAR II MTD EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MILITARY LEADERS: U.S. MARINERS CRUCIAL TO DEFENSE CAPABILITIES GEN. SCHWARTZ, LT. GEN. DAIL REAFFIRM VALUE OF U.S.-FLAG FLEET CONGRESSIONAL REPS POINT TO FREE CHOICE ACT, 2006 ELECTIONS AS PROOF OF LABORS’ VITALITY MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR DISCUSSES AGENCY REORGANIZATION, NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. SEAFARERS TRUMKA: POLITICAL ACTION VITAL FOR WORKERS LCA PRESIDENT URGES GOVERNMENT ACTION ON LAKES DREDGING CRISIS WORLD WAR II LIBERTY SHIP TO SET SAIL IN AUGUST RRF SHIP RETURNS FROM MIDDLE EAST MISSION 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 04/01/2007 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. 69, No. 4 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/96f68f4d143d885afe0e7254ce39e5a1.pdf 7a42d5ac706773743d08a825af34ba03 PDF Text Text 42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 11:23 AM Page 1 Volume 69, Number 5 May 2007 The SIU-contracted Horizon Lines fleet recently added three new ships: the Horizon Hawk, Horizon Hunter and Horizon Eagle. Two more new vessels (the Horizon Falcon and Horizon Tiger) are scheduled to join the fleet this month. n i o et J s e l l e F s s s e e V n i L w e N izon r o H Pictured clockwise from upper left: Part of the Horizon Hawk’s engine room; the Horizon Hawk in Guam; AB Ali Saeed aboard the Horizon Hunter on the West Coast; (from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Recertified Bosun Barry Hamm and SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona on the Horizon Hawk; and Retired General John Handy (left), now executive vice president at Horizon Lines, with SIU Port Agent Jeff Turkus at a ceremony in Guam for the Horizon Hawk. Page 3. Seafarers-Crewed Ships Load U.S. Army Cargo Vessels Headed for Iraq in Support of U.S. Troops SIU Welcomes Yorktown Express The upgrading of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet continued last month as the SIU-crewed Yorktown Express joined it. Pictured aboard the vessel are (from left) QEE Niles Jacobsen, DMAC Christopher Zaucha and DMAC Mohammad Kahn. Page 3. Pride of Hawaii News Page 2 Three SIU-crewed ships last month took on U.S. Army cargo in Savannah, Ga. for transport to Iraq. The American Tern (operated by Osprey Ship Management) and the USNS Watson and USNS Charlton (both operated by Maersk Line, Limited) loaded materiel belonging to the Third Infantry Division’s Second Brigade Combat Team and Combat Aviation Brigade of Ft. Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., which will deploy to Iraq later this year. At left, the Charlton loads a Bradley fighting vehicle. Above, a Chinook helicopter is lifted aboard the Watson. Page 4. Summary from NMU Plans Page 6 CIVMARS Honored Page 7 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 5/1/2007 11:52 AM Page 2 President’s Report Still Proud—And Still Optimistic There’s a lot to digest with last month’s announcement about the temporary re-flagging of NCL America’s SIUcrewed Pride of Hawaii starting early next year (see story, this page). And while there’s no use in sugarcoating any of it, when I look at the big picture involving the NCL America fleet, I know there is well-founded cause for optimism. If you’re new to our union or for some Michael Sacco other reason are unfamiliar with the NCL America ships, here’s the short version. Our country went from having no deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ships in the wake of September 11, 2001 to adding three new American-flag vessels under the NCL America banner, beginning in 2004. It took a lot of work to make that happen, and it took cooperative efforts from maritime labor, the company, supporters in Congress and others. As expected, there were growing pains, both for the company and its contracted unions, including the SIU. But by early 2006, with the Pride of Aloha and Pride of America in service and the Pride of Hawaii almost ready to sail, we had turned a corner. Customer satisfaction was up. Bookings were solid. Crew turnover on the hotel side was stabilizing. (Turnover generally has never been a problem on the marine side.) The NCL America ships were having a major, positive impact on the economy, particularly in Hawaii. Things changed when the Pride of Hawaii joined the fleet in 2006. An unexpected surge in foreign-flag competition and a general downturn across the entire cruise-ship industry played key parts in the company’s financial losses for last year. In fairness, those weren’t the only issues. While operations were proceeding relatively smoothly with two ships, the jump to three vessels probably spread certain resources a little too thin. Again, we’ve been down this road before, and I know we have what it takes to succeed in the long run. As we learned with the so-called white ships in Hawaii many years ago (the old Independence and Constitution), it takes time to build up a steady manpower pool in this segment of the industry. But it can and will be done. As you can imagine, the decision concerning the Pride of Hawaii led to an intense series of meetings and phone calls, both internally for the SIU and with us and NCL America. What I took from those meetings is this: We all agree that too much work went into this program to simply give up. We all agree that eligible crew members who want to continue working for NCL will be given that opportunity—almost certainly aboard the other Pride ships. And we all agree that it is completely realistic to believe that NCL America will succeed as a two-ship fleet in the short run and then as a larger fleet over the long haul. Speaking for every SIU official, I can promise our membership we’re not going to stand around and do nothing. We’ve already intensified our efforts to continue to keep this fleet a success, and we will exhaust every resource if that’s what it takes. “Aloha” means both hello and goodbye. We said an aloha greeting last year to the Pride of Hawaii, and we’ll say a temporary aloha farewell to the ship early next year. I already look forward to once again saying a great big “Aloha!” when we welcome her back into the U.S.-flag fleet. Volume 69, Number 5 May 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Pride of Hawaii Scheduled for Temporary Move to Europe NCL Emphasizes Ship’s Withdrawal Is Interim Emphasizing long-range optimism about its American-flag component, NCL Corporation—parent company of SIU-contracted NCL America—on April 10 announced the temporary withdrawal of the Seafarers-crewed Pride of Hawaii from the Hawaii market effective February 2008. The ship will be deployed to Europe for the summer of 2008 as part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s foreign fleet, in an effort to offset financial losses. While the move is a setback to the U.S. fleet and to NCL America’s contracted unions (the SIU, the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union, and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association), the company stressed its continued commitment to its other American-flag vessels—Pride of Aloha and Pride of America—along with plans to return the Pride of Hawaii to U.S. registry. For crew members, the news certainly wasn’t all bad. During shipboard meetings April 10 in Hawaii conducted by union officials and company executives, Pride of Hawaii mariners were assured that continued employment opportunities will be available aboard the two remaining U.S.-flag ships as well as (for those interested) on the rest of the NCL fleet. They also were informed that the unions and NCL America have agreed to “stay-on bonuses” for crew members aboard the Pride of Hawaii on or before April 10 (and also for eligible mariners on leave or vacation at that time). NCL President and CEO Colin Veitch said of the withdrawal, “We take this action with regret, but sure in the knowledge that a temporary retrenchment is the right thing to do for the good of the business and the good of Hawaii in the long run. We remain committed to building a strong U.S.-flag cruise business home ported in Hawaii, and we need to make sure that our other two ships are able to achieve acceptable profitability before we can confidently reintroduce Pride of Hawaii.” In a news release, the company pointed to its “substantial” monetary losses in 2006 (reported earlier this year) which “have been caused by down- ward pricing pressure in the Hawaii market following the addition of Pride of Hawaii to the fleet last summer, and the steep increase in the amount of foreign-flag competition entering the Hawaii market from the West Coast.” According to Veitch, NCL America has grown very quickly over three years, and its competitors have also surged, starting in 2006. “Clearly we are victims of our own success,” Veitch stated. “We have demonstrated that Hawaii is a highly attractive cruise destination and Hawaii now has four times as much capacity serving it in 2007 as it did in 2004 when we started NCL America. “We are now very hopeful that this latest measure will make the critical difference in ensuring the success of this important venture. We continue to have a vision of a strong domestic cruise industry in Hawaii and firmly believe that the combination of steps we have now taken will result in a strong NCL America delivering the best cruise itinerary anywhere in the world with the very highest standard of service at sea,” Veitch concluded. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), a key figure in the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise industry, said, “I am proud of the great strides made, through the robust growth of a cruise ship sector, to further diversify Hawaii’s tourism industry, making our island state the fastest growing domestic cruise destination in North America. Since NCL America’s entrance into the market in 2004, Hawaii’s cruise capacity has quadrupled. There is no doubt that I am disappointed with NCL’s announcement to temporarily withdraw the Pride of Hawaii from Hawaii waters. It was a very difficult decision that President and CEO Colin Veitch had to make for the good of the overall company as he and his corporate team work to further grow demand in the Hawaii market. I respect his decision and look forward to the day that we will be able to welcome the Pride of Hawaii back to Hawaii’s shores, hopefully in the not too distant future.” Union Submits More Comments About TWIC, MMC Programs The union last month continued gathering information and making its voice heard on both the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program (TWIC) and the Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). The SIU on April 10 hosted a meeting at its headquarters featuring a presentation by representatives from Deloitte & Touche, a Lockheed Martin subcontractor responsible for parts of the TWIC program. An extensive questionand-answer session immediately followed. Representatives from several other U.S. maritime unions and from their respective associated schools also participated in the meeting, as did officials from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center Two days later, the union submitted testimony to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which conducted a hearing on TWIC implementation. Later in the month, the SIU and five other maritime unions jointly submitted comments responding to a supplementary notice of proposed rulemaking covering the MMC—a credential eventually intended to replace the current merchant mariner document/z-card. Seafarers will be required to carry a TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008, but in the meantime may use their Some of the participants are pictured at the April 10 TWIC meeting at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. valid merchant mariner document along with a second form of identification to meet the requirements of the TWIC law (which stem from both the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the SAFE Port Act). It is anticipated that the final rulemaking on the MMC won’t take effect until approximately August 2008. Initial issuance of that credential will continue over a five-year period starting around that same time in 2008. Meanwhile, the initial roll-out of the TWIC program has been plagued by delays and technical problems. At the Senate committee hearing on April 12, lawmakers admonished representatives from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for missed deadlines; it now appears likely that the program’s initial phase won’t be implemented until late summer or fall, when it was supposed to have begun by last month. In its testimony for that same Senate hearing, the SIU reiterated its position that where U.S. seafarers are concerned, a relatively simple modification to the current mariner credential would fulfill federal mandates without any compromise whatsoever to shipboard or port security. “The complicated and burdensome process finalized by the agency is both unnecessary for merchant mariners and may essentially prove disruptive to maritime commerce,” the union stated. “As we have repeatedly advocated, the SIU strongly recommends that the current merchant mariner Continued on page 7 May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:05 PM Page 3 Horizon Lines Adds New Vessels Fleet Revamp Means Net Gain of at Least 1 Ship New tonnage and job security for Seafarers both received a boost recently with the entry of three U.S.-flag vessels into the SIU-contracted Horizon Lines fleet. Two of the vessels, the Horizon Hawk and the Horizon Hunter, called on the port of Tacoma, Wash. March 30 and April 6, respectively, following their voyages from the Far East. The third vessel, the Horizon Eagle, entered service April 10. The remaining two vessels, the Horizon Falcon and the Horizon Tiger, are slated to enter service by the end of this month. Horizon last year chartered the five U.S.-flag vessels for 12-year terms from subsidiaries of Ship Finance International, Ltd in Pictured in the crew mess aboard the Horizon Hunter are (from left) Recertified Bosun Loren Watson, QEE Joseph Egan, QMED Stephen Roberts, Recertified Steward Jennifer Jim, SA Steven Wasch, AB Stephen Czaple and Recertified Bosun Glenn Christianson. New ATB Freeport Welcomed by SIU More employment opportunities for Seafarers recently presented themselves as SIU-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners LP (USS) put its newest articulated tug-barge (ATB)—the Freeport —into operation. The new double-hulled platform will be used in the USS domestic coastwise trade in refined petroleum products and chemicals. The Freeport is the first in a series of four ATBs which USS has committed to building over the next three years. The vessels will be constructed by Manitowoc Marine Group (barge component) of Marinette, Wis. and Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. (tug component) of Panama City, Fla. Upon completion, each ATB will feature a flexible cargo system capable of carrying a broad spectrum of refined petroleum products and chemicals, a fuelefficient main engine and hull design which will allow service speeds generally in excess of standard ATB designs. All four vessels will have carrying capacities of approximately 160,000 barrels, be operated by USS and manned in all unlicensed positions by members of the SIU. Each platform carries a price tag of about $65 million. An ATB consists of a tank vessel (barge) and a large, powerful tug that is positioned in a notch in the stern of the barge. The tug propels and maneuvers the barge. Unlike an integrated tug-barge (ITB) where the tug and barge are locked together in a rigid connection and became one unit for practical purposes, the ATB has an articulated or “hinged” connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis, or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. USS also has nine 49,000 dwt double-hulled petroleum product tankers on order at General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego, Calif. Delivery of the first ship in the series is expected in the second quarter of 2009. The tankers also will be manned in all unlicensed positions by the SIU and be timechartered to U.S. energy firms for periods of three to 10 years, according to USS. The company currently operates the ITBs Baltimore, Groton, Jacksonville, Mobile, New York and Philadelphia. USS also operates the tankers Chemical Pioneer, Charleston, Houston (formerly the USNS Gus Warren Darnell, a T-5 replacement tanker that had operated for many years under Military Sealift Command) and the Sea Venture—all of which are under SIU contract. U.S. Shipping Partners is a leading provider of long-haul marine transportation services, principally for refined petroleum products, in the U.S. domestic coastwise trade. The company is also involved in the coastwise transportation of petrochemical and commodity chemical products. Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, May 28 for the observance of Memorial Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. May 2007 order to replace and add to the platforms already in its current fleet. All five of the Hunter class vessels are of proven international design and have a service speed of 23 knots. The vessels—each a 2,824 TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) containership—were built by South Korea-based Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The maiden voyage of the Hawk in March officially launched Horizon’s enhanced Transpacific-1 (TP1) service between the mainland United States, Guam, Micronesia and Asia. This new tonnage upgraded the carrier’s previous TP1 component that served the lane with five Jones Act-qualified vessels. (The Jones Act covers ocean cargo services to and from Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, as well as cargo moving between other U.S. origin and destination ports, ensuring those cargoes are carried on vessels crewed, built, flagged and owned American.) Redeploying the carrier’s Jones Act vessels from previous TP1 service to trade routes that require the U.S.-built vessels provides additional capacity and adequate ships to meet the future needs of Horizon Lines’ customers well into the future, a company news release said. The introduction of this new tonnage also allows the company’s other Jones Act vessels to be available as reserve capacity to meet seasonal The Horizon Hunter is part of an influx of new vessels. and dry-dock needs, as well as to respond to potential new opportunities such as coastwise container services. Once all of the new tonnage is in place (expected by this July), Horizon Lines will be operating at least 17 Seafarers-crewed vessels—a net gain of one ship, according to a Horizon Lines spokesman. The company added that the possibility exists that they will find This is a ballast water control console business for one or more aboard the Horizon Hawk. ships currently scheduled for Oakland, Hawaii, Guam, Hong lay-up. By July, Horizon Lines’ ships Kong and Kaohsiung); two will are slated to be deployed as fol- sail from California to Hawaii; lows: Two will sail from Tacoma one will sail from Elizabeth, N.J. to Hawaii; four will sail from to San Juan; two will sail from Tacoma to Alaska; five (the Jacksonville to San Juan; and one newest ships) will sail on the will sail from Houston to San Transpacific route (Tacoma, Juan. Yorktown Express Joins U.S. MSP Fleet The modernization of the SIUcrewed U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet continued on schedule last month as the containership Yorktown Express became part of it. SIU Port Agent Georg Kenny represented the union and joined other industry representatives during the April 9 ceremony in Norfolk, Va. in which the vessel officially took its place in the MSP flotilla. Operated by Seafarers-contracted Marine Personnel and Provisioning for Hapag-Lloyd USA, the Yorktown Express replaced the Livorno Express. It became the fourth of five vessels slated to flag American and enter service under this phase of an MSP modernization program which commenced last year. Previously, the Philadelphia Express, St. Louis Express and Washington Express each flagged U.S. in exchange for older platforms. The Charleston Express next month is slated to join the AB Richard O’Brien is on gangMSC fleet as a replacement for way watch. the aging CP Navigator. The Yorktown Express is 798 feet long with a beam of 105 feet, 8 inches. It was built in 2002, delivered in early 2003 and is equipped with four cargo cranes. Like its sister ships, it can sail at greater than 21 knots, has a TEU capacity of 3,237 Steward/Baker Margie Leite, and boasts a gross Chief Cook John Plakas ABs Michael Weber and Vernon Goddard perform preventive maintenance aboard the Yorktown Express. registered tonnage of 40,146. The MSP has been a key element of America’s economic and defense security since its enactment in 1996. The original 10year program provided limited funding for 47 U.S.-flag commercial vessels, particularly containerships and roll-on/roll-off vessels, which were available to the Department of Defense in times of war or national emergency. A 10-year extension of the MSP was signed into law in late 2003 with the expanded program starting as the old one expired in October 2005. Among other enhancements, the current MSP increases the number of participants to 60 ships and provides financial assistance to construct five tankers in the United States that are capable of carrying military petroleum products during a war. Seafarers LOG 3 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:38 PM Page 4 SIU Ships Head for Iraq In Support of U.S. Troops Three SIU-crewed vessels last month loaded U.S. Army cargo in Savannah, Ga. for transport to Iraq. The American Tern (operated by Osprey Ship Management) and the USNS Watson and USNS Charlton (both operated by Maersk Line, Limited) took on materiel from April 3 through April 13. The cargo belongs to the Third Infantry Division’s Second Brigade Combat Team and Combat Aviation Brigade of Ft. Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., which will deploy to Iraq later this year. Altogether, the Seafarerscrewed vessels loaded approximately 3,500 pieces of cargo. The containership American Tern, a privately-owned ship under longterm charter to MSC, utilized three shipboard cranes to load 550 items consisting mostly of 20-foot containers. The large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships USNS Watson and USNS Charlton loaded helicopters, Humvees, tanks, trucks and more. According to MSC, the ships are moving enough equipment to fill nine football fields. “We are able to load these LMSRs so quickly because we have a precisely coordinated plan for maneuvering tanks, trucks and other rolling stock through the system of internal ramps linking the ships’ seven wide-open cargo decks,” said Tom D’Agostino, the MSC representative who oversees such operations at three major ports on the East Coast. Since Sept. 11, 2001, MSC has transported 95 million square feet The American Tern docks at the ocean terminal in Savannah, Ga. to take on cargo. of dry cargo and 10 billion gallons of fuel—more than 90 percent of all military cargo deployed in support of the global war on terrorism, according to the agency. Much of that materiel has been delivered by Seafarerscrewed ships. Numerous military officers have commended the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Among the most recent such comments were remarks by Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, and Lt. Gen. Robert Dail, head of the Defense Logistics Agency. Addressing the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meetings in March, Schwartz said that troop support is “all about chartering the direct course to deliver military power in the quickest, most efficient, most businesslike manner wherever and whenever the nation calls on us to serve. I’m taking no chances at all by telling you that we’re going to continue to depend on you—all of you Photos by Tom D’Agostino, MSC A Blackhawk helicopter is loaded onto the USNS Watson. The American Tern’s shipboard cranes were utilized to load containers. —to make that projection of American power possible. The vast majority of how we get things done is through sealift.” Dail said he has seen firsthand the materiel delivered to U.S. troops overseas that moved by ship, and those sights helped reinforce his belief that America’s maritime capabilities “are critical to our national defense and security. I have seen the trust and confidence that is built between our nation and our troops, knowing that wherever they are, we will deliver the goods to them and we will get them there and bring them home.” Bill Introduced to Improve U.S. Mariner Credentialing Legislation aimed at improving the licensing and credentialing process for merchant mariners was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 20 by U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (ROhio), ranking Republican on the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) also immediately sponsored the legislation. The Merchant Mariner Credentials Improvement Act of 2007 includes provisions identified by shippers, merchant mariners and other maritime workers intended to help ensure greater efficiency and eliminate unnecessary and redundant procedures in the existing credentialing process administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. “It is apparent that the evaluation process for mariner credential applications has become unnecessarily elaborate and time-consuming for all involved,” said LaTourette. “This bill will streamline the existing credentialing process to minimize procedural errors that prevent merchant mariners from carrying on with their important work and to allow the Coast Guard to improve its capabilities to manage the program.” The bill contains the following provisions: Remedies the problem of “license creep” by making all renewals effective on the date that the previous license expires. Prohibits the Coast Guard from charging a fee for any credential that is not issued within 30 days after the application is complete. 4 Seafarers LOG Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from fingerprinting an individual separately for both the merchant mariner credential and the Transportation Worker Identity Credential (TWIC). Allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant a one-year extension on credentials to help the Coast Guard address any backlog created by the process of consolidating records at the National Maritime Center and the new requirements for physical examinations. Allows new mariners on offshore supply vessels and towing vessels to work on a temporary basis while approval of a mariner credential application is pending, but only after the DHS determines that the worker does not pose a safety and security risk. Requires a report to: (1) expand a pilot program which helped mariners complete application forms, (2) simplify the application process so that errors occur less frequently, (3) provide mariners with a notice of status of their applications, and (4) require documentation to be stored in electronic format. Requires a report on ways to address the projected future shortage in merchant mariners. Requires a report on altering merchant mariner documents to make them TWIC- and International Labor Organization-compliant, including adding a biometric identifier to the card. With the battleship USS New Jersey in the background, the new SIU-crewed tugboat Duty is shown sailing between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J. Express Marine’s Newest Addition Is Tugboat ‘Duty’ Seafarers-contracted Express Marine recently added the new tugboat Duty to its fleet. The boat is crewed by SIU members as well as members of the American Maritime Officers. According to the company, the Duty is a general purpose tug with wide-ranging capabilities. The boat may be used for harbor docking as well as coastal and deep sea towing. The tug also is designed to handle inland and coastal barges “on hip, by wire or notch towing.” It also can go offshore “in notch or wire-tow mode.” The Duty will be based in Philadelphia and will handle tows from the Hampton, Va. area north to New England. Built in Pensacola, Fla., the Duty was delivered to Express Marine in December 2006. The boat is 102 feet long and 32 feet wide, with a depth of 14 feet, 9 inches and a draft of 13 feet. The company lists the boat’s bollard pull at 83,000 pounds and its “free running speed” at 12 knots. Following are some additional specifications on the tug provided by Express Marine: Continued on page 9 May 2007 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 5/1/2007 11:59 AM Page 5 Free Choice Act Introduced in Senate Sen. Kennedy Articulates Need to Strengthen, Protect Workers’ Rights Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, on March 29 introduced the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) in the U.S. Senate. The bill, S. 1041, is the Senate’s companion to HR 800. Regarded by some as the most important labor law reform legislation to come on the radar in more than 70 years, the legislation on March 1 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 241-185. It then moved to the Senate where it was twice read before committee. As of press time for this edition of the Seafarers LOG, however, the bill has been idle. The Senate on April 16 returned to work from Easter recess but so far has not acted on the measure which would strengthen the middle class by giving workers the freedom to choose union representation. The legislation also would rein in the employer harassment, intimidation and anti-worker tactics that tens of thousands of workers encounter every year when they try to form unions. In introducing the legislation to the full Senate, Senator Kennedy told his colleagues that the EFCA is essential to help working families get their fair share of our economic prosperity. During his opening statement, the senior senator from Massachusetts said in part, “For far too long, we’ve acquiesced in a lopsided economy that benefits wealthy individuals and corporations, but not America’s working families. Tens of millions of our men and women are working harder than ever, but they aren’t receiving their fair share of the economy they helped do so much to create and sustain.” Kennedy told his colleagues that over the past six years, corporate profits have increased 65 percent and productivity is up 18 percent. During the same period, however, he said that household income has declined and the wages of working Americans have been stagnant. “Six million have lost their health insurance,” Kennedy said. “Their retirement is uncertain as well—only one in five workers today has a guaranteed pension. In short, working families are finding that the American dream is beyond their reach. This injustice is worsening each year, and it is time for Congress to deal with it.” The senator suggested that the best way to ensure that employees receive their fair share of America’s prosperity is to give them a stronger voice in the workplace. “Unions were fundamental in building America’s middle class, and they have a vital role today in preserving the American dream for working families,” Kennedy said. “Unions can make all the difference between an economy that’s fair, and an economy where working people are left behind,” he continued. “Union wages are 30 percent higher than non-union wages. Eighty percent of union workers have health insurance, compared to only 49 percent of non-union workers. Union members are four times more likely to have a secure, guaranteed pension.” Senator Kennedy said that in view of the state of affairs, it is small wonder that most American workers want union representation. “The question is why don’t more of them have it?” he said. He told those in the Senate chamber that “the reason is clear. In 2005 alone, more than 30,000 workers were illegally fired or retaliated against for attempting to exercise their right to have a union in their workplace. Every 17 minutes, a worker is fired or punished in some illegal way for supporting a union. Unscrupulous employers routinely break the law to keep unions out—they intimidate employees, harass Shipyard Workers Ratify Contract More than 6,000 members from 15 unions on April 5 started returning to their jobs at the Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. after being on strike for more than three weeks. The work stoppage at the Northrop Grumman Ship Systems yard ended following the workers’ ratification of the terms—by a 3 to 2 margin—of a new three-year agreement. Published reports indicated that metal trades workers approved the contract with a 60 percent vote, while 67 percent of electrical workers voted yes. The workers, many of them still struggling to recover from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, went on strike March 8 after rejecting two previous offers from Northrop Grumman. They were demanding greater wage increases with no hikes in health care premiums. They walked out after twice decisively voting down contract proposals from the company. The last offer shortened the term of the contract from four to three years but still would have raised wages by only $2.50 an hour by 2009 and would have increased health care premiums by 50 percent while still leaving workers without dental or vision coverage. May 2007 them, and discriminate against them. They shut down whole departments—or even entire plants—to avoid negotiating a union contract. It’s illegal and unacceptable, but it happens every day.” The senator told his colleagues that the current system clearly is broken. “It can’t stop these illegal, anti-worker, anti-labor, antiunion tactics that take place every day. The penalties are so minor that employers treat them as just another cost of doing business. “Even when workers succeed in forming a union, they often can’t obtain a first contract because management stonewalls them and refuses to negotiate,” Kennedy said. “Half of all cases alleging that employers refused to bargain are filed during first-contract negotiations—and in most of those cases the National Labor Relations Board finds an unfair labor practice.” The senator said that year after year, Congress has refused to act against these union-busting tactics that now are all too familiar in the workplace. “It’s time to listen to the voice of America’s working men and women, and give them what they want and deserve—a fair voice in the workplace and a fair chance at the American dream,” he said. Concluding his remarks, Kennedy noted, “This essential legislation will strengthen protections for workers’ freedom to choose union representation. It will restore their democratic right to join together for better wages, better benefits, and better working conditions. It will help millions of working men and women to build a better life for themselves and a better future for their children.” Elsewhere, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said that with the EFCA, the Senate has “a historic chance to make sure that America works the way it should for everyone. “A union card is the straightest ticket into a middle class lifestyle with a decent standard of living and the ability to provide for your family,” stated the labor federation president. “But for too long now, working people have been denied the opportunity to have a union because corporations flagrantly and routinely violate workers’ freedom to form unions, and the law is helpless to stop them.” Meanwhile, support for the legislation is growing among elected officials. According to the AFL-CIO, almost 20 municipalities, counties and state legislative bodies already have approved resolutions supporting the legislation, including state houses in Kentucky, Michigan and West Virginia, the Minnesota Senate and the Democratic Non-Partisan League caucuses in both houses of the North Dakota legislature. In addition, supportive resolutions are still pending in 13 states, three counties in Maryland and in Los Angeles, Southfield, Mich., and Albuquerque. Congressional Hearing Examines Dangers on Foreign-Flag Cruises A gigantic number of people—more than 12 million worldwide by some estimates—annually take to the high seas aboard foreign-flag cruise ships in search of carefree vacations. All too often, though, a significant number of these passengers experience serious problems, as detailed in a recent spate of media coverage. Some have endured degrading or otherwise distressing incidents up to and including sexual assault and rape. Others have been involved in accidents which resulted in debilitating injuries. Then there are those who disappeared or became murder victims. Today nearly all the ocean cruise lines employ passenger ships registered under flags of Employees at other Northrop shipyards along the Gulf Coast in Gulfport, Miss., and in Avondale and Tallulah, La. approved labor contracts earlier this year. The month-long Pascagoula strike is the longest work stoppage at the plant in more than seven years. “We are proud of the solidarity and commitment that the workers put on the line to bring about the kind of agreement that both the union and the company can be proud of,” said Ron Ault, president of the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department. “The workers won additional security against the volatility of the Gulf’s economy. The company will benefit from increased productivity, efficiency and enhanced morale.” “Our members, who are still suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, have stood up and refused to be victims any longer,” says IBEW International President Ed Hill. Among the pact’s highlights are base wage increases amounting to $3.78 per hour over the life of the agreement; shift premiums of 80 cents an hour; attendance bonuses with the potential to earn an additional $1,040 annually; cost-of-living allowances in the second and third year; fixed health care premiums in the third year of the contract; increases in pension benefits; and additional vacation and holidays. various foreign countries and fly so-called flags of convenience. Of the more than 125 vessels operating in the lucrative cruise industry, only a few currently fly the U.S. flag. Between the years 2000 and 2005, the FBI investigated more than 300 violent crimes aboard foreign-flag cruise vessels—but less than 15 percent of the cases resulted in successful prosecution, according to the bureau’s data. Criminal convictions were secured in only seven percent of 135 rape cases, 20 percent of 64 non-sexual assault cases, and 16 percent of 25 murder cases investigated by the FBI during the five-year period. No convictions were won in 30 missing person cases. Although the foregoing numbers are far from epidemic, they are considerable enough to potentially generate a sense of uneasiness among potential passengers as well as stakeholders in the multibillion dollar cruise industry. The incidents also have incited hearings in the halls of the U.S. Congress where representatives are considering legislation that would require cruise ships that dock in the United States to immediately notify local law enforcement officials of any crimes that occurred aboard the ship or any instances of passengers going overboard. The latest of the hearings (one also was conducted last year) took place March 27 in Washington, D.C. During those proceedings before the House Transportation maritime subcommittee, Ross Klein, a Canadian university professor of social work who has written extensively on the cruise industry, told those in attendance that one’s risk of being sexually assaulted is as much as 50 percent higher on a cruise ship than in the average American city. In hearings that took place in early 2006, Dr. James Fox told the subcommittee that the rate of sexual assault on cruise ships is 17.6 per 100,000 passengers. Fox was hired by the cruise lines to develop crime rates for the March 7, 2006 Congressional hearings. Klein’s testimony, however, indicated that the actual crime rate for sexual assaults aboard cruise ships nearly triples Fox’s estimates at 48.065 per 100,000. According to Klein’s findings: The annual rate of all sexrelated shipboard incidents (per 100,000) was 161.996. Incidents of sexual assaults (per 100,000) was 48.065 The rate for sexual assaults in U.S. cities (per 100,000) was 32.200. In elaborating on the implications of his findings, Klein told the subcommittee, “The numbers indicate that the cruise industry has a problem and they (cruise line officials) appear either unwilling or unable to deal with it.” The professor’s subsequent testimony provided evidence to support the prevailing belief that foreign-flag cruise ship passengers in fact are ill served, sometimes fatally so, by the current security efforts of some cruise lines. Committee Chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) at the outset of the latest hearing told his colleagues that most Americans don’t understand the legal complexities that are connected to prosecuting crimes that happen on cruise ships outside of the U.S. territorial limits. Cummings was alluding to the fact that many crimes are committed on cruises while the ships are traveling outside the 20-kilomeContinued on page 9 Seafarers LOG 5 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:06 PM Page 6 Commendation Given to Participants in Alaska’s Hiring Program The Seafarers International Union was specifically mentioned in a formal certificate of commendation recently issued by the 25th Alaska State Legislature in honor of the 10th anniversary of Alaska’s Jones ActLocal Hire Initiative. Nearly 400 Alaskan residents, including displaced fishermen and veterans, have been able to take advantage of some part of this initiative to provide them with quality training and jobs in the maritime industry. The SIU and its contracted companies in the Jones Act trade—including Alaska Tanker Company, Crowley Marine, Horizon Lines, Totem Ocean Trailer Express and Seabulk, Inc.—have helped provide steady employment opportunities aboard Jones Act and other U.S.-flag vessels to those in Alaska’s Department of Labor training programs. Their success has led to additional initiatives and partnerships focused on providing training grants, college scholarships and apprenticeships to Alaskan natives throughout the state, including the endowment of a $2 million scholarship fund by a Ketchikan resident for Ketchikan high school graduates who wish to pursue a maritime career. As noted in the above commendation, this “public/private/labor partnership that has evolved into the Ketchikan-based SeaLink, Inc. has among the highest placement and graduation rates of any Alaska Department of Labor training program in our state.” NMU PENSION, ANNUITY & 401(K) PLANS AND NMU VACATION PLAN Trustee, Administration and Summary of Material Modifications for the Year 2006 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – Co-Chairmen EMPLOYER TRUSTEES UNION TRUSTEES Thomas Murphy Marine Personnel & Provisioning, Inc. 1083 N. Collier Blvd, PMB #387 Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 393-0435 David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Seafarers International Union of N.A. AGLIWD/NMU 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 AMENDMENTS & OTHER ITEMS NMU Pension Plan, Annuity Plan and 401(k) Plan: During 2006, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Adds Eligibility of a deferred vested pension to the Reciprocal Agreement with the Seafarers Pension Plan. 2. Provides for the changes in the regulation promulgated by the Department of Treasury. 3. Provided for a change in the name of the Plan to NMU Pension Plan, NMU Annuity Plan and Seafarers 401(k) Plan effective January 1, 2007. NMU Vacation Plan: 1. Provides for a change in the entitlement to vacation benefits (i.e. those with thirty days or more of Covered Employment) shall forfeit such benefits unless an application to collect such benefits is made within two years or on December 31, 2008, whichever is later. 2. Provides for the Merger of the NMU Vacation Plan into the Seafarers Vacation Plan as of January 1, 2007. ADMINISTRATOR Miriam Bove NMU Benefit Plans 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 A LOS QUE HABLAN ESPANOL Esta noticia contiene informacion importante sobre sus derechos como marinero bajo los planes del Plan NMU Pension, Annuity, y Vacation Plan. Si tuviera usted dificultades para comprender alguna parte de esta noticia se la explicara la misma en espanol. Esta ayuda podra recibirla en persona en la oficina principal del Plan, ubicada en el numero 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Las cartas en espanol deberan ser dirigidas a la oficina del Plan de Maryland. Las llamadas telefonicas para solicitar ayuda en espanol deberan tambien ser hechas a la oficina del Plan en Maryland, cuyo numero de telefono es: 1301-899-0675. 6 Seafarers LOG Notice/Reminder Anthrax Immunization Program Resumption As previously announced, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), at the direction of the Department of Defense, has resumed the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program for individuals in high-risk areas and performing certain roles. According to the directive signed by the undersecretary of defense, civilian and contract mariners sailing aboard MSC ships in the Central Command area of responsibility or the Korean Peninsula for 15 or more consecutive days are required to resume anthrax immunizations, except as provided under applicable medical and administrative exemption policies. Additionally, according to MSC, “Any mariner not subject to the mandatory program who has received at least one dose of anthrax vaccine in the past will be allowed, if desired, to voluntarily complete the six-shot anthrax vaccination series and receive any boosters as required by the Food and Drug Administration-approved dosing schedule. Individuals will be notified by their chain of command if the shots are required. Navy medical personnel will give the vaccinations either aboard MSC ships, in MSC workspaces or at military medical treatment facilities.” Additional information is available on line at: www.anthrax.mil Among many other items, that site contains a government brochure (in PDF format) covering some of the basics about anthrax, the vaccine, possible side effects, categories of eligibility and more. The link for that brochure is: http://www.anthrax.mil/documents/996AvipTrifold.pdf Copies should be available at all SIU halls. Seafarers may contact their port agent for more information. Also, CIVMARS may contact Navy Ensign Robert Hicke at Robert.hicke@navy.mil or (757) 443-5769. All other mariners may contact MSC Force Surgeon Capt. Dwight C. Fulton at Dwight.fulton@navy.mil or (202) 685-5135. SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD ACTION #435 Effective March 1, 2007, Seafarers Appeals Board Action #435 amended the shipping rules to mandate seamen permanently employed must complete the specialty course for their specific rating in order to retain their permanent position. Specialty courses required for the ratings of Chief Electrician, QMED Electrician, QMED/Electrician relief, Electrician, and Engine Maintenance/Electrician Relief are affected by this Action as follows. 1. The specialty courses required for the ratings of Chief Electrician, QMED Electrician, QMED/Electrician Relief, Electrician, and Engine Maintenance/Electrician Relief shall be defined as Marine Electrical Maintenance and Refrigerator Container Advancement Maintenance Specialty Course. 2. Effective March 1, 2007, seamen awarded any of the above mentioned positions must have successfully completed (at any time) these specialty courses in order to be considered in compliance with this Rule. 3. Seamen currently employed in any of the above mentioned ratings in a permanent capacity shall be required to have successfully completed the specialty courses identified above by July 1, 2009 in order to retain their permanent assignment, provided such courses are offered. Yearly Statements Mailed 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 Margaret Bowen. 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 2006 was 10.16 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $49.6 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 or via checks sent directly to the Plan. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s defined benefit pension. Under the SMPPP, members who became participants on or after July 1, 2006 and who have completed at least three years of service have a right to a percentage of their “Employer Contribution Account” as follows: three years of service equals 50 percent; four years of service equals 75 percent; five or more years of service equals 100 percent. Participants are immediately vested for the employee contribution segment of their respective accounts as soon as the first such contribution is made. Those who became participants before July 1, 2006 were vested from the first day money was received on their behalf. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of sea time 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. May 2007 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 11:31 AM Page 7 SIU CIVMARS Win Food Service Awards Members of the SIU Government Services Division recently were recognized by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) for outstanding work in the steward department. The fleet replenishment oilers USNS Laramie and USNS Yukon received MSC’s Capt. David L. Cook Awards “for exceptional food service,” according to the agency. The awards were presented March 31 during festivities in Kansas City, Mo. CIVMARS and hundreds of military guests attended. The Laramie was selected from MSC’s “large ship East Coast” category while the Yukon was chosen from the “large ship West Coast” field. In announcing the recognition, MSC noted, “The food service award is an important one. The health and morale of MSC’s approximately 5,000 civil service mariners hinges in large part on the quality of the meals prepared for them by their ship’s food service team.” Accepting the awards this year on behalf of their ships were Tyrone Trotman, supply officer aboard the Laramie, and Victorino Damasco, chief steward aboard the Yukon. Damasco, a Seafarer who has sailed with MSC since 1994, had 28 years of prior food service experience in the U.S. Navy. “During all my years in the Navy, none of my ships ever won the Navy’s food service excellence award,” said Damasco. “My first objective when I joined MSC was to win its award—and now we have!” The award is named for the late Navy Capt. David L. Cook, former MSC director of logistics from 1995 to 1998, who was a catalyst in improving all aspects of the food service operations aboard MSC ships. According to Roberta Jio, chief of MSC’s food service policy and procedures, competition for the award was intense. “The problem in selecting the best was compounded by the fact that all of our food service teams are good,” said Jio. “But to be the best means that the winning teams really had to exhibit stellar performance in their food service programs.” To win the annual award, MSC civil service mariner-crewed ships submitted a nomination package describing its food service programs to a Military Sealift Fleet Support Command committee. Once the nominations were reviewed, MSFSC sent five nominations to a team of judges. This year’s judges—Jio, International Food Service Executive Association Executive Chef Nydia Eckstrom and Navy Medical Officer Lt. Mary Graves —then visited the finalists to More Kudos For Ericsson service mariners and a military detachment of 23 active-duty Navy sailors—was cited for its crew’s work in preventing pollution, ensuring readiness in responding to environmental issues, conserving resources and complying with environmental regulations. While the ship voluntarily met standards stricter than required by the Navy, it also ensured that each mariner received special training in environmental management, used environmentally friendly chemicals and conducted monthly spill drills. As a result, in two years, the Ericsson transferred almost 82 million gallons of fuel in 353 separate fuelings at sea without a significant mishap. The Secretary of the Navy Environmental Awards program recognizes Navy and Marine Corps individuals, teams, ships and installations for exceptional environmental stewardship. In a congratulatory message to the Ericsson crew, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment B.J. Penn said, “Your accomplishments are outstanding in their own right and exemplify the Department of the Navy’s commitment to environmental stewardship.” The award will be presented at a ceremony in June in Washington, D.C. The Ericsson is one of 14 fleet replenishment oilers that provide fuel to Navy combat ships and jet fuel for aircraft aboard aircraft carriers. Info Gathered on TWIC, MMC mentation of the MMC for at least one year after TWIC implementation. “We also recommend that the MMC as proposed should be redesigned to include a biometric identifier so as to become compliant with all relevant international conventions, especially International Labor Organization Convention No. 180 (ILO C185). Such a modification would allow the MMC to serve as the Seafarers Identity Document under ILO C-185, important to U.S. mariner shore leave in foreign ports and for which the TWIC will not suffice. We agree with the MERPAC (Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee) recommendation of a passport-style MMC with a page dedicated to the Seafarers Identity Document and conforming with ILO requirements.” As previously reported, the SIU will publicize information on the TWIC and MMC as it is released by the various agencies involved, including the firm details of when, where and how to apply for a TWIC. Meanwhile, questions about the TWIC may be emailed to the Coast Guard at uscg-twic-helpdesk@uscg.mil. The phone number for the TSA’s TWIC help desk is 877-6872243, and the TSA’s TWIC web site is located at http:// www.tsa.gov/. The fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, has received the 2006 Secretary of the Navy Environmental Quality Small Ship award, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) announced. The Ericsson earlier this year had earned an environmental award from the Chief of Naval Operations. That honor made the vessel eligible for the more recent award. The 678-foot ship—recently operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and crewed by 81 civil Continued from page 2 document be altered or modified to include an encoded biometric, to be used as a biometric transportation security card in lieu of the TWIC, especially since the Coast Guard recognizes the MMD as an identity document. We question the need for yet another document that the merchant mariner must obtain and carry when the current and timetested merchant mariner document may be adapted to encapsulate an encoded biometric. “The SIU believes that with a security vetting process (threat assessment), preferably initiated by the Coast Guard, the biometric MMD would adequately respond to the mandate of the MTSA for a biometric transportation security card, given the fact that the Coast Guard advises that a security assessment is not required for the mariner population who have an MMD issued after Feb. 3, 2003, implying that those mariners have undergone a full security vetting by the Coast Guard and therefore need not undergo a TWIC security assessment. The SIU urges the committee to consider this simplified approach for merchant mariners who are required to hold merchant mariner documents instead of acceding to the TSA May 2007 implementation process as enunciated in its final rule.” In response to the supplementary notice about the MMC, the SIU submitted joint comments along with the American Maritime Officers; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Marine Firemen’s Union; Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Sailors’ Union of the Pacific. Those comments read in part, “The Coast Guard should not lose sight of the fact that this rulemaking comes in the context of serious new challenges for mariner recruitment, training and retention. Regulatory changes related to the International Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) have stressed the skilled labor pool, and the future impact of the TWIC and the Coast Guard’s new physical evaluation standards are likely to put further pressure on available supply of qualified mariners. Since the TWIC is a pre-requisite for the MMC, we think SNPRM’s expected August 2008 effective date is too soon. At minimum, it should become effective only after the TWIC implementation is complete in September 2008. But since the full effect of the TWIC on the regulated population might not be felt for many months, we urge the Coast Guard to delay the imple- CIVMARS Victorino Damasco (center) and Tyrone Trotman (right) accept the Capt. David L. Cook Awards for food service excellence on behalf of fellow crew members from the USNS Yukon and USNS Laramie, respectively. Presenting the awards March 31 in Kansas City, Mo. is Navy Capt. William Brown, Fleet Forces Command director of logistics. determine the winner. The judges spent a full day on each of the ships, looking at food preparation, administration, management, safety, facilities, equipment and utensils, training, sanitation and shipboard waste management. In addition to the public recognition received during the awards ceremony, winning food service teams will receive cash bonuses and will have the opportunity to participate in advanced culinary training. Calif. Grocery Negotiations Resume Despite anti-worker tactics by some of its contracted companies in Southern California, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) is trying to secure a fair labor agreement for tens of thousands of members employed at California’s big three grocery chains. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, the UFCW was negotiating a new contract with Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons that would govern pay and benefits for 65,000 grocery workers at 785 stores from Bakersfield, Calif. to the Mexican border. The same three chains were involved in the 140-day strike and lockout that idled more than 70,000 union workers from October 2003 to February 2004. The bitter strike was first called against Safeway’s Vons stores, and then Ralphs and Albertsons locked out their union workers. The trouble was triggered mostly by health care issues, which still agitate the industry. Three years ago UFCW union members eventually voted to accept a contract that restructured wages and health benefits for new hires. Now, more than half the local workers at Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons are on the new, lower tier of wages, which tops out at $15.10 an hour, compared to $17.90 an hour for workers on the higher tier. Most of the second-tier workers don’t get health insurance through their employer. This contract expired March 5 but has been extended twice. Negotiations broke down April 4 in the midst of growing tensions over the threat of a strike by the union and an employee lockout by the companies. UCFW members in March voted to strike Albertsons. Labor officials did not set a date for any job action but indicated they wanted to give negotiations more time. The grocery chains countered by signing an anti-labor pact in which they agreed to lock out union employees within 48 hours of a strike against any one of the companies. The anti-worker agreement also called for the chains to provide financial assistance to any of the companies struck by the union. “The supermarkets are up to their old tricks,” said UFCW International Vice President and Region 8 Director Shaun Barclay. “This pact fits the same pattern of their actions three years ago when they forced UFCW members and their families into the streets and disrupted shoppers for nearly five months in a grab to end meaningful health care coverage for employees.” The union pointed out that Stater Bros. and Gelson’s—two smaller Southern California regional chains—and the UFCW have reached model agreements, providing wage increases, the end to second-class status for new workers and a return to providing affordable, quality health coverage for all employees. Supervalu, Kroger and Safeway all enjoy annual sales that are 10 to 20 times bigger than Stater Bros. and Gelson’s, the UFCW noted. The smaller chains don’t have the economies of scale in their warehousing and distribution networks, nor do they have the clout with major manufacturers and vendors that the national chains command, the union reported. And they face the same non-union competition in the Southern California market that is overwhelmingly unionized. “Given that the big grocers say they want to ‘serve the interests of our employees, customers, and companies,’ it’s a no-brainer for these national companies to reach a settlement along the lines of the Stater Bros. and Gelson’s agreements,” said Barclay. “They’re making record profits and hold dominant positions in markets across the country where they operate.” He continued, “But forming this (anti-labor) pact speaks louder than words. It certainly appears that the big grocers have no interest in recognizing UFCW members for their partnership in the impressive success of their companies. It seems they have no interest in the effects their position will have on employees, families, shoppers and communities.” Negotiations resumed April 16. Seafarers LOG 7 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19x:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:01 PM Page 8 Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Reaches More Milestones Union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. during the last few months has been in the headlines and making industry news about new builds and agreements for additional construction. That noteworthy trend continued March 28 as the yard announced the signing of another significant pact. The state-of-theart shipyard, through its subsidiary Aker American Shipping, on that date signed an accord with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd., which extended the provisions of an existing agreement. Included in the updated arrangement are not only additional tankers but also possibilities for building containerships. Under an agreement signed in 2004, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) has been providing design and procurement services for a series of ten 46,000 dwt tankers currently being constructed at the shipyard in Philadelphia. The new agreement covers an Hull number 007, which will be the third tanker in the series, is quickly taking shape. additional six tankers, which mirrors an agreement in principle for additional charters with Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) that Aker American Shipping announced in February, as well as exclusive rights for containerships. “With our first product tanker delivered and four more already under construction, our shipyard is planning for the future,” said President and CEO of Aker American Shipping Dave Meehan. “We have agreements in place for a series of up to 16 product tankers and are preparing for the possibility of returning to another arena where we have proven ourselves—container vessels. “As with the product tankers, we will continue to apply flexibility and creativity in vessel ownership,” Meehan added. “Hyundai Mipo Dockyard has been an excellent partner and is a premier provider of vessels in their market. Likewise, Aker American Shipping is determined to become a premier player in the U.S. Jones Act market, and, working together, we are strengthening both the Jones Act U.S.-flag vessels are being built in Philadelphia for Seafarers-contracted OSG. market and shipbuilding expertise in the United States.” Meanwhile, Aker on March 23 announced two other milestones in its tanker program. Hull 006, the second product tanker in the series, has been floated from its berth in the yard’s building dock. The ship is scheduled for completion this summer. Additionally, steel cutting recently began for Hull 009, the fifth vessel in the series, marking start of production on that ship. With two other tankers also in production, the yard now once again has four of the 600-foot long MT 46 Veteran Class tanker vessels under construction. The second tanker in OSG’s Aker Philadelphia series is transferred from the building dock. Pride of Aloha Snapshots Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio sent this collection of pictures from the Pride of Aloha, one of the Seafarerscrewed cruise ships operated by NCL America. “I encourage all SIU members in their work and send regards to everybody in the union,” he wrote. Kudos for Seabulk Challenge Seafarers At right is 1st Asst. Carpenter Jose Dizon (left) and Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio. AMO Captain Kelly Sweeney recently submitted these photos taken aboard the tanker Seabulk Challenge back around the turn of the year. During the voyage, “I was, as always, impressed with the professionalism and hard work of my shipmates,” Sweeney noted. Pictured are (top photo) AB John Yi (several hundred miles from arrival at Barber’s Point, Hawaii); (below left) DEU “MoMo” Mohamed, whom shipmates credited with an excellent job keeping the engine room clean; and Sweeney, who in addition to making a living at sea is scheduled to write a regular column in Professional Mariner magazine starting in August. He concluded: “I hope to keep in contact with all of you through my writing or at captsweeney@professionalmariner.com.” Chief Carpenter Dennis Remetio (in photo above and kneeling in the photo at right) helps repair the flooring with some of the assistant carpenters aboard ship. Left: Assistant carpenters gather inside the carpentry shop afer a fire drill. Right: Bosun Renato Govico works with an OS in refinishing the floors. 8 Seafarers LOG May 2007 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 11:52 AM Page 9 USNS Stockham Rescues 20 Helicopters Save Aid Workers from Stranded Freighter Helicopters from the Seafarerscrewed prepositioning vessel USNS Fred W. Stockham rescued 20 people from a Taiwaneseflagged vessel that ran aground on a coral reef near the Gizo harbor in the Solomon Islands in the late hours of April 12, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Most of those rescued were New Zealand Red Cross and aid workers who were in the area to provide assistance to victims of the tsunami that struck the region April 2. Earlier in the week, the Stockham was directed to the Solomon Islands to prepare for support operations assisting relief efforts on the ground. The crew received a distress call from the Gizo port authority requesting they provide assistance to a 200foot freighter named Yun Fa. After running aground, the vessel was foundering in nearly 12-foot waves and had become unseawor- The SIU-crewed USNS Stockham, part of MSC’s prepositioning fleet, recently saved 20 people from a stranded vessel in the Solomon Islands. thy. The Gizo port authority requested that Stockham provide helicopter assistance to rescue the aid workers and one severely injured crew member. “When the distress call was made, the ship’s crew and military detachment were quick to respond and well prepared to handle the crisis,” said the Stockham’s civilian master, Capt. Perry Seyler. “I’m very proud of the ship’s surgeon and the members of the helicopter detachment, who put themselves in harm’s way to rescue the aid workers and the crew member.” The Stockham’s surgeon departed on the ship’s seven-passenger HH-60 helicopter within an hour of the distress call, and minutes later arrived in the vicinity of the Yun Fa. He treated injuries, and the 20 people were brought aboard the helicopter using the helicopter’s external hoist. The helicopter then flew to Gizo, where the passengers were met by local police and medical personnel to receive further assistance. Foreign-Flag Cruise Dangers Examined Continued from page 5 ter-wide U.S. territorial limits. Since the vast majority of ships fly under foreign flags—such as the Bahamas or Panama—they are not under U.S. jurisdiction once they leave U.S. waters. To make matters worse, the FBI says that for several reasons, cruise ship crimes are difficult to prosecute. Evidence and testimony is hard to gather in cruise ship crime cases because, while the vessels carry security crew members, they do not have law enforcement professionals and crime scene technicians aboard. An investigation cannot begin until the ship reaches port, and evidence can deteriorate or be compromised in the interim. In addition, the FBI’s jurisdiction is limited because the ships are not registered in the United States. The FBI can investigate if a cruise ship crime involves a U.S. citizen or if the ship is leaving or entering a U.S. port when the incident occurs. When crimes occur on the high seas, however, jurisdiction falls most often to authorities in the nearest foreign port of call. Furthermore, officers and crew members aboard foreignflag cruise ships hail from many foreign countries that often shield them from prosecution by U.S. authorities. “The jurisdiction Tugboat Duty Added to Fleet Continued from page 4 Engines—Two Cat 3512B turbo charged marine diesels, 1,500 hp each @ 1,600 rpm. Propulsion—Two SteerProp Model SP 14 Azimuth Propulsors (Z-Drive) with Model HJ 3-5 Kort Nozzles turning 1.9 meter diameter four-blade nickel/aluminum propellers featuring Centa composite shafting. Towing—At stern, JonRie Series 500 Single Drum Towing Winch with 2,200 feet of two inch tow wire, 82,500 pounds, 60 feet per minute, brake load 275,000 pounds. Electric/ hydraulic winch powered from one of the generator diesels. Tanks—43,700 gallons diesel fuel, 2,400 gallons combined lube and hydraulic oils, 4,900 gallons potable fresh water. Wheelhouse—Conventional wheelhouse equipped with custom-made, closed-circuit TV system for tug security and safety. Also equipped with Sperry May 2007 Navipilot 4000 Autopilot with Navigat X MK1 gyro compass system, two Furuno 25 kW BB radars and MX Marine Model MX420/2 DGPS system. According to the company, great attention was paid to “crew comfort and safety features” including an engine room firesuppression system and emergency tow pin release system designed to prevent deckhands from being exposed to heavy seas if they have to quickly disconnect. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., Express Marine is familyowned and has been in business for more than 100 years. It has a fleet of eight tugs and 30 barges, and specializes in coal tows to power plants along the Northeast Coast. The company also provides ship docking and general towing, both coastal and offshore. Another new tug is being built in Pensacola for Express Marine and is slated for delivery later this year. It is slightly smaller than the Duty but will have many of the same features. issue is very tricky and a tangled web,” Salvador Hernandez, a deputy assistant director at the FBI, told the subcommittee. In acknowledging the difficulties formerly cited, cruise ship operators who appeared during the hearing announced a new voluntary agreement with the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard that would improve and standardize crime reporting. Under the agreement, cruise lines would immediately report violations of U.S. laws taking place outside of U.S. waters. Several lawmakers lauded the effort but suggested that crime reporting should be mandatory, not voluntary. Officials from the FBI and Coast Guard also applauded the new steps but said there are still complex jurisdictional problems to overcome. Cummings said that the subcommittee would give the cruise industry and federal law enforcement agencies six months from the date of the hearing to ascer- U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Meyers A Taiwanese vessel is shown stuck on a reef in the waters around the Solomon Islands, after her crew was rescued the night before by a U.S. Navy helicopter deployed aboard the USNS Stockham. Operated by Seafarers-contracted Keystone Shipping for MSC, the Stockham is a government-owned, roll-on/roll-off and containership crewed by civilian mariners. When the rescue took place, the ship also was carrying more than 100 military personnel. SIU members sailing aboard the Stockham during the rescue were: Bosun Neil Sullivan, ABs Ira Thomas Jr., Frank Guido, Guy Butler Jr., Munassar Ahmad and Robert Butler, Electrician Robert Ott, Chief Storekeeper Bennie McKnight, QMEDs Alan Nelson, Robert Lee, Ernesto Acosta and Philip Zalewski, Chief Steward Robert Easley, Chief Cook Vernon Thibodeaux, Assistant Cooks Robert Brooks Jr. and Saleh Sewileh, SAs Mahmood Monassar, Saleh Omar and Breon Saunders, GVAs Charles Parker, Michael Sivells and Harrison Hawkins and GUDE Towfiek Ahmed. tain the merits of the voluntary agreement. At the conclusion of that time period, another hearing will take place. Besides testimony from experts, cruise industry stakeholders, the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard, members of the subcommittee listened to accounts from cruise ship victims. One victim, 36-year-old Laurie Dishman, a resident of Sacramento, Calif., was overcome by tears time and again as she recounted how she last year was raped by a cruise ship employee while aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Mexican Riviera. “The terror of that experience still overwhelms me,” she said, but the events that later transpired were almost as bad. Dishman testified that the cruise line did virtually nothing to respond to her situation. She was given a garbage bag and told to collect evidence from the scene— including giving herself a “rape kit” exam. According to several sources, even after Dishman identified her attacker as a ship janitor who also was working as a security guard, the man continued to work on the ship. “The feeling was like nobody was helping me. Everything was slow-motion and they were trying to figure out how to protect themselves,” she said. Gary Bald acknowledged problems in the company’s response to Dishman and said the business has improved security and has taken steps to ensure that in the future, victims are given better information and support and crime scenes are secured. Bald is senior vice president of global security for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “It was our intention and desire to assist her in every way we could,” Bald said. “I feel we accomplished that in some respects but in others I feel we came up short.” After the ship docked in Los Angeles, the FBI presented Dishman’s case to the U.S. attorney, who chose not to prosecute for lack of evidence. Dishman is suing Royal Caribbean. Important Notice—SHBP Switching to CIGNA Effective July 1, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) will switch to a new affiliation with CIGNA HealthCare, replacing the current affiliation with First Health Network. The move follows an exhaustive search by the SHBP Trustees to improve network access, enhance access to state-of-the-art programs and ensure that quality service will be provided to Seafarers and their families. Additional details will be published in upcoming editions of the Seafarers LOG and also will be included in letters scheduled to be mailed beginning in May to all SHBP participants. New enrollment cards also will be mailed to participants in time to make the switch. The new affiliation with CIGNA does not change Seafarers’ benefits and for the most part is expected to be seamless. CIGNA is a larger network than First Health, but many health care providers participate in both networks— meaning the vast majority of Seafarers won’t need to change doctors in order to remain in the SHBP-affiliated network. For example, approximately 90 percent of the SHBP claims processed in 2006 came through medical offices affiliated with CIGNA. “The Plan anticipates that the new affiliation will be the best of both worlds: better and wider coverage for Seafarers and their families, and cost-savings for the SHBP,” said Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. “Also, individual savings should be realized because of the larger network and related discounts that might be offered by a particular physician.” Seafarers may check with their respective health care providers to determine if they are in the CIGNA network, or may go on line for that information. A link to CIGNA’s web site with access to a current list of providers may be found at www.seafarers.org/members/. A toll-free phone number with access to provider information is being established and will be included in future communications. The correct CIGNA web address is http://www.cigna.com/SA-PP02 Please note that the second-to-last letter in the CIGNA web address is the capital letter “O” rather than a zero, and also note that the web address is case-sensitive. To avoid confusion, Seafarers are urged to type in the entire web address rather than going to the CIGNA home page, partly because CIGNA has different networks within its organization. Or, they may simply access the link through: www.seafarers.org/members/ Seafarers LOG 9 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 10:51 AM Page 10 Around the Port of Jacksonville Left: Seven Seafarers were sworn in at a recent membership meeting in the port of Jacksonville. SIU Patrolman Randy Senatore (standing left) delivered the oath to GUDEs George Pobee, Anthony Sumlar, Wade Jordan, Stephen Jenkins; and OMUs Florencio Marfa, Nat Lamb and Danilo Martin. Crew members aboard the Crowley tug Centurion Thornton Elliott (left), safety director in the port of Jacksonville, takes an order for additional manpower while Patrolman Randy Senatore ships AB Michael J. Pockat II to the Cleveland. Alfred G. Lane receives his first pension check from Safety Director Thornton Elliott on March 13. Lane, who retired in February, sailed in the engine department. Crew members aboard the Crowley tug Sentry What’s Happening in Philly? A Well-Deserved Retirement Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski (right in both photos) presents Phil Yaros (in photo at left) and Rufus Pritchett with their first pension checks. Yaros sailed as an AB in the deep sea division while Pritchett sailed inland in the deck department. STOS Norman Dize loads stores onto the tug Sentry with a forklift truck. Walking in Solidarity Wearing their union colors (and white caps), Seafarers in the port of Philadelphia joined with other unions March 15 in support of IBEW Local 614’s rally for a fair contract with Exelon/PECO. PECO, a unit of Exelon Energy Delivery, is Pennsylvania’s largest utility operator of electric and natural gas. Frank Kuders, president and business manager for Local 614, stated, “We’ve actually been in negotiations with Exelon/PECO for two years . . . and we feel that it’s been going on for entirely too long.” The employees represented by Local 614 say that Exelon’s business plan is cutting corners for shortterm profits by reducing the payroll (and thereby jeopardizing reliable service and employee safety) and reducing the benefits. Employees currently pay 20 percent of their medical costs and up to 100 percent for other benefits. 10 Seafarers LOG The tugs Sentry and Ensign are tied up alongside each other. Crew members aboard the Crowley tug Ensign May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May May 2007 4/28/2007 11:03 AM Page 11 Seafarers LOG 11 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/29/2007 11:58 AM Page 12 Seafarers Participate in Operation ‘De The SIU-crewed vessels USNS Paul Buck and American Tern, both part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet, recently participated in Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply mission to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Artarctica. The USNS Paul Buck, a tanker operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., arrived Feb. 1 and pumped off 162,000 barrels of fuel for equipment ranging from generators to helicopters. Once the Paul Buck departed, the American Tern, operated by Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management, docked at McMurdo’s ice pier to deliver 29,000 tons of equipment, food and other supplies—the life-sustaining cargo for McMurdo’s research scientists and residents. This was summer in Antarctica, so there was continuous sunlight for the around-the-clock operations. Phil Corl, the bosun aboard the Buck (who sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG), noted that it was much colder this trip than the previous one in 2005. Both ships encountered severe weather, rough seas, high winds and small icebergs en route to McMurdo, but both made it on time. Two icebreakers, the U.S.Coast Guard’s Polar Sea and Swedish icebreaker Oden had begun work in December to break a channel through 18 miles of ice that separated the open water from the pier. Corl said that the day they left McMurdo, it was -23 degrees F, with a 17-knot wind. “Thank God and Ocean Ships for the insulated suits and little chemical hand warmers that were handed out,” he said. He also noted that it was so cold that one of the main ballast line valves froze in the closed position and had to be replaced. “Not a job for the weak of heart,” he said, “but the operation itself went flawlessly.” MSC has participated in Operation Deep Freeze every year since the station was established in 1955. The icebreaker Polar Sea pulls up alongside the Paul Buck. The men in the engine room (from left) DEU Wally Kassem, QMED Orlando Pajarillo and DEU Dave Ruggirello had to make an impromptu grappling hook (right) to pull big chunks of ice from between the ship and the ice pier before they could dock. It was so cold that one valves froze and h AB Carlos Machado-Gomez AB Adam Riley Chief Cook Wally Saul Jr. helped keep the crew’s morale up with his gourmet meals and positive attitude. 12 Seafarers LOG AB Carlos Machado-Gomez May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/29/2007 11:59 AM Page 13 Deep Freeze’ “We traveled pretty much around the world to deliver the load,” noted Bosun Phil Corl. The map, above, shows the exact route. Posing on the deck of the USNS Paul Buck after completion of a successful mission are (from left) AB Derik Rye, SA Ramon Hernandez, Steward Asha Stryker, AB Carlos Machado-Gomez, QMED Orlando Pajarillo, UA Chris Caporale, DEU Wally Kassem, QMED Jonathan Miller, AB Adam Riley, GVA Al Young, Bosun Phil Corl, AB Al Wambach, DEU Dave Ruggirello, Chief Cook Wally Saul Jr., Pumpman Arthur Hurd and AB Stag Rye. k. The scenery of Antarctica from the ship was spectacular. Nobody can say that QMED Jonathan Miller was never in Antarctica! Here’s the proof. “After all the travel and adventure, we found it heartwarming to see the U.S. Coast Guard ship (icebreaker) and all of the good things that it represented to us,” stated Bosun Philip Corl. one of the main ballast line and had to be replaced. After tying up to the ice pier, the crew put fenders in place to accommodate the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Polar Sea, coming alongside. The USNS Paul Buck is tied up at the ice pier. AB Derik Rye AB Stag Rye May 2007 Seafarers LOG 13 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:40 PM Page 14 Recollections of the Merchant Marine in World War II Editor’s note: The first installment of retired Seafarer Albert Stimac’s experiences in the merchant marine appeared in last month’s Seafarers LOG. He wrote about his training, his first ship and then joining the SIU. Following is a continuation of his experiences, beginning with the job call in the union hall. They are the best recollections of his training and sea time from the end of 1943 to late 1946, so any inaccuracies in the details need not be brought to his attention. Some [of the ships requesting crews at the job call] were old rust buckets, as they were called, from World War I or before—all the way up to high-speed turbines that had 600 pounds dry super-heated steam. The word dry was used because if there was a leak in the line somewhere, you couldn’t see the steam coming out. It could cut off your arm or hand if you extended it to try and feel the hot steam. So a pine stick was used instead, and the sap would boil out of it if it was hit by the steam. Because of the war effort, you had no idea of what type of ship you picked out. Only numbers were allowed on the cargo they carried. They gave us no hint where we were going, either, but somebody usually knew the number codes and designations because they had had the same code on a previous ship. I was in the black gang and always tried to sign on with the highest rating I could. Watertender was lower than an oiler and got paid less. A junior engineer had more responsibility and got still more pay. So one picked what class he could hold. If you were the first one to sign on, and got there first, you got the single bunk. The other side had two bunks—upper and lower. The second guy aboard usually took the bottom bunk, and the third guy got the top bunk. The same went for which watch you worked. A watch was considered a four-hour period of time worked. It was four hours on and eight hours off. The best watch was 8:00 to 12:00. Then 12:00 to 4:00 and 4:00 to 8:00. You worked two, four-hour watches in a 24-hour period. The deckhands slept three in a fo’c’sle (room), and the black gang did likewise. There were three watertenders in one room and three oilers in another. Once in a while, on new ships, they carried a junior engineer. They were classified as officers, so they slept on the main deck area. Anyway, I needed to grab another ship because of lack of money. I could have stayed on the same ship if I wanted to, but I wanted to get a better and newer ship. One just took one’s chances. After I sailed three or four trips, I learned all the tricks employed in getting the better ships to sign up on. The most obvious ones were the Liberty ships built by Kaiser Shipyards. They all had a person’s name, like the SS John Henry, SS William Smith, etc. These were the most simple ships made. It was like a barge with a bow on the front of it. Made of 3⁄4inch steel plate, built in sections and then welded together. Each had a simple triple expansion steam engine for power. On a good day, it could get up to 76 revolutions per minute and go about 6 or 7 knots loaded. That’s with the wind and seas at your back. I threw in my card for the first black gang opening the next day. The best I could get after sitting around all day was as a fireman/watertender. If I thought I was going to improve my lot on my next ship, I was in for a big surprise. This one was worse and older than my first ship. I found out it originally had a teakwood deck, and when it was taken out of storage, they put on a steel deck. It was a very narrow ship, maybe 25 feet or so 14 Seafarers LOG across and 250 to 300 feet long. The engineroom was out of the 1920s with huge double-ended fire-tube boilers. This means that at 10 feet in diameter, the flames of fire went through the tubes and heated the water into steam. The newer boilers had water tubes with the fire cell around them. You had to be careful with these because if the boiler tubes ran dry, you could melt one and blow up your boiler. They also were quick to heat up and raise steam so you could sail in a few hours. The fire-tube ones with all that water in them took at least 24 hours to get 200 pounds of steam up. It got hot in the engineroom! We stood under a 6-foot diameter flue that picked up air from the deck as you went along and was supposed to cool us down. Each boiler had three burners on each end, so you had to change 12 burners every watch (four hours). You took the nozzle off and wire-brushed the carbon deposits and shined them up and then deck crew who usually knew first where they thought we were headed and what we carried for transport. They were topside all the time and had closer contact with the officers, purser, radioman and cooks. All of them had big ears and watchful eyes on everything. We also had “sea lawyers” just like in prison with their “jail-house lawyers.” They gave out lots of information freely. Most of it was just their opinion and half-true at best. Sitting there, doing nothing, I found out just how devious the human mind can be. Somebody had figured out the cargo code of what we were carrying. The most startling was a locked container area that was supposed to have watches and jewelry in it. Then, next thing I knew, I was being offered the opportunity to buy cigarettes —by the gross (144 cartons to the box), Arrow undershirts and shorts as well as socks. I didn’t smoke, so I refused the cigarettes, and none of the underwear fit me. A fireman and watertender aboard a Liberty ship had to adjust numerous valves and watch many gauges, because boilers allowed to run dry would explode. Official training aid photo, U.S. Maritime Service, Sheepshead Bay, NY cleaned out the hole in the nozzle head. The hottest we got was 168 degrees. So you tried to stay under the air vent all the time and drink boiling hot tea, which felt cool. When we went between the boilers to change burners, we really moved! Maximum was about seven minutes to shut off the burner, pull it out, stick in a new one and secure it, then back through the boilers to the air vent. We found out we were going to go to the Panama area to one of the small banana belt countries. We sailed down the East Coast and then into the Caribbean. If I remember correctly, we broke down about 20 or 25 times. Sometimes for just one-half hour or so, and other times for two or three hours. We made it pretty smoothly to the tip of Florida and then really got in trouble sailing toward Cuba. Had bad engine trouble and had to pull into Guantanamo Harbor in Cuba. That was a two-week stay until we got parts from the States. We were not allowed to go ashore, but the captain and officers went ashore every night in the captain’s launch. This made for a lot of hostility with the ordinary seamen. The captain warned us about swimming or going ashore in a makeshift contraption. Said the bay was full of sharks. So to test this out, the deckhands got some meat from the cooks and tied it to a meat hook (usually used to hang quarters of meat or half a pig). They used a winch with a steel cable and dropped the bait. It took about two minutes before the sharks smelled the blood and fresh meat. They got one—about five feet long— and winched it up on deck. The deckhands tried to kill it with a hatchet, to no avail. Finally, an officer who had to stay aboard and watch the crew took out a 45 pistol and shot it. A knife would not cut the skin. Finally, we got a fire axe and chopped it up and had lots of fun feeding it to the other sharks. Nobody ever made an attempt to swim ashore while we were there. But human nature being what it is, some of the crew found other ways to occupy their time. Basically, it was the At the time, I did not know that cigarettes were a chief barter item around the world. We could buy them for 60 cents a carton and sell them overseas for $2 or more per carton. Even a single cigarette was of value. Everybody wanted American cigarettes. They were better than the foreign currency and more stable. Later, I would buy my one carton a week allotted me on the ship, so I always had five or six cartons I could use for barter instead of cash. American money was also better than any foreign monies. Another good item was booze. You could buy name brands in the States from $3 to $5. GIs overseas paid up to $30 per bottle. I didn’t care to get involved in that business. But . . . back to the ship’s activities. In one day, many of the crew had underwear, socks and cigarettes under bunks or stuffed in their lockers. Nobody found any jewelry or watches. The boom came down when the captain found out about the break-in and looting. Had us all on deck and raised Cain, hollering and shouting. Said if it wasn’t all put back by the next morning, the FBI, CIA, Army Intelligence was coming aboard for a search. And if anything was found on us or we were involved in any way, it was BIG TROUBLE. Our papers would be pulled, and we would serve time. The word got out around the ship about the tides—when it would be high tide and when it would be low tide. Nobody was stupid enough to return the goods because they all knew the officers would be on alert. And once they got one guy, he would readily name others to save his own butt. So the word was, toss everything overboard after 10 o’clock when the tide was at its highest. Then, when the tide went out, it would wash all the contraband out of the harbor and into the sea. Everyone went to bed well pleased by getting rid of the evidence. But as things go sometimes, you are misinformed or given poor information. We got both. When we looked over the side, the whole bay was filled with cartons and boxes of cigarettes and Arrow shorts, socks and undershirts. The tide information was just the opposite of what the men were told. And so the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. It was amazing how quickly we got our needed parts for engine repair and sailed out of the harbor. Made it to Panama OK and unloaded our ship. Not having badly needed war materiel, it took about five days. I forget which one of the small countries around Panama we were headed to next. Anyway, they had a revolution going on. Somebody got hold of some army trucks and machine guns and took over. Somebody said they had a revolution every 30 days in this area, and it was no big deal. We made it back to New York with not too many problems. After I got paid, I took a trip home as I hadn't been there for six months. After three weeks at home, I headed back to New York City to grab another ship. Since I had a lot of shore time, I got to pick out a ship right away and signed on as an oiler. We were in port another week or so before sailing out to join up with a small convoy. We knew then we were going to the European war zone as we headed toward Newfoundland. This was a Liberty ship and, besides the holds being full, we carried different trucks up on deck, on the covers of the cargo holds. So we sat pretty low in the water. Being the oiler on a Liberty ship was a pretty easy job. Your biggest responsibility was to see that none of the bearings got hot. The vessel had a triple expansion steam engine. You oiled the top of the crankshafts every 20 minutes. Your oil can was just the ordinary kind that held about a quart of oil and had a long spigot on it. To oil, you held the can in the palm of your hand with the spigot between your fingers. The crankshafts would come up and down at a maximum of 78 times a minute. So you had to get the rhythm to follow up the crank and then squirt the oil into an open wick oil cup. Five or six squirts and on to the next crank. There were three crankshafts with a cup on each side. We cut the nozzle short to about four inches long. Originally, it was eight inches long or so and tapered, the smallest part on the end. The further down we cut it, the more oil came out on each squirt. This was done on the top grate. On the lower grate or deck, you felt the bearings that were connected to the driveshaft. The cranks sat in an open oil pan and contained about 50 gallons of oil. We would mix it half and half with just plain water. As the cranks turned, they made an emulsion that was a good enough lubricant to oil the bearings—and saved a lot of money. To feel the bearings, you waited for the crank to come around. You would put your hand between the crank and the piston rod. Your hand had to remain flat and your arm in rhythm with the crank coming around. After you missed the slot of where to stick your hand a couple times, you learned real quick how to do it properly. The only place one got a little nervous was going down the shaft alley to check the bearings. The driveshaft was about 16 inches or so in diameter and was made up of sections. There were about three or four bearings and they were immersed in oil in a bearing case. The shaft alley wasn’t very big. Just long. From the engineroom to the propeller in the stern, maybe seven feet or so high and six feet wide. With huge bearing cases to hold the shaft, one didn’t have too much to do, and one did not want to be caught in there if an accident happened. Brother Stimac’s wartime recollections will continue in a future edition of the Seafarers LOG. May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:43 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea June & July 2007 Membership Meetings MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals Totals Totals All Departments Algonac ................Friday: June 8, July 6 1 1 2 7 5 1 7 2 0 1 1 4 6 2 2 0 0 0 4 5 0 0 5 3 1 4 31 18 1 8 7 31 8 19 2 0 4 2 27 20 1 4 4 5 2 8 21 17 2 5 8 16 8 8 1 13 7 5 18 10 0 0 0 3 0 1 3 2 1 0 0 4 5 2 1 0 0 0 2 4 0 1 5 5 0 0 31 9 0 4 5 22 8 7 3 0 2 2 24 12 7 1 10 18 2 15 83 57 0 23 26 83 24 40 9 1 15 2 63 40 8 11 8 27 9 9 54 40 3 23 16 43 31 22 8 7 14 9 68 33 2 2 3 15 7 2 17 7 1 1 4 10 12 4 1 0 2 1 15 12 283 236 51 191 163 28 140 519 443 118 New York .............Tuesday: June 5, July 3 0 0 9 8 2 5 16 20 0 6 3 16 3 9 2 1 4 2 20 7 1 0 2 7 5 4 10 18 1 5 5 14 6 4 2 4 4 2 14 7 1 0 0 6 2 0 4 4 0 0 0 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 6 8 0 0 1 4 2 7 10 14 2 6 5 15 7 5 2 2 1 1 7 6 1 1 1 3 2 5 7 9 0 3 2 4 7 6 0 3 2 1 16 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 1 4 0 1 0 2 1 3 12 10 0 1 5 7 10 0 1 0 2 2 8 2 1 0 11 9 1 13 32 36 0 13 8 31 10 15 1 1 5 2 27 15 0 0 7 9 5 4 19 37 3 8 10 22 14 14 2 3 8 6 28 14 2 0 2 7 2 1 6 4 0 0 1 4 5 3 1 0 0 1 9 11 Norfolk .................Thursday: June 7, July 5 133 115 38 97 79 16 67 231 213 59 0 0 5 6 2 8 19 18 0 3 6 19 7 15 1 4 1 2 20 19 0 0 1 12 1 5 6 4 0 3 3 8 8 5 0 1 0 1 7 5 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 155 70 18 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Baltimore..............Thursday: June 7, July 5 Boston ..................Friday: June 8, July 6 Guam ....................Thursday: June 21, July 19 Honolulu...............Friday: June 15, July 13 Houston ................Monday: June 11, July 9 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: June 7, July 5 Joliet .....................Thursday: June 14, June 12 Mobile ..................Wednesday: June 13, July 11 New Orleans.........Tuesday: June 12, July 10 Oakland ................Thursday: June 14, July 12 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: June 6 ..............................Thursday: July 5* ..............................(*change created due to Independence Day) Port Everglades ....Thursday: June 14, July 12 San Juan ...............Thursday: June 7, July 5 St. Louis ...............Friday: June 15, July 13 Tacoma .................Friday: June 22, July 20 Wilmington...........Monday: June 18, July 16 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 4 11 11 0 5 4 13 5 17 0 1 0 1 8 16 0 0 0 7 1 3 3 6 0 3 3 2 5 3 0 0 1 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 6 4 0 3 6 11 4 7 1 1 2 0 6 8 0 0 8 16 4 12 42 29 0 9 11 33 9 39 2 5 3 3 31 38 0 0 2 12 3 9 15 22 0 7 9 10 15 5 1 3 3 2 16 13 1 0 1 2 0 0 3 4 0 1 1 7 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 97 45 12 62 294 147 29 Personals NEFDALI COLON Your friends Wilson Garcia and Nefdali Santana would like to hear from you. You may call Wilson at (787) 370-3239 or Nefdali at (787) 836-4449. New Orleans-Area REC Moves to Mandeville The U.S. Coast Guard’s New Orleans regional examination center (REC) recently relocated. The new REC address and phone number follow: ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 1 4 4 0 1 1 3 0 5 0 0 1 0 4 2 0 2 4 7 0 6 21 6 0 6 8 37 16 13 2 2 2 0 14 9 0 1 0 7 0 5 11 14 0 3 6 23 15 8 2 26 0 0 5 8 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 4 1 5 5 16 6 9 0 6 1 0 8 6 0 1 0 1 0 2 6 6 0 1 3 3 11 4 0 26 0 0 3 3 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 2 10 8 0 1 4 15 0 9 0 0 1 0 6 2 4 5 7 14 4 14 38 30 0 5 10 71 20 22 2 19 3 1 27 18 7 1 0 18 0 12 17 24 1 8 6 41 18 22 4 14 1 0 13 18 27 155 134 16 77 70 0 59 314 225 598 576 241 401 364 126 269 1,103 1,117 431 *“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 2007 Piney Point ...........Monday: June 4, July 2 1 8 5 11 5 10 27 19 2 14 4 29 14 10 5 4 7 7 36 18 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 0 6 10 2 8 53 29 0 14 14 44 9 21 7 1 9 0 32 20 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C USCG Regional Examination Center 4250 Hwy 22, Suite F Mandeville, LA 70471 Phone: (985) 624-5700 Fax: (985) 624-5757 REC staff email addresses are the same as before. Since Hurricane Katrina destroyed the New Orleans East REC facility, the REC staff worked from temporary locations in Morgan City and Metairie, La.; Houston; and Memphis, Tenn. According to the agency, the new REC is easy to reach from Interstate 12 or Interstate 10 via the Causeway Bridge, Causeway Blvd., US-190 exits. The REC’s hours of operation in Mandeville are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Friday. The office will remain open for limited services during lunch hour. Testing will be conducted during the same hours, but the latest time to start a new exam is 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon on Friday. Seafarers LOG 15 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 12:51 PM Page 16 ‘Belated Thank You’ Legislation Reintroduced in House and Senate U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (DCalif.) on Jan. 4 introduced a bill (H.R. 23) before the House of Representatives in the 110th Congress to amend title 46, United States Code, and title II of the Social Security Act. A similar bill (S.961) was presented to the Senate on March 22 by Senators Ben Nelson (DNeb.), Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) H.R. 23 had been introduced in the 109th Congress as well, but no action was taken before adjourning for the year. Titled the “Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007,” H.R. 23 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between Dec. 7, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946. This is the same period as all other veterans’ benefits, from which merchant mariners were excluded until 1988. The bill also stipulates that any surviving wife of a qualified veteran also shall be eligible to receive the same benefit as the veteran. When he first brought the bill before the House of Representatives in 2004, Filner noted that World War II Merchant Mariners suffered the secondhighest casualty rate of any of the branches of service while they delivered troops, tanks, amphibious craft, airplanes, jeeps, ammunition, PT boats, gasoline, aviation fuel, trucks, medicines and food rations to every theater of the war from Normandy to Okinawa. 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 more than 800 ships between 1941 and 1944 alone. Merchant mariners remained in war zones long after the fighting troops came home to enjoy the benefits of the GI Bill, which was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. At that time the president said, “I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of the merchant marine who have risked their lives time and time again during the war for the welfare of their country.” But when he died, mariners were denied their benefits, including unemployment, education, Meetings in the Port of Houston GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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 Above: SIU Vice President Dean Corgey (standing fourth from left) addresses a December 2006 meeting of the Houston Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) to update them on current affairs in the Merchant Marine and U.S.-flag maritime industry. The group meets monthly at the Port of Houston Seamen’s Center and includes retired WWII merchant marine vets as well as retired licensed and unlicensed mariners. Any retired members interested in joining their local AMMV should contact their port officials for additional information. 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) 499-6600 Left: At a recent membership meeting in Houston, VP Dean Corgey is flanked by Bosun Monte Pereira (left) and shoregang Bosun John Cain. NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 home or small business loans, priority for postwar jobs and medicare care for disabilities. Perhaps the most valuable of the denied rights was the free college education, which the U.S. Department of Commerce has valued at $300,000 in increased lifetime earnings. Filner pointed out that when merchant mariners were not included in the GI Bill of Rights, “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 “watered-down” 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. The pending bill will try to rectify some of these shortcomings. As a member of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Filner observed back in 2004—and it still holds true today—“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.” The list of supporters of H.R. 23 continues to grow at a rapid pace. There are now 84 cosponsors of the bill. As chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Filner held a hearing April 18 to receive additional testimony on this important and long-overdue legislation. Seafarers are encouraged to write to their U.S. senators and representatives asking for their support of H.R. 23 and S.962. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by retired SIU member Robert S. Gordy of Owings Mills, Md. It was taken April 22, 1967 aboard Curtis Bay Towing’s tug Kings Point. From the left are Mate Norman Pokrywka, Capt. Edward Bromwell, Deckhands Robert S. Gordy and John Carr, and Engineer “Reds” Forrester. All of the crew were charter members of the SIU-IBU. The “V” is for victory after a sixmonth strike was settled. The strike was led by Earl “Bull” Shepard, the port agent in Baltimore, and was backed by the entire SIU until victory was declared. The Kings Point, a 2,400 hp tug, was part of Curtis Bay’s Blue Diamond Fleet. May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 1:41 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 BALL, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1970 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Ball, who was born in Wyoming, worked in the steward department. He first shipped aboard a vessel operated by Michigan Tankers Inc. In 2000 and 2001, Brother Ball upgraded his seafaring skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was on the Grand Canyon State. Brother Ball calls Seattle home. PAUL CHARLEY, 66, began his seafaring career in 1966. Born in Alabama, he first sailed aboard the Del Mar. Brother Charley upgraded his skills often at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently worked on the 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo. Brother Charley makes his home in Mobile, Ala. THOMAS LASATER, 56, joined the SIU in 1969. Brother Lasater first sailed aboard the Mobilian as a member of the deck department. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Lasater, who was born in California, most recently worked on the Brenton Reef. He resides in Downington, Pa. ANTONIO MARTES, 65, joined the SIU in 1967. Brother Martes was born in Puerto Rico. He first sailed aboard the Steel Scientist. His most recent voyage was on the Express. Brother Martes was a member of the engine department. He makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. ANTONIO RIOS, 50, embarked on his seafaring career in 1982. Brother Rios first sailed aboard the Del Sol. The steward department member attended classes frequently at the Piney Point school. Brother Rios, who was born in Puerto Rico, worked aboard the Alliance New York prior to retiring. He is a resident of Carolina, P.R. FREDERICK SHANNON, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1998. Brother Shannon first sailed as a member of the deck department aboard the Franklin T. Phillips. He was born in Texas City, Texas and upgrad- May 2007 ed his skills on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Shannon’s most recent voyage was aboard the Sirius. He resides in Dickinson, Texas. Brown’s first voyage was on the Mayo Lykes. He was born in Meridian, Miss. Prior to retiring, Brother Brown shipped aboard the Lykes Liberator. PABLO VAZQUEZ, 65, joined the SIU in 1966. His first ship was the Western Hunter. Brother Vazquez shipped in the engine department. A native of Puerto Rico, he upgraded his skills in 2000 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Vazquez most recently worked aboard the Horizon Producer. He continues to live in Puerto Rico. BELL COLOMBO, 71, was born in the Dominican Republic. Brother Colombo began sailing with the NMU in 1969. His first vessel was the American Liberty; his most recent was the Nebraska. PHILLIP YAROS, 65, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1991. The Pennsylvania native first sailed aboard the Cape Nome. He most recently worked on the USNS Mendonca. Brother Yaros attended classes at the Piney Point school on three occasions. He makes his home in Erma, N.J. RIZAL COLON, 68, launched his NMU career in 1963 in San Juan, P.R. Brother Colon first shipped aboard the USNS Mission Santa Ynez. The New York native worked in the engine department. Brother Colon most recently sailed on the Maersk Alabama. INLAND ERNEST BRYAN, 68, joined the SIU ranks in 1996. Boatman Bryan shipped primarily on vessels operated by Crowley Liner Services. Born in New Jersey, he calls Hazelton, Pa. home VIRGINIA MILLER, 69, started sailing with the SIU in 1995. Sister Miller was a member of the steward department. She shipped primarily on board Orgulf Transport Company vessels. Sister Miller calls Paducah, Ky. home. Editor’s note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. WILLIAM BIONDIE, 64, joined the NMU in 1966. He first shipped from the port of New York as a member of the steward department aboard the Constitution. Brother Biondie is a native of Dayton, Ohio. He most recently sailed on the Endurance. RICHARD BOYD, 67, became an NMU member in 1963. Born in Charleston, S.C., Brother Boyd first worked aboard the Metapan in the steward department. AVELL BROWN, 61, started his seafaring career in 1979 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother DENNIS GAFFNEY, 57, joined the NMU ranks in 1981 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Gaffney was born in Staunton, Brother Gullette most recently shipped on the Intrepid. Va. He first sailed aboard the China Sea. Before retiring, Brother Gaffney worked on the Alaskan Navigator. JESUS GARCIA, 61, embarked on his seafaring career in 1965 in the port of New York. Brother Garcia first worked aboard the Mormac Rio. The Puerto Rico native most recently shipped on the Enterprise. JOHN GEEDMAN, 65, joined the NMU in 1975, initially sailing from the port of New York. Born in Bayonne, N.J., Brother Geedman first worked aboard the Export Bay as a member of the deck department. WILLIAM GULLETTE, 66, donned the NMU colors in 1969 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Gullette’s first voyage was aboard the Leslie Lykes. Born in Alabama, he sailed as a member of the steward department. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 NEW YORK, May 14 – Victory in Europe will have no immediate effect on shipping, and any future falling off will be gradual, government authorities said today. The demand for space to move personnel and cargoes will continue, and a natural increase in transport to the Pacific was developing, that will require all the tonnage that can be spared from the Atlantic. It was announced recently that Europe would require some 12 million tons of food alone in the next year. This was more than a third of the total dry cargo export from this country in the last peace year, 1939. Not only will cargo ships be needed, but personnel transport requirements will increase rather than diminish, it was said. The War Department will be depending upon merchant shipping, including SIU-manned vessels, to move millions of men from Europe to the Pacific theatre, to ship out fresh troops, to return home from the battlefields discharged and furloughed servicemen and the wounded. TORBIO MENDOZA, 66, began his NMU career in 1960 in the port of Houston. Brother Mendoza first sailed on the Keystoner. The steward department member, who was born in Texas, most recently worked aboard the Cape Vincent. GEORGIANNA YOUNG, 61, joined the NMU in 1979 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Sister Young sailed as a member of the steward department. She is a native of Alabama. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioners retired on the dates indicated. NAME AGE Antonio Beof 67 Kenneth Bunn 55 Joseph Hirtle 56 Frank Papez 71 EDP March 1 May 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Senators Vance Hartke, Ted Kennedy and Daniel Inouye also called for a stronger American-flag merchant fleet in speeches before the convention. 1977 A new age in American merchant shipping will be born in the weeks ahead at a sprawling shipyard in the old New England town of Quincy, Mass. where SIU members will crew up the first liquefied natural gas carrier ever built in the Western Hemisphere. This incredible ship, named after the zodiac sign Aquarius, marks the advent of a new breed of U.S.-flag sailing vessel and a new trend in merchant shipping that may someday change the entire makeup of the American merchant fleet. The 936-foot Aquarius is the first of 12 U.S.flag LNG tankers scheduled to be built at the General Dynamics Shipyard in Quincy. She has a 25-year charter to haul liquefied natural gas from Indonesia to Osaka, Japan. This Month In SIU History 1997 1965 The 12th biennial convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America was conducted in Washington from May 26 through June 1. The highlight of the convention’s first day came when AFL-CIO President George Meany pledged that the federation would go “down the line” and support maritime labor’s fight to preserve American ships, manned by American seamen at American wage levels. He laid the responsibility for the decline of U.S. maritime at the door of the Departments of Agriculture, Defense and State, whose policies weaken rather than help American shipping. The SIU’s newest hall officially opened on May 20 when President Michael Sacco and Executive Vice President John Fay toured the facility in Anchorage, then attended a shoreside reception to launch the union’s newest initiative in Alaska. “We are opening this hall in Anchorage to show how committed the SIU is to Alaska and its growing maritime industry,” Sacco noted. “With this facility, we can help members and their families who live in this state with any questions they may have concerning their benefits. This hall will also help us in another way—recruiting young Alaskans who want to join the SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Seafarers LOG 17 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:21 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JOHN ASHLEY Pensioner John Ashley, 76, passed away Sept. 10. Brother Ashley launched his seafaring career in 1964. The New York-born mariner initially sailed in the engine department of a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Ashley retired in 1995; he last shipped aboard the Achiever. He called Houston home. ROCCO CARUSO Pensioner Rocco Caruso, 83, died Sept. 10. Brother Caruso joined the union in 1948 in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the John B. Waterman. Brother Caruso was born in Italy and sailed in the deck department. He last worked aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Caruso went on pension in 1979. He lived in Baltimore. JAMES GARD Pensioner James Gard, 78, passed away Sept. 21. Brother Gard, who was born in Fort Pierce, Fla., began sailing with the SIU in 1946 in the port of Baltimore, Md. Brother Gard’s first voyage was on a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The steward department member’s last voyage was aboard the Horizon Crusader. Brother Gard became a pensioner in 1988. He resided in his native state. HARRY JONES Pensioner Harry Jones, 67, died Aug. 21. Brother Jones started sailing with the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1962 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Tennessee and worked in the steward department. Brother Jones last worked on the President Roosevelt. He made his home in Randallstown, Md. and began receiving his pension in 1997. TIMOTHY LARUE Brother Timothy Larue, 47, passed away Aug. 3. He joined the SIU in 1979. Brother Larue’s first voyage was aboard the Boston. He worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Larue most recently shipped on the Atlantic. The West Virginiaborn mariner made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. CHARLES MacDONALD Pensioner Charles MacDonald, 79, died July 1. Brother MacDonald joined the SIU in 1953. The Canadian-born mariner initially 18 Seafarers LOG sailed on board a Sprogue Steamship vessel. Brother MacDonald was a member of the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the Innovator. Brother MacDonald retired in 1988. He was a resident of Las Vegas. VINCENTE ORTIZ Pensioner Vincente Ortiz, 79, passed away Sept. 8. Brother Ortiz commenced his seafaring career in 1958. His first ship was the Santa Maria; his last was the Samuel L. Cobb. Brother Ortiz, who was born in Puerto Rico, worked in the steward department until 1993, when he went on pension. He lived in West Palm Beach, Fla. ANTHONY PALINO Pensioner Anthony Palino, 79, died Aug. 7. Brother Palino was a native of New Jersey. He became a member of the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Palino’s first voyage was on the Steel Navigator. He sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Horizon Trader. Brother Palino called Fort Lauderdale, Fla. home. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1991. HERIBERTO VAZQUEZ Pensioner Heriberto Vazquez, 77, passed away Aug. 19. Brother Vazquez began his seafaring career in 1957. His first trip to sea was on the Banner, where he sailed in the engine department. Brother Vazquez’s last voyage was aboard the Carolina. He was a resident of his native Puerto Rico and became a pensioner in 1994. JOHN WALKEN Pensioner John Walken, 93, died Sept. 8. Brother Walken joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Company vessel in the deck department. Brother Walken, who was born in Germany, last shipped on board the Resource. He lived in Howell, N.J. and went on pension in 1979. 1983, Brother Williams sailed on the Long Island. He lived in Brookhaven, N.Y. KIRBY WRIGHT Pensioner Kirby Wright, 80, died Aug. 23. Brother Wright became an SIU member in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Steel Survey. Brother Wright, who worked in the deck department, last sailed on the Voyager. He resided in his native state of North Carolina and began receiving his retirement pay in 1985. INLAND ROBERT HIEL Pensioner Robert Hiel, 70, passed away Sept. 1. Boatman Hiel started his seafaring career in 1978 in Detroit. He sailed in both the inland and Great Lakes divisions. Boatman Hiel’s first ship was the Niagara. Born in Detroit, he was a member of the steward department. Boatman Hiel most recently shipped on an OLS Transport vessel. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Punta Gorda, Fla. CLAUDIE JONES Pensioner Claudie Jones, 64, died Aug. 3. Boatman Jones donned the SIU colors in 1967. His first trip was on a Dixie Carriers vessel. Boatman Jones was a member of the deck department. He was born in North Carolina and made his home in Leesburg, Ga. Boatman Jones went on pension in 1997. JOHN NOLDE Pensioner John Nolde, 82, passed away Aug. 18. Born in Pennsylvania, Boatman Nolde joined the union in 1943 in the port of New York. He initially shipped on the Southern District. Before retiring in 1982, he worked aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. Boatman Nolde was a resident of Philadelphia. JOSEPH PULLEN Pensioner Joseph Pullen, 83, died Aug. 2. Boatman Pullen launched his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was aboard the Zane Grey. Boatman Pullen last sailed on a Gulf Canal Lines vessel. Boatman Pullen, who called Westwego, La. home, started collecting his pension in 1989. WILLIAM WILLIAMS Pensioner William Williams, 85, passed away Sept. 28. Brother Williams was born in Virginia. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Williams initially shipped aboard the Sandchief. He was a member of the deck department. Prior to retiring in GREAT LAKES HOMER BUCK Pensioner Homer Buck, 73, died Oct. 8. Brother Buck embarked on his SIU career in 1961, joining in the port of Detroit. He was a native of Altoona, Pa. and worked in the deck department. Brother Buck first sailed aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. His last voyage was aboard the Saint Clair. Brother Buck started collecting his pension in 1996. He lived in Cleveland. PAUL CREGUER Pensioner Paul Creguer, 81, passed away Sept. 12. Brother Creguer joined the union in 1965 in the port of Fort Lauderdale. He was born in Elkton, Mich. and worked in the deck department. Brother Creguer first sailed on the Huron Portland Cement. His last voyage was aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother Creguer became a pensioner in 1990. He made his home in Oscoda, Mich. STEVEN LUKOWSKI Brother Steven Lukowski, 48, died July 20. He joined the SIU in 2001 in Detroit. Brother Lukowski’s first ship was the Richard J. Reiss. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Lukowski most recently shipped aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. He was a resident of Alpena, Mich. GEORGE MILLER Pensioner George Miller, 78, passed away July 2. Brother Miller was born in Lewistown, Pa. and began sailing with the union in 1963 in the port of Detroit. Brother Miller initially worked aboard a Rockport Steamship Company vessel. The deck department member last shipped on the American Mariner. Brother Miller retired in 1992. He called Mifflin, Mass. 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. FRANK THEILER JOSE ALVARADO Pensioner Frank Theiler, 73, passed away Sept. 27. Boatman Theiler was a Texas native. He began sailing with the SIU in 1962. Boatman Theiler shipped primarily on vessels operated by Galveston Wharves. He retired in 1998 and made his home in Rural, Texas. Pensioner Jose Alvarado, 93, passed away June 18. Brother Alvarado joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of Baltimore, Md. The Puerto Rico-born mariner first sailed on the Lincoln Steffen. Brother Alvarado, who last sailed on a Mormac Isle vessel, became a pensioner in 1967. THOMAS KANE Pensioner Thomas Kane, 81, died June 16. Brother Kane embarked on his seafaring career in 1965, initially sailing from the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the American Contractor. Brother Kane, who was born in Sacramento, Calif., last shipped aboard the Admiralty Bay. He retired in 1987. VINCENT MEDEIROS Pensioner Vincent Medeiros, 84, passed away June 26. Brother Medeiros was born in Hawaii and joined the NMU in 1941, first shipping on the Ivy Harbor. He went on pension in 1978. YU TANG Pensioner Yu Tang, 81, died June 15. Brother Tang donned the NMU colors in 1963, first sailing aboard the Hope. He was born in China. During his seafaring career, Brother Tang worked in the steward department. His last voyage was on the American Marketer. Brother Tang began receiving his retirement pay in 1986. ARCHIBALD TROTT Pensioner Archibald Trott, 98, passed away June 28. Brother Trott joined the NMU in 1947 in the port of New York. His first trip to sea was on the Lady Somers. Brother Trott was born in the West Indies and shipped in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1972, he sailed aboard the Mormac Sky. JAMES WHITFIELD Pensioner James Whitfield, 80, died June 16. Brother Whitfield became an NMU member in 1944 in the port of New York. The New Haven, Conn. native worked in the engine department. Brother Whitfield last worked on the Santa Cruz. He began collecting his pension in 1970. May 2007 �42208p1,2,5,7,8,9,18,19:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:30 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 TRADER (Intrepid Ship Management), March 27— Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Rocel C. Alvarez, Deck Delegate Francis Johnson, Engine Delegate Carlos Ventura, Steward Delegate Manes Sainvill. Chairman announced April 1 payoff in Lake Charles, La. Secretary expressed gratitude for help in keeping mess hall and house clean. Educational director encouraged mariners to contribute to SPAD and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He also discussed new ID cards (TWIC). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter read from Port Everglades patrolman pertaining to vacation policy. Next ports: Tampa, Fla.; Lake Charles. GALENA BAY (OSG Ship Management), March 27— Chairman Al Caulder, Secretary Fausto D. Aranda, Educational Director Mark E. Sawin. Chairman announced arrival in Tampa, Fla. and expected union representative to come aboard. Secretary thanked DEUs for job well done. Educational director requested clarification regarding cost of living increases for pension benefits. He also stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for great food. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Company), March 6—Chairman Timothy B. Fogg, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Lothar Wick, Deck Delegate David L. Parks, Engine Delegate Gary M. Bartlett, Steward Delegate James M. Callahan. Chairman talked about the upcoming MARS cable installation project. He also read report from headquarters pertaining to sleep deprivation and reminded all Seafarers to get proper amount of rest. Educational director urged Seafarers to check document expiration dates. He noted it is taking 4-6 months to renew documents, sometimes longer. Mariners can renew documents one year in advance. Treasurer stated $3,500 in ship’s fund. Cigarettes will be sold only when ship is at sea (per directive of captain). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications were posted as they were received. Suggestions were made concerning contract and lowering retirement age. Members also requested clarification on manning scale for crew when ship goes out on projects. With such a large crew, members were asked to help keep areas clean, especially laundry room and crew lounge. Next ports: San Francisco; Portland, Ore. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), March 25— Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Charles L. Wharton, Deck Delegate Sangie Mohamed, Steward Delegate Enrique A. Garrido. Chairman announced March 27 payoff before arrival in Oakland, Calif. He informed crew members that May 2007 ship is due for layup in May. Two new ships have joined the fleet, the Horizon Hawk and Horizon Hunter. Secretary advised crew to have books ready for patrolman upon arrival in Oakland and to read Seafarers LOG to keep informed of union and maritime issues. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and keep all paperwork in order. No beefs or disputed OT reported. disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks to chief steward and his galley gang. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON HAWK (Horizon Lines), March 26—Chairman Steven L. Bush, Secretary Donald C. Spangler, Engine Delegate Samuel Garrett, Steward Delegate Kenneth E. Huddleston. Chairman reported dryer was out of order and there are no spare parts. Electrician is working on problem, and it will be brought to captain’s attention. Secretary welcomed everyone aboard ship’s first crossing and thanked them for working so hard to bring Hawk into service. Educational director advised Seafarers to stay up to date on upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to have option of direct deposit for vacation pay as well as numerous sug- MAERSK NEBRASKA (EShips), March 19—Chairman Frederick L. Gathers, Secretary Luis A. Caballero. Chairman expressed need to retain copy of SIU minutes and standard freighter agreement aboard ship. Educational director urged crew to read Seafarers LOG to find out information about courses offered at Piney Point. Beefs and disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew requested clarification on transportation to and from vessel. Request made for new DVD player in crew lounge and new refrigerator for pantry. MAERSK VERMONT (E-Ships), March 25—Chairman Jim Joyce, Secretary Robert J. Bostick. Chairman encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members expressed concern over the condition of rooms at payoff. Suggestion made to have vacation checks sent home and to increase pension payments. Next port: New York. Aboard the Global Patriot The Seafarers pictured here were aboard the Global Patriot when union representatives from the port of Norfolk serviced the vessel March 14 in Sunny Point, N.C. Oiler Jeffrey Murray Oilers Spencer Reed and Bentley Arrundell ABs Steven Kroner, Rotilio Alvarez and Arnel Resurreccion Bosun John Habib and AB James Ray Crew members were thanked for smooth and safe trip. Next ports: Oakland; Los Angeles; Honolulu. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), March 18 – Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Isaac Vega-Mercado, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Hadwan, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman thanked everyone for working together as a team and announced April 6 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. He asked crew to have union books and dues ready for boarding patrolman and also warned Seafarers to keep MMDs and passports current or chance losing a job. Secretary thanked fellow crew members for smooth, safe voyage and reminded them to “Be alert; don’t get hurt.” Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or gestions for improvements as ship settles into a routine. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), March 2— Chairman Joseph R. Colangelo, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro. Chairman informed crew payoff would take place after union meeting. Ship has just returned from foreign articles and must clear customs and immigration in San Juan before they can go ashore. Educational director encouraged members to contribute to SPAD and renew documents before they expire. Treasurer stated $6,186.85 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations were made to increase pension and medical benefits. Request made for new chairs in crew lounge and crew mess as well as box springs in crew rooms. QEE Terry Wilcox OVERSEAS HOUSTON (OSG Ship Management), March 4— Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Edward Self, Deck Delegate Paul Hackney, Engine Delegate Anjwar Brooks, Steward Delegate Hayes Johnson. Chairman stated captain will purchase adapters (not converters) for 220 outlets. E-mail will come online March 5 and there is now a proper mailing address. He also let crew know that e-deposits are available and gave steps to follow to initiate it. Mariners were asked to refrain from talking in hall and playing TVs or music at high volume from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Educational director discussed TWIC information from February Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to increase medical benefits, reinstitute penalty meal hours and standardize all contracts. Bosun reminded crew of SIU’s traditional mess room courtesies: no hats, tanks tops or flip flops. Next ports: Texas City, Texas; Port Everglades, Fla.; Charleston, S.C. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), March 30—Chairman William M. Richards, Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Educational Director Rudolph C. Maycock. Chairman announced New Jersey payoff along with a crew change. He thanked all departments for safe trip and for helping keep rooms and main house clean. Secretary reminded departing members to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. He also advised everyone to check expiration dates on all documents. Educational director noted the importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point and contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for excellent meals. LIBERTY (Interocean American Shipping), April 1—Chairman Erik P. Penia, Secretary Stephen A. Bird, Deck Delegate Paul M. McDonell, Engine Delegate Bernard Corbett, Steward Delegate Raford Nixon. Chairman spoke about how ARC and Interocean American Shipping have grown in recent years—a positive sign. Secretary requested information about status of new contract and discussed need for continual upgrading of skills to keep up with ever-changing industry. Treasurer noted arrival of two new pieces of gym equipment. The gym is looking good, and the crew is reaping the rewards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made that laundry machines be fixed or replaced and that transformers be installed in each cabin so crew can use their 110v gear. Bosun thanked galley gang for good food and keeping up morale. Next port: Baltimore, Md. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), April 1—Chairman Felix A. Santiago, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Hiawatha J. Williams, Deck Delegate Paul I. Castillo, Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleney. Chairman reported good voyage with good crew and announced April 2 payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Elizabeth; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International), April 4—Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Allan W. Bartley, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Steven E. Dubley, Engine Delegate Melgar D. Daguio, Steward Delegate Enrico S. LaMarca. Chairman discussed new contract, which will be retroactive to Oct. 1, 2006. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall clean. He also praised Chief Cook LaMarca for great meals and GVA for keeping house so clean. Educational director asked everyone to check document dates and renew early, not when they are just about to expire. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners requested new washer and dryer combo in crew laundry. Members were asked to return DVDs when finished viewing them. Next ports: Port Angeles and Anacortes, Wash.; Valdez, Alaska. Seafarers LOG 19 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:09 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. Memories from 1943 Voyage The following story (and many others) was told to me by my late husband, Milton Robinson, who was an SIU seaman. He joined the SIU in 1941 and retired in 1969. He was very proud of the SIU because he was “in” on the early days. Of course, during that time, many labor unions were formed for the working men and women of the day. Shipwrecked I signed on to the Liberty ship SS James Withycombe as boatswain in Mobile, Ala. on Nov. 16, 1943 along with other guys making up the crew from Mobile. She was loaded with cargo. We sailed south from Mobile toward the Panama Canal en route to a port in the Far East. Approaching the Canal was a stretch of seas marked “shallow” and “not navigable.” We became too close to these waters during a terrible storm and unfortunately were grounded. We were to be rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The order came: “Abandon ship!” The Coast Guard was standing by very shortly and threw us ropes, buoys and other equipment for the rescue. We could take nothing with us except the clothes on our backs. The last to leave the ship were the captain, first mate and me. There was no thought of anything but getting off the dangerous vessel that was being battered by the wind against the rocks and the treacherous seas. The Coast Guard let us off at the nearest island that was occu- pied by a U.S. Navy base, and they had a clothing store there that furnished clothes for the Navy personnel. So, our “wardrobes” consisted of Navy outfits in various sizes and ranks. We had quite a hilarious time or two when we would be mistaken for Navy officers and get saluted. Later we were flown back to Tampa by the steamship company, paid off and returned to our home port of Mobile. There, we registered at the SIU hall and sailed on another trip out. There was never a time in my life that was fearful of the sea, or regretted my service as a merchant mariner. In fact, even during times of war, I still loved the open seas. The foreign countries and the many interesting people I met were unforgettable. As told by Milton Robinson To his wife of 64 years, Doris Robinson Mobile, Alabama SIU President’s Column Hits Mark Thank you for the wonderful, straightforward article on the condition of America and outsourcing (President’s column, April 2007 issue). After seven years as a reservations agent in a call center specializing in the hospitality industry, the reservations department where I worked was let go due to the outsourcing of our jobs to New Brunswick, Canada. The database department was outsourced to India. As a result, approximately 120 American jobs are gone. The company started to push for outsourcing about five years ago and sent other clients up to Canada for reservations. At that time there were no layoffs but still the jobs are sitting in Canada. We were given a 60-day notice. We were continually being thanked for the great job we had done—in writing and with a catered lunch—and were Know Your Rights even told we were welcome to attend the annual employee appreciation party where the management arranging the outsourcing (and so proud of the job we were doing) attended. We endured people from India wandering around the office while employees were told to teach them their jobs. “Morally bankrupt” is such an appropriate term in describing outsourcing. Meanwhile, the replacements from India just weren’t “getting it” and still needed to be trained. Some database management personnel stayed behind and some of the employees scheduled to be laid off March 9 were asked to stay and help finish the training. It’s one thing when you are told that you must train a replacement and you do it because you don’t want to be let go without that severance package. It’s another thing to smile and go out to lunch with your replacement while they’re stealing your job. The article mentioned America West and U.S. Airways. My concern is this: Why did they really bring reservations back to the U.S.? If it’s the language barrier, what is to prevent management from considering Canada in the future? It’s still cheap labor but now you have people who speak the English language and can be understood. Where do we go from here? Companies are importing foreign labor illegally and American jobs are being exported. I boycott American-based companies that outsource their reservations/customer service departments. The conflict with American-based hotels is that they do employ American workers—union and non-union. All Americans owe a debt to all true, strong and upstanding union members. Fran Codispoti Scottsdale, Arizona 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 5/07 (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 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 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/28/2007 12:33 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. for most of 2007. 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. FOWT June 18 August 13 October 8 July 13 September 7 November 2 Junior Engineer July 16 September 7 Machinist June 18 July 9 July 6 July 27 Marine Electrician September 24 November 16 Pumpman* July 9 July 20 July 30 August 10 Advanced Refrigerated Container May 21 June 15 Welding May 7 June 11 August 6 October 1 October 29 May 25 June 29 August 24 October 19 November 16 (*must have tankerman familiarization/ assistant cargo (DL) AND machinist) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman May 28 July 9 August 20 October 1 June 22 August 3 September 14 October 26 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) June 18 October 22 June 22 October 26 Celestial Navigation July 9 August 3 GMDSS August 13 August 24 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 14 June 25 August 6 September 17 October 29 May 25 July 6 August 17 September 28 November 9 Radar June 4 October 8 June 15 October 19 Radar Renewal (one day) June 25 October 29 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting July 9 July 20 Fast Rescue Boat May 21 June 25 July 23 August 27 May 25 June 29 July 27 August 31 Basic Safety Training Classes are conducted weekly Government Vessels May 14 May 28 June 25 July 16 August 6 September 17 November 5 May 18 June 1 June 29 July 20 August 10 September 21 November 9 Medical Care Provider July 23 July 27 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 4 September 24 November 26 June 15 October 5 December 7 June 4 August 13 June 8 August 17 (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* 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 beginning April 30, 2007. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 21 July 16 September 10 June 15 August 10 October 5 Bosun October 8 November 5 Steward July 9 August 6 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Recertification Date of Birth ______________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ 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. 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 ________________________________________________ May 2007 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. 5/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24:2007-May 4/30/2007 3:38 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 684 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 684. They include (in alphabetical order) Diego Barbosa, Patrick Brill, Theodore Butler, William Cruz, Felix DeArmas, Dante DeMcCutae, Jarrod Fluitt, Fred Green, Daniel Griffin, Anthony Hill, Joseph Jacobs, Arthur Jones, James Knute, Clarence Lee Jr., Clayton Lupton, Christopher McAfee, Joshue McAtee, David McRoy, Pascal Moise, Travis Moody, Walter Nordora, Vivian Norfleet, Gil Quinones, Ronaldo Quinones, Junior Tanaka, David Weeks and Dominique Wilson. AB — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB course March 30 are (in no specif- ic order) Rolando Salamat, Raul Vargas, Algernon Reed, Dominic Gilmartin, Kevin Stehlik, Jeffery Griffin, Michael Moody, Steven Blair, Maxine Howard, Samuel Thatcher, James Alaniz, Ian Chin, Marvin Herman III, Christen Christensen, Joseph Brown, Nicasio Arzu, Juan Ortiz and Richard Perez. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Cargo Handling — Students in the mates program recently completed FOWT — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the FOWT course March 23 are (in no specific order) Nicholas Bridges, Nicholas Gattuso, Drew Barth, Edwin Feliciano, Derek King, Christina Earhart, Jimmie Williams Jr., Theo Martin, Antoine Best, Jeffery Novak, Mervin Cruzat, Marion Cruzat, Catherine Clark, Lee Patrick, Dallon Garnett, Richard DeLaCruz, Timothy Hetz, Michael Lais, Reginald Miller, LeGarrius Jones, Jamal Ricks, Melvin Ratcliff Jr., David Grasso, Peter McGlow and Peter Garwood. cargo handling as well as coastal navigation. They are (in no specific order) Adam Emanuel, Robert Stone, Philip Wright, David Lane II, Darrel Konce, Clyde McNatt, Joey Lupton, Jay Templet, Scott Chew, Kesse Kesse and James Raney. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is second from left. Z-Drive — Under the direction of Mike Smith (far left) are boatmen from Express Marine who graduated from the Zdrive training March 9. They are (from the left) Doug Covil, Gil Pruitt, Jonathan West, Keith Kirkeide, Jeffrey Fackett and Capt. Greg Brooks (who also instructed the course). STCW — Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha (back row,center) are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Showing their certificates of achievement are (from left, seated) Paul Amato, Emilia Woodin and Muniru Adam and (from left, standing) Stephen Riccobene and Roger Dillinger Jr. 22 Seafarers LOG Seafarers completing the STCW course March 20 are (in alphabetical order) Yunlay Bridges, Larry Florip, Christopher Follmar, Arthur Horner, Getolio Medallo, Abraham Mills and Jessie Parente. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (fourth from right) are March 2 graduates of the welding class (in alphabetical order) Muniru Adam, Roger Dillinger Jr., Nicholas Dippel, Lawrence Guerrero, Cynthia Harris, Mark Kane, Stephen Riccobene and William Scott. May 2007 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24x:2007-May 5/1/2007 12:56 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Chief Cook — Students who completed the course for chief cooks in May are (from the left) Abdmutaali Muhammad, Luisa Oben, Robeson Carrier, Benny Samosan, Cynthia Espinda, Instructor/Chef John Dobson, Ismael Garayua, Alyxsi Alexander and Javier Delosreyes. Radar — G&H Towing boatmen who completed the radar course March 16 under the instruction of Herb Walling (far right) are (in no specific order) William Riggs, Jonathan Batten, Sean Lafrage, Albert Tircuit III, Matthew Hargrove IV and Lionel Hall. Junior Engineer — Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two classes of Phase II apprentices graduated March 16 from tankerman assistant courses. They are (in no specific order) Gillis Angeron III, Sheldon Brittain, Dante McCutac, Ronaldo Quinones, Charles Naze, Paul San Nicolas, David Weeks, James Knute, Kendra Gardner, Patrick Brill, Destinie LeBlanc, Peter Dudoit III, Hussein Mohsen, Awal SyiaFullah, Travis Moody, Ekedra Turner, Quintonio Walden, Arthur Doherty, Pascal Moise, Jojuan Carey, Jason Devine, Anson John, David McRoy Jr., Junior Tanaka, Clarence Lee Jr., Joseph Jacobs, Christopher McAfee, Quince Harrington, Theodore Butler, Edward Kelly, Jesse Lewis, Fred Green, Bradley Wade, Nick Johnston, Gil Quinones, Walter Nodora, Vivian Norfleet, Joel Marcano, Catherine Jones, William Cotea and SIU upgrader Reynaldo Bangcot. With their instructor Jay Henderson (far left) are Seafarers who completed the junior engineer course March 2. They are (in no specific order) Robert Bruning II, Orlando Herrera, Stephen Riccobene, Antoine Rainey, Brandon Granger, Greg McKinnon, Reginald Glover, James Oling, Muniru Adam, Daryl Thomas, Jim Brown, Jerome Culbreth, Nicholas Collins, Cynthia Harris, Scott Spilman, James McDade, Lon Molnar, Yuriy Khitrenko, Roger Dillinger Jr., Anthony Alibah, Reginald Colbert, Terrance Colbert and Antonio Watson. STCW — STCW — NCL, March 20: Natalie Acosta, Daniel Armendariz, La’Triva Ashe, Brock Aston, Jennifer Baltes, Matthew Bendus, Edward Bersamin, Juan Bishaw, Carly Black, Rikki Bowers, Karen Bowman, Meg Brigowatz, Janine Bryant, Christopher Budding, Justin Bultz, John Casey, Amanda Chedester, Darnita Clonts, Grant Coates, Jay Cole, Cristin Collier and Andreas Corbett. STCW — NCL, March 20: Robin Kent, Kate Krieg, Anthony Kupkowski, Roxie Lara, Joseph Lewis, Karen Limpert, Sherian Lutton, Ryan MacDonald, David McCollum, Peter Medellin, Chaunci Peeples, Brenda Pettit, Kenneth Porter, Reba Repinski, Desirae Rhoads, John Richardson, Shanna Richardson, Christopher Riess, Danny Rios, Stephanie Robinson and Jeffrey Roloff. May 2007 NCL, March 20: Brittney Coursey, Sterling Cuffee, Lee Eliason, Nakethia Evans, William Frazelle, Jacquelyn Fulton, Paul Gerischer, Stefanie Glidden, Heriberto Graniela, Scott Hake, Monica Hanks, Mackenze Harris, Sharnon Harris, Allison Haynes, Andrew Houser, Llamar Jackson, Paul Janusky, Kelly Jendeski, Curtis Johnson, Kenyatta Johnson, Elizabeth Jones and George Kauffman. STCW — NCL, March 20: Nancy Chapman, Abigail Coleman, Whitney Edghill, Darlene Labrador, Joseph Mauro, Kathy Sandrock, Quae Simpson, Dawn South, Brandon Stone, Tiffany Stone, Brandice Sykes, Matthew Toves, Donald Voss and Krystal Walters. Their instructor, Mike Daras, is at far left. Seafarers LOG 23 �42208p3,4,6,10_17,20_24x:2007-May 5/1/2007 1:42 PM Page 24 Volume 69, Number 5 May 2007 National Maritime Day May 22, 2007 In memory of American seafarers who lost their lives in service to their country. Smooth Sailing Aboard USNS Loyal SIU-Crewed Surveillance Ship Bolsters MSC Special Mission Fleet T he SIU-crewed USNS Loyal is an oceanographic surveillance vessel that is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Special Mission Ships Program. SA John Seibel recently submitted the photos accompanying this story, following a voyage aboard the Loyal, which is operated for MSC by SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. He noted that due to the nature of some of the assignments given to surveillance ships, crew members discuss few if any specific details of those missions. However, he did say that during the recent voyage, which included stops in Okinawa and Yokohama, Japan, “we had a very good Bosun Denyse Sineath handles the ship’s crane during a loading operation. and hard-working SIU crew. Everyone did their jobs with the professionalism that’s expected of us. It was smooth sailing all the way.” According to MSC, the Loyal is one of five oceanographic surveillance vessels in the agency’s 23-ship Special Mission Program. Altogether, those ships “provide operating platforms and services for unique U.S. military and federal government missions. Oceanographic and hydrographic surveys, underwater surveillance, missile flight data collection and tracking, acoustic surveys and submarine support are just a few of the specialized services this program supports. Special mission ships work for several different U.S. Navy customers, including The Seafarers-crewed USNS Loyal the Naval Sea Systems Command and the Oceanographer of the Navy.” MSC further notes that ships in the Special Mission Program average 25 days at sea and five days in port each month. Survey ships including the USNS Loyal “study the world’s oceans using multi-beam, wide-angle, precision hydrographic sonar systems to collect bathymetric data” and listen for undersea threats. The Loyal is 235 feet long and has a beam of 93 feet, 6 inches. The ship has a 25-foot draft and a displacement of slightly less than 3,400 long tons. Its speed is listOilers Robert Scott (left) and Noland Earl ed at 9.6 knots. Chief Steward Natalie Nunes whips up a fine breakfast for the hungry crew. Chief Cook Velicia Williams prepares a vegetable dish for the lunch crowd. Oiler Pete Gerber SA John Seibel Taking a quick break are (from left) AB Beverly Williams, Bosun Denyse Sineath and OS Dan Stavron. Seafarers secure the gangway in the port of Naha, Okinawa. Cheerfully waiting in the chow line are Navy Master Chief Johnson (left) and Navy Technician Mica Ingram (right) along with Chief Mate Stephen Reynolds. � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PRIDE OF HAWAII SCHEDULED FOR TEMPORARY MOVE TO EUROPE UNION SUBMITS MORE COMMENTS ABOUT TWIC, MMC PROGRAMS HORIZON LINES ADDS NEW VESSELS NEW ATB FREEPORT WELCOMED BY SIU YORKTWON EXPRESS JOINS U.S. MSP FLEET SIU SHIPS HEAD FOR IRAQ IN SUPPORT OF U.S. TROOPS BILL INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE U.S. MARINER CREDENTIALING EXPRESS MARINE’S NEWEST ADDITION IS TUGBOAT ‘DUTY’ FREE CHOICE ACT INTRODUCED IN SENATE CONGRESSIONAL HEARING EXAMINES DANGERS ON FOREIGN-FLAG CRUISES SHIPYARD WORKERS RATIFY CONTRACT NOTICE/REMINDER ANTHRAX IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM RESUMPTION YEARLY STATEMENTS MAILED TO SMPPP PARTICIPANTS SIU CIVMARS WIN FOOD SERVICE AWARDS MORE KUDOS FOR ERICSSON CALIF. GROCERY NEGOTIATIONS RESUME AKER PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARD REACHES MORE MILESTONES USNS STOCKHAM RESCUES 20 SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN OPERATION DEEP FREEZE RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MERCHANT MARINE IN WORLD WAR II ‘BELATED THANK YOU’ LEGISLATION REINTRODUCED IN HOUSE AND SENATE SMOOTH SAILING ABOARD USNS LOYAL 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 05/01/2007 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. 69, No. 5 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b880a33ab7584a3cfb1aace4be25d886.pdf fadd84b4c113cda6d35af060caff2fd9 PDF Text Text Volume 69, Number 6 June 2007 Seafarers Honored on National Maritime Day Ceremonies Reflect Storied Service, Ongoing Need for Strong Fleet The union on May 22 participated in the traditional Washington, D.C.-area National Maritime Day events, including ceremonies conducted by the U.S. Maritime Administration and the U.S. Military Sealift Command, respectively. Speakers cited the U.S. Merchant Marine’s historic role as the nation’s fourth arm of defense—and also stressed the importance of maintaining a strong American-flag fleet today. Above, Unlicensed Apprentice Veronica Hernandez takes part in MSC’s wreath-laying ceremony. Directly above, pictured at the MarAd event (front row, right to left) are SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Rev. James D. Von Dreele, U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor, SIU President Michael Sacco and Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton along with students from the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command, starts an impromptu chat with some of the unlicensed apprentices, during which he encouraged them about their career choice. Turn to the back page for more coverage including the annual National Maritime Day proclamation from the White House. Crescent Crews Approve Contracts Seafarers employed by Crescent Towing recently approved new three-year labor agreements which secure wage increases and other gains while maintaining benefits. The contracts cover more than 150 SIU boatmen working for Crescent in New Orleans, Savannah, Ga. and Mobile, Ala. Some of the negotiators are shown in the photo at upper right: Deckhand Dan Hanbury, Crescent Representative Keith Glass, SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Crescent VP Prentiss Wilcutt, Captain Henry Tucker, Crescent VP Arthur Kulp, Engineer Kyle Tucker and Crescent President Scott Cooper. In the overlapping photo, standing left to right are Engineer David Findley, Deckhand Roy Trosclair Jr., Captain Mark St. Germain and Deckhand Kevin McDermott. Pictured on the dock are (from left) Engineer David Walker, Engineer Tommy Dickerson, Deckhand David Benson, Captain John Colombo and Deckhand Mark Usey. Page 3. SHBP Scholarships Awarded Pages 2, 7 Health Network Update Page 4 USNS Wright Feature Pages 12-13 �President’s Report Maritime’s Past and Future For many years, National Maritime Day has paid tribute to the men and women who went to sea before us. This year, the program in our nation’s capital was different. Yes, we paid our respects. But leaders from the government, industry and Congress proclaimed support for upcoming U.S.-flag projects as a way to ensure that our future will be even more secure than our past. While the historic role of the U.S. Merchant Marine certainly got its due this year, many of the Michael Sacco comments that stood out on May 22 addressed our industry’s potential growth rather than its past. Lt. Gen. Kenneth Wykle and Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton explained in interesting detail how rail and highway congestion, along with solidly projected growth in imports, translate into opportunities to build upon our maritime infrastructure. Now, I realize that studies about cargo imports and road traffic may not seem too exciting to every audience, and it’s probably tough to think about maritime job growth when you’re stuck between tractor trailers on a highway somewhere. But there’s a definite connection. As Lt. Gen. Wykle, the president of the National Defense Transportation Association, put it, congestion not only is the single biggest issue facing the maritime industry, it is the biggest issue facing the U.S. economy as a whole. He called for the development of a “marine highway system” spurred and supported by a public-private partnership. “We need to look at this as a long-term investment in America’s infrastructure and in job creation, not as an investment in capital assets,” he stated. “Moving cargo off the roads and rail systems, and onto vessels, would benefit multiple states and provide economic benefits to the entire nation. It would also benefit the environment by reducing emissions.” Connaughton challenged the industry to “have the courage to take advantage of opportunities” coinciding with economic growth and America’s dependence on maritime. He called the U.S. Merchant Marine the world’s best shipboard manpower, and said he believes there’s a real opening for us to play a growing role. Needless to say, I agree. I also fully support Congressman Gene Taylor’s sentiments that the American maritime industry is nothing short of vital when it comes to homeland security. Congressman Taylor cut right to the chase, noting that if we as a nation are serious about protecting our shores and projecting our strength, we’ve obviously got to maintain a strong American maritime industry—everything from domestic shipbuilding to laws that support the U.S.-flag fleet to a regulatory environment that promotes keeping a solid shipboard manpower pool composed of reliable, well-trained U.S. mariners. You don’t have to be a blind optimist to see the opportunities for growth. And you don’t have to be a security expert to understand why it makes sense to rely on American crews, sailing aboard American-flag ships, to carry our nation’s vital materiel. These opportunities are real, and the SIU, as always, will do our part to help ensure that the U.S. Merchant Marine enjoys a prosperous future—one that honors those who laid the foundation of our legacy. You Have to Play to Win Speaking of opportunities, I was pleased to read about the recent awarding of the annual Seafarers Health and Benefits Plans’ scholarships to six SIU dependents. And I was very disappointed to learn that no eligible Seafarers applied for the grants reserved for active SIU members. This is a great benefit available to our membership, one that can open doors and help people realize their goals. But like the old lottery slogan says, you’ve got to play to win. Or in this case, you can’t receive a scholarship if you don’t apply. Look for information about the scholarship program in future issues of the LOG, and listen for it at the monthly membership meetings. If you’ve ever thought about going back to school, this could be your chance. Volume 69, Number 6 June 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU President Represents Mariners At Historic White House Dinner The Seafarers International Union recently was represented during a widely publicized event—the May 7 White House State Dinner in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. SIU President Michael Sacco and his wife, Sophie, by invitation from President George W. Bush, were among the 134 people afforded the honor of having a meal with the royal couple in the White House’s State Dining Room. “It was a real privilege for us to have the opportunity to meet and dine with world figures such as President Bush and Queen Elizabeth II,” President Sacco said, “but the reason we were there in the first place was because of the tremendous job that the SIU along with the rest of maritime labor has done over the years in answering the call to duty as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. “President Bush is aware of the numerous acts of bravery and sacrifices made by our members and by other U.S. mariners as they sailed aboard military ships involved in our nation’s wars of the past and also those of the present, including Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Sacco added. “The president supports and appreciates us.” The United States has no closer ally and friend than Great Britain, according to the White House. The nations share an exceptionally close relationship based on deep historical and cultural ties, a common language, shared values and interests, and a commitment to defend freedom around the world. The visit by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip marked an occasion to celebrate these enduring bonds. President Bush and the First Lady visited England in November 2003 and welcomed the opportunity to return that hospitality, which, as the Queen noted at that time, has been extended to seven of the president’s predecessors. President Bush during the dinner toasted the long and enduring alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, according to the Voice of America. The president noted that the advance of freedom is the best hope for lasting peace in the world. “Based on our common values, our two nations are working together for the common good,” said President Bush. “Together we are supporting young White House photo by Lynden Steele The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps marches across the South Lawn during the arrival ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Together we are confronting global challenges such as poverty and disease and terrorism. And together we are working to build a world in which more people can enjoy prosperity and security and peace.” The Queen’s last state visit to the United States occurred some 16 years ago. In her toast, she reflected on her youth during World War II, saying how important the American-British alliance was to her nation’s survival. “Tonight I would like to recognize that steadfast commitment your country has shown not just in the last 16 years, but throughout my life, in support of a Europe whole and free,” she said. An American and a British delegation represented their respective countries during the state dinner. Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and General Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were among the American delegation. Scores of diplomats, businessmen and members of Congress joined the SIU president on the guest list for the Bush’s first ever white tie event. Included were Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and golfer Arnold Palmer were among the celebrities present. Committee Selects 6 Dependents For $20K Scholarships in 2007 For more than half a century, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has awarded scholarships to deserving Seafarers as well as to spouses and dependents of SIU members. This year, at a May 27 meeting in Santa Rosa, Calif., the Plan selected six dependents as recipients for the coming school year—for a total monetary value of $120,000. No awards were given to active Seafarers. The scholarship winners are Sarah Abdelwahab, daughter of AB Mohamed Abdelwahab; Alice Cooper, daughter of tug boat captain James Cooper III; Nicole LaPointe, daughter of AB Robert LaPointe; Justine Lopez, daughter of Oiler Oswaldo Lopez; Marian O’Neill, daughter of QMED Guillermo O’Neill Jr.; and Jenna Stillman, daughter of AB Jerry Stillman. The scholarship recipients were selected by a panel of professional educators: Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community College (retired); 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; Dr. 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 six collegebound students. The selection committee met May 27 in Santa Rosa, Calif. to choose each of the 2006 scholarship winners. From the left are Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen; Dr. Keith Schlender, Dr. Gayle Olson, Dr. Louis Fernandez, Father David Boileau and Dr. Charles Lyons Jr. Not pictured but attending the meeting via conference call were Dr. Trevor Carpenter and Dr. Henry Toutain. June 2007 �Crescent Boatmen Ratify Contracts 3-Year Agreements Boost Wages, Maintain Benefits SIU boatmen employed by Crescent Towing in three southern states have overwhelmingly ratified new three-year contracts that call for wage increases and other gains while maintaining benefits. One agreement covers boatmen in the New Orleans area and in Savannah, Ga. The other applies to members in Mobile, Ala. The contracts virtually are identical except for minor provisions specific to the ports’ respective layouts. Altogether, more than 150 Seafarers are covered by the agreements, including approximately 130 in New Orleans and Savannah. Voting took place aboard the boats and at the SIU halls in New Orleans and Mobile. Approximately 95 percent of members voting in New Orleans and Savannah approved their new contact; in Mobile, the tally was 22-0 in favor. Negotiations started in March and ended in late April, as the old contract was about to expire. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey headed the union’s negotiating team. He described the sessions as “some of the more difficult and complicated negotiations we’ve seen. We hit a ‘perfect storm’ of sorts with rising benefit costs and a red-hot labor market in the Gulf, not to mention a very challenging regulatory environment. But everyone bargained in good faith, and at the end of the day we hammered out a contract that’ll enable crew members and families to rebuild their lives (continuing recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita). At the same time the company says they’re very optimistic about the future. We did something positive for a troubled region in our country.” Pictured from left to right are members of the union’s negotiating team for the New Orleans-Savannah agreement: Deckhand Doug Lewis, Captain Tim Gegenheimer, Chief Engineer Glen Richard, SIU VP Dean Corgey, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook and Captain/Deckhand Billy Barletto. Corgey added that the rankand-file members serving on the bargaining committees “hung in there, worked together and did the right things to get this contract done. The Crescent boatmen in all ports have always been some of the most stand-up union guys in the SIU, and I can tell you that the tradition if anything has grown stronger. We walked away with good relations with the company and we’re once again leaders in wages and benefits while allowing the company to maintain their competitiveness with the nonunion operators. In fact, Crescent has always been the dominant company in that region, and it’s not because they pay low wages or use cheap equipment. It’s because they have the best people, and this contract will attract more of the same.” Also serving on the union negotiating team were Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly, New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Deckhand Doug Lewis from Savannah, Engineer Glen Richard, Captain/Deckhand Billy Barletto and Captain Tim Gegenheimer from New Orleans, and Captain Henry Tucker, Engineer Kyle Tucker and Deckhand Dan Hanbury from Mobile. Besides increasing wages and maintaining medical and pension benefits, the new contracts also boost vacation pay and the grocery allowance, add a day to the bereavement allowance, and stipulate reimbursements for boatmen’s documentation, including license renewals, the TWIC and more. They also formalize a practice that has existed for years in which qualified deckhands, for extra compensation, relieve captains to allow the boats to potentially increase the amount of time they stay on duty. “We’re very happy,” said Gegenheimer. “We moved up in everything and it’s definitely a good contract. They were hardfought negotiations but we finally ironed it out.” Barletto noted that this was his first time serving on a negotiating committee. “I learned from the experience and it went well,” he said. “You got to learn from both sides of the table. We ended up with plusses and no negatives. You can’t make everybody happy but I think the majority are very pleased with the outcome.” Lewis noted that—as is the case in most if not all labor negotiations these days—medical benefits were a focal point of the Crescent talks. “I’m happy with what we got and I think all the other guys are, too,” he stated. “Everybody stuck together, and that’s what needs to happen in cases like this—and not just at Crescent Towing. If you’re not united, you might as well hang it up.” Westbrook described the May 15 as the U.S. Navy’s latest T-AKE ship, the USNS Richard E. Byrd, was launched during an The USNS Richard E. Byrd is launched during a May 15 ceremony in San Diego. June 2007 evening ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The USNS Byrd is part of the Lewis and Clark class of dry cargo/ammunition ships owned and operated by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) and crewed by SIU CIVMARS. It is the fourth vessel in what is expected to be an 11-ship fleet, and will deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s carrier and expeditionary strike groups and other naval forces under way. According to MSC, T-AKEs have the largest cargo-carrying capacity and the largest flight deck of any combat logistic force ship afloat. (The agency also points out that “T-AKE” is pronounced as individual letters, without the hyphen.) The 689-foot USNS Byrd is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in November of this year and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners and 11 military personnel. In announcing the launch last month, MSC noted, “These new ships will substantially upgrade the Navy’s ability to maintain its agreements as “something the membership, the union and the company can be proud of. It’s a win-win for everybody.” Kelly cited Corgey’s effective work throughout the negotiations, as did others. “In particular I think the unanimous vote in Mobile speaks volumes about the job that Dean did in these negotiations,” he said. SIU boatmen sail aboard Crescent tugs in the New Orleans area, in Savannah, Ga. and in Mobile, Ala. Newest Lewis and Clark Ship Launched The introduction of new tonnage into the SIU Government Services Division fleet continued The new contract brings a smile to Engineer Shawn Doyle aboard the tug Providence. forward-deployed forces, replacing aging, single-mission ammunition ships and combat stores ships that are nearing the end of their service lives.” The ceremony took place against a backdrop of fireworks, with nearly 1,500 people watching as the vessel slid into the water for the first time. Among the officials taking part in the evening’s festivities were Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter, MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, Jr. and Navy Program Executive Officer for Ships Rear Adm. Charles Goddard. The ship is named in honor of the U.S. Navy admiral who explored the South Pole and Antarctica. Byrd, a Medal of Honor recipient, led the first aerial expedition over the North Pole. Bolling Byrd Clark, Byrd’s oldest daughter, christened her father’s namesake by breaking the traditional bottle of champagne against the ship’s bow while the flag that her father hoisted in Antarctica nearly 80 years ago flew above on the foremast. “It is no accident that the ship you see before you is named for a Navy man whose horizon was literally anywhere in the world,” said Reilly in the ceremony’s principal speech. “This ship will always be on the move, carrying the strength of the U.S. Navy anywhere America’s warriors need it.” Meanwhile, one day after the launch, the shipyard announced the start of construction on the seventh T-AKE vessel. That platform is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2009. Since June 2006, the USNS Lewis and Clark and USNS Sacagawea have been delivered and crewed up by CIVMARS. The third ship of the class, the USNS Alan Shepard, is scheduled for delivery by year’s end. Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 for the observance of Independence Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOG 3 �ITF Negotiates Back Pay For 8 Filipino Crewmen International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) inspectors from the SIU recently secured more than $40,000 in back pay for eight Filipino crew members aboard the Safmarine Texas. The 18,030 dwt vessel, built in 1987, is owned by Swiss Marine, Inc., Piraeus, Greece. Although the ship does have an agreement with the ITF, the crew was being paid Filipino wages rather than the ITF wage scale. During a routine inspection in Houston, ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung was made aware of the discrepancy. Since the ship was sailing to Baltimore, he suggested that ITF Inspector Arthur Petitpas meet the vessel and negotiate with the captain and the company. Petitpas noted that the negotiations were fairly routine. The eight crew members who were on board the vessel were awarded $27,547.96 in back pay. Additionally, two of those eight had been on the ship during a previous voyage and were given an additional $12,889 to cover that time period. In the case of a breach of contract, the ITF can have the ship arrested. But since a contract was already in place aboard the Safmarine Texas, it was allowed to return to Houston, where the money was waiting for the men before heading to foreign shores. 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. With the assistance of ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung (second from left), crew members from the foreign-flag vessel Safmarine Texas were pleased to receive back pay when the ship docked in Houston. (Note: not all are pictured.) Lower Deductibles, Bigger Network Highlight CIGNA Move The Safmarine Texas operates under an ITF agreement, but crew members were not being paid in accordance with that contract. MSC Commander Tours Paul Hall Center On April 27, Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), toured the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Among other stops, he briefly addressed students in different classes; took the helm in the full mission bridge simulator and checked out the other simulators; met with school personnel in the manpower and admissions offices, respectively; and observed hands-on training at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, a component of the Paul Hall Center located near the main campus. Above: Rear Admiral Reilly speaks to students in the able-bodied seaman class. Instructor Bernabe Pelingon is in the background. Above: Instructor Jay Henderson (center) and Director of Training J.C. Wiegman point out some of the engine simulator’s features to Rear Admiral Reilly. Left: Pictured from left to right are American Service Technology CEO John Mason, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman, Rear Admiral Reilly, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jimmy Hanson. 4 Seafarers LOG A substantial decrease in medical deductibles is one of several promising features in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s (SHBP) upcoming change to CIGNA HealthCare as the Plan’s network services provider. As previously reported, the switch takes effect July 1, 2007 and does not change Seafarers’ benefits. Participants are covered under the First Health Network through June 30. The SHBP Board of Trustees last month sent a letter to all active member participants spelling out details of the change. The letter also is available on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org) in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section. Eligible pensioners whose primary coverage is through Medicare will receive a different explanatory letter because they won’t participate in CIGNA. However, if such retirees have eligible dependents not covered by Medicare, those dependents will be covered through CIGNA. The letter to active members in part states, “The Trustees completed an exhaustive search to improve network access, enhance access to stateof-the-art programs and ensure that quality service would be provided to the participants and their families. At the same time, it was critical that the new network provider be able to provide greater network discounts and care management savings to ensure the Plan’s fiscal integrity during these times that continue to challenge benefit plans throughout the country. “This change to CIGNA is a very positive one for the participants and the Plan. Please be assured that the medical benefits and benefit levels remain the same, while reducing Plan deductibles as of January 1, 2008. Eligible participants, as defined in the Rules and Regulations of the Plan, who use a provider or hospital within the CIGNA HealthCare Network, will incur no balance billing; however, claims will still continue to be processed and paid in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Plan. If your provider or facility is not in the CIGNA HealthCare network, then your claims will be processed as nonnetwork claims as they have in the past.” Following are excerpts from the letter sent to active members: New Deductibles Effective January 1, 2008, Plan medical deductibles will be reduced by 50% for CorePlus, Core, and Basic benefit levels. For Core and Basic, the new deductible will be $375 per participant, but not more than $1,125 per family. For CorePlus, the new deductible will be $250 per participant, but not more than $750 per family. There is no change to the prescription deductible. The prescription deductible will remain at $100 per participant, but not more than $200 per family. There is no change to the first day hospital- ization deductible of $450 and the Emergency Room co-pay of $300. New I.D. Cards and Claims Submission Procedures In order for providers to identify eligible participants in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan as participants in the CIGNA HealthCare Network, new Medical Benefit I.D. cards must be issued. If you are an eligible participant in the Plan, a new CIGNA I.D. card will be sent to you in June. THIS CARD IS NOT VALID UNTIL JULY 1, 2007. You will need to use this card for all medical services rendered on and after July 1, 2007. The new card includes important benefits and claims submission information for the CIGNA Hospital and Medical Providers. If you do not receive a CIGNA I.D. Card by the end of June, and you believe that you are entitled to benefits under this Plan, please contact the Seafarers Claims Department at 1800-252-4674. Important Note: You should destroy your First Health Network Medical I.D. card after July 1, 2007 as it will no longer be valid as of that date. CIGNA HealthCare Network – A Vast Improvement in Network Access The new CIGNA program has in and out-of-network benefits just like our existing network provider. Under the new CIGNA network, you do not need a referral to see a specialist and you do not need to select a Primary Care Physician. The CIGNA network has the same freedom of provider choice as our current network provider. The new CIGNA network will provide you and your family with a number of enhancements as outlined below. Effective June 1, 2007, you can contact CIGNA at a special Seafarers’ pre-enrollment number, 1 800-564-7642, to determine if your provider is in the CIGNA network. Important Note: This phone number is only active from June 1 through June 30, 2007. After July 1, 2007, you will contact CareAllies (CIGNA) at 1-800-768-4695 to obtain provider information. You may also visit the CIGNA HealthCare web site at: www.cigna.com/SA-PPO2 to determine if your provider is in the CIGNA network. Important Note: The second-to-last letter in the CIGNA web address is the capital letter “O” rather than a zero, and the web address is case-sensitive. CIGNA has different networks within its organization so you should type in the entire web address listed above rather than going to the CIGNA home page. You may also access the CIGNA link through: www.seafarers.org/members. If your doctor/provider is not in the CIGNA network and you would like CIGNA to contact your doctor, please request a Provider Nomination form from the Seafarers Claims Department at 1800-252-4674. June 2007 �Annual Jones Act Report Upbeat OSG’s Whitworth says Domestic Fleet Is ‘Strong and Vibrant’ The American Jones Act fleet is “strong and vibrant,” with 39,156 vessels, a 59 percent increase during the past 40 years, according to Jonathan P. Whitworth, senior vice president of Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) and head of OSG America Inc. Whitworth’s remarks came May 1 during the release of a “State of the Jones Act” report at a luncheon sponsored by the D.C. Chapter of the International Propeller Club of the United States. The report was prepared by the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF), a national maritime organization focused on America’s domestic fleet. MCTF Chairman Philip M. Grill noted in the report, “Although the Jones Act governs domestic shipping, it plays a critical role in helping defend our nation from threats overseas. America’s Jones Act fleet remained on guard in 2006, moving U.S. troops and supplies around the globe…. “MCTF is confident that 2007 holds more good news for America’s Jones Act fleet and those who rely on its services. Foreign nations may seek to become a part of America’s billion-plus ton domestic maritime trade, but as long as the Jones Act remains the foundation of U.S. domestic maritime policy, this industry will remain Americanowned, American-built and American-crewed.” Part of Whitworth’s presentation addressed the common misperception that the U.S. flag industry is small and shrinking because observers tend to focus only on the self-propelled oceangoing part of the fleet. But the Jones Act fleet, which encom- Labor Promotes ‘Free Choice Act’ American Rights at Work on May 21 conducted “A Solution to the Middle Class Squeeze: The Employee Free Choice Act,” a special briefing and discussion on the important role the right to organize plays in maintaining the American middle class. Conducted at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., the meeting was attended by a bipartisan coalition of policymakers who support the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)—proposed legislation that, if enacted, would ensure that workers have a free choice and a fair chance to form a union. Among other presenters, the event’s principal speakers were Wade Henderson, president and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights; and Mary Beth Maxwell, executive director, American Rights at Work. The EFCA, if enacted, would amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system enabling employees to form, join or assist labor organizations. Additionally, it would provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. Hailed as organized labor’s top legislative priority, the EFCA (H.R. 800 and S. 1041), the bill on Feb. 5 was brought before the House of Representatives by Reps. George Miller (D-Calif.), Robert Andrews (D-N.J.), and Peter King (R-N.Y.). The measure on March 1 was passed in the House by a 241-185 margin. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) on March 29 introduced the legislation in the Senate where it twice was read and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Momentum around the country continues to mount toward building a majority of support in the Senate for this critical bill. The measure already has picked up 46 other co-sponsors in the Senate, and a 48th senator has indicated he will vote for it. Further, a growing number of organizations outside of the labor movement support workers’ rights and the EFCA. Resolutions of official support for the EFCA have been passed by local governments in cities, counties and states coast to coast, ranging from Miami to Boston to Portland. ITF’s Cotton Honored in NY International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) official Stephen Cotton (left) was honored April 19 in New York City by the Seafarers & International House, a Christian mission for mariners. Here, he is congratulated by SIU President Michael Sacco. Cotton serves as secretary of the ITF’s Special Seafarers Department. He received the “Outstanding Friend of the Seafarers Award.” During the ceremony, Cotton discussed the host organization’s endeavors; the ITF’s UK-registered charity (the Seafarers Trust); the federation’s affiliates and network of inspectors; its participation in the International Bargaining Forum, and more. Seafarers & International House provides ship visitation and pastoral care to mariners. It also offers lodging for seafarers and other travelers. June 2007 Nearly 40 more are pending in places ranging from Los Angeles to Buffalo. Earlier this year, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department weighed in with a resolution of support for the EFCA. The MTD noted that the right of workers to form unions and bargain collectively “is an internationally recognized human right that is essential to a free and democratic society. Unfortunately, sweeping changes in the international economic system, unfair management practices and loopholes in existing labor laws are threatening that right in the United States. While research shows that nearly 60 million U.S. workers would vote to form a union, many won’t be given that chance. This must change.” The EFCA would require all employers to abide by card-check recognition when more than 50 percent of the workers sign up for union representation. It also provides for mediation and arbitration in first contract situations and imposes stiffer penalties on employers who violate their employees’ right to organize. In promoting the legislation, the AFL-CIO recently cited a Cornell University scholar who studied hundreds of organizing campaigns and found that 92 percent of private-sector employers, when faced with employees who want to join a union, force workers to attend closed-door meetings to hear anti-union propaganda. An estimated 80 percent require supervisors to attend training sessions on attacking unions, and 78 percent require that supervisors deliver antiunion messages to workers they oversee. Studies also have shown 75 percent hire outside consultants to run anti-union campaigns, often based on mass psychology and distorting the law. Half of employers threaten to shut down partially or totally if employees join together in a union; in 25 percent of organizing campaigns, private-sector employers illegally fire workers because they want to form a union. Even after workers successfully form a union, in onethird of the instances, employers do not negotiate a contract. The EFCA is designed to remedy these problems. passes most of the American-flag fleet, is “growing in both size and carrying capacity, particularly among the largest cargo vessels,” he said, “and is among the largest in the world.” Whitworth also said that political support for the Jones Act has been crucial to the continued investment in this segment of the marine transportation system. “Without a stable legal regime and regulatory environment to ensure a level competitive playing field—which the MCTF has worked so hard to keep in place— investment in this industry would dry up,” he said. “There is clear recognition by our political leaders that a strong domestic maritime industry—vessels, crews, companies—is vital to U.S. economic and national security.” Whitworth noted that OSG has invested more than $2 billion in Jones Act assets over the last three years. That figure includes the 13 Jones Act product tankers on order, under construction, or recently delivered from Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, as well as an additional six articulated tug barges the company recently announced it will add to its Jones Act fleet. He also noted that over the last decade, numerous new containerships, cruise ships, fast ferries, offshore supply vessels, towboats, tugboats and barges have been added to the fleet. “The Propeller Club is a great public forum to discuss the maritime industry and its importance to the nation,” said Darrell Conner, president of the Propeller Club’s D.C. Chapter. “Mr. Whitworth’s presentation was enlightening and offered a new perspective on the domestic Jones Act fleet, showing that contrary to conventional perception that segment of the industry is dynamic and growing.” The MCTF hopes that the report will help educate the public and policy makers on the state of the domestic maritime industry by ensuring that decision-makers have a complete picture of the composition of the domestic maritime fleet. A copy of the entire report—in PDF format—can be found on the MCTF web site at www.mctf.com. The International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Washington, D.C. is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to the enhancement and wellbeing of all interests of the maritime community on a national and international basis. Its goal is to educate legislators and the public on the importance and necessity of all waterborne commerce. Observing Maritime Day on the Pless Seafarers and officers aboard the prepositioning vessel Maj. Stephen W. Pless conducted a National Maritime Day ceremony a bit early this year, casting adrift a ceremonial wreath in Busan, Korea on May 18. Pictured aboard the ship are (from left) Bosun Bernard Hutcherson, AB Denetrica Brooks and AB Brian Jones. Thanks to Capt. Robert Burke for relaying the photo to the LOG. (See back page for coverage of National Maritime Day ceremonies that took place in Washington, D.C.) Notice to CIVMARS Regarding Illness or Injury During a Voyage Recently the union has learned of members’ concerns about completing the proper paperwork to help ensure the processing of the appropriate workers’ compensation forms after a report of CIVMAR illness or injury during a voyage. The Federal Workers Compensation Program requires that CIVMARS follow certain rules and file certain forms exactly as spelled out under the provisions of the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). Any CIVMAR who is injured, ashore or afloat, during a voyage should notify their MSO and get a copy of the written report filed by the MSO. Every injury or illness should be documented. CIVMARS should also contact MSFSC and ask to speak with the workers compensation department. Finally, CIVMARS should contact their union representative as soon as possible to learn more about the federal workers’ compensation system. Filing the forms and working through the procedures can be a very complicated process. In future issues of the LOG, the system will be summarized to help ensure CIVMARS know their basic rights and how to file the correct forms within the proper time frames. Seafarers LOG 5 �8 Seafarers Reach Pinnacle of Deck Training Addressing fellow Seafarers and unlicensed apprentices during the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., the union’s newest class of recertified bosuns urged one and all to take advantage of the opportunities available through the SIU and its affiliated school. The following bosuns (listed in the order in which they spoke at the meeting) completed the four-week recertification class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education: John Knox, Burkley Cooper, Raymond Henderson, Ray Tate, Albert Williams, John Grosskurth, Thomas Grose and Rick James. The course, considered the top deck-department curriculum at the Paul Hall Center, blends hands-on training and classroom instruction. It also includes meetings with representatives from the Seafarers Plans and various SIU departments. Topics include fire fighting and other safety training; sealift operations; the amended STCW convention; small arms; computer skills; water survival; other international maritime conventions; the Seafarers Plans, and more. At the membership meeting (which took place May 7), Knox kicked off the graduation speech- Following graduation, the newly recertified bosuns are pictured at the Paul Hall Center along with family members and SIU officials. es by noting he joined the union in 1969 and has sailed around the world numerous times. He described his overall experience at the school as beneficial and noted it will help him do a better job aboard ship. Cooper, who has sailed with the union since 1996, thanked the Paul Hall Center instructors for doing “an excellent job. They were all great to work with and I learned a lot.” Henderson, a frequent upgrad- John Grosskurth (left) takes aim on the small arms range, under the guidance of Instructor Robbie Springer. Words of Advice And Encouragement In customary fashion, the latest group of Seafarers completing a recertification class offered brief but valuable counsel to the unlicensed apprentices attending last month’s membership meeting. Here’s a sampling from the recertified bosuns who graduated May 7 in Piney Point, Md. John Knox Study hard and work the same way. Never be afraid to ask questions. Burkley Cooper Study hard and learn to work with your classmates. Raymond Henderson I know it seems like you’re at the school a long time, but these instructors know what they’re talking about. On the ships, look, listen and learn. Ray Tate The sea is terribly unforgiving of carelessness. Pull your weight, get the training, and do more than just getting by. Albert Williams You’ve made a wise career choice. Study hard, learn to work together. On the ship, work hard, work safe and ask questions. John Grosskurth If you don’t ask, you may never know. You’re part of a family here. Thomas Grose You’re walking in 70 years of SIU tradition. Rick James It’s good to see the new faces coming into the union. Study hard and don’t hesitate to ask questions. 6 Seafarers LOG er who joined in 1994, said going all the way back to his experience as a member of trainee class No. 553, “The courses here are great and the teachers understand the subjects. Beyond that, the union has taken care of me and given me a job in which I can take pride and grow. The SIU has been great to me.” He cited the conflict resolution training as an especially valuable component of the recertification course. Tate first signed on with the SIU in 1986, sailing four years in the inland division before switching to deep sea. “I thank the instructors, administrators, fellow members and our union leadership,” he stated. “Our union gets stronger every year. The SIU has given me a good life.” He added that safety training was a highlight of the course— fire fighting, first aid, and small arms. Williams, who first sailed with the SIU in 1967, said the union remains “an important part of my life because of the job opportunities and the benefits.” He also described the school as “a comfortable learning environment for all mariners. The training I got here is everlasting and will help me perform my job better. I would encourage everyone to come here and take the training that’s offered.” Grosskurth joined the union in 1990. During his most recent experience at the Paul Hall Center, “I learned new skills and developed a deep respect for all Computer training (above and at left) is part of the four-week curriculum. those who make the SIU great. I enjoyed my stay and learned a lot.” Since joining the union in 1990, Grose had upgraded a halfdozen times before enrolling in the recertification class. “Piney Point is a family-friendly school,” he pointed out. “The SIU has helped me live a life of travel and adventure,” he continued. “Most people could only dream of such a life, and I wouldn’t trade the experience. Thanks to our union leadership, we have job security, a great med- Bosuns participate in water survival training. ical plan, and working conditions that are safe and reliable.” James, also a frequent upgrader and a Seafarer since 1991, described the SIU as “an institution that actually stands behind its membership. I thank our union leadership as well as the instructors here at the school.” He called the recertification training “the high mark for me in the SIU. It took years to get here and I feel I’ve gained the knowledge to do a better job on board ships.” Burkley Cooper (left) shows the ropes to Unlicensed Apprentice Amer Saleh. June 2007 �Six Scholarships Awarded to SIU Dependents Sarah Abdelwahab is graduating this year as a diploma candidate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Southwest High School in Minneapolis, Minn., where she has been an outstanding student. After researching antibiotics at a microbiology camp at the University of Wisconsin last summer, she Sarah M. Abdelwahab became very excited about medical research and has focused her sights on attending medical school. On the way to that objective, she has applied to Cornell University (Ithaca, N.Y.), University of Minnesota (Minneapolis), Columbia University (New York) and the University of Chicago. “Learning about life at its simplest form is vital to increase our knowledge of life in its larger forms,” she wrote on her scholarship application form. “The sciences help humans understand new hazards and aid in determining the steps that should be taken. ... Additionally, I would like to become a pediatric cardiologist. Many children die of heart disease each year untreated, and without [access to medical care], these children do not get a chance to live.” While the IB curriculum takes a huge amount of time and effort, the 16-year-old also is very active with volunteer work, sports and other school activities. She has worked many hours volunteering at the public library, the Minnesota Historical Society, teaching tennis to children at an inner-city tennis program, and participating in Amnesty International. She has been a valuable member of the school’s tennis and badminton teams, is captain of the math team, editor of the school newspaper, member of the debate team and historian for the National Honor Society. Sarah Abdelwahab is the oldest of four children of Ekram Ahmed and Mohamed M. Abdelwahab. Her father joined the SIU in 1992 and sails as an AB, most recently aboard the Maersk Arkansas. Alice Gail Cooper is graduating this year from Duncan U. Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, Fla. with a 4.7 GPA. She has dreams of becoming a writer and scholar of the English language and has applied to three schools in Florida: University of North Florida (Jacksonville), New College of Florida (Sarasota) and Flagler Alice Cooper College (St. Augustine). Following her undergraduate studies, she hopes to continue her education and receive a Ph.D. in English language—and “make my own name in the world.” The 18-year-old works hard in every aspect of her life, and it shows. She maintains a straight A average and this year received the National Merit Commended Scholar award for her SAT scores. She plays trombone and is band captain in her high school band. Additionally, she is an officer in the National Honor Society and in Mu Alpha Theta (the math honor society). Cooper has been a vital part of a Girl Scout troop for the past eight years and also is active in the community, displaying her concerns by monthly visits to the local Ronald McDonald House, beach clean-ups and helping support a family of eight (adopted by her Girl Scout troop four years ago). And, in her spare time, you can find her baby-sitting, house-sitting and pet-sitting for neighbors and friends. Alice Cooper (yes, she says, she does get a lot of reaction to her name by people saying, “Hey, did you know that your name is the same as that guy who sang ‘School’s Out’?”) is the daughter of Cora and James Martin Cooper III. Her dad, an SIU member since 1974, sails as a tug captain aboard Crowley Maritime Corp. vessels. Nicole K. LaPointe applied for the college scholarship last year but was not one of the selected students. That didn’t stop her from continuing her education at the University of Tampa, where she is majoring in government and world affairs, with a minor in French. She also June 2007 Fifty-four years after awarding its first scholarships, the Seafarers Health and Benefts Plan program is still going strong. In 1953, four full college scholarships were given out in the amount of $1,500 each, for a total of $6,000. This year, $120,000 is being divided up between six scholarship recipients. All are daughters of SIU members or pensioners. On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the six college-bound students. related activities consist of ASB senator, Key Club, Fish Club (a Christian Outreach program), FAYA-Filipino awareness, Hop Hop Club, Spanish Club, MESA, homecoming royalty, and member of the tennis, cross-country, basketball and track and field teams. Justine Lopez is the daughter of Maria and Oswaldo Lopez. Her father, who joined the SIU in 2000, sails as an oiler, currently aboard Transoceanic Cable’s Tyco Dependable. hopes to master the French language and study abroad. “I hope to partake in the student delegation sent from the University of Tampa to Harvard University’s Model United Nations and to intern in Washington, D.C.,” she wrote on her application form. “With a bachelor’s degree in political science, I aspire to help solve international probNicole K. LaPointe lems by promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. It may sound like a cliché, but I am sincerely interested in making the world a better place.” LaPointe graduated last year from York High School in York, Maine where, in addition to a challenging academic schedule, she also was active in a number of extracurricular activities and community service. She played varsity field hockey, junior varsity softball, earned induction into the school’s World Language Honor Society, served on the prom committee and took photos for the yearbook. She was an active member of Interact (a school community service organization), the St. Christopher’s Youth Ministry (where she helped rebuild houses in West Virginia in 2004), participated in church plays and mission trips and volunteered at the York Hospital. As a high school student, she also spent the summer months working as a take-out manager at a restaurant and during the school year worked part-time at Banana Republic as a sales associate. Nicole LaPointe will use her scholarship award to continue her studies at the University of Tampa or to attend the University of Texas at Austin or the University of New Hampshire in Durham. She is the daughter of Annette Bettencourt and Robert LaPointe, a 28-year veteran of the SIU who sails as an AB aboard Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company’s Padre Island. Marian O’Neill came to Kent Place School (an independent, nonsectarian collegepreparatory day school for young women) in Summit, N.J. through the New Jersey SEEDS Program (Scholars, Educators, Excellence, Dedication and Success). SEEDS identified her as being economically disadvantaged but academically Marian O’Neill able, and her college counselor agrees that SEEDS chose well. She graduated from the school this month. In her application letter, O’Neill states that “becoming a leader in my Kent Place School community has led me to pave future goals for myself.” Her interests lean toward the medical field. She plans to major in biology and minor in Spanish, eventually going to medical school. “By combining my interests in the life sciences and linguistics, I feel that I can make a difference both locally and worldwide. I would like to travel to poorer countries, in South America or Africa, and apply my medical skills there.” She has applied to New York University, Columbia University and Barnard College (all in New York) as well as Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. O’Neill, 18, is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (math honor society) and La Alianza (cultural heritage club). She played softball, was a mathematics and science peer tutor and a co-editor of the foreign language literary magazine, among other activities. Last summer she was accepted to a program at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey where she conducted research on the absorption of sugars in the rat small intestine and presented the results of her research in a final symposium. Marian O’Neill is the daughter of Maria Adorno and Guillermo O’Neill. Her father, who joined the union in 1959 and retired in 1995, sailed as a QMED. Justine Lopez has had to overcome many hardships and obstacles in her 18 years, but she has never let them hinder her passion for education. “Coming from a poverty-stricken country like the Philippines,” she wrote on her application form, “I built a thirst for life and always wanted to be successful.” Justin M. Lopez After coming to the United States and attending 15 different schools, she finally made her home at Henry Foss High School in Tacoma, Wash., from which she graduates this month. She stated that the most fulfilling experience she had at Foss was participating in ASB (Associated Student Body). It helped her realize her career choice—teaching. “At Foss, I was able to tutor kids after school, join sports teams, travel to statewide student conferences, join clubs and become a leader—fulfilling dreams I would never have been able to do if I had stayed in the Philippines. After realizing how important education is and how important it is to me, my dream is to become a teacher.” She also would like to minor in administration. The 18-year-old Lopez has applied to four Washington institutions: Seattle University, University of Washington, Western Washington University and Seattle Pacific University. Lopez has been a well-rounded student, taking the most rigorous coursework offered at Henry Foss High School. Her academic achievements include the National Honor Society, Student of the Month and Show Choir. School- A 2006 graduate of Hickory High School in Chesapeake, Va., Jenna Stillman has just finished her first year at Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Newport News, Va. The $20,000 scholarship will help her complete her studies in biology and environmental science. Eventually, she hopes to get a master’s degree in science and apply that to any future Jenna M. Stillman goals she develops in graduate school. In high school, O’Neill took many honors classes, was a member of the yearbook staff, played the viola in the school orchestra and was a passionate equestrian. She served as a 4-H camp counselor, helped with community clean-ups and volunteered at the Virginia Marine Science Museum. While at CNU, the 18-year-old was one of a select few students admitted to the University’s Leadership Program. The distinction of being a program scholar carries the responsibility to complete additional courses for a leadership minor and participate in numerous community service projects sponsored by the university. She also has involved herself in a number of campus activities, including election as class historian for the Class of 2010 and as historian of the CNU’s equestrian team. Additionally, she is developing a web site for the team. To help ends meet, O’Neill also waitresses part time at a local restaurant. Jenna Stillman is the daughter of JoAnne and Jerry Stillman. Her father joined the union in 1981. While not currently working due to a heart attack, he most recently sailed last year as an AB aboard Maersk Line, Ltd.’s USNS Sisler. Seafarers LOG 7 �Global Sentinel Dives into New Mission Editor’s note: This article was submitted by Chief Steward Shawn Fujiwara while aboard ship. The cable-laying project was successfully completed earlier this year, shortly after this piece was written. Since 1991 when the cable ship Global Sentinel first set sail, she has installed thousands of miles of fiber-optic cables on the floors of oceans all over the world. No job was too big for the mighty Sentinel and her crew. Now, off the coast of California, the CS Global Sentinel is being tasked with a very interesting installation— laying a new, first-of-its-kind power and fiber-optic cable. Specifically, a 10-kilowatt electrical power and fiber-optic cable Chief Steward Shawn Fujiwara for a power socket 52 kilometers into Monterey Bay, Calif. This will be the smallest yet one of the most important installations the ship has ever undertaken. For decades, scientists who wanted to study ocean changes and sea conditions had to rely on batteries to power their instruments, which were relatively short-lived. Now, that is about to change, thanks to years of development by the Monterey Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), and financial support from the National Science Foundation. In March 2007, the Global Sentinel and her crew will carefully lay 52 kilometers (32 miles) of power and fiber-optic cable the size of a garden hose in Monterey Bay. The cable will be laid from the shore end at Moss Landing to the resting place of a node about 3,000 feet beneath the waves, where various instruments can be plugged in and receive power on which to run and in turn send back live data via the fiber-optics to the shore station. Called MARS, short for Monterey Accelerated Research System, this will allow scientists access 24 hours a day, seven days a week over long periods to study the ocean in real time. The cable will follow the shelf along the north side of the bay and be buried about a meter beneath the sea floor to minimize the impact to sea life in the area. At the end of the cable will be a five-ton node where up to eight different sensors of all types can be plugged into the system. Some of the sensors to be installed are quake sensors to detect earthquakes along the earth’s plates; another will be a low-light camera, to peer into the darkness of the deep. To plug in a system, scientists will send down an ROV (remote operated vehicle) and connect the instruments into the socket that sits permanently on the shelf in 900 meters (about 3,000 feet) of water. The CS Global Sentinel is manned in all unlicensed departments by the SIU. Deck and engine officers are manned by the AMO, while ROV operators are from Tyco’s submersibles division. The various other technical personnel are from Tyco’s electronics divisions. The MARS project is to serve as a test bed for more extensive ocean observatories in U.S. and Canadian waters. To learn more Photo by Todd Walsh, MBARI The Global Sentinel launches a plow used to bury cable beneath the sea floor’s surface. Fiber-optic cable carries data (including video) from under the sea to the land station. about the MARS project, you can visit www.mbari.org/mars. A five-ton node with protecting casing can house different sensors used by scientists. A remote operated vehicle (ROV) is used to help install the new fiber-optic system. USNS Shasta Rescues 5 After Fire on Cargo Ship Illustration courtesy MBARI This artist’s rendering reflects the basic layout of the newly installed cable and instruments, and how data is transmitted back to shore. Union, School Thank Eglinton During the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., recently retired Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton (fourth from left) was recognized for his years of outstanding work. He received a ship’s wheel from the SIU and its affiliated school which in part read, “Like the U.S. Merchant Marine itself, for 34 years you have delivered the goods.” When presenting the wheel, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (third from left) noted that although Eglinton officially retired earlier this year, “We’re not letting him get away that easily. We all still benefit from his knowledge, expertise and dedication.” Eglinton continues looking out for mariners’ interests by serving on several key maritime committees and related delegations addressing (among other topics) mariner training and credentialing. Pictured at the membership meeting are (from left) SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Tellez, Eglinton, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU President Michael Sacco. (An article about Bill’s retirement was published in the April LOG and remains available on line at www.seafarers.org.) 8 Seafarers LOG Members of the SIU Government Services Division sailing aboard the ammunition vessel USNS Shasta helped rescue all five mariners from a disabled cargo ship May 12 in the Western Pacific near Saipan, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Just after sunset, the Shasta received a request from the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet Battle Watch Center to assist the ill-fated MV Haurosi, which had reported an engine room fire. Traveling at full speed, the Shasta made the 90mile voyage to the Haurosi’s location in about four hours, using the transit time to prepare the flight deck for helicopter operations and ready the Shasta’s towing and fire fighting equipment. “As we approached, we could see the crew on deck waving flashlights,” said R.J. Bellfi, the Shasta’s master. After refueling a U.S. Navy helicopter from Guam that was already on the scene, Shasta crew members dispatched a boarding team to the Haurosi in the MSC ship’s rigid-hull, inflatable boat. Upon boarding the 93-foot Haurosi, personnel from the Shasta saw that the fire had been extinguished, but the ship was adrift without propulsion or other power. The crew fared okay, however. According to one of the Shasta’s officers, “They were a bit exhausted, but appeared to be in good shape.” The Haurosi reportedly was five days into a voyage from Pusan to the Solomon Islands when the fire occurred. The Shasta set up temporary lighting to monitor the ship throughout the night. The following morning, in rain showers and gusty winds, the Shasta attached a tow line to the Haurosi and set course for Saipan, the nearest port. “We had a lot of rigging to accomplish to get the towing bridle aboard and in place,” said Bosun’s Mate Ronald Hanses, a key member of the boarding team. “Without mechanical power, it was a tough job pulling a towing rig from one ship to another. It helps to have that knack for improvising.” All five Haurosi crew members were transferred to the Shasta where they received general medical services, a hot meal, clean clothing and a place to sleep. Shasta crew members donated $800 for their counterparts from the Haurosi, all citizens of the Solomon Islands. The Shasta safely delivered the other ship and its crew to Saipan on May 14. “We were well-equipped and had the seamanship experience to provide assistance for this rescue,” said Bellfi. “There is a support network out there, always on watch, and we are part of it.” The 564-foot, 20,000-ton Shasta is one of MSC’s five ammunition ships and is one of 39 ships in the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force program that provide logistics support to U.S. Navy warships operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. The ship has a crew of 134 civil service mariners employed by MSC as well as two military personnel. The USNS Shasta is crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. June 2007 �Maersk Crew Members Attend Safety Seminars Twenty-two crew members from Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line Limited last month attended safety seminars at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Md. The Maersk group on May 9 completed the two-day class which honed as well as supplemented their individual safety skills. Among several other significant topics covered during the seminars, the mariners studied job safety analysis, risk of electrical shock, communications/leadership and harassment/discrimination. Maersk officials Capt. Robert Powell, Kim Estes and Ed Hanley, Cal Hayden, Dennis Houghton, Fred Olsen, Tom Ulrich and Dan Marsh each met with the mariners as did SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. Additionally, Lois Stephenson and Jay Henderson of the PHC each conducted seminars. Those who successfully completed the training and the respective vessels on which they sail were: Bosuns Mark Coleman (USNS Pomeroy), Morris Foster (USNS Altair), Tim Girard (Maersk Alabama), James Gregory (USNS Charlton), Adrian Jones (USNS Pomeroy), Steve Kastel (Meteor), Clarence Poore (USNS Watson), Henry Peterson (USNS Watkins) and Denyse Sineath (USNS Loyal); AB Francisco Bravo (USNS Denebola); QMEDS Donald Christian (MV Maersk Virginia), John Collins (SL Pride), Ralph B. Garner (USNS Pomeroy), Jurgen Gottschlich (USNS Pollux), Michael Kirby (SL Achiever) and Michael Seyler (USNS Denebola); Chief Steward John L. Gibbons (PFC James Anderson Jr.); and SBs Shirley E. Adkins (USNS Soderman), Edward Banks (USNS Denebola), Ed Collins (SL Pride), Gerhard Schwarz (SL Quality) and Christopher Sykes (SSG Edward A. Carter). Each of the crew members was asked to complete a course evaluation form at the conclusion of their training. According to Maersk, the feedback was very positive for the entire program. Seafarers, Maersk officials and Paul Hall Center staff members are pictured at the school during a short break. Mariners said the training definitely would benefit them while performing their daily duties aboard their respective vessels. Maersk officials thanked the PHC staff for its contribution in making the entire experience a positive and successful one for the crew members. Safety training is a staple of many curriculums at the Southern Maryland-based maritime training complex. The school offers dozens of Coast Guard-approved classes concentrating on shipboard safety as well as specialized courses such as STCW Basic Safety Training (BST). Transportation Workers Rally in D.C. Thirty-nine students from the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on May 17 participated in the nationally publicized transportation workers rally on the National Mall. Clad in their trademark “Lundeberg Stetson” caps, the unlicensed apprentices from the Piney Point, Md.-based maritime training complex functioned as marshals and provided varying levels of security for the hordes of rally-goers and VIPs who turned out to support the event. Thousands of transportation workers dressed in red and blue shirts and their supporters came together to push for an end to federal policies which they sug- Above and below: Members from 26 unions—some from as far away as Hawaii, Alaska and Guam—demonstrated in the nation’s capital. gest put profits ahead of safety and security and which put corporate needs ahead of workers. The workers arrived from all across the country, including Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam, to tell lawmakers and administration officials: “Enough Is Enough.” The rally was led by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and was dubbed the Transportation Day of Action. Used as a forum to put transportation workers’ issues on the 2008 presidential agenda, those in attendance told presidential candidates that they will hold elected officials accountable. Workers—more than 1,000 in total—representing 26 unions turned out in support of the event. IAM President Tom Buffenbarger told the crowd that hundreds of thousands of workers have lost jobs, pensions and health care while CEOs and senior executives rewarded themselves with outrageous compensation packages. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka stated that working people are responsible for electing the new Congress and that we will hold them accountable. “We’re here today to remind the members of the new Congress we elected last year that Labor 2008 is already under way,” Trumka said. “We’re here to remind them of the pledges of support they made on issues vital to the transportation workers who keep our country moving every day. We’re here to remind them of their commitments of support for our working families agenda: good jobs, decent wages, fair trade, better schools, secure retirement, affordable health care and the freedom of every worker to make their own decision to join a union.” Presidential candidates Senators Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Joseph Biden (D-Del.) and Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) each addressed the attendees. Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson appeared via video. Collectively, they told the crowd they will look after working people’s agenda in 2008 and beyond. In addition to the candidates, other members of Congress and former Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater spoke. Transportation workers asked the 2008 presidential candidates to promise to: Appoint individuals who support workers’ rights to national labor boards, such as the National Mediation Board (NMB), which oversees labor issues in the rail and airline industries. Workers assemble at the start of the demonstration. Protect and defend workers’ pensions. During the slew of airline bankruptcies in the past six years, 195,500 workers have lost their pension plans. After years of taking smaller paychecks to put more money into pension accounts, these airline employees saw their accounts liquidated. By terminating these employee pensions, airlines have shed more than $20 billion in costs. Promote and enhance Amtrak, America’s passenger rail system. Support aviation legislation that ensures good jobs in the private and public sectors, honors workers’ bargaining rights and strengthens the safety and security of the aviation system. Fight for laws that would make security training mandatory for front-line transportation workers. Counter the effects of globalization on the transportation industry, which include outsourced jobs and threatened safety and security standards. Boost investment in our public transportation, highway system and ports. Thousands of workers participated in the transportation workers rally May 17 in Washington, D.C. June 2007 Seafarers LOG 9 �USNS Watkins: A ‘Modern Marvel’ The SIU-crewed USNS Watkins was featured on the History Channel program “Modern Marvels: More Military Movers,” which aired April 21. The Watkins—one of 19 large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships (LMSRs) in the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet— is operated by Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line Limited. The History Channel program spotlighted LMSRs as being the largest non-combatant ships in the military. Each of the vessels measures nearly a thousand feet in length (as big as many aircraft carriers) and can carry enormous amounts of cargo. Described by Modern Marvels producers as “the mother of all military movers,” the LMSR was one of six key military transportation platforms featured on the hour-long program. Also featured were the V-22 Osprey Aircraft, the Boeing CH-47 Chinook, the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker and the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck. As stated in the Modern Marvels narrative: “Wherever they’re (LMSRs) deployed, they can make or break the fight.” LMSRs constitute one of MSC’s newest classes of ships and have significantly expanded the nation’s sealift capability. The ships can convey vehicles and equipment to support humanitarian missions as well as combat missions. The 15 new construction vessels (four others were converted) have a cargo carrying capacity of more than 380,000 square feet, equivalent to almost eight football fields. In addition, LMSRs have a slewing stern ramp and a removable ramp that services two side ports making it easy to drive vehicles on and off the ship. Interior ramps between decks ease traffic flow once cargo is loaded aboard ship. Two 110ton single pedestal twin cranes make it possible to load and unload cargo where shore-side infrastructure is limited or nonexistent. A commercial helicopter deck was added for emergency, daytime landing. Like most of the other LMSRs, the USNS Watkins is named after a Medal of Honor recipient. Army Master Sgt. Travis E. Watkins (1920-1950) was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his gallant leadership when an overwhelming enemy force broke through Man Overboard: Memories from a 1958 Voyage The following story was told to Doris Robinson by her late husband, Milton Robinson, who was an SIU seaman. He joined the union in 1941 and retired in 1969. A previous story was printed in the May 2007 issue of the Seafarers LOG. This event occurred in the 1950s aboard the Arizpa, a cargo ship (owned by the Waterman Company from Mobile, Ala.) bound for Europe. I sailed as bosun that trip and was in charge of the working crew on the deck. That included everyone who performed the duties of painting, chipping, caring for the lines and anything that pertained to the maintenance of the vessel. One day, one of the crew A lifeboat was lowered from the side of the Arizpa in October 1958 (right) to rescue a fellow crew member who had jumped overboard. In photo below, the man has been rescued, and the lifeboat is being brought back on deck. Bosun Milton Robinson is top right, and the third mate, Mr. Hamilton, is standing at the deck’s rail at right. 10 Seafarers LOG members jumped over the side of the ship. We had already set sail and were out in the wide open seas between Mobile and the Florida coastline heading toward the Atlantic Ocean and Europe. One of the crew members in our department had been complaining that other members of the crew who were sleeping in the same quarters were threatening to throw him over the side. He had a very antisocial personality to start with and would not talk to anyone but me. It was a beautiful, clear day with calm seas when the shout came: “Man Overboard!” Oil was immediately poured over the sides of the ship to further calm the seas, and the lifeboats were made ready to go over the sides to rescue our shipmate. Two or three other crew members and myself were lowered over the side in a lifeboat, secure in our life jackets. We rowed out to the poor guy. He was pretty glad to take a helping hand, and he climbed aboard the lifeboat with us. When we all got back aboard the ship, the captain, of course, thought it best to confine the guy in a safe place, completely away from the other shipmates. He still would talk only to me, so I took him his meals and talked to him. We were not too far from Panama City, Fla., so we put in there to register him in a hospital for observation. But he was still very hostile. The third mate, Mr. Hamilton, and I were to take him handcuffed to the Marine Hospital for observation. But that was another harrowing experience. The man knew what was going on and naturally tried several times to escape from us. We did not put the handcuffs on him while we were all in the cab since we had him wedged between us. But as we exited the cab, he broke from us and made a dash for freedom, which resulted in me getting my shirt half-way torn off my back and abrasions on my arms. But I finally tackled him and we returned to the cab and arrived at the Marine Hospital. I know we must have all three looked pretty disheveled as we arrived at the hospital desk to register. All of us were promptly ushered in to see the doctor. The doctor came into the room, took one look at us and said, “Now, which one of you is the patient?” I guess we all did look a bit wild. Whenever I would see Mr. Hamilton after that, we would recall the happening as “just another shipboard incident,” although it could have been disastrous. The SIU-crewed USNS Watkins appears on the History Channel (above and at left). 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 LMSRs. The gas turbine-powered ship is able to sustain speeds of up to 24 knots. Generally, LMSRs are prepositioned in the Indian Ocean near Diego Garcia or in reduced operating status in U.S. ports. Retired SIU Lakes Official ‘Skip’ LeBarron Dies at 71 David “Skip” LeBarron, a retired Seafarer and union official in the Great Lakes region, passed away Feb. 12 at Petosky (Mich.) Hospital following a long illness. He was 71. LeBarron joined the SIU in 1961 in Detroit. He sailed for many years with Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. He was active in organizing drives and spent much of the 1970s serving as a Lakes-area official before returning to the boats as a mariner in 1978. He retired six years later, in 1984. Retired SIU Vice President Great Lakes Byron Kelley first met LeBarron in high school in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Both went to work in the inland division after graduation. “Skip was an excellent organizer, so much so that he was ‘borrowed’ for campaigns in the Gulf,” Kelley recalled. “He did an outstanding job representing the dredgemen on the Great Lakes, and he also had respect from the company people as well as that of the membership.” LeBarron’s daughter Cindy LeBarron sailed with and organized for the SIU. Manthei stated, “I know he loved being part of the union. He enjoyed the work and kept lifelong friends he met in the industry.” LeBarron was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War. A native of Hancock, Mass., LeBarron moved to Michigan as a teenager. His wife preceded him in death, passing away in 2001. He is survived by a son, a daughter, a stepson, a stepdaughter, a sister and 11 grandchildren. With Seafarers on the Lakes This snapshot of SIU boatmen was taken in Detroit. Standing left to right are ABs Abdul Hussein, Adil Hussein, Jim Jasman, Jeff Davis and Jess Chalker. They are employed by Great Lakes Towing Company. June 2007 �East Coast — North Carolina These two photos were snapped aboard the MV Virginian when SIU representatives serviced the vessel March 14 in Sunny Point, N.C. The Virginian is a commerically owned and operated ship under contract to the Military Sealift Command. U.S. troops around the globe rely on the vessel to bring them supplies and equipment. It has a massive (800-ton) crane, one of the largest sea-going cranes in the world, which is able to lift up to 65 tons at a time. The ship also has huge cargo holds, a stern ramp that vehicles can drive up, as well as a heavy-lift capability that allows the ship to move oversized cargo. The Virginian recently completed a voyage to Italy, Germany and Kuwait. Enjoying lunch aboard ship are (left) STOS Matthew Green and (right) QMED Charles Hobbs and QMED Marc Poniatowski. Seafarers: From Coast to Coast to Coast Gulf Coast — New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook (center) conducts a recent membership meeting at the SIU hall in Harvey. To his right is Chief Electrician Randy Clark, who was acting as recording secretary; and to his left is Patrolman James Brown. Ardeccia Hill is sworn in and receives her full “B” book from Patrolman James Brown in the New Orleans hall. Hill sails as an SA. U.S. Coast Guard Foundation Dinner, Honolulu Prior to a recent school board meeting, Seafarers—in conjunction with the state and local AFL-CIO—joined with other unions to rally in support of the United Teachers of New Orleans, who are organizing and taking a stand to show that the union is back and growing after Hurricane Katrina. At the far left is Steward Nadine Butler; next to her, holding the Seafarers sign, is SA Arnell George. Pacific Coast — Hawaii SIU officials and members were among the guests at a recent fundraiser for the Coast Guard Foundation, a not-for-profit group that raises money for scholarships for enlisted USCG men and women and to meet emergency family needs of Coasties. The dinner chair was Robert Kritzman of NCL America, and the keynote speaker was Sen. Daniel K. Inouye. It was the most successful fundraiser the Coast Guard Foundation has ever held in Honolulu. Chief Steward James Brockington (left), SEATU Rep Amber Akana (center) and SIU Rep Frank Iverson. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and SIU Rep Frank Iverson Below: SIU member Wilfredo “Stretch” Scales (left) takes the SIU oath and receives his “A” seniority book from Port Agent Neil Dietz in the Honolulu hall last month. Pictured April 15 in the crew mess on board the SIU-crewed Pride of America are (from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Bosun Rene Govico and Engine Delegate Joey Acedillo. The cruise ship was in Honolulu harbor that day. June 2007 SIU Recertified Steward Susan Bowman and QMED Ed Krebs Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers also helped mobilize the Wright in 2 Iraqi Freedom and in 2005 for hurricane relie Electrician Therman Ames takes an electrical inventory. Supporting Our Arm USNS Wright Mobilizes for M OS Stefra Strauser Right: The Wright is operated by SIU-contracted Crowley. AB John Frey proves to be a good sport when it comes to setting up photos for the LOG. 12 Seafarers LOG F or Seafarers aboard the USNS Wright, the vessel’s recent activation for an undisclosed military support mission was all in a day’s work. A shipboard visit early last month in Baltimore found the SIU members in all three departments efficiently prepping the aviation logistics support vessel even though they hadn’t been told the mission’s exact nature. Such discretion is common when merchant ships are activated for military purposes, whether the voyage turns out to be a relatively routine training exercise or something more. “I’m interested in seeing what’s going to happen, but we’ll do whatever we’ve got to do,” stated Bosun Tom Moore. “We’re securing the ship for sea even though we don’t know much about the mission. No matter what, we look forward to doing our part—working with the military personnel and doing whatever we can do to help.” Operated by Crowley, the Wright is one of two aviation logistics support ships in the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF); the SIU-crewed Curtis is the other. It primarily functions as a helicopter repair vessel for the U.S. Marine Corps, and also can provide support for offshore helicopter activity. The Wright can house more than 300 people. The ship has other uses, too—it was mobilized for U.S. Gulf Coast hurricane relief in 2005. 2nd Cook Dennis Uchic Back in 2003, mariners fr Merchant Marine Expedition Administration in a shipboar were recognized for a 145-da troops in Operation Iraqi Fre spent in combat zones. During that mission, the v cated sealift for deployment intermediate maintenance ac transporting a helicopter plat and equipment for fixed-win More than 300 Marine Corps ship during the deployment, support of the Marine Aviatio teams aboard the ship fixed a their fellow armed forces per transported to and from the W The Wright, which has a f 602 feet long and has a beam can travel at 19 knots. Its dra es; its displacement is 23,800 QMED Steven Hos June 2007 �2003 for Operation ef. Chief Steward Rayfield Crawford med Forces QMED Ted Wallace Military Mission rom the Wright received the nary Medal from the U.S. Maritime rd ceremony in Baltimore. Seafarers ay deployment supporting U.S. eedom; most of that time was Right: QMED Ken Pell prepares to weld in the engine room. vessel provided rapid and dediof U.S. Marine Corps aviation ctivity. The assignment included tform, a complete repair shop, ng and rotary-wing aircraft. s personnel operated from the providing service and repair in on Combat Element. Repair an estimated 2,000 parts for rsonnel. Those pieces were Wright via helicopter. five-day activation period, is m of 90 feet, 2 inches. The ship aft is listed as 29 feet, 10 inch0 long tons. AB John Frey Left: AB Johnny Chavis (right) explains proper lead of wire rope through roller chock to OS Leonard Gregg. Bosun Tom Moore, SIU Port Agent Dennis Metz skins, QMED Ken Pell June 2007 Chief Cook Julie Dvoroznak AB Johnny Chavis Seafarers LOG 13 �Recollections of the Merchant Marine in World War II Editor’s note: The first two installments of retired Seafarer Albert Stimac’s experiences in the merchant marine appeared in the April and May Seafarers LOGs, respectively. He wrote about his training, his first ship, joining the SIU and the responsibilities of a member of the black gang. Following is a continuation of his experiences, including traveling in a convoy during World War II. They are the best recollections of his training and sea time from the end of 1943 to late 1946, so any inaccuracies in the details need not be brought to his attention. T his was my first convoy, and it was a different way of sailing. This convoy wasn’t too big—about 30 or 40 ships. It was more wide than long. The major factor in how fast the convoy traveled was how fast the slowest ship could go. So the convoy went at the speed set by the lead ship of the convoy. He sat in the first row and in the middle, with ships on both sides of him. I think we had five or seven ships across and four or five back. The problem was to keep all these ships in line as well as a certain distance behind each other. This was easy enough in good seas and clear weather. Things changed dramatically, however, on dark, moonless nights or when we ran into fog. Then the ships signaled each other by fog horns. So many short or long blasts identified your ship. Many mornings we woke up and found ships so close together you could holler to one another. And ships that were supposed to be on one side of a convoy ended up on the other side. As we sailed along, it would sometimes take half a day to get everybody all lined up again. For escorts, we didn’t have any ship larger than a destroyer. Mostly, they were made up of what they called escorts, much smaller vessels than destroyers. Their main purpose was to be fast and drop depth charges. Our biggest worry was to break down in the engine room. Then we were left by ourselves and given a certain amount of time to get fixed and running or the protecting escort would leave you. The only communication ships in the convoy had was by flags. No radio or that type of communication was allowed since subs could pick that up. We made it to England in about two weeks. At 5 or 6 knots, one did not travel over 7 or 8 miles an hour. We sat on the west side of England in a harbor full of other ships for a few days. Then we sailed up to what we found out was Scotland. Sat there for about a month just doing nothing. We were not allowed to go ashore. Everybody got a little edgy when we saw officers going ashore, staying all night and coming back in the morning. That was soon stopped, and only the captain, chief mate and chief engineer went ashore in the morning and returned in the afternoon. One morning on our watch, we were given orders to fire up the boilers to get our steam up and ready to sail. That night, we pulled anchor and took off. We had no idea where we were going. I was just getting off morning watch and going topside when I felt the whole ship shudder and heard a crunching sound. I scrambled up as fast as I could but could see nothing in the haze and choppy sea. And pretty soon, we just kept going along. I soon found out that we were in the English Channel and bound for France. D-Day had taken place a couple of weeks earlier, and we had hit an LST head on and sunk it. This type of craft was like a large triangular box that carried troops and supplies. They were flat bottomed and could go almost to shore to deliver men or materiel. Their size restricted any large amount of materiel they could carry. They were 14 Seafarers LOG mainly assault ships instead of cargo supply vessels. Then we found out we were on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, and the invasion was on. We anchored out about a mile and unloaded our cargo onto LSTs with our cargo booms. It took about a week to unload. It was a very unreal world at this time. Every once in a while, the anti-aircraft guns opened up from the battleships along the beach, and we would head for cover. We found out quickly that when you saw that first shell burst in the sky, pretty soon the shell burst would come down. It sounded like rain on a tin roof. You could get killed if you stayed in the open. Another odd sight was a lot of small balloons (150 feet long) were in the sky and were anchored by cable to the ground or ship. This kept the dive bombers and attack planes from coming in low to bomb the cargo ships. The cables would cut the wings off the planes if they hit them. I got the shock of my life the next morning when I looked over the side and wave that went ashore on Omaha Beach. I really was overwhelmed by the news and behaved badly. As I sat on my bunk too stunned to think, many of the men on the ship came in to console me and shake my hand. All the officers aboard also came and expressed their condolences. I stayed aboard until nightfall, and then I just had to get off that ship. I got paid the day after and then went home for a month. The draft board and Coast Guard gave me no problems on my extended time on shore. I went back to New York City and didn’t have any problem getting a ship since I had more shore time than anybody. When I got the oiler’s job I wanted, on the ship I wanted, the dispatcher asked if I could spend a minute with him. For some reason, he picked me out and started to inquire about my interest in the union. In my union book, he must have noticed I always paid my dues and that I had attended union meetings when I was ashore. The first one I attended was out of curiosity because it was just being formed National Archives, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration There were no guarantees of smooth sailing for convoy merchant vessels in World War II. could see bodies of men floating face down in the water. The tide going in and out moved these bodies all over. They were being scooped up by small landing craft that had flat bows that dropped down and could be used as ramps. It’s funny how one’s mind works and how these things just get accepted. I didn’t go ashore as we were forbidden to do so. But somebody always does it anyway. Some of the deck crew hopped into a cargo boat going ashore and they looked into German fortifications and wandered around a bit. They came back with stories about how things in the bunkers were just left there as if someone would come back and get them. They brought back some of the magazines, newspapers and other odds and ends. They also brought back a small dog. It must have been a pup. Never grew more than 12 inches tall and looked just like a large German Shepherd. In the end, I got some of the magazines. After we unloaded, we went back to Ireland and stayed for 36 hours. When we hit that other vessel going across to France, we made a large hole in our bow. It was too close to the waterline, so we had it cemented up as a temporary measure. In rough seas, one could take on water and sink. We didn’t have any problems going back, and it was exactly 90 days we were aboard ship with only one time ashore. And that was in Ireland while we were getting patched up. Usually when you hit the States, you get paid off and leave the ship or sign on again. This takes about four or five days after you dock. You also get your mail. I got a letter from my mother. I always opened them first. Found out that she had just been notified by the War Department that my brother had been killed. He was a machine gunner in the infantry, and his whole outfit was wiped out in the first and was very new. The meetings were really what the real world was all about. Although they were very local and argumentative, they were run by Roberts Rules of Order. If there were 50 or 100 guys at a meeting, one saw and heard 50 or 100 different individuals and ideas. One time we were discussing going on strike, and it was going to be the next day because all the negotiations had gotten the union nowhere. And steamship companies hated unions. So after much name calling and accusations of gutless leadership, we were given a place and time to meet. Our instructions were the following: (1) We would each be handed a white cap before the march, indicating our strike against shipping companies we had under agreement, (2) The plan was to march down a certain street in New York City to the shipping company offices and carry strike cards. Just in case the police or company goons tried to break up our march, we were told to keep going until we marched to a certain block, (3) In that block they would have pick handles secreted in the doorways of businesses, and (4) We would then pull out our white caps, put them on, grab a pick handle and start swinging. You hit anybody who didn’t wear a white cap.We also had problems with a competing union who we thought might join the fray. But as it turned out, the companies signed the new agreement, and we didn’t march. I suppose at this point, I should try to explain what merchant seamen were before the war started. The closest I can come to it, is comparing them to the socalled homeless of today’s day and age. They were losers or introverts with their own personal problems. Alcohol, drugs, one or two bottles a day of aspirin, hard stuff, mental problems and some prison time for various crimes. They had their own unspoken code of how you were on shore and how you acted aboard ship. Almost a contradiction in itself. On shore, you were a loner. Aboard ship, you were a team. If everybody didn’t carry his weight and more, you endangered everybody’s life. The only ones who had a hard time were the “druggies.” They usually cleaned up their act until we were out to sea and then got high. They were smart enough not to get too high, just high enough to keep them going and do their jobs. If it was a hard-core druggie or a long trip and they ran out of stuff, we had problems. The captain would order the purser to issue enough each day to keep them from freaking out. Then when we hit a port to discharge cargo, they put them ashore and they were eventually sent back to the States. Anyway, he pointed out in my dues book that I had been to the meeting for a strike. So he asked, how would I like to be the person to lead union meetings on the ship. It sounded interesting and harmless, so I agreed. I was asked if I knew how to hold a meeting. If I took the assignment, I should just ask the captain for permission and space to hold a meeting. This trip, we were bringing back about 250 German prisoners of war and carrying cargo. Things went well in the convoy and we had no breakdowns. I decided to hold a union meeting after about 10 days out. I went up on the officer’s deck and requested a talk with the captain. It was OK’d, and I went into his quarters. When I made my request to hold a union meeting as per the union contract, I thought he would have a fit. He looked at me so hard I felt he would strike me. When he could finally talk straight, he did give his permission. I was glad to get out of his quarters. The meeting was a novelty for those who attended, about 15 or so who were not on watch. I was about 23 years old at the time, and these guys had been sailing for years and were pretty beat up mentally and physically. It almost seemed like play acting because it didn’t seem real. But I have to give them credit. They respected the fact that I represented the union and was their spokesperson on board ship. I didn’t get any personal verbal abuse, but I heard plenty about this ship and that ship. Also about this mate or that chief engineer. We didn’t get much accomplished aboard ship, but everyone certainly knew I was union and had held a meeting aboard ship. Even to to all the officers, this was something new and almost unreal. The rest of the trip was uneventful and we unloaded the cargo and German prisoners of war in LeHavre, France. The German gun enplacements were still there on the sea walls extending 400 to 500 yards out from shore. Three or four of the prisoners were pretty cocky getting off the ship and giving the German salute going down the gangplank. They were in for a rude shock when they would get inland and see no more German army. The Red Cross was giving out coffee and doughnuts. It was dark and about 9 o’clock at night, and a couple of us thought we would go ashore and get some just for a change (even though we always had food in the fridge and coffee on board ship). We got a doughnut and a cup of coffee from one of the ladies. An older one walked up and asked who we were. We said we were merchant men off this ship. She said we were civilians and they only gave to servicemen in uniform. So they took our coffee and doughnuts back. Brother Stimac’s wartime recollections will continue in a future edition of the Seafarers LOG. June 2007 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea July & August 2007 Membership Meetings APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals Totals Totals All Departments 3 0 0 5 1 1 7 9 0 2 1 10 6 1 1 1 0 0 7 9 0 0 5 8 1 10 37 24 0 11 8 20 13 13 2 0 6 1 21 19 2 1 4 6 3 5 29 18 0 8 7 13 7 10 5 8 7 3 16 12 1 0 1 6 2 0 4 4 0 0 0 6 6 1 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 3 8 0 1 25 19 0 2 12 12 8 6 2 1 5 1 12 11 5 1 5 22 2 16 70 65 2 18 29 81 27 42 9 2 11 2 61 50 7 11 11 37 10 14 50 37 2 20 9 47 27 12 11 18 15 10 60 28 4 2 2 11 6 4 16 9 0 3 3 9 11 2 2 1 2 1 12 13 269 243 64 199 164 37 128 520 436 113 0 0 4 4 1 10 18 11 0 6 9 19 13 12 2 2 2 2 15 14 1 1 4 10 4 7 10 18 0 3 3 15 11 10 3 4 2 1 24 8 0 1 0 3 1 1 2 1 0 1 0 2 3 1 1 0 1 0 1 4 1 0 5 5 2 8 18 12 0 8 2 8 7 6 0 1 3 2 18 6 1 0 5 5 0 3 9 14 1 2 2 3 7 4 2 4 3 3 9 5 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 6 0 0 1 4 0 1 13 4 0 2 2 7 1 1 1 1 1 0 9 7 0 0 7 7 0 12 28 31 0 9 11 33 12 16 3 1 2 2 21 20 0 1 5 13 8 7 18 29 2 9 8 29 15 16 3 3 6 2 37 13 2 1 1 6 2 1 6 4 0 0 1 5 3 4 0 0 1 1 5 8 144 139 23 112 82 20 55 215 224 51 1 0 4 7 0 14 19 18 0 11 4 16 9 25 1 2 2 0 14 15 1 0 3 10 0 8 7 8 0 2 1 5 11 3 1 3 0 1 4 8 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 4 8 2 6 21 15 0 5 5 5 9 16 1 2 2 1 9 13 0 0 3 4 1 4 7 5 0 3 2 3 12 1 0 1 3 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 2 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 5 0 4 10 5 0 0 4 2 4 5 0 0 2 0 6 3 1 0 7 9 2 20 33 31 0 11 7 39 9 39 2 3 2 2 32 34 1 0 1 17 1 11 12 18 0 4 4 12 12 7 2 3 1 3 14 12 2 0 1 1 0 0 3 2 0 2 1 5 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 162 76 14 124 54 14 52 283 135 26 1 0 0 1 0 1 5 5 0 0 5 6 0 7 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 6 3 8 26 24 1 6 4 36 11 12 2 13 2 1 16 18 3 0 3 10 2 8 5 19 1 0 1 12 11 11 0 20 3 2 13 8 0 0 0 1 0 1 5 1 0 0 2 3 0 5 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 2 4 14 10 0 4 2 8 8 11 2 9 2 0 9 11 0 0 0 7 0 2 3 11 0 0 1 2 4 7 1 23 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 7 9 0 1 4 16 0 11 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 4 7 15 3 15 43 31 1 6 10 86 20 18 2 23 3 2 30 20 7 0 3 12 2 17 18 25 2 3 6 40 15 18 3 10 4 2 22 13 33 194 132 22 99 67 0 59 340 222 608 652 233 457 399 138 235 1,077 1,135 412 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Baltimore..............Thursday: July 5, August 9 Boston ..................Friday: July 6, August 10 Guam ....................Thursday: July 19, August 23 Honolulu...............Friday: July 13, August 17 Houston ................Monday: July 9, August 13 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: July 5, August 9 Joliet .....................Thursday: July 12, August 16 Mobile ..................Wednesday: July 11, August 15 New Orleans.........Tuesday: July 10, August 14 New York .............Tuesday: July 3, August 7 Norfolk .................Thursday: July 5, August 9 Oakland ................Thursday: July 12, August 16 Philadelphia..........Thursday: July 5* ..............................Wednesday: August 8 ..............................(*change created due to Independence Day) Port Everglades ....Thursday: July 12, August 16 San Juan ...............Thursday: July 5, August 9 St. Louis ...............Friday: July 13, August 17 Tacoma .................Friday: July 20, August 24 Wilmington...........Monday: July 16, August 20 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 2007 Piney Point ...........Monday: July 2, August 6 Algonac ................Friday: July 6, August 10 2 3 9 22 6 9 34 21 1 9 7 24 12 5 9 20 8 6 24 12 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 1 1 15 1 15 36 42 2 9 16 26 17 19 2 1 7 2 25 32 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Personals TO TESS FROM FRIENDS AT SANDHILL Tess, your friends at Sandhill miss you. Please write them at Sandhill Farm, RR1, Box 155-W, Rutledge, MO 63563. RONNIE DAVIS Cynthia is trying to find her “all-time favorite chief cook/steward, Ronnie Davis, from Lake Ponchatrain, La.” If anyone knows his whereabouts, please call Cynthia at (503) 791-4853 or e-mail her at cyn54a@charter.net. THOMAS (TOM) LYNCH Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Tom Lynch (last living/working in Slidell, La.) is asked to contact Margo at btomlou1924@aol.com. Coast Guard Announces Web Site for Mariners The U.S. Coast Guard last month launched a web site “to provide merchant mariners with real-time information on the status of pending mariner credential applications.” According to the agency, merchant mariners may check the status of application packages throughout the verification and approval process by logging onto http://homeport.uscg.mil/, clicking on the Merchant Mariners tab and then clicking on Merchant Mariner Application Status. In announcing the new site, the Coast Guard noted, “When application information is entered, Homeport will display the information submitted with the application package and current application status information. Mariner credentials that have already been issued will be displayed in Homeport as ‘issued’ for a 120-day period. Mariners who need additional information after visiting the web site can request additional information by telephone or email.” Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 House Committee Conducts Hearing On ‘Belated Thank You’ Legislation Unions, Former Sec. Mineta Express Strong Support The U.S. House of Representatives Veterans’ Affairs Committee on April 18 conducted hearings in Washington, D.C. to extend the 1944 G.I. Bill of Rights to the Merchant Mariners of World War II. U.S. Merchant Marine veterans unselfishly answered their country’s call to duty during WWII by moving troops, ammunition and other supplies around the war-torn world. Despite their unparalleled service and high fatality rate, merchant mariners were not recognized as veterans until 1988, decades after 11 million other combatants were classified as veterans. None of the benefits afforded millions of other veterans were given to mariners. They are now asking for a relatively small payment in lieu of the comparably generous benefits given to other veterans beginning so many years ago. In response to their request and to make amends, two bills currently are making their ways through the House and the U.S. Senate—House Bill H.R. 23 and Senate Bill S. 961—“A Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007.” If passed by both chambers and signed into law, 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. Sponsored by Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.), H.R. 23 was introduced in the House on Jan. 4 and referred to committee. The latest major action on the legislation occurred during the April 18 hearings of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, which Filner chairs. H.R. 23 currently has 119 cosponsors. Sen. Nelson E. Benjamin (D-Neb.) sponsored S. 961 in the Senate. The measure was introduced and referred to Senate committee March 22. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Thirty-one senators have signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. “While it is impossible to make up for over 40 years of unpaid benefits, H.R. 23 will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the merchant marine and offer compensation,” said Filner in his opening remarks during the House’s April 18 hearing. “A wrong has existed for too long and it must be corrected. It is time our nation recognizes all of our veterans for their contributions to the successful outcome of World War II. President Washington got it right when he said, ‘The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.’ It is time to make good on the promises that we have made to our troops and to our veterans. I am asking that the 110th Congress will finally correct the injustice inflicted on the United States Merchant Mariners and grant them the compensation and respect that they have rightfully earned.” SIU President Michael Sacco and three other presidents of American maritime labor organizations, in an official letter to Chairman Filner, voiced their strong support for H.R. 23. That correspondence, which was entered into the official record, in part said, “The organizations we represent have the privilege of including among our retired and active seagoing members individuals who served our country with honor and distinction during World War II, and their descendents. These World War II merchant mariners are truly representative of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ and we are extremely proud of them and the example they have set for all merchant mariners who continue to respond to our nation’s call whenever and wherever they are needed…. “We agree wholeheartedly with you that the enactment of H.R. 23 is necessary ‘to correct an injustice that has been inflicted upon a group of World War II veterans, the World War II United States merchant mariners….’ “There is not, nor should there be, any debate as to the invaluable service given by American merchant mariners during World War II,” the letter continued. “In fact, World War II merchant mariners suffered the highest casualty rate of any of the branches of the Armed Forces, other than the United States Marine Corps, as they delivered troops, tanks, food, fuel and other needed equipment and material to every theater. Enemy forces sank more than 800 merchant vessels between 1941 and 1944 alone.” Borrowing a quote from President Franklin Roosevelt who summed up the contributions of America’s World War II merchant mariners, the correspondence noted, “that they (World War II merchant mariners) have written one of its most brilliant chapters. 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 most dangerous job ever taken….” “We believe our country has an obligation to the remaining World War II merchant mariners, and to the descendents of those who died during the war and since, to fully acknowledge their service and to give them the measure of benefit called for in H.R. 23. We ask you and your Committee to take the first step in righting this wrong by favorably reporting H.R. 23 to the House of Representatives for its consideration.” In addition to the signature of President Sacco, the letter also contained those of Thomas Bethel, president, American Maritime Officers; Timothy A. Brown, president, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Ron Davis, president, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. Former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta was one of several witnesses to testify before the committee. Others included Sen. Ben Nelson; Veterans Administration Under Secretary for Benefits Admiral Daniel L. Cooper; Ian Allison, co-chair of the Just Compensation Committee of the United States Merchant Marine Combat Veterans; a number of United States Merchant Marine combat veterans and others. “Through my work with the Maritime Administration and the Academy (U.S. Merchant Marine Academy), I have come to know and respect America’s Merchant Marine and our nation’s mariners,” Mineta said during his formal comments “No finer example could be given of their historical selfless service to our country than their great sacrifices during World War II. “Time is running short to finally thank the merchant mariners of World War II,” Secretary Mineta concluded. “Let us not squander this opportunity.” PICS-FROM-THE-PAST In addition to its many other functions, the SIU hall has always served as a gathering place for Seafarers. These photos, taken from the LOG archives, indicate that card playing was one of the more popular activities for SIU members in years past. The photo at right was taken in 1961 at the Norfolk hall. From the left are Engineer C.O. Christie, AB Andy Solesbee and Steward John Dolan. The photo below (left) was shot in October 1962 in the Philadelphia hall. Clockwise, beginning with the man whose back is to the camera, are Deckhand Ralph Maranca, Chief Steward Gaston Saillard, Messman Estebon Oquendo and Third Cook Edward Bayne. The third picture was snapped, probably around the same time, in the Brooklyn hall. Pictured are steward department members Arnold Torella, Pete Gonzales and George Meltzer. 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 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 2007 �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 SALEH ALNAGIB, 65, joined the SIU in 1970. Brother AlNagib sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by CSX Lines. His first ship was the Los Angeles; his last was the Horizon Trader. Brother AlNagib was born in Arabia and shipped as a member of the engine department. He is a resident of San Francisco. ZAINE BASIR, 70, became a Seafarer in 1966. Brother Basir first sailed on the Steel Scientist. A native of Malaysia, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Basir most recently worked aboard the Maersk Virginia. He upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Basir resides in New York. LEONCIO CASTRO, 65, joined the SIU in 1989 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Castro first shipped on the USNS Regulus as a member of the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Overseas Luxmar. Born in Honduras, Brother Castro calls Houston, Texas home. JOEL CROW, 62, started his seafaring career in 1972. Brother Crow’s first voyage was on the President Johnson. Born in Russellville, Ala., he worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring, Brother Crow shipped aboard the Horizon Anchorage. He resides in Tacoma, Wash. WILLIAM DICKEY, 63, joined the SIU in 1967. Brother Dickey began sailing aboard the Western Comet in the deck department. He upgraded on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Dickey, who was born in Cleveland, most recently sailed on the Florida. He makes his home in Deer Park, Texas. THOMAS KESERU, 71, began sailing with the union in 1991 from the port of New York. Brother Keseru’s first voyage was aboard the Gopher State. The engine department member most recently worked on the Maersk Alabama. Brother Keseru calls New Milford, Conn. home. ALFRED LANE, 63, was born in West Virginia and became an SIU member in 1967 in the port June 2007 of Jacksonville, Fla. He first shipped aboard an Isthmian Lines Inc. vessel in the engine department. Brother Lane often upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed on the Sulphur Enterprise. Brother Lane is a resident of Jacksonville. RICHMOND MATTHEWS, 71, launched his seafaring career in 1979. He first sailed aboard the Overseas Washington as a member of the deck department. Brother Matthews upgraded frequently at the Piney Pint school. His last ship was the Motivator. Brother Matthews resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. MAURICE RICHARDSON, 65, joined the SIU in 1965. Brother Richardson first sailed aboard the Alcoa Explorer. The Louisianaborn mariner worked in the engine department. Brother Richardson’s most recent voyage was on the Boston. He calls Mobile, Ala. home. JOHN WOLFE, 55, embarked on his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of New York. Brother Wolfe’s first voyage was aboard the Steel Artisan. The New Jerse native sailed as a member of the deck department. Before retiring, Brother Wolfe worked on the Horizon Hawaii. He makes his home in Middletown, N.J. INLAND THOMAS ELLIS, 62, joined the SIU in 1983. Boatman Ellis initially shipped aboard the Seabulk Tanker. The deck department member upgraded his skills in 1995 at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Ellis last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing Co. vesel. He continues to reside in his native Texas. JACK GONZALEZ, 62, was born in Puerto Rico. Boatman Gonzalez joined the SIU in 1986. He worked primarily aboard G&H Towing vessels. Boatman Gonzalez lives in Robstown, Texas. JAKE McCAULEY, 65, became a Seafarer in 1979. Boatman McCauley sailed primarily on vessels operated by NATCO, including the Sugar Island and the Dodge Island. He lives in Melbourne, Fla. RUFUS PRITCHETT, 66, joined the SIU in 1996 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Pritchett worked primarily aboard Crowley vessels. Born in Pennsylvania, he calls Salem, N.J. home. RAYMOND SIMMONS JR., 62, embarked on his SIU career in 1970. Boatman Simmons first sailed aboard a National Marine Services vessel. The Texas-born mariner most recently shipped with Civilian Towing. Boatman Simmons is a resident of Kirbyville, Texas. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL BROWN, 62, began his SIU career in 1967 in the port of Algonac first working aboard Michigan Interstate Railway vessels. He most recently sailed aboard a Luedtke Engineering Co. vessel. Brother Brown was a member of the deck department. He makes his home in Brimley, Mich. ALFRED SHANAHAN, 65, joined the SIU in 1969. Brother Shanahan first sailed in the deck department aboard the Reiss Brothers. Brother Shanahan resides in Surprise, Ariz. 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. CHARLES ARCHIE, 55, became an NMU member in 1975. Brother Archie first sailed on the William J. Fields. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Archie, who was born in Galveston, Texas, most recently worked aboard the Delaware Trader. THOMAS CORRALES, 69, started his seafaring career in the port of Houston in 1980. Brother Corrales’ first voyage was on the Meadow Brooke. The Houston native last shipped aboard the Navigator. ROY JOHNSON, 70, began sailing with the union in 1965. His first ship was the Santa Isabel. Brother Johnson worked in both the deck and steward departments. Born in Southampton, England, Brother Johnson’s most recent voyage was on the Maersk Nebraska. He makes his home in Louisiana. PRITCHETT LOFTIN, 65, joined the union in 1967 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Loftin, who was born in Mobile, Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 The SIU pulled a complete work stoppage on all ships on June 6 to force the steamship companies to negotiate for new agreements. As a result of the stoppage, negotiations commenced with the operators on Tuesday, June 11. Among other things, the union was seeking establishment of a 40-hour work week. Ala., sailed in both the engine and steward departments. DENNIS McDANIEL, 66, embarked on his NMU career in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed on the Leslie Lykes, working as a member of the engine department. Prior to retiring, Brother McDaniel shipped aboard the American Monarch. He is a native of Jefferson City, Mo. LONNY NETTER, 62, began his seafaring career in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Netter was born in New Orleans and sailed in the steward department. His first ship was the Mormac Pride; his last was the Sealift Atlantic. ALEXANDER REMBERT JR., 62, joined the NMU in 1967 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Rembert sailed in the engine department. He first worked on the Weslyn Victory. His most recent voyage was aboard the Lykes Motivator. Brother Rembert is a native of Mobile, Ala. JOSEPH SHEPARD, 57, was born in Louisiana and joined the NMU in 1973 in the port of New Orleans. He first sailed on the James Lykes. The steward department member most recently sailed aboard the Cape Kennedy. THAMES SOLOMON, 65, joined the NMU in 1967 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Solomon’s first ship was the Stella Lykes. Born in Louisiana. Brother Solomon’s most recent voyage was aboard the Prairieville. $3,728,745.85 in benefits for members and dependents.) 1973 By proclamation, President Nixon has opened the way for the first time to increased use of American-flag ships in the carriage of some of the nation’s oil imports by providing financial incentives to importers. Under terms of the proclamation, importers who use American-flag tankers to bring in motor gasoline or finished products or unfinished oil manufactured in the Virgin Islands, American Samoa or Guam get a special break on import fees. This Month In SIU History 1958 The annual report of the Seafarers Welfare Plan filed with the New York State Superintendent of Insurance shows that the Plan paid $1,418,578.27 in benefits to Seafarers and their families during the year 1957. The payments last year bring the total of benefits since the Plan began in June 1950 to slightly less than $9 million. The total of benefits paid out last year is almost $117,000 more than the year 1956 and a whopping $555,000 over 1955, reflecting the addition of new welfare benefits, year by year, and improvement of existing benefits. (Current-day editor’s note: In the month of April 2007, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan paid out 1988 Frank Drozak, SIU president since 1980, died at his home June 11 following a long bout with cancer. He was 60 years old. Drozak’s career with the SIU spanned more than 40 years. He first shipped out from Mobile, Ala. in 1945. The former bosun fought in organizing drives in the 1950s, including the Cities Service and Isthmian beefs. He worked as a port agent in New York and Philadelphia…. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA TAMOTSU AKIYAMA Pensioner Tamotsu Akiyama, 85, passed away Oct. 24. Brother Akiyama joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1954. He was born in Oregon and sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Akiyama last worked aboard the Chief Gadao. He made his home in San Francisco and retired in 1979. CHARLES BORTZ Pensioner Charles Bortz, 81, died Oct. 14. Brother Bortz began his SIU career in 1952, first sailing aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Bortz, who was born in Allentown, Pa., worked in the deck department. He wrote a few articles for the Seafarers LOG, including one in July 1984 about a cat on board the M/V Ranger. Brother Bortz most recently sailed on the Overseas Alice. He was a resident of Hellertown, Pa. and went on pension in 1991. WILLIAM CAMERON Brother William Cameron, 63, passed away Sept. 25. He became an SIU member in 1991, first sailing aboard the Ambassador. The engine department member’s last ship was the USNS Wright. Brother Cameron called Akron, Ohio home. COSTAS DAYOS Pensioner Costas Dayos, 80, died Oct. 19. Brother Dayos joined the SIU in 1961, first sailing aboard the Steel Architect in the engine department. He was born in Greece and continued to reside there. Prior to retiring in 1991, Brother Dayos shipped on the Ambassador. OXFORD GALE Brother Oxford Gale, 66, passed away Oct. 22. He was born in Honduras and joined the union in 1960. Brother Gale worked in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Yosemite. Brother Gale made his home in Miami, Fla. CHRISTOPHER GOLDSBURY Brother Christopher Goldsbury, 67, died Oct. 30. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1967. Brother Goldsbury first sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel and was a member of the engine department. Brother Goldsbury’s most recent voyage was aboard the Horizon Crusader. He lived in Miami, Fla. WHITTEN HAMMOCK Pensioner Whitten Hammock, 78, passed away Oct. 31. Brother Hammock starting sailing with the union in 1952. His first ship was the James K. Walker. He shipped in the deck department. Brother Hammock 18 Seafarers LOG last sailed on a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. He settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. and started collecting his pension in 1977. PETER MARTI Pensioner Peter Marti, 82, died Sept. 13. Brother Marti joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Marti, who was born in Switzerland, worked in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Santa Magdalena. Brother Marti became a pensioner in 1988 and called Pleasant Hill, Calif. home. PERSING ORDANSA Pensioner Persing Ordansa, 84, passed away Sept. 26. Brother Ordansa joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was operated by Pennsylvania Transport Co. Brother Ordansa was born in Hawaii. He most recently sailed in the engine department of the Franklin J. Phillips and retired in 1987. ROGER PLAUD Brother Roger Plaud, 59, died Oct. 20. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1989. Brother Plaud shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions. He first worked with G&H Towing Co. in the deck department. Brother Plaud, who was born in Worcester, Mass., last sailed on board the El Morro. He was a resident of San Juan, P.R. RICHARD SHIKASHO Pensioner Richard Shikasho, 82, passed away Oct. 2. Brother Shikasho joined the union in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. The California native was a member of the steward department. Before retiring in 1980, Brother Shikasho shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. He lived in San Francisco. FRANCIS SPERRY Pensioner Francis Sperry, 81, died Oct. 31. Brother Sperry, who was born in Louisiana, first sailed in 1943 from the port of New Orleans aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Sperry last shipped on the Patriot. He resided in Lutcher, La. and started receiving his pension in 1987. JULES STANN Pensioner Jules Stann, 79, passed away Sept. 5. Brother Stann became an SIU member in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. He was a Louisiana native and worked in the deck department. Brother Stann shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions. He first worked aboard a Red Circle Transport vessel. Brother Stann’s most recent trip to sea was aboard the Green Island. He began his retirement in 1995 and made his home in New Orleans. LORENZO STIRPE Pensioner Lorenzo Stirpe, 84, died Oct. 24. Brother Stirpe joined the SIU in 1952 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He first sailed on vessels operated by Overseas Carriers Inc. Brother Stirpe was born in New York and worked in the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Walter Rice. Brother Stirpe went on pension in 1981. He made his home in Theodore, Ala. INLAND JOHN HANKS Pensioner John Hanks, 81, passed away Oct. 10. Boatman Hanks was a Texas native. He began shipping with the SIU in 1951 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He first worked in the deep sea division on a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Boatman Hanks’ most recent voyage was with G&H Towing. He started collecting his retirement in 1982. Boatman Hanks was a resident of Austin, Texas. JOSEPH ISTRE Pensioner Joseph Istre, 81, died Oct. 29. Boatman Istre launched his seafaring career in 1964. He sailed primarily in the deck department aboard Higman Barge Line vessels. Boatman Istre, who was born in Abbeville, La., called Kaplan, La. home. He became a pensioner in 1988. PAUL STRASZYNSKI Pensioner Paul Straszynski, 76, passed away Sept. 25. Boatman Straszynski joined the union in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. During his SIU career he sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Baltimore. Boatman Straszynski was born in Maryland and worked in the deck department. He began his retirement in 1985 and made his home in Brooksville, Fla. GREAT LAKES STANLEY BLIX Pensioner Stanley Blix, 80, died Oct. 27. Brother Blix joined the SIU in 1963. He first shipped aboard an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Blix was born in Minnesota. His most recent voyage was on the Kinsman Enterprise. Brother Blix made his home in Wisconsin. ROBERT MALASKI Pensioner Robert Malaski, 86, passed away Oct. 23. Brother Malaski began his seafaring career in 1960 in the port of Fort Lauderdale. He sailed primarily in the engine department of vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management. Brother Malaski lived in his native state of Michigan. 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. FRANK BURTON Pensioner Frank Burton, 92, passed away July 22. Brother Burton joined the union in 1954 after serving in the U.S. Army. He initially sailed from the port of New York. Brother Burton, who was born in Oklahoma, worked in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the American Legacy. Brother Burton went on pension in 1980. JESUS CAMACHO Pensioner Jesus Camacho, 74, died July 29. Brother Camacho became an NMU member in 1951. His first ship was the David T. Williams. Brother Camacho, who was born in Puerto Rico, last sailed aboard the Santa Clara. Brother Camacho began collecting his pension in 1974. sailed aboard the Ruth Lykes. Brother Patin became a pensioner in 1967. SATURNINO SALAVARIA Pensioner Saturnino Salavaria, 81, passed away July 9. Brother Salavaria, who was born in New York, first sailed on the Jonathan Elmer. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Salavaria most recently sailed aboard the Biddeford Victory. He started receiving his pension in 1970. WALTER SAMUELS Pensioner Walter Samuels, 89, died July 3. Brother Samuels joined the NMU ranks in 1943 in the port of Philadelphia. His earliest trip to sea was on the Paul Luckenbach, where he worked in the steward department. Brother Samuels last sailed aboard the Gulf King. He began collecting his retirement stipends in 1967. ISIDOR GRILES JAMES STOKES Pensioner Isidor Griles, 91, passed away July 25. Brother Griles started his NMU career in 1944 in the port of New York. He first shipped aboard the Samuel Nelson. Brother Griles was born in St. Croix. He last sailed on the American Reliance. Brother Griles retired in 1982. Pensioner James Stokes, 82, passed away July 7. Brother Stokes launched his NMU career in 1946 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member first worked on the Nancy Lykes. Brother Stokes, who was born in North Carolina, last sailed aboard the African Mercury. He went on pension in 1971. CECIL JAUNDOO Pensioner Cecil Jaundoo, 81, died July 16. Brother Jaundoo, who was born in New York, donned the NMU colors in 1944 in that city’s port. He sailed as a member of the deck department. Prior to his retirement in 1967, Brother Jaundoo worked aboard the Santa Paula. MARIO PAIVA Pensioner Mario Paiva, 89, passed away July 31. Brother Paiva began his seafaring career in 1963 in the port of New York. He was a native of Portugal and shipped in the engine department. Brother Paiva’s first vessel was the Atlantic; his last was the Argonaut. He began receiving his retirement compensation in 1981. WILLIAM PATIN CARLOS TORRUELLAS Pensioner Carlos Torruellas, 84, died July 28. Brother Torruellas embarked on his seafaring career in the port of New York. He was born in Puerto Rico and shipped in the steward department. Brother Torruellas’ most recent voyage was aboard the Atlantic. He retired in 1970. 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 Paul Banquis 78 July 22 Alvin Lewis 94 July 15 Victor Smith 82 July 30 James Sureatt 82 July 10 Pensioner William Patin, 78, died July 3. Brother Patin, who was born in Louisiana, first sailed on the Andrew A. Humpheys in 1947. He last June 2007 �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), March 4— Chairman Juan L. Torres, Secretary Exxl C. Ronquillo, Engine Delegate Carlo M. Johnson, Steward Delegate David A. Brown III. Chairman noted that steward department doing a superb job, with great meals every day. Secretary thanked all unlicensed crew members for their cooperation keeping ship clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from most recent Seafarers LOG read and discussed. It was reported that new DVDs and TV for crew lounge had arrived. CAPE KENNEDY (Keystone Shipping), March 9—Chairman Donald Byrd, Secretary Eddie W. Taylor, Educational Director Tran P. Luu, Deck Delegate John A. Coleman Jr., Engine Delegate Joseph T. Previto, Steward Delegate Kelvin R. Burrell. Chairman talked about new physical guidelines soon to take effect and reminded everyone to take care of their bodies. Secretary urged everyone to work safely and make sure doors are closed, to prevent hand injuries. Educational director encouraged members to attend Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. to upgrade their seafaring skills. Anyone needing applications should see the electrician. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new antennae system (for international and world news) for lounges, an extra computer for email and the slop chest to sell satellite phones cards. Recommendation made to increase level of pension benefits. All departments were thanked for jobs well done. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; New Orleans. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), March 25— Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Charles L. Wharton, Deck Delegate Sangie Mohamed, Steward Delegate Enrique A. Garrido. Chairman announced March 27 payoff before arrival in Oakland, Calif. He stated that vessel is due to lay up in May. He also reported that two new ships had joined the Horizon fleet, the Horizon Hawk and Hunter. Secretary reminded crew to have books ready for boarding patrolman upon arrival in Oakland. He also suggested they read Seafarers LOG to stay informed about the happenings in the union and in the maritime industry. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at Piney Point school and keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew given thanks for smooth, safe trip. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif; Honolulu. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), March 25—Chairman Salvador N. Villareal, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Irwin J. Rousseau, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Steward Delegate Efren G. Ancheta. Bosun reported smooth sailing and no injuries. He announced March 30 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. and that next voyage would be 14 days on the Triangle Run (Tacoma, Honolulu, Oakland). Secretary expressed gratitude to all members for helping keep ship clean and safe. Educational director urged crew to watch expiration dates on needed shipping documents and renew early. Treasurer stated $351 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun informed mariners of 150-day extension on changes to medical benefits, which will take effect January 2008. He also discussed new contract. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), March 25—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director Allen D. Parker. Chairman stated that vessel is going into shipyard April 17. He thanked crew members for following safety procedures and asked them to use tunnel during port operations. Secretary reported two more reliefs due aboard ship (8-12 watchstander and SA). Educational director recommended Seafarers check out courses available at union-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for good food and plenty of cookies. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), March 23—Chairman Samuel H. Lampshire, Secretary James E. Harper, Engine Delegate Andrew J. Linares. Chairman urged crew members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Secretary advised everyone to pay close attention to documents: fully read and understand everything before you sign it. Educational director suggested members check expiration dates of MMDs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding improvements to pension, medical and dental benefits. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), March 11—Chairman David N. Martz, Secretary Steward Tony Spain sent this photo of the galley gang aboard the MV Phillips to the Seafarers LOG. From the left are SA Norma Y. West, Spain, Chief Cook Marlon Battad, Assistant Cook Syed A. Murtaza and SA Michael D. Mayhew. Adrian L. Davis. Chairman advised crew to stay current on union issues by reading Seafarers LOG and knowing the contractual working rules and shipping rules. Secretary asked mariners to leave rooms clean for next person and turn in keys before departing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested second washing machine for crew laundry. Clarification requested concerning contractual allotments and how SIU/NMU merger would affect pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to the steward department. Next port: Houston. MOTIVATOR (Maersk Line Limited), March 29—Chairman Below: ABs aboard the Bonnyman complete helo operations. These photos were taken May 10 when Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus conducted a shipboard union meeting. June 2007 OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), March 23—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Louins C. Johnson, Educational Director William P. Stone, Deck Delegate Michael Edwards, Engine Delegate Craig Croft, Steward Delegate Marlon E. Brown. Chairman advised members to have documents and dues ready for boarding patrolman. He spoke about new contract and suggested all members read and understand their rights. Secretary urged everyone to clean rooms and leave fresh linen for next mariner. Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Odilio G. Evora, Deck Delegate Ramon Guimba, Engine Delegate Marion E. Collins Jr., Steward Delegate Justo D. Reyes. Chairman reported ship would be out of service temporarily at the end of discharge for repairs to bow (caused by damage from the anchors) and again in late summer for maintenance to houses and decks. Secretary reminded all members about some of the rights of union members in good standing, including rights related to various shipboard communications and meetings. He encouraged them to remain aware of those rights along with the fact that they do have representation both aboard the vessel and ashore. Educational director advised members to check course offerings at Piney Point school. He also stressed importance of reading the Seafarers LOG to stay abreast of new rules and regulations. Treasurer noted that any purchases for vessel should have captain’s Aboard the MV Phillips Aboard the 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman Setting up for helo operations are (from left) AB Rafael Gonzales, 3rd Mate Mathew Patriquin, Bosun Carnell Middleton, AB Frederick Grosbeier, Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus, AB Tyrone Leonard and AB Wayne Green. Anthony Maben, Secretary Judi L. Chester, Educational Director Oswald N. Bermeo, Steward Delegate Marjorie Mack. Bosun discussed transportation problems at some terminals and stressed that something needs to be done about it. He also talked about new TWIC cards. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed OT in all departments. Seafarers requested clarification on disability benefits. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Norfolk, Va. He also talked about the importance of contributing to SPAD and its benefits to the membership. Educational director reminded crew to check expiration dates on z-cards and STCW documents. He suggested that everyone renew early to avoid last minute problems when shipping out. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read and discussed president’s report in March Seafarers LOG as well as communications received from headquarters. Suggestion made pertaining to improving medical coverage. Request made for satellite TV and refrigerators in all cabins. Crew also would like new sofa and chairs in crew lounge along with new VCR-DVD combo. Seafarers expressed gratitude to Recertified Steward Johnson, Chief Cook Brown and SA Wilson Penison for preparing great menus and meals during voyage. Next port: Lake Charles, La. WASHINGTON EXPRESS (Crowley Liner Services), March 27—Chairman Randall E. Evans Jr., Secretary Alvin E. Major, Steward Delegate Marie Mitchell. Chairman reminded those crew members getting off to make sure rooms are clean and have fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director advised Seafarers to check Seafarers LOG for Paul Hall Center 2007 course guide. Members would like refrigerators and fans in all rooms. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications were read and posted on bulletin board regarding TWIC program and NMU annuity plan. Next port: Houston. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Company), April 5— approval. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship plans to switch satellite service—from “Dish” to “Direct” in order to maintain reception throughout voyage. During out-of-service period this summer, company plans to have training in their Portland warehouse—most likely pertaining to safety. Mariners were asked to make sure washer/dryer doors are closed after each use and use properly designated machines (for clean clothes or dirty clothes). Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals, and thanks to all for helping keep house clean. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), April 26—Chairman Edward J. O’Conner, Secretary Edgardo M. Vazquez, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Engine Delegate Jim Sieger, Steward Delegate Robert Arana. Chairman announced sanitary inspection in Newark, N.J. before payoff and thanked crew members for good trip. He stressed importance of staying abreast of TWIC updates and keeping dues current. Secretary reminded crew it is everyone’s job to separate plastics, paper and food. Educational director talked about upcoming benefits changes and encouraged mariners to take advantage of the upgrading courses available at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Lengthy discussion was held concerning medical, dental and pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department, and wishes for safe voyage to all Seafarers. Next ports: Newark; Charleston, S.C.; Houston. 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. Thanks and Best Wishes I have been employed for 30 years on an inland tug on the Mississippi River. It has been quite a joy and very rewarding. I wish to thank Crescent Towing and the personnel at SIU for all the benefits I’ve been assisted with. Good luck to all my fellow seamen. Al Schmitt New Orleans Seeking and Encouraging Support Surviving mariners who sailed in World War II are making efforts to receive compensation for our wartime service. We are doing so through a bill called the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. I encourage members and retirees alike to contact their elected officials and ask them to Know Your Rights support this bill. No matter what happens with the legislation, I would urge today’s mariners to understand the importance of a strong union. The support and participation of each member makes a difference. Think 10 or 20 or 30 years down the road and you’ll understand what I mean. For our group, who were brought up in the earliest days of maritime unions, the only thing that saved our butt was that the blue collar workers had a defined benefit pension plan. Keep an eye toward the future and support your union. Albert Stimac Seattle SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS MEDICAL CENTER FUND This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, EIN 942430964 for the year ended June 30, 2006. 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 the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $(291,971) as of June 30, 2006, compared to $(216,505) as of July 1, 2005. During the Plan year, the Plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $75,466. During the Plan year, the plan had a total income of $533,248 including employer contributions of $507,132, earnings from investments of $266 and other income of $25,850. Plan expenses were $608,714. These expenses included $500,262 in administrative expenses and $108,352 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 report; 2. Financial information and information 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 the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone (415) 3923611. 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 form 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 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 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 coping 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. 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 6/07 (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 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 2007 �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 most of 2007. 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. FOWT June 18 August 13 October 8 July 13 September 7 November 2 Junior Engineer July 16 September 7 Machinist June 18 July 9 July 6 July 27 Marine Electrician September 24 November 16 Pumpman* July 9 July 20 July 30 August 10 June 11 August 6 October 1 October 29 June 29 August 24 October 19 November 16 (*must have tankerman familiarization/ assistant cargo (DL) AND machinist) Welding Safety Specialty Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting July 9 July 20 Fast Rescue Boat June 22 October 26 June 25 July 23 August 27 June 29 July 27 August 31 Basic Safety Training Classes are conducted weekly July 9 August 3 Government Vessels GMDSS August 13 August 24 Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 25 August 6 September 17 October 29 July 6 August 17 September 28 November 9 June 25 July 16 August 6 September 17 November 5 June 29 July 20 August 10 September 21 November 9 Medical Care Provider July 23 July 27 June 4 October 8 June 15 October 19 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 4 September 24 June 15 October 5 November 26 December 7 June 4 August 13 June 8 August 17 Start Date Date of Completion July 9 August 20 October 1 August 3 September 14 October 26 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) June 18 October 22 Celestial Navigation Course Able Seaman Radar Radar Renewal (one day) (*must have basic fire fighting) June 25 October 29 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Recertification Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning June 11, 2007. Bosun October 8 November 5 Steward July 9 August 6 Academic Department Courses Engine Upgrading Courses Course Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops Start Date Date of Completion July 16 September 10 August 10 October 5 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 2007 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. 6/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 685 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 685. They include (in alphabetical order) Christopher Caporale, Chase Chandler, Michael Chapman, Rovena Cornelius, Arthur Doherty, Tito DeAndrade, Max Garrett, Demetrius Green, Alvin Hansley, Samuel Harris Jr., Dwight Hunt Jr., Keith Ingram, Catherine Jones, Chantel Jones, Darein Matthews, Ravon Moore, Rhett Morgan, William Russell Jr., David Shrawder, Cornelius Smith, Danielle Smith, Zohar Soto-Hernandez, Awal Syiafullah, Caroline Thomas, Tabethia Twine, Iker Urruchi and Enrique Velez. (Note: not all graduates are pictured.) Tankerman (PIC) Barge — With instructor Herb Walling (far left) are April 20 graduates of the tankerman (PIC) barge course. Included are (in no specific order) Scott Melton, Elliott Talbot, Jeff Brown, Robert Bronzan, Stephen McGavock, Aron Morgan, Michael Santini, Gabor Gardonyi, Bill Marti, Kerry Noble, Chris Maibaum, Glenn Lane, Mike Meriwether, Darrell Corgatelli and Mitchel Gordon. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Completing this course April 13 are (in no specific order) Larry Martin, George Buisson, David Harvey II, Paul Amato, Khaled AlSayed, David Hudgins, Ernest Bohannon, Jeremy Williams, Lawrence Guerrero, Paul Pitcher, Larry Castaneda, Timothy Fogg, Maurice Baptiste, Getolio Medallo, Jorge Reyes, Jeffrey Pearce, Scott Salo, Kipling Wise II, Stephen Riccobene, David Brewster, Fausto Aranda and Corsino DaCruz. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is at far left. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduating from this course March 30 under the instruction of Tom Cessna (second from left) are G&H Towing Co. boatmen (in no specific order) Matt Hargrove IV, Sean LaFrage, Jonathan Batten, Lionel Hall and William Riggs. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (second from right) are students who completed the welding course April 27. They are (in no specific order) David Grasso, Ricardas Juska, Reginald Miller, Steven Blair and Lisa Harewood-Ramsey. Chief Cook — Students who completed the course for chief cooks in June are (in no specific order) Instructor/Chef John Dobson (left), Kurtis Witcher, Rafael Chow, Rudy Oliva, James Watkins and Suree Farrell. Computer Lab Classes Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Under the With instructor Rick Prucha (left) is Paul Pitcher, who recently completed a computer class at the Paul Hall Center. 22 Seafarers LOG instruction of Bernabe Pelingon (far left) are April 13 graduates of the lifeboatman/water survival course. They are (in no specific order) Michael Warner, Kwame Owusu, David Stavron, Daniel Stavron, Parris Mancuso, Perry Asuncion, Artur Symonowicz, Samuel Eshun, Wilfredo Guerrero and Roberto Nuñez. June 2007 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Upgrading Advanced Fire Fighting — Completing the advanced fire fighting course April 27 under the instruction of Mark Cates are (in no specific order) Timothy Fogg, Samuel Levecque, Kipling Wise II, Samuel Thatcher, Khaled Al Sayed, Joshua Weir, Hugh McDowell, Michael Morita, Seller Brooks, Sean Grace, Eduardo Osorio, John Collins, Jeffrey Pearce and Sergio Ayala Diaz. Seafarers and those in the veterans program who completed this course April 20 are (in no specific order) Winter Meachan, Cortez Capers, Peter Rubio, Rick Jones, Pedro O’Campo, Ameon Fuller, Jessie Parente, Juan Norales, Billy Duenas, DeAnthony Owens, Mark Sawyer, Kareim Wright and Travis Green. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Phase III students who completed this course April 20 are (in no specific order) Fred Green, Christopher McAfee, Catherine Jones, Charles Naze, Jesse Lewis, Travis Moody, Ronaldo Quinones, Dante DeMcCutac, William Cotea, Kendra Gardner, Joseph Jacobs and David McRoy Jr. Specially Trained OS — Phase III unlicensed apprentices who graduated April 20 from the STOS class are (in no specific order) Barry Burns, Patrick Brill, Gillis Angeron III, Quintonio Walden, Gil Quinones, Walter Nodora, Bradley Wade, Jason Devine, Nicholas Johnson, Edward Kelly, Samie Beckford, Michael Julien, Hussein Mohsen, Peter Dudoit III, Quince Harrington, Awal Syiafullah, Clarence Lee Jr., Arthur Doherty, James Knute, David Weeks and Joel Marcano. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is standing at far right in the second row. STCW — Seafarers completing the STCW course March 20 are (in no specific order) Khaled AlSayed, George Buisson, Ron Dean, Andre Graham, David Harvey, Larry Martin, Milton Sivells, Victor Stewart and Kipling Wise. STCW — STCW — NCL, March 20: Brooke Ackerman, Michael Akers, Amanda Akins, Adam Allen, Anthony Ambrose, Malina Arevalo-Cruz, Ryan Bahler, Roderick Barron, Rachael Baysden, Trenell Bazile, Jason Beseda, Michael Brazzle, Annette Caine, Kathleen Capstick, Amber Carter, Paul Caviston, Carol Chase, Aaron Coteff, Patrick Curley and Kristen D’Angelo. NCL, March 29: William Cruz, Shirley Elaine, Steven Alqueza, Kefira Fields, Jessica Cottrell, Eric Clark, Ruth Grayson, Jennifer Bejar, Jame Aragon, Eugene Brooks IV, Anthony Gregory Jr., Lauren Colón, José Aguilar, Karla Byrum, Brooke Backus, Andrew Horn, Thomas Bonner, Damien Fraisse, Geoffrey Halstead. June 2007 STCW — NCL, March 29: Lonnie Jones Jr., Sean Zahm, Elizabeth Barnes, Amanda Howell, Andrae Roberts-Dukes, Jonathan Philpott, Lisa Wirsing and Jesse McKenzie. Their instructor, Mike Daras, is at far left. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 69, Number 6 June 2007 Summary Annual Report for SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS MEDICAL CENTER FUND See page 20 Mariners Honored in D.C. Ceremonies T he U.S. Merchant Marine’s proud and important history was cited throughout this year’s National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C. on May 22—but the featured speakers also emphasized the continuing need to maintain a strong American-flag fleet. The SIU participated in all three D.C.-area National Maritime Day events. The union delegation included SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Assistant Vice President Ambrose Cucinotta. Students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education attended two of the ceremonies and were enthusiastically recognized by Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command; and by U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton. The day’s events included a National Maritime Day observance hosted by the Maritime Administration at the Franklin Delano Roose- Rabbi Joshua Boettiger Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor Lt. Gen. Kenneth Wykle National Maritime Day, 2007 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America America has a proud maritime history, and the United States Merchant Marine has played a vital role in helping meet our country's economic and national security needs. On National Maritime Day, we honor merchant mariners for their dedication to promoting commerce and protecting our freedom. During times of peace, the U.S. Merchant Marine helps ensure our economic security by keeping the oceans open to trade. Ships operated by merchant mariners transport goods across our Nation's waterways and on the high seas around the world to connect American businesses and consumers with valuable foreign markets and commodities. The skill and expertise of merchant mariners facilitates trade and helps to strengthen our economy. In times of war, the Merchant Marine is the lifeline of our troops overseas. By carrying critical supplies, equipment, and personnel, merchant mariners provide essential support to our Armed Forces and help advance the cause of freedom. Today, merchant mariners are supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and their devotion to duty is a tribute to the generations of men and women who have served our Nation with courage and determination in every conflict in America's history. On this day, and throughout the year, America is grateful for their service. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day," and has authorized and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2007, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance by honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. GEORGE W. BUSH velt Memorial, and a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony hosted by MSC at the Washington Navy Yard. In between, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Wykle, USA (Ret.) addressed a large gathering at a luncheon jointly sponsored by local chapters of the Propeller Club and the Kings Point Club. The featured speakers at MarAd’s ceremony were U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), a longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine; Rabbi Joshua Boettiger, great grandson of Franklin Roosevelt; and Administrator Connaughton. Addressing the crowd at MSC were Rear Admiral Reilly and Administrator Connaughton. FDR’s Legacy Boettiger noted that the MarAd ceremony marked the first time he had visited the FDR Memorial. The agency chose that site for the occasion because of the 32nd president’s work on behalf of the United States Merchant Marine Act of 1936 “and to honor his vision for the U.S. Merchant Marine and America’s maritime industry.” Boettiger told the audience, “Franklin Delano Roosevelt took great pride in the merchant marine of World War II. No doubt, he would be pleased at the recognition the merchant marine finally has gotten in the past 20 years” (a reference to awarding veterans’ status to mariners who sailed in the war). Taylor, always a no-nonsense speaker, said it’s time for America to prove that it truly values the maritime industry by supporting it. “If we’re really serious about homeland security, we must control our waterways, we must control the Jones Act,” Taylor stated. He added that the nation should invest in its shipyards and pointed out the historically proven dangers of exclusively relying on other nations to build and transport material. He said that in order to honor the mariners of World War II, America must commit to the industry’s future. “We have to recognize that 95 percent of everything going to the Middle East (for Operation Iraqi Freedom) goes by sea. In the future it’ll be the same way.” Connaughton, himself a former mariner, reminded those in attendance that Roosevelt “understood that mariners are vital to projecting America’s power…. Our challenge today is to find a vision for our industry as effectively as FDR did.” He described today’s U.S. seamen as “the best manpower in the world” and declared that the industry as a whole must “have the courage and vision to take advantage of opportunities” for growth. “The maritime industry has been at the forefront of America’s military campaigns from the Revolution to Iraq,” he added. “We must never forget that legacy.” Manpower Is Key Wykle, president of the National Defense Transportation Association, explained in detail his vision for how America can improve and expand on its maritime infrastructure. But, he also pointed out, “Maritime assets are meaningless After the ceremony at MSC, some of the dignitaries and other attendees gathered for this photo. Pictured in the front row (from left) are SIU VP George Tricker, Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton, SIU President Michael Sacco, Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, AMO President Tom Bethel and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. They are joined by students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. without the men and women who serve in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Maritime training and education are important to the longevity of the U.S. maritime industry…. The seafaring unions also play an integral part in training, recruiting and maintaining a viable U.S. maritime labor force.” He voiced support for the U.S. Maritime Security Program, which is crucial to keeping the American flag on deep sea commercial ships. “The expansion of the MSP demonstrates the continued recognition of the vital role the U.S. maritime industry assumes in our nation’s defense infrastructure,” Wykle said. “The MSP program is the most cost effective way for the Department of Defense to meet its military sealift needs. If DOD had to acquire or maintain those assets organically, it would cost billions of scarce defense dollars.” Bright Future During his welcoming remarks, Rear Admiral Reilly recognized the Paul Hall Center students and told the crowd, “By looking at them, it’s obvious our future is bright…. The merchant marine has been a crucial part of our security and prosperity from the beginning. It’s a great debt of gratitude we owe them.” Connaughton stated, “Probably the most important thing I have to say today is to veterans of the merchant marine, veterans of all the sea services and those on active duty: Thank you for your service. This industry has made great sacrifices, both in body and spirit, for this country.” At the heart of the ceremony was the presentation of three wreaths to commemorate mariners lost at sea— one of which was carried by Veronica Hernandez, a member of Class 694 at the Paul Hall Center. The wreaths were placed in front of the U.S. Merchant Marine bronze relief sculpture on the East Wall of the Navy Memorial following the ceremony. Retired NMU member Carlos Ralon, who sailed in the engine department during World War II, attended the MSC event. “You come with a smile on your face and leave with a tear in your eye—that’s the way I feel about this ceremony,” he said. “I feel very honored to be here to see a bunch of us civilians remembered for something we did so long ago.” Congress established National Maritime Day in 1933. SIU VP Tellez Addresses Industry Forum SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (at podium) was a featured speaker May 21 at the North American Maritime Ministry Association’s National Maritime Day forum titled “Securing Seafarer Welfare: The Ship and Her People—Crewing in the 21st Century.” The forum presented speakers representing various segments of the maritime industry including labor, management, government, vocational training facilities, and ministerial groups. Tellez’s remarks included a candid look at the myriad training and credentialing requirements facing today’s mariners. Also pictured is Dr. Clay Maitland, seminar moderator. � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU PRESIDENTS REPRESENTS MARINERS AT HISTORIC WHITE HOUSE DINNER CRESCENT BOATMEN RATIFY CONTRACTS 3-YEAR AGREEMENTS BOOST WAGES, MAINTAIN BENEFITS NEWEST LEWIS AND CLARK SHIP LAUNCHED ITF NEGOTIATES BACK PAY FOR 8 FILIPINO CREWMEN LOWER DEDUCTIBLES, BIGGER NETWORK HIGHLIGHT CIGNA MOVE ANNUAL JONES ACT REPORT UPBEAT LABOR PROMOTES ‘FREE CHOICE ACT’ GLOBAL SENTINEL DIVES INTO NEW MISSION USNS SHASTA RESCUES 5 AFTER FIRE ON CARGO SHIP MAERSK CREW MEMBERS ATTEND SAFETY SEMINARS TRANSPORTATION WORKERS RALLY IN D.C. USNS WATKINS: A ‘MODERN MARVEL’ RETIRED SIU LAKES OFFICIAL ‘SKIP’ LEBARRON DIES AT 71 MAN OVERBOARD: MEMORIES FROM A 1958 VOYAGE SUPPORTING OUR ARMED FORCES USNS WRIGHT MOBILIZES FOR MILITARY MISSION RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MERCHANT MARINE IN WORLD WAR II HOUSE COMMITTEE CONDUCTS HEARING ON ‘BELATED THANK YOU’ LEGISLATION MARINERS HONORED IN D.C. CEREMONIES 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 06/01/2007 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. 69, No. 6 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/400b73b44e063f226089aacb1ab00eb4.pdf 59b18beb6948bc45e8681d9ab75e05bf PDF Text Text 43332_p01_9,15,18,19x:3332p0 6/26/2007 4:36 PM Page 1 Volume 69, Number 7 July 2007 Union Welcomes nd 2 OSG Tanker Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Conducts Ceremony for Overseas Long Beach The second of Overseas Shipholding Group’s new tankers being built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard formally was named the Overseas Long Beach June 16 at the yard. The vessel is pictured above during sea trials a week before the ceremony. At left, shown near the ship just before the event are (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, OSG Senior VP Captain Robert Johnston and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. The photo at right shows ongoing progress at the shipyard, which is building additional tankers to be crewed by Seafarers. Page 3. SIU Boatmen Bike for Charity Seafarers were among an estimated 4,500 people participating in a rally in Washington, D.C. on June 19 urging passage of pro-worker legislation intended to give employees a genuine opportunity to choose union representation. The Employee Free Choice Act, organized labor’s top legislative priority, was headed for a possible Senate vote as this issue of the LOG went to press. Page 5. Seafarer Nickoli Payne (pictured in Austin, Texas) recently led a group of fellow SIU boatmen who took part in a major philanthropic event raising funds for the Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The two-day bike ride generated more than $12 million. Page 6. Thousands Rally in D.C. for Employee Free Choice Act CIGNA News Lakes Photos T-AKE Update Page 4 Page 8 Pages 12-13 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19x:3332p0 6/26/2007 4:33 PM Page 2 California Nurses Assoc. Joins AFL-CIO President’s Report Why We Participate Any Seafarer who cares about his or her job security and the future of our union should understand the importance of grassroots political activities. This is a topic I bring up with some frequency, precisely because it’s so important to all of us. Our livelihoods depend on it. A quick look at this issue of the LOG illustrates my point. (I’ll understand if you first want to turn toward the back pages and check who retired and who crossed the final bar. I do the same thing each Michael Sacco month as I’m approving the pages.) Our lead story is about a new tanker joining the SIU fleet. That ship is part of a large program of new builds, first announced a couple of years ago. Without the Jones Act—a law promoting ships that are crewed, flagged, built and owned American—there would be no new domestic tanker program. And without political efforts to maintain support for pro-maritime laws, the Jones Act undoubtedly would be weakened or wiped out. On the back page, we’re running a photo feature about a vessel that’s enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. The MSP is an important program that keeps 60 privately owned, militarily useful U.S.-flag ships sailing in the international trades. It took repeated, forceful, bipartisan political action dating back to the early 1990s to make the MSP reality, both in its initial form in 1996 and again when it was renewed two years ago. Without the original enactment of that program and its extension, and without full funding each year to maintain it, I believe most or all of the American-flag international fleet would disappear in no time. Make no mistake, we’ve got a selfish interest in the Jones Act and MSP fleets. Many of those vessels are SIU ships. But as a citizen, I’ve also got a genuine appreciation for what those laws (and others promoting the U.S.-flag fleet) mean to America’s national and economic security. Without a viable U.S. Merchant Marine, it would only be a matter of time before our country found itself an economic hostage to foreign nations. Worse, history shows we cannot and must not exclusively depend on foreign-flag ships to deliver materiel for our armed forces. That’s not just a case of lessons learned; it’s good common sense. Those aren’t the only stories that reflect why we’re politically active. Late last month, the Employee Free Choice Act was headed for possible action by the Senate. As you may know, that legislation is organized labor’s top priority, and for good reason. It would begin the process of leveling the playing field in union organizing drives— finally giving workers a chance to freely choose union representation. That law alone would be a springboard to a better way of life for working families. And then there’s the story that won’t go away: health care. The recent addition of the California Nurses Association to the AFL-CIO is good news in our long fight to secure decent, affordable health care for all Americans. Labor is leading that fight, too. Obviously, this is a subject that impacts every one of us, even if we haven’t been to the doctor lately. Health care costs have been going through the roof for years. That’s the number one subject in practically every contract negotiation from coast to coast, and not just in maritime. There are other examples in this edition (the TWIC unavoidably comes to mind), but hopefully you get the point. We’ve always been politically active, and considering the heavily regulated nature of our industry—and the regular turnover at every level of government— we’ve got no choice but to continue on that path. Rank-and-file grassroots support is critical to our efforts. That’s why we ask you to donate time and contribute to SPAD. Put another way, political action doesn’t necessarily guarantee our success, but lack of participation assures failure. Keep that in mind the next time your port agent asks you to take part in grassroots activities for pro-maritime candidates, or the next time you’re deciding whether to donate to our voluntary political action fund. We’ve got a proven track record of success in this arena, and with full participation there’s no reason we can’t build on that success. Volume 69, Number 7 July 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Affiliation Should Help Labor’s Health Care Drive Saying nurses are eager to help lead the drive for guaranteed health care for all, 75,000 Registered Nurses became the newest members of the AFL-CIO May 21 as the California Nurses Association and its national arm, the National Nurses Organizing Committee, joined the 10 million member federation (to which the SIU also is affiliated). The national affiliation charter was issued at a meeting of the board of directors of the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC). “Nobody understands better than nurses that health care in our country cries out for reform,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “CNA has led the drive for reform in California; working together in the AFL-CIO, we have the power to build a broad new national movement that can win change.” “We look forward to engaging in collective work with AFL-CIO unions,” said CNA/NNOC President Deborah Burger, RN. “We believe that the strength of the labor movement coupled with the nurses’ commitment to guaranteeing comprehensive health care coverage through HR 676 will provide the foundation necessary for genuine reform.” H.R. 676— The United States National Health Insurance Act—is one of several approaches currently under consideration in Congress to achieve quality, affordable universal health care. The affiliation unites 325,000 RNs in the federation. CNA/NNOC will join the AFL-CIO RNs Working Together Industry Coordinating Committee and affiliate with all AFL-CIO state and local organizations where it has members. CNA/NNOC nurses join AFL-CIO nurses represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE); American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees (AFSCME); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Communications Workers of America (CWA); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE); Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU); United Auto Workers (UAW); United American Nurses (UAN); and United Steelworkers (USW). “We look forward to being a part of a federation that has distinguished itself as the national voice of working people in the U.S. and is the leading national champion for all Americans on a broad range of critical issues, including jobs, retirement security, economic opportunity, workplace safety, civil rights, civil liberties, and public safety,” Burger added. The CNA/NNOC affiliation is the latest in a string of AFL-CIO affiliations and partnerships that has significantly strengthened the labor movement. Last December, nearly 50,000 mail handlers with the National Postal Mail Handlers Union returned to the AFL-CIO after having left the federation along with their parent union, the Laborers. The United Transportation Union’s 60,000 members also affiliated with the AFL-CIO late last year. Four National Education Association (NEA) groups have taken advantage of the unique national NEA/AFL-CIO partnership opportunity: Rialto Education Association (California), Seattle Education Association, Beloit Education Association (Wisconsin), and UDC Faculty Association (Washington, D.C.). Two more unions recently have affiliated directly with the national AFL-CIO: the Monarch Electric Blue Collar Union (Ohio) and the Dade County School Maintenance Employee Committee (Florida). In addition, the AFL-CIO has forged innovative new partnerships with the National Day Laborers Organizing Network (NDLON), the nation’s largest day laborer association, and Interfaith Worker Justice, a national coalition of faith-based worker rights groups. Working America, the AFL-CIO’s community affiliate for workers who don’t have a union on the job, continues to gain steam, now counting 1.6 million members nationwide. Earlier this year, the AFL-CIO executive council (on which SIU President Michael Sacco serves) adopted a statement on health care which in part reads, “The time for talking about this crisis is past. All families deserve the security of a universal health care system that guarantees access based on need rather than income. Health care is a fundamental human right and an important measure of social justice…. As a nation, we need to exert the political will to enact comprehensive health care reform nationwide. There is strong evidence the crisis can be solved with tools at hand and at a cost that pales in comparison to the toll in human lives the current system exacts.” Andrasick, Arntzen, Reinhart Selected for AOTOS Awards Executives from three Seafarers-contracted companies recently were chosen to receive the 2007 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards, presented by the United Seamen’s Service (USS). Scheduled to receive the honor Nov. 2 in New York City are James S. Andrasick, president and CEO of Matson Navigation Company; Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group; and John F. Reinhart, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited. “Without question, all three AOTOS recipients are extremely deserving of this recognition,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco, who is chairing the awards dinner. “Each of them has done exceptional work to promote and grow the American maritime industry as a whole and the U.S. Merchant Marine in particular. I applaud and respect their efforts.” John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, announced the selections last month. “These three leaders represent a remarkable cross-section of the seagoing sector of our industry,” John Reinhart James Andrasick said Bowers. “Jim Andrasick, Morten Arntzen and John Reinhart all are outstanding leaders in their own areas of liner services, tanker shipping and U.S. Department of Defense support operations—all excellent symbols of the American maritime industry.” Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Matson Navigation is the principal carrier of containerized freight and automobiles between the West Coast and Hawaii, Guam and Mid-Pacific, and is the largest subsidiary of Honolulubased Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) is the only large tanker company with a significant presence in both the international flag Morten Arntzen and U.S.-flag markets, and it has an established position in the Jones Act product tanker and crude tanker segments. Maersk Line, Limited operates 19 American-flag vessels that are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program and is a longterm trusted partner with the U.S. Department of Defense, providContinued on page 5 July 2007 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19:3332p0 6/22/2007 5:46 PM Page 3 Overseas Long Beach Christened New Tanker Joining Seafarers-Contracted OSG Fleet The largest domestic vessel order since World War II continued moving forward as the SIUcontracted tanker Overseas Long Beach was christened June 16 at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Vice President Contracts George Tricker attended the ceremony. The Overseas Long Beach is the second ship in an initial 10tanker order by Seafarers-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). The vessel was scheduled to enter service in late June, sailing in the Jones Act trades along with sister ship Overseas Houston. During the days leading up to the naming ceremony, the Overseas Long Beach successfully reached several checkpoints. The vessel departed the yard on June 5 and headed down the Delaware River. Once the system and performance tests began, the tanker performed admirably, accomplishing a “clean sweep” of the required assessments, fully demonstrating all systems and achieving all specified performance measures. The tanker returned to the yard on schedule in the early hours of June 9. One week later, hundreds of invited guests along with Aker employees and their families turned out for the ceremony. Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner formally named the ship the Overseas Long Beach. Also addressing the crowd were Eric Smith, OSG’s chief commercial officer; Dave Meehan, president and CEO of Aker American Shipping; Jonathan Whitworth, senior vice president and head of OSG America; and John Ridgway, deputy CEO of BP Shipping. In a message contained in the printed program, OSG President and CEO Morten Arntzen noted that the Overseas Long Beach “underscores OSG’s strong commitment to the Jones Act and to the renewal of the U.S.-flag fleet, indeed in our commitment to America. For it also reflects our commitment to maintain and operate a modern, high-quality, double-hull tanker fleet, which will be built and operated to the highest safety and quality standards.” The newest ship is part of a group called the Veteran Class of tankers. Each vessel in the series will be slightly longer than 600 feet and capable of transporting more than 332,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel will weigh 46,000 deadweight tons, have a beam of about 105 feet and travel at a “cruising speed” of 14.6 knots. All 10 product tankers in the series will be owned by American Shipping Corporation, a subsidiary of Aker American Shipping, and chartered to OSG. To Photos above, below and at left show different views of the Overseas Long Beach and an overview of the shipyard, where additional tankers are under construction. date, nine of the 10 tankers in the build program are under signed time charter, with agreements in place between OSG and Shell, BP and Tesoro. Earlier this year, the yard announced an agreement in principal pursuant to which Aker Philadelphia Shipyard will construct up to six additional Veteran Class MT-46 Jones Act product tankers (three fixed plus three options), beyond the initial 10- ship order. The delivery schedule for the eight vessels remaining in the first order is as follows: Overseas Los Angeles, November 2007; Overseas New York, April 2008; Overseas Texas City, October 2008; Overseas Boston, March 2009; Overseas Nikiski, May 2009; Overseas Tampa, October 2009; Overseas Port Arthur, March 2010; and Overseas Jacksonville, July 2010. Crowley Welcomes ATB Gulf Reliance Seafarers already had been sailing aboard Crowley Maritime Corporation’s ATB Gulf Reliance for a few weeks, but the new articulated tug and barge formally was welcomed into the fleet May 23 at a ceremony in Long Beach, Calif. SIU members and officials were on hand for the pier-side event, including Seafarers Bruce Comiskey, Charlie Carlson, Robert Hoffman Jr., Ardale Crim, Kenneth Graybill, Christopher Farmer, Ronald Poole and Rick Cristofano and Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. Altogether, more than 125 people attended the christening. The Gulf Reliance (and its accompanying barge 650-2) is the second in a series of 10 new ATBs being constructed for Crowley by VT Halter Marine at facilities in Pascagoula and Moss Point, Miss. The first, the Pacific Reliance/650-1, was christened in March 2006. The newest tug was christened for customer Shell Trading U.S. by Shell Representative Amy McDonald and Crowley Technical Services Senior Vice President and General Manager Steve Collar. The barge was christened by Shell Representative Jan Chilelli and Crowley Petroleum Services Vice President of Bulk Petroleum and Chemical Transportation Bill Taylor. The ATB is powered by twin, low-emissions Caterpillar diesels producing over 9,000 horsepower. Each tugboat in the Reliance Class of ATBs measures 127 feet long and 42 feet wide, with a depth of 24 feet and a draft of 19 feet. Each barge is approximately 587 feet long and 74 feet wide and has a capacity of 185,000 barrels. According to the company, “The Reliance/650 Class ATBs incorporate the latest advances in environmental safety along with improvements in hull design to deliver the most advanced and efficient tug barge combinations currently available. Making use of an articulated connection system, the tug mates into a specially designed notch in the stern of the barge. The sophisticated connection allows the tug and barge to move fluidly as one unit in the most adverse seas, thereby providing increased service reliability not achievable with a conventional tug and barge. With the barge’s advanced hull shape and articulated connection system, the unit is able to achieve a service speed of 12 knots.” Crowley further notes that the barges are double-hulled and tugs double-sided “for maximum protection and safety. The barges were built, documented and Barge 650-2 works in conjunction with the Gulf Reliance. Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 for the observance of Independence Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. July 2007 Pictured aboard the tug early last month are (from left) Vessel Utility Bill Foley, Utility Cook Jimmy Saloom and Captain Brad Burkart. The Gulf Reliance is part of Crowley’s newest ATB. maintained to the stringent requirements of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) SafeHull. They have sophisticated inert gas generating systems, vapor recovery systems, fully redundant ballast systems, flexible and highly efficient cargo systems, closed radar tank gauging systems, and advanced mooring systems. “Tugs meet all SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) and ABS criteria, and have foam capable fire monitors; twin fuel efficient, low emission electronic diesel engines; noise reduction packages as well as other upgrades to increase performance and ensure safe, reliable operation. The tugs and barges carry communication and navigation equipment that is among the most technologically advanced in the industry today.” When the last of the new tugbarge units is delivered—scheduled to take place in 2010— Crowley’s ATB fleet will number 14, consisting of four 155,000barrel and ten 185,000-barrel ATBs. Seafarers LOG 3 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19:3332p0 6/22/2007 6:36 PM Page 4 Port Personnel Complete Workshop in Piney Point Considerable Time Devoted to New Health Network More than 20 administrative specialists from various SIU ports last month converged on the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to attend a workshop covering changes members can expect under the union’s new health services provider. Union secretaries, administrative assistants and two port agents participated in the June 3-5 sessions that took place on the grounds of the spacious Piney Point, Md.-based training facility. In addition to receiving instruction on the intricacies associated with the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s new provider— CIGNA HealthCare Network— conference participants toured the Piney Point campus including simulator facilities; met with colleagues and management team members at the union’s claims office and visited with officials and staff members at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. Additionally, they visited the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and went on an orientation voyage aboard a sailing vessel on the St. Mary’s River. “It was a highly productive three days for all of the participants,” said SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. “We had a lot of important information to pass on to them about imminent as well as future changes under the Plan. It was crucial that we got everyone aware and up to speed on the CIGNA HealthCare Network, because many of our rank-and-file members will have questions about the change from First Health and how it affects them. “Everyone who participated in the training was very enthusiastic and receptive toward the information we provided,” Bowen concluded. “I’m confident that our administrative folks now will be Following the June 4 membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., SIU and SHBP officials are pictured with administrative specialists from various union halls across the country. able to effectively deal with any concerns the members may have.” The blocks of training which covered changes to the union’s benefit plan provider were conducted by CIGNA Representatives Mike Davis, Meg Guessford and Reunka Bahadursingh. Instruction in other areas was provided by Bowen and staffers in the claims office and the fire fighting school, respectively. Two of the administrative assistants shared their views on the training conference and commented on their overall Piney Point experience. “I found the training very educational,” said Lisa Clark from the port of Baltimore, who also attended the 2000 training conference. “It was nice to meet the people we will be talking to in reference to claims and to learn about the new way members will have to submit their claims. It was also great to meet the other administrative assistants, like myself, whom I talk to all the time by phone. I now have faces to match the voices.” Clark said the visit to the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School was especially useful, noting, “I learned some very interesting information about fire safety which I plan to use. It’s the little things you take for granted about safety plans that could make all of the difference. “All in all, the training was great,” she said. “I had a wonderful time and it was nice that I could bring my 5-year old son, Netre, along. He had a great time as well and was named captain on the boat ride we took…. I look forward to my next visit to Piney Point. The school is great and our members should be proud of it.” Benita Evans from the port of New Orleans concurred with Clark’s assessment of the workshop’s value. “The training provided information that—once disseminated—should put the collective minds of Plan participants at ease,” Evans said. “Active Seafarers, pensioners and the respective family members of Engine Dept. Training at Paul Hall Center These photos were taken last month as students successfully completed the marine refrigerated containers advanced maintenance course at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Richard Huffman, Douglas Lowry, Andrew Linares Robert Norris, Rigoberto Beata, Rahul Bagchi, Hector Solis 4 Seafarers LOG Richard Huffman both now will have to worry a lot less regarding their out-of-pocket expenses by using CIGNA.” In addition to Clark and Evans, others who participated in the training and their respective ports were: Amber Akana (Hawaii); Judy Benton (Mobile); Brenda Flesner (Tacoma); Janice Hunicke (Houston); Mary Jenkins (Algonac); Linda Kluska (Philadelphia); Larayne Koide (Hawaii); Donna Massucco (Boston); Terry Montgomery (New York); Tracey Moore (Oakland); Samantha Partridge (Joliet); Clara Rampersadsingh (Ft. Lauderdale); Maria Sanchez (Puerto Rico); Myka Schwagmeier (Lawrenceburg); Karen Shuford (Jacksonville); Betty Wierschem (St. Louis) and James Ott (Tacoma). SIU Port Agents Georg Kenny (Norfolk, Va.) and John Cox (Wilmington, Calif.) also participated in the training. Participating in the CIGNA training only (all from the SIU claims department) were Pat Benoit, Lori Fessette, Kenda Parker, Linda Everett, Jenell Gandy and Lisa Russell. SIU headquarters staff members who took part in the CIGNA-only training were Bowen, Kitty Eno, and Teresa Zelko. The last training conference for union administrative specialists was conducted in August 2000. “About five or six of the people who participated in that initial training conference were back for this version,” said Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan. “It was nice to see them again—they were an exceptionally good group.” CIGNA Move Takes Effect CIGNA HealthCare is now the medical and dental network service provider for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). The change to CIGNA from the First Health Network became effective July 1, according to SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, participants were sent correspondence from the SHBP Board of Trustees in May, which spelled out the details of the change. In June, along with additional letters, all participants were sent new medical and dental cards. The letters are available on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org) in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section. This change to CIGNA is a very positive one for the participants and the Plan, Bowen said. The medical benefits and benefit levels remain the same, while reducing Plan deductibles as of January 1, 2008. Eligible participants, as defined in the Rules and Regulations of the Plan, who use a provider or hospital within the CIGNA HealthCare Network will incur no balance billing; however, claims will still continue to be processed and paid in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Plan. If a provider or facility is not in the CIGNA HealthCare network, then claims will be processed as non-network claims as they have in the past. Those eligible to receive benefits under the SHBP were sent new CIGNA I.D cards last month so that providers could readily identify them as participants in the CIGNA network. In addition to other pertinent data, these new credentials contain important benefits and claims submission information for CIGNA hospital and medical providers. Effective July 1, these new cards must be used for all medical services rendered. Plan officials stressed that the old First Health Network Medical I.D. cards should be destroyed as they are no longer valid for use. Individuals who have not received these new cards but believe that they are entitled to benefits under this Plan should contact the Seafarers Claims Department at 1-800-252-4674. Like the Plan’s previous provider, the new CIGNA program has inand out-of-network benefits. Under the CIGNA network, participants do not need to select primary care physicians or require referrals to see specialists. Participants still enjoy the same freedom of provider choice options under the CIGNA network which were available to them under the previous provider. Also, plan participants and their family members may: Contact CareAllies (CIGNA) at 1-800-768-4695 to obtain provider information. Visit the CIGNA HealthCare web site at: www.cigna.com/SA-PPO2 to determine if their current provider is in the CIGNA network. CIGNA has different networks within its organization, so the entire web address listed should be used rather than going to the CIGNA home page. The CIGNA link also may be accesed through: www.seafarers.org/members. Request a provider nomination form from the Seafarers Claims Department (at 1-800-252-4674) if their doctor/provider is not in the CIGNA network and they would like CIGNA to contact them. Log on to www.myCareAllies.com (password Seafarers) for other services. This includes an online health library, health risk assessment tools, as well as preventive care tips and tools for a healthier lifestyle. Contact the 24-Hour “NurseLine.” This program provides toll-free telephone access to medical care professionals 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The number is 1-800-768-4695. July 2007 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19:3332p0 6/22/2007 5:46 PM Page 5 Senate Vote Imminent on Free Choice Act D.C. Rally Calls Attention to Historic, Vital Pro-Worker Legislation Seafarers, including a contingent of unlicensed apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., were among the thousands of AFL-CIO union members who on June 19 rallied in Washington, D.C. to urge the passage of proworker legislation intended to give employees a genuine opportunity to choose union representation. The legislation, the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 1041), at the time of the rally was being debated in the Senate where a vote was imminent when this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. The House by a 241-185 margin passed the bill March 1. If enacted, the Employee Free Choice Act would help enable workers to decide how they want to choose a union. Specifically, according to the AFL-CIO, the bill would give workers the option to use majority sign-up, which is much faster than the management-controlled representation election process and leaves less time for employers to harass and intimidate workers to discourage them from joining unions. Under current law, an employer can insist on a secretballot election, even after a majority sign-up. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney told the crowd that the Employee Free Choice Act is nothing short of vital. “Momentum is building and history is being made because the Employee Free Choice Act is the most important legislation helping workers economically in AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (above) told rally participants that momentum is building for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. many, many years,” Sweeney said. “It’s the most important link to good living standards and a strong middle class. That’s why grassroots support is rippling across our nation. And today, thousands of union members and our allies are speaking to our senators with one powerful voice, asking: Are you going to join us on the right side of history?” The Capitol Hill rally was one of more than 100 demonstrations that took place across the country during the week of June 17 demanding that Congress restore the fundamental freedom to join a union and bargain for a better life. According to the AFL-CIO, mid- dle-class Americans have generated 50,000 telephone calls to the Senate, 156,000 faxes and emails, and 220,000 postcards, including 120,000 which were delivered to the Senate during the rally. Further, more than 1,200 elected officials in all 50 states have voted in support of resolutions calling on Congress to pass the bill. Fourteen Democratic governors also have signed a statement in support of the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told the cheering crowd that the Senate will vote on the Employee Free Choice Act soon, but he did not specify a date. The senator also added, “Last year, the top three hedge funds earned $4.4 billion in profits, and the ex-CEO of Exxon got a $400 million golden parachute. Today, hourly wages are down while the number of uninsured is up. Today, household income is down, while the average CEO makes 411 times more than the average worker. Today, for far too many Americans, that New Deal has become a raw deal. It’s time to give working families a square deal … a square deal that honors workers and their families by giving them a real chance for a better life.” Sen. Edward Kennedy (DMass.), the bill’s sponsor and longtime champion, assured the crowd the bill will pass when the roll is called. Kennedy opened debate on the Senate floor and described the connection between the nation’s shrinking middle class and the decline in union 3 Executives Selected for AOTOS Awards Continued from page 2 ing various maritime support services in addition to ship operations. Andrasick, Arntzen and Reinhart led the field of nominees for the award, solicited by the USS from more than 150 maritime management, labor and government officials. All proceeds from the event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine and other international seafarers. The recipients will share the evening with a group of American mariners who will be honored for specific acts of bravery at sea. James Andrasick was named president and chief executive officer of Matson on July 18, 2003. He joined Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., the parent company of Matson, in June 2000 as senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. On April 25, 2002, he was appointed to additional duties as president and chief executive officer of Matson on an interim basis. Andrasick serves as a trustee and is on the National Executive Committee of the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation, and is a director of the Pacific Maritime Association. He also is a trustee of Mills College, the United Seamen’s Service and of the San Francisco National Maritime July 2007 Park Association. He is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he received a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in management science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Morten Arntzen was appointed president and chief executive officer of OSG in January 2004. He has been an OSG board member since 2004. Prior to joining OSG, he was chief executive officer of American Marine Advisors Inc., a U.S.-based merchant banking firm specializing in maritime industry merger and acquisition advisory work and corporate restructuring for a global client base. Arntzen is a board member of the Seamen’s Church Institute in New York and New Jersey and is active with the American Bureau of Shipping and the American Maritime Association. He is presiding director of Chiquita Brands International, Inc., where he is chairman of the nominating and governance committee and a member of the audit committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master of international affairs degree from Columbia University. John Reinhart was named chief executive officer of Maersk Line, Limited on Aug. 1, 2000 and president in April 2004. He joined Maersk Inc. in 1991 in human resources. In 1992, he began his career in Universal Maritime Services working his way up to president. He returned to Maersk in 1996 as a regional director and then as senior vice president. Reinhart is a member of the American Bureau of Shipping, Association of the United States Army, National Defense Industrial Association, United States Naval Institute Foundation, National Defense Transportation Association, Navy League, United Seamen’s Service and The Propeller Club of the United States. He also serves as a member of Maersk’s North American Container Business Council. Reinhart received his B.A. in political science from Ohio University and completed the executive MBA program at the University of Michigan in 1997. The USS provides community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine, American Armed Forces, and mariners of the world. It is a non-profit agency established in 1942, and operates centers in nine foreign ports in Europe, Asia, Africa and in the Indian Ocean. The USS also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association. membership, which has occurred in large part because of the unjust difficulty workers face in forming unions. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) said unions can bring back the country to the prosperous days after World War II when returning soldiers joined unions and built the strongest middle class in history. “We’re going to give workers across this nation the same chance they had after that war,” Durbin said, “to be treated with dignity, to organize in the workplace, to stand up and fight for things that count like a decent living wage, health insurance that covers everything a family needs and pension benefits that you won’t lose in the next merger or bankruptcy.” Other speakers of note at the rally included presidential candidates Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), Joseph Biden (D-Del.) and Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio); Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.); Rep. George Miller (DCalif.); AFSCME President Gerald McEntee; Communications Workers of America President Larry Cohen; Mineworkers President Cecil Roberts; UAW Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn; James Hoffa, president of the unaffiliated Teamsters; Joseph Hansen, president of the unaffiliated United Food and Commercial Workers; Roger Hickey, co-director of Campaign for America’s Future; U.S. Action President William McNary; Wade Henderson, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights; American Rights at Work Executive Director Mary Beth Maxwell; and Eric Perry, AFGE’s transportation security officer. Optimism Fades in Grocery Talks Contract talks between Southern California’s major supermarket chains and the union representing some 65,000 of their workers continue to stall, raising the possibility of a repeat of the region’s 141-day lockout and strike of 2003-2004. As this edition of the LOG went to press, representatives of both the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) and the three chains—Vons, Ralphs and Albertsons, which account for more than 50 percent of the grocery business in Southern California—were firm in their assessments that it was unlikely the two sides would make a union-imposed deadline of June 21 to agree on the provisions of a new contract. Union officials said they set the deadline simply to prevent the talks from dragging on indefinitely, rather than as provocation. Among other issues, the union and grocers primarily are at odds over regular health insurance contributions to be made by workers and the grocers, as well as how much to tap from a joint reserve trust fund of about $480 million to help offset health care costs. The union says it is willing to use around $240 million, while the grocers seek to use up to $350 million. Negotiators from seven UFCW locals have been involved in the contract talks with negotiators from the supermarket chains for nearly six months, and as of last month were some 90 days past the expiration of their original contract. Union health care funding experts have determined that the supermarket employers’ plan falls far short of the commitment needed to keep the health plan solvent through the life of the contract. In at least six other contracts around the country, supermarket employers have under-funded health care plans, according to the UFCW, forcing benefit cuts or premium increases to avoid bankruptcy. Union representatives contend that same scenario could play out in Southern California as well. SIU President Addresses AMMV Convention SIU President Michael Sacco (left) was a featured speaker May 17 at the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) convention, which took place at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) in Linthicum, Md. He is pictured at the convention with Ian Allison, co-chairman of AMMV’s Just Compensation Committee, and AMMV Office Manager Cindy Raymond. Sacco conveyed the SIU’s ongoing support for the “Belated Thank You” legislation spearheaded by the AMMV. He also touched on the U.S. Merchant Marine’s history and some key current events affecting the industry. Seafarers LOG 5 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19x:3332p0 6/26/2007 4:35 PM Page 6 G&H Boatmen Cycle for Charity Successful Fund-Raiser Targets a Crippling Disease When six SIU boatmen from the Houston area decided earlier this year to help raise money for charity, one could say they went the extra mile—again and again. The Seafarers were among an estimated 12,000 people who participated in a 180-mile bike ride starting in Houston and ending in Austin, Texas. The twoday event raised more than $12 million for the Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society—a new record. It took place April 21-22 under the title sponsorship of BP. The SIU contingent in the 23rd annual ride, all employed by G&H Towing, included Relief Masters Nickoli Payne and Blake Morgan, Mates Clay Buckley, Billy Kern and Travis Parker and Mate-in-Training Todd Keith. Together, they raised several thousand dollars through pledges, including donations from the SIU, G&H and others. (Although the ride itself is finished, pledges are accepted through September.) “I think the participation says a lot about each one of those members,” stated SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. “There’s obviously nothing wrong with simply making a donation, but they did so much more. They devoted a lot of time and energy to this worthwhile cause.” Payne, the only experienced cyclist among the group of Seafarers, also biked in the 2006 Boatman Nickoli Payne, an experienced cyclist, encouraged fellow members to ride in the MS event. ride. He encouraged his fellow boatmen to participate this year as part of a larger team organized by the port of Houston. “The other guys have shown interest in cycling from time to time,” Payne noted. “I’d loan them a bike and that’s usually all it takes to get hooked on the sport. We went on training rides together in the months leading up to the MS event…. “I’ve raced (competitively) many times for myself,” added Payne, who joined the union right out of high school in the late 1980s. “I thought this time I ought to race for somebody else for a change, whether I’m helping an individual or a group. The fund-raising part was easy, since the port of Houston put together the team.” Payne, whose father is SIU retiree Jimmy “Indiana” Payne, noted that the MS fundraiser was split with 100 miles of riding the first day, an overnight stay in La Grange and 80 miles on the second day. Much of the course went through small towns. While the times naturally varied with each rider, it generally took about five hours to complete the first leg and three-anda-half hours for the second. “When you pull into Austin, it’s a feeling of joy,” concluded Payne. “It’s a lot like the bike races you see on television. People are cheering at the finish line, and that wipes away all the pain from the ride. You realize you’re riding for people who can’t ride, and all of a sudden it’s all good.” Kern said the experience was “great. I loved it. Especially on the second day, the scenery was amazing. It kind of kept you going when you were tired. I definitely plan on doing it again.” Like Payne, Kern also men- St. Louis Port Council Honors 4 From left, Mate Travis Parker, Relief Master Nickoli Payne and Mate-inTraining Todd Keith were part of the SIU contingent participating in the fund-raiser. tioned getting a boost from the audience. “Coming into Austin was nice, with all the people cheering. It made us feel good,” he said. “This was my first time participating in anything like this—I had just gotten into cycling and it so happened that this event was coming up. I was curious to see if I could do it. Of course, it was an opportunity to help out the MS Society, also.” The Lone Star Chapter of the National MS Society serves 141 counties in Texas and assists an estimated 17,000 individuals with MS. Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system which often disables its victims. It interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. According to the National MS Society, most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and 2.5 million worldwide. Relief Master Blake Morgan Crescent Crews Commend Contracts As reported last month, SIU boatmen working aboard Crescent Towing tugs in three southern states recently voted in favor of new threeyear contracts that boost wages and maintain benefits. More than 150 SIU members are covered by the agreements, with most based in New Orleans and Savannah, Ga. and the rest operating from the Mobile, Ala. area. The two contracts (which are virtually identical) were approved by overwhelming majorities and were praised by numerous members. A few of the boatmen are pictured here along with SIU officials. Deckhand J.D. Spencer Four pro-worker, pro-maritime individuals were recognized May 12 during the annual dinner hosted by the St. Louis Port Maritime Council, affiliated with the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. Pictured in the group photo are (from left) Dick Mantia, port council president; Jack Martorelli, port council vice president; the Honorable Robin Carnahan, Missouri secretary of state (the council’s “Able Helmsman” honoree); Leonard Dino Jr., president and CEO, LDI Pharmacy Benefit Services (Management Man of the Year); Roger Poole, directing business representative for Machinists District 9 (Labor Man of the Year); General Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (who as a surprise received a ship’s wheel for his support of the U.S. Merchant Marine); Jerry Feldhaus, executive secretary-treasurer of the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council; and Michael Sacco, MTD and SIU president. At left, President Sacco presents the wheel to General Schwartz. This was the port council’s 27th annual awards dinner. 6 Seafarers LOG Deckhand James Horton, Deckhand Norman Usey, AMO Captain Danny Robichaux, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook Juggo Barletto, Captain/Deckhand Joe Carson, SIU VP Dean Corgey July 2007 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19x:3332p0 6/26/2007 5:35 PM Page 7 SIU Joins in Maritime Day Ceremonies in Calif., Texas Congressman Cummings Honors Mariners with Supportive Declaration While a large contingent of SIU headquarters officials, rankand-file members and unlicensed apprentices from the Seafarersaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education honored the service of merchant mariners during three Washington, D.C.-area National Maritime Day ceremonies May 22, their brothers and sisters in several ports around the country were busy paying their own respects. Seafarers and SIU officials participated in observances in the ports of Oakland and Wilmington in Calif., as well as at the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America in Port Arthur, Texas. While different in structure and program theme, each of the observances had a common objective: paying tribute to the service and accomplishments of our nation’s merchant mariners and the maritime industry as a whole. SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Chester Wheeler represented the union during a service and wreath laying ceremony aboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien in Oakland while Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Dispatcher Nick Rios and Patrolman Abdul Al Omari attended on behalf of the union during a National Maritime Day observance and memorial service in San Pedro, Calif. Deputy U.S. Maritime Administrator Julie Nelson served as the event’s keynote speaker. This ceremony was conducted at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial. In Port Arthur, Texas, the SIU’s Father Sinclair K. Oubre welcomed those who attended the community’s 20th Annual Maritime Memorial Service. Conducted at the Seamen’s Memorial Sundial, this event honored the Texas Maritime Academy at A&M Galveston and alumni. It also commemorated mariners and fishermen who have passed away during the last year. Rear Adm. Allen Worley, superintendent of Texas Maritime Academy, received the honor and delivered a moving speech on the importance of the maritime industry and the need for more of the country’s youth to become mariners. The Sabine Pilots laid the wreath in the water from their newest vessel. Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, right, Dispatcher Nick Rios, center, and Patrolman Abdul Al Omari represented the union during a National Maritime Day observance and memorial service in San Pedro, Calif. Elsewhere, U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, released an official statement in honor of National Maritime Day. The congressman’s statement read in part, “I am honored to take the opportunity afforded by National Maritime Day to pay tribute to our nation’s merchant mariners and to the entire maritime industry…. In 1933, the United States first honored our merchant marine by authorizing the designation of May 22 as National Maritime Day. Seventyfour years later, I particularly want to remember the estimated 250,000 Americans who served in the War Shipping Admin istration moving 95 percent of the goods and materiel used by the Allies during World War II. “Some 20,000 of these merchant mariners were killed or wounded in that war—yielding among the U.S. Merchant Marine the highest casualty rate of any service according to the U.S. Maritime Service Veterans. Despite their service, U.S. Mer chant Mariners still lack many of the benefits given to those who served in the other U.S. military forces engaged in World War II. “Not until 1988 were World War II-era Merchant Mariners made eligible for services from the Veterans Administration. Not until 1998 were they made eligible for burial and cemetery benefits. “U.S. Merchant Mariners have still never been made eligible for the GI Bill, or for the housing, educational or unemployment benefits that the Bill provided for other U.S. veterans…. I urge that the experience of these mariners be a lesson to ensure that we will never again deny any veteran who has served the United States any of the benefits he or she has earned. “I also honor today the vital role that our Merchant Marine continues to play in responding to our nation’s emergencies. Most recently, U.S. Merchant Mariners helped evacuate an estimated 160,000 people from Manhattan on September 11, 2001, and provided aid and emergency assistance along the Gulf Coast to the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. “Merchant mariners also continue to provide the sealift capacity that keeps our armed forces equipped to fight the global war on terrorism. More than 8,000 merchant mariners serve in the Military Sealift Command, and … civilian-crewed military support ships have moved some 79 million square feet of cargo to U.S. troops in Iraq and throughout the world. “Unfortunately, despite their significant contribution to our national defense and to our economy, our merchant mariners and our maritime industries are almost invisible in our nation…. “While the industry may not be visible, the cargo it moves is certainly visible. If every person takes the time to look at the labels on their clothes or on the furnishings in their offices or homes, they are likely to find that these items arrived on a ship from a foreign destination. Were this commerce to be interrupted, our nation’s economy could be devastated. “And our reliance on our maritime industry is only going to grow. The U.S. Maritime Administration estimates that the total volume of trade handled by U.S. ports will double in the next 15 years—but we are not ready to meet the challenges this growth will bring. Our nation needs to build new port capacity. We also urgently need to support the growth of short sea shipping so that cargo can be economically moved between domestic ports and so that we can help get trucks off of our increasingly congested highways. At the same time, we must also ensure that our maritime resources are protected from further degradation—and we must move aggressively to combat the introduction of invasive species through ballast water. “Further, we need to ensure that our domestic maritime industry is poised to be a continuing part of the growth in the worldwide maritime industry. According to the Maritime Administration, in 2005, the U.S.-flag ocean-going fleet numbered fewer than 200 vessels, of which 106 ships were Jones Act vessels—meaning that fewer than 100 ocean-going vessels engaged in international trade bore the flag of the United States. As a result, 97 percent of the cargo transported to the United States is carried on foreignflagged ships. “In my capacity as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I will continue to support the development of a comprehensive maritime policy that will protect the integrity of the Jones Act, that will support the Maritime Security Program, and that will promote the growth of the U.S.-flagged fleet competing in our foreign trade.” The SIU donated this wreath for the ceremony aboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien in Oakland, Calif. SIU Assistant VP Government Services Division Chester Wheeler comes to attention behind the wreath as the Colors approach to signal the ceremony’s commencement. National Day of Remembrance Crew members aboard the M/V Liberty (left) on May 29 proudly paid tribute to those who have served America during times of war. As part of their National Day of Remembrance ceremony, the crew rang the ship’s bell. Participating in the event were (from left) AB Atanacio Bernardez, Steward Irina Shubov, AB Paul McDonell, Deck Cadet Tiegh Francois and Engine Cadet James Roe. The crew from the M/V Cape Taylor, (right) also conducted a ceremony in honor of the National Day of Remembrance. A member of the U.S. Coast Guard stands at attention on shore near the American Flag as the wreath laying fleet of vessels approaches on the waterfront in Port Arthur, Texas. July 2007 Seafarers LOG 7 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19x:3332p0 6/26/2007 4:39 PM Page 8 Ceremony Conducted for 6th T-AKE Ship New tonnage and additional jobs became visible on the horizon May 30 for the SIU Government Services Division when General Dynamics NASSCO held a keel-laying ceremony for the sixth ship in the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program. A shipbuilding tradition, a keel-laying ceremony represents a signpost in the birth of a new ship—the start of its full-scale production. In recognition of that milestone, Darlene Costello, event honoree, welded her initials into the keel. Costello is the deputy director for Naval Warfare in the office of under secretary of defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. This new platform, according to a May 29 announcement by the Navy, will be named USNS Amelia Earhart, in honor of the first woman to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic and (years later) Pacific oceans. The Amelia Earhart is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) in the fall of 2008 at which point it will be crewed by SIU CIVMARS. The ship will be 689 feet long and displace about 41,000 metric tons when fully loaded. The Amelia Earhart’s primary mission will be to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships at sea. Like the other ships in the T-AKE class, it will have a sailing speed Photo courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO The fifth T-AKE ship, the USNS Robert Peary, is under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2008. of 20 knots. In addition to conducting the May 30 keel laying ceremony for the USNS Amelia Earhart, NASSCO on the same day announced the start of construction on the seventh dry cargoammunition ship in the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the first quarter of 2009. Since June 2006, the USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) have been delivered to MSC and crewed up by CIVMARS. The third ship of the class, USNS Alan Shepard, and the recently- launched USNS Richard E. Byrd will also be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2007. The fifth TAKE vessel, the USNS Robert Peary, is slated for delivery in 2008. The T-AKE class is expected to include 11 ships for the Military Sealift Command fleet. USNS Henson Sails to Finland The SIU-crewed USNS Henson recently became the first U.S. Navy vessel in two years to tie up in Finland. A U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) oceanographic survey ship operated by Seafarers-contracted Horizon Lines, the Henson on May 28 called on the port of Turku, Finland. The vessel and its crew were charged with a dual mission: act as a catalyst for enhancing the United States’ partnership with the Scandinavian country, and foster increased cooperation between U.S. and Finnish naval forces. “Henson’s visit to Turku is a wonderful opportunity for our navies to collaborate and to build on the already strong friendship between our two countries,” said Capt. Nick Holman, commander, Task Force 63/Sealift Logistics Command Europe. Captain Holman oversees all of the U.S. Navy noncombatant and logistics ships and aircraft operating in Europe and Africa. “Henson is a truly unique ship with a big mission—to help us learn more about the world’s vast oceans,” continued Holman. “It is a privilege to be here sharing that mission with our neighbors in Finland.” The USNS Henson is also unique because as a noncombatant ship, it is operated by MSC for the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. In addition to its merchant marine crew, the vessel can carry up to 27 civilian surveyors from the Naval Oceanographic Office that carry out the vessel’s survey mission. While in Turku, the Henson will host tours for high school science students. In addition, the vessel will conduct an underway survey demonstration with Finnish sailors and scientists. Oceanographic survey ships like the Henson examine the world’s oceans using a variety of sonar systems and other oceanographic equipment to collect environmental data in either coastal or deep sea waters. The information gathered is used to develop accurate maritime charts and models of the ocean. Survey ships are also used in special situations to locate downed aircraft or chart wrecks that pose hazards to safe ship navigation. Gulf Boatmen Receive Wage Increases Apprentices March in DC Memorial Day Parade Unlicensed apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (above) marched in the National Memorial Day Parade on May 28 in Washington, D.C., where they helped represent the U.S. Merchant Marine. The grand marshals were a contingent of wounded heroes from each branch of the services from Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, some of whom are pictured below, left. Among the parade’s estimated 160 elements were marching bands, youth groups, veterans groups from every conflict since World War I and re-enactors representing veterans from earlier wars (below, right). Several thousand people turned out for the event, primarily sponsored by the American Veterans Center, in association with the White House Commission on Remembrance. 8 Seafarers LOG Gulf Coast SIU boatmen employed by Seabulk Towing and Moran Towing, respectively, recently received significant wage increases thanks to SIU contracts that were reopened. Some of the Seabulk crews are pictured here along with SIU officials Assistant VP Jim McGee (far left, top photo) and Patrolman Michael Russo (second from left, bottom photo). The other two photos show two of Seabulk’s newest tugboats—the Energy Hercules and Energy Zeus— which joined the fleet earlier this year. July 2007 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19:3332p0 6/22/2007 6:46 PM Page 9 Hospital Ship USNS Comfort Deploys The U.S. Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, departed Naval Station Norfolk (Va.) June 15 for a fourmonth humanitarian assistance mission to Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the agency, this is the Comfort’s first deployment since returning from the U.S. Gulf Coast in October 2005 where the ship spent more than a month providing medical assistance in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Comfort is scheduled to visit Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. At each stop, U.S. military doctors and nurses from the ship’s medical treatment facility will work with a variety of embarked governmental and non-governmental agencies as well as medical professionals from host nations to treat about 1,000 patients per day, providing medical care including immunizations, general and specialty surgeries, dental care and vision services. An embarked naval construction force of Seabees is slated to join the Comfort’s CIVMARs to provide engineering support at each location including medical facility repairs and minor construction projects. The Comfort’s mission, part of U.S. Southern Command’s Partnership for the Americas, is modeled in part on the humanitarian assistance deployment that the vessel’s sister ship, the Seafarers-crewed USNS Mercy, conducted last year to Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. On that mission, the Mercy’s medical team treated more than 60,000 patients. In announcing the Comfort’s current deployment, MSC said that the work of CIVMARs aboard the vessel “will be pivotal to the mission.” Where the Comfort cannot pull into port due to the ship’s deep draft, CIVMARs will operate two 33-foot utility boats to transport patients and mission personnel between ship and shore. Painted white with red crosses and named Hospitality 1 and Hospitality 2, these boats can transfer as many as five times the number of patients as the Comfort’s two embarked helicopters. “I have been with MSC for 10 years, and of the many missions that I have been on, this is going to be one of the most challenging,” said AB Mario Geonzon. “This is going to be a great run.” “America is the most generous nation in the world, and this mission is our way of showing that,” said Capt. Ed Nanartowich, the ship’s civil service master. “This is a great opportunity for the Navy and our mariners to show the compassionate side of our workforce. “The number one role of Photo by Bill Cook, Military Sealift Command The Seafarers-crewed USNS Comfort departs Norfolk, Va. June 15 on a four-month humanitarian mission to Latin America and the Caribbean. CIVMARs on this mission is the navigation and operation of the ship—making sure that we get from point A to point B safely and running the engineering plant that supplies the hospital with water and electricity. The ship’s crew and I are looking forward to being part of a productive and highly rewarding mission.” MSC Says ‘Happy Birthday’ to U.S. Merchant Marine Merchant mariners from the U.S. Military Sealift Command on June 12 helped celebrate the 232nd “birthday” of the U.S. Merchant Marine at a ceremony hosted by the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C. “On this, the birthday of the U.S. Merchant Marine, we pause to honor the incredible contributions mariners make every day to ensure our nation remains strong in an increasingly competitive global economy,” said Navy Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr., in a message read at the ceremony by retired Navy Rear Adm. Richard Buchanan, president and CEO of the memorial foundation. Reilly is the commander of MSC, the global U.S. Navy command responsible for sea transport of combat equipment and supplies for the Department of Defense. MSC is the largest single employer of U.S. Merchant Mariners in the world (with almost 7,000 American seamen serving around the globe, according to the agency). “Now more than ever, we are a maritime nation, relying on the flow of goods to and from our shores to sustain our way of life, guarantee our prosperity and extend opportunities for a better way of life to every citizen on this planet. From Portland, Maine, to captain, spent nearly a year at the helm of MSC Office, Kuwait. That office coordinated the arrival and departure of American-flag cargo ships delivering combat equipment and supplies to U.S. and coalition forces in the Central Command area of operations. “In the global war on terror- ism, the strength and capabilities of the U.S. Merchant Marine are more important than ever to our national security and survival,” said Delong. “It’s fitting that we pay tribute to the generations of merchant mariners who have served our nation so valiantly. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.” Attention Seafarers Help SPAD Help You! U.S. Navy photos The commemoration for the U.S. Merchant Marine took place in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Navy Memorial (pictured above from a bird’s eye view during a different event). Among many other elements, the monument includes the Lone Sailor statue (below). Port Everglades, Florida; down the muddy Mississippi to Galveston; from San Diego to Seattle and to the trade windswept waters off Honolulu, America’s mariners steadfastly continue to go down to the sea in ships,” said Reilly. “May we always admire their courage, determination and patriotism.” During the ceremony at Navy Memorial Plaza, a wreath was laid at the foot of the Lone Sailor statue, paying tribute to more than two centuries of U.S. Merchant Mariners and their service to the nation. Steve Delong, a licensed master in the U.S. Merchant Marine and senior staff member at MSC headquarters, was one of the spectators at the ceremony. Delong, also a U.S. Navy Reserve The Navy Memorial also features this bronze relief depicting a U.S. Merchant Marine convoy under attack while en route to Murmansk during World War II. July 2007 Seafarers LOG 9 �43332_p10_14,16,17,20_24x:332p0 6/26/2007 4:43 PM Page 10 At Sea and Ashore With the SIU At a recent membership meeting in the port of Mobile, Port Agent Ed Kelly (left) reads the oath to steward department member Leo Battiste, who received his full book. In photo at right, Battiste and Kelly are joined by SIU Gulf Coast VP Dean Corgey. The crew aboard the Maersk Nevada QMED Walt “Wilder” Filleman is a pump repairman on the USNS Gordon. This photo was taken last year aboard the vessel, which was en route to Kuwait. The crew aboard Allied Towing’s tug Heron pose for a photo, taken in New York in March. This snapshot was taken in May at the Baltimore hall. From the left are Lisa Clark (secretary), Port Agent Dennis Metz, retired inland Capt. Gerard Cifarelli, Arthur Petitpas (ITF inpsector) and retired Recertified Bosun “Snake” Williams. Working aboard the Maersk Maine are (from left) AB Alan Green, AB Phil Robinson and Bosun Conrad Burke. Eufemiano Gomes, above, is an electrician aboard the Maersk Maine. At left, Chief Cook Edna Torres checks out the latest Seafarers LOG on the Maersk Maine. 10 Seafarers LOG From Captain Forsberg comes this photo of the Horizon Falcon arriving in the port of Tacoma May 18 on her maiden U.S. voyage. July 2007 �43332_p06,10_14,16,17,20_24:2007-May July 2007 6/19/2007 6:06 PM Page 11 Seafarers LOG 11 �43332_p06,10_14,16,17,20_24:2007-May 6/19/2007 6:07 PM Page 12 In and Around t AB/Wheelsman James Smith helps unload the American Republic in Detroit. GUDE Asker Abubaker Aboard the American Republic Bosun Jeff Eckhart, AB Brian Gauntt and GUDE Mohamed Sailan Bosun Jeff Eckhart QMED/Conveyorman Jeffery Frankovich in the tunnel 12 Seafarers LOG July 2007 �43332_p10_14,16,17,20_24x:332p0 6/26/2007 5:28 PM Page 13 the Great Lakes A meeting was held recently in Williamsville, N.Y. for bosuns and relief bosuns working aboard American Steamship Company (ASC) vessels. SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and Safety Rep Monte Burgett represented the SIU. Jerry Welsch, president of American Steamship Company, gave a “State of the Company” address to the bosuns. Also in attendance were ASC Vice President Kevin McMonagle and the human resources department, including Kathy Elinski, Mary Banks and Matthew Fish. A number of issues were covered and reviewed, ranging from safety and rotations to the economic status of the company. In the group picture at left are (clockwise from the bottom left) Bosun Mike Keogh, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Bosuns Paul Gohs, Jeff Eckhart, David Greig, Mike Schaff, Leeroy Cochrane, Robert Timmons, Jared Smith, Tim Burke, Dave Poree, Scott Gallagher and Bill Mulcahy. Bosun Mike Keogh A number of important issues were covered during the meeting. Aboard the H. Lee White Bosun Mike Schaff In the Algonac Hall SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (above left) chats with Bill Mulcahy, bosun aboard the H. Lee White, during a servicing visit on that vessel. Left: GUDE Mohamed Ahmed proudly shows the full book he received while on board the H. Lee White. July 2007 Earl Hicks (center) is an SIU pensioner and U.S. military veteran. He recently came into the Algonac hall to share another award he received. With him are Safety Director Monte Burgett (left) and Union Rep Don Thornton. Seafarers LOG 13 �43332_p06,10_14,16,17,20_24:332p0 6/19/2007 6:09 PM Page 14 Recollections of the Merchant Marine in World War II Editor’s note: The first three installments of retired Seafarer Albert Stimac’s experiences in the merchant marine appeared in the April, May and June Seafarers LOGs, respectively. He wrote about his training, his first ship, joining the SIU, the responsibilities of a member of the black gang, and traveling in a convoy during World War II. The last article left off in LeHavre, where the Red Cross took the crew members’ coffee and doughnuts back because the men were civilians and the Red Cross only gave to servicemen in uniform. These are the best recollections of his training and sea time from the end of 1943 to late 1946, so any inaccuracies in the details need not be brought to his attention. T his [having to give back the coffee and doughnuts] did not sit well with us. We passed this story around the ship when we went back up the gangplank. The Red Cross made it a practice to try and get aboard the ship when we were paid off after a trip. A table would be set up for payday on the ship. It would include the company men, purser and captain, with the chief engineer and chief mate to identify us as crew. Sometimes, a woman in a Red Cross full dress uniform would sit next to the captain, who handled the money. We got cash, not checks. Then, as the captain gave us our money, he would look over at the Red Cross woman and ask if we would like to donate to her cause. After the refusal of coffee and doughnuts in LeHavre fresh in our minds, we did not contribute. Of course, the captain felt very slighted because his men did not donate, or if they did, it was $5 or $10 instead of the $50 he wanted us to give. A lot of servicemen thought we made too much money and resented merchant seamen. This was ironic because in England and in the rest of Europe, we were rated at the top. Without us, these people would have no food, fuel or war materials. So if one was out for three or four months, their pay might be $500 or $600 cash. One time I had $511 due me. I got paid with one $500 bill, a $10 bill and a $1 bill. I had a hard time cashing a $500 bill in New York so that I could get a hotel room for the night. When they woke the manager up and I showed him my seamen’s papers, he finally changed it, but on one condition: It stayed in their safe until the day manager showed up. The next day I went down to the union hall and signed up for my card and paid my union dues. I turned in the minutes of the meeting I had held aboard ship. The dispatcher took me over to the side of the counter and thanked me for my efforts. He also noted in my union dues book that I had been a union rep on a ship. The last trip had been a relatively short one, so I hung around New York for only a few days. New York was too expensive, and one’s money disappeared pretty fast. One thing I forgot to note previously about money: When you left port in the United States, you did not have regular pay days. If you needed stuff off the ship’s supply, like clothes or candy and cigarettes, you could charge it. If you hit a port and they gave you shore leave, it was the captain’s option as to how much to give each man. We usually got around $10 or $15. When you got back to the States, they subtracted all you owed and paid you in one lump sum in cash for the balance. A short trip of a month or two might net you $200 or $300. So you would sign on again or go ashore and grab another ship as soon as you could. On a long trip of four or five months, your pay would be much higher if you happened to get in a war zone with actual fighting in the area. So if I was getting $90 a month as an oiler, I would get $180 a month, figured on time spent in a certain war zone. Then one could get $600 or $800 cash after all deductions. It sounded like a lot, but we had to pay all our own costs once we signed off a ship: room, board, travel, clothes, etc. So one could not stay ashore too long. I decided to go down to the union hall and see how things were going and look for a better ship. I was a fast learner on what to throw my card in for and which ship was best to sail on. I spotted a ship I liked and threw my card down for an oiler’s job. Fortunately, when I showed my card and union book, it was the same dispatcher I had talked with a couple days before. He finished looking at all the cards for that ship and asked me to stick around a minute. Then he came over and said there was an opening coming up for a junior engineer and would I like it. I said I didn’t have my papers for that rating. No problem, I had enough experience and they needed a junior engineer right now. So he gave me the pier number and away I went. I was a happy man. This meant a step up the short way—and more money. When I saw the ship, I thought I had really struck gold. It was a brand new C-3 class and just out of the shipyard and on its first trip. I was the last junior engineer signed in, so I got the top bunk. That meant I would be on the 12-4 watch. This was a high-pressure turbine that operated at 600 pounds steam pressure. It also signified that this ship could travel at 15 or 16 knots with no problems. It was also apparent that at 1720 miles per hour, we would travel alone and not in a convoy. On this ship, the fireman, oiler and junior engineer worked on the lower deck or grating, and the third engineer would be on the top grating by all the controls. We left New York the next morning and headed up toward Nova Scotia and Greenland. This would mean lots of fog, which was good for safety and for submarines not seeing us. But no sub could catch us at our speed, so we felt pretty safe. Everything went fine during the shakedown of the ship. Everything worked well, and we were all happy. I figured this would be one fine trip. I never did find out what kind of cargo we were carrying, but I heard that we had a dozen or so Jewish passengers on board going to England. On the third day, I went down for my 12-4 watch, relieved the junior engineer and checked out the pumps, generators and turbine gearing. Everything looked good and sounded good. The turbine ran around 6,000 rpm and really screamed. It was very hard to talk and be heard. We had to shout in each other’s faces. Everything went fine for about 10 minutes This is the building at the Merchant Marine Academy in Sheepshead Bay (in Brooklyn, N.Y.) where Stimac trained in 1943 for a career as a member of the engine department. 14 Seafarers LOG and then the fireman/watertender came running over pointing to the starboard boiler and up at the water gauge glass. This showed how much water was in the boiler. I hadn’t talked to him before and couldn’t understand in what tongue he spoke. He sounded just like on my first trip when the fireman/watertender I relieved was Portuguese. When I looked at the glass, I couldn’t tell if it was full of steam, full of water or empty. I turned open the valve to drain the gauge glass but still could not determine its status. I made the judgment that the boiler was dry or low on water and if we continued to keep the fires burning, it would blow up. I hollered for the third Albert Stimac (left) and a fellow shipmate sit amid the bombed out ruins in Bremerhaven, Germany in 1944. engineer to come down and look at the boiler and confirm my conclusion. He didn’t know what to do. It was his first trip as a third engineer, so I told him to go and shut the steam out of the starboard boiler as I was going to have the fireman cut the burners out of it and shut it down. In his haste or confusion, he opened the wrong valve and bled all the steam out of the good port boiler. With no steam to operate the ship, the turbine died down, the pumps and generators quit and we were dead in the water. We were in total darkness, and then all hell broke loose. The chief engineer and the first and second engineers came charging down with big flashlights. I spoke to them and they flashed their lights on me. They were up between the two boilers and I was beneath them. I told the chief that the starboard boiler was dry and told the third engineer to shut that system off. He ordered the fireman to blow down the boiler for him. Which he did, two or three times. One still couldn’t really tell if it had water. He then said it was too full and ordered me to have the fireman light up the port boiler, which had no steam left with which to operate the fuel pumps for the boilers. So the engineers had to come down and pump oil manually to the port boiler, which was now isolated from the starboard boiler. It took a lot of hard, manual labor to pump pressure oil to the burners. Finally, we got one burner lit and then managed to get the other three lit and build up steam to operate the pumps and generators. We were still dead in the water. This area was known for its submarine saturation, easy to pick off ships going to England. After we got everything running once again, the chief hollered down to me to light up the starboard boiler. I said I couldn’t see any water in it, it all looked like steam. I refused two times until he threatened me with a Coast Guard hearing when we got back and would yank my sailing papers. So I told the fireman to light up. He did OK on the first one, but I still didn’t like it. I left in a hurry and jumped behind the large gear transfer case and crouched down. Just in time! Evidently, I was correct in assuming the boiler was dry. The fireman had the third burner lit out of four when the chief told him to put water into the boiler. When that cold water hit those empty water tubes that were cherry red, the boiler blew. The chief and two other engineers were on the upper grate near the top of the boilers at the time. Fortunately, it only had steam enough to blow the tubes and bulge out the boiler, and lots of soot formed by the burners. There was lots of hollering and runing around, but eventually we secured everything and got underway with one boiler and headed back to New York. We could only make about seven or eight knots, so it took seven days to get back to New York. In the meantime, the Jewish refugees were all excited and eventually were allowed to walk on deck. It didn’t take long for a deckhand to spot a young 18 year-old girl. Soon everybody knew who the pasengers were: male, female, young, old, married and single. It was funny that as we limped back to New York with a disabled new ship, the officers never talked to us about this incident. Common sense told me that somebody was in big trouble, especially the chief engineer and my third engineer. One’s papers could easily get yanked for this. When we docked, we got news that we could go ashore and would be given some cash. This would be deducted from what cash we had coming. The captain was the complete master over everything. I believe we got about $10 and were told to make sure we were aboard by 9:00 the next morning. Of course this meant a night on the town. Some drank, perhaps a little more than they could handle. We got called up to the captain’s quarters for a meeting. It included only the engineers and our watch. The company had two lawyers there, so the lawyers did all the talking. They told the chief engineer to go through the evidence of the boiler blowing up. They would correct him on certain ways of saying things or correct usage of words. So we all were sharp enough to catch on quickly as to what to say so that we all told the same story and nobody would be held responsible and get their papers yanked. It went along fine until we got to my oiler, a young fellow of about 19 years who had had too much to drink the night before. Very bleary eyed and hung over, he just couldn’t grab the gist of the fabricated story the lawyers were trying to promote. He kept insisting he was next to me when the chief ordered me to light up and I wouldn’t. That is until he threatened me. Finally, he came around, and his story was that he was on the other side of the machinery, oiling and checking equipment. That afternoon, we went for a Coast Guard hearing. The officers went in first and were there a very long time. It seemed pretty cut-and-dried when we went in and told our stories about what happened. It didn’t take long for the court to reach a decision, and all the blame was put on shipyard workmanship and poor rundown inspection. We were all blameless, and the shipping company had no fiscal responsibility. The company wasted no time in assigning us to another ship. Brother Stimac’s wartime recollections will continue in a future edition of the Seafarers LOG. July 2007 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19:3332p0 6/22/2007 5:48 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea August & September 2007 Membership Meetings MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 2 0 2 4 1 2 8 8 1 0 4 3 9 2 2 0 1 2 6 6 2 1 0 12 0 5 33 32 1 10 12 32 12 27 4 3 8 1 40 18 1 3 4 12 2 3 24 17 1 6 5 17 16 11 6 13 5 5 23 17 1 0 1 3 3 1 3 3 1 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 2 9 0 3 26 17 0 8 4 32 7 14 0 2 7 2 15 20 5 1 8 21 5 21 62 59 2 19 24 85 22 32 8 2 16 2 52 57 5 12 10 26 10 16 49 37 3 17 13 50 14 19 7 9 16 7 60 23 5 1 2 7 2 2 12 13 0 3 5 8 14 4 3 1 1 1 12 14 311 244 63 253 191 27 168 503 403 110 1 0 5 6 1 9 12 14 0 9 9 19 8 17 4 1 3 1 5 5 4 4 5 9 3 3 9 20 3 1 7 10 15 6 2 4 5 3 15 11 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 1 1 3 1 1 0 1 3 4 5 0 0 4 4 0 8 14 12 0 5 5 12 12 12 2 0 2 1 7 6 1 1 1 6 3 0 13 22 1 4 4 8 11 7 3 1 5 1 15 8 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 4 0 3 10 5 0 2 4 3 5 2 0 1 5 0 8 7 1 0 10 7 1 11 26 25 0 12 14 34 9 20 5 3 5 2 16 19 3 4 7 12 8 9 14 27 3 5 8 28 17 11 2 6 5 4 28 13 1 1 0 4 2 3 2 2 0 0 1 6 3 3 1 0 2 3 3 12 129 139 26 106 115 16 63 220 214 49 2 0 4 7 2 10 30 10 0 5 8 22 10 24 4 1 1 1 23 24 1 0 0 9 1 6 14 7 1 4 4 6 15 4 2 2 3 0 7 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 7 2 9 14 22 0 7 5 17 2 20 1 1 1 2 25 18 1 0 0 4 0 4 9 7 0 1 2 4 7 7 1 1 3 0 10 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 3 10 6 0 2 4 10 3 10 2 1 1 0 11 12 3 0 9 7 1 21 44 19 0 7 10 36 16 37 5 2 2 1 28 37 1 0 0 20 1 13 14 11 1 6 6 13 19 4 3 4 2 2 9 15 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 1 4 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 2 188 97 11 154 69 9 79 285 144 24 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 0 0 3 9 1 4 0 0 0 0 4 3 2 5 2 5 2 7 14 21 2 5 3 36 16 21 1 7 1 3 17 10 5 0 1 10 1 5 11 13 2 0 6 13 14 14 2 16 1 2 10 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 5 0 1 1 6 1 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 1 16 7 0 2 3 9 10 11 1 11 1 1 14 12 0 0 1 6 0 4 4 7 0 0 1 3 8 8 1 12 0 0 4 3 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 3 4 5 0 0 5 14 0 11 0 0 0 0 6 3 2 6 5 12 4 17 35 35 3 9 8 90 22 25 1 5 2 2 28 15 7 0 2 13 3 12 20 23 3 2 10 32 15 14 3 12 4 3 19 9 31 180 130 26 104 62 0 52 326 206 659 660 230 539 479 114 310 1,060 1,087 389 ENGINE DEPARTMENT STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 4 4 12 3 7 33 24 3 8 12 26 11 18 4 6 10 3 34 18 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs 3 1 5 13 3 11 37 34 1 14 14 51 13 23 5 3 12 1 38 29 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 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 2007 Piney Point ...........Monday: August 6 ..............................Tuesday: September 4* ..............................(*change created by Labor Day Holiday) Algonac ................Friday: August 10, September 7 Baltimore..............Thursday: August 9, September 6 Boston ..................Friday: August 10, September 7 Guam ....................Thursday: August 23, September 20 Honolulu...............Friday: August 17, September 14 Houston ................Monday: August 13, September 10 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: August 9, September 6 Joliet .....................Thursday: August 16, September 13 Mobile ..................Wednesday: August 15, September 12 New Orleans.........Tuesday: August 14, September 11 New York .............Tuesday: August 7, September 4 Norfolk .................Thursday: August 9, September 6 Oakland ................Thursday: August 16, September 13 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: August 8, September 5 Port Everglades ....Thursday: August 16, September 13 San Juan ...............Thursday: August 9, September 6 St. Louis ...............Friday: August 17, September 14 Tacoma .................Friday: August 24, September 21 Wilmington...........Monday: August 20, September 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals FRIENDS OF PRESTON BROUSSARD The family of Preston D. Broussard of Port Arthur, Texas and Cecilla, La. (who died March 21, 2006) would like to hear from friends of Mr. Broussard. Please call Mike at (409) 8388720. THE MARINE ELECTRIC The Marine Electric sank off the coast of Virginia in 1983. Anyone with photos or videos of the ship, please contact Gregory Scott at (312) 601-8350; or e-mail gregory. scott@towersproductions.com. Inland Career Opportunities: Immediate Job Openings The SIU has immediate openings in the inland division. Interested individuals who possess either a 1,600-ton master’s license (with near coastal or ocean endorsements) along with an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) STCW certificate; or a designated duty engineer (DDE) 5,000 hp or greater license are encouraged to contact Bart Rogers at the union’s manpower office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5317 for additional information. TWIC Updates The Transportation Security Administration around May 1 published a list of 131 U.S. cities and territories that have been tapped as locations for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) fixed enrollment centers. Since then, there has been a dearth of formal announcements concerning the program, although last month numerous published reports quoted TSA officials as acknowledging delays that will push initial TWIC issuance back until this fall. The SIU will publicize information on the TWIC and its related merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC) as it is released by the various agencies involved. Meanwhile, the phone number for the TSA’s TWIC help desk is 877-687-2243, and the TSA’s TWIC web site is located at www.tsa.gov/twic. The union continues to post updates at www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” and Seafarers LOG sections. Seafarers also are encouraged to check with their port agent from time to time for updates. Seafarers LOG 15 �43332_p06,10_14,16,17,20_24:332p0 6/19/2007 6:10 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN Michael Sacco, President This is a summary of the annual report for the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $10,555,326. These expenses included $970,320 in administrative expenses and $9,585,006 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 3,226 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 $130,406,267 as of July 31, 2006, compared to $138,101,966 as of August 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $7,695,699. 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 $2,859,627, including employer contributions of $37,367, losses of $413,641 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $3,233,717 and other income of $2,184. 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 the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, which is the administrator, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; tel. (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $17 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, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 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 SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FUNDS, 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, 2006. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., a Trust Fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan was $996,980 as of July 31, 2006, compared to $1,282,960 as of August 1, 2005. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $285,980. 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 $7,552,155, including employer contributions of $7,465,751, losses of $429 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $86,896 and other losses of $63. Plan expenses were $7,838,135. These expenses included $452,291 in administrative expenses and $7,385,844 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 ser vice 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 the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; tel. (415) 764-4990. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6 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, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 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. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Bruce E. Knight of Chesapeake, Va. Brother Knight was involved in organizing the Isthmian Steamship Company’s S.S. Horace Wells for the SIU in 1946. The picture shows the men on board the ship “the day we voted for the SIU.” He has drawn a circle around himself and indicated an arrow pointing to the bosun, Blackie Martin. Following that organizing run from Norfolk, Va. to Charleston, S.C., Knight was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served for four years and one month in both Japan and Germany. Following his military stint, he returned to sailing with the SIU. PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 A copy of his certificate of discharge, shows that Brother Knight worked as an acting AB aboard the S.S. Horace Wells in 1946. 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 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 2007 �43332_p06,10_14,16,17,20_24:332p0 6/19/2007 6:11 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 BADGETT, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Houston. Brother Badgett’s first voyage was aboard the Overseas Aleutian. The engine department member, who was born in Texas, was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Badgett last sailed on the Commitment. He calls Bonham, Texas home. JOHN CAIN, 71, first sailed with the SIU in 1953 aboard the Alcoa Pegasus. He was born in Mobile, Ala. and worked in the deck dpeartment. His most recent ship was the Overseas Natalie. Brother Cain lives in LaPorte, Texas. RICKEY CAVENDER, 50, launched his SIU career in 1970. Brother Cavender first shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. A native of Indianapolis, Brother Cavender upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. He was member of the engine department. Brother Cavender’s most recent voyage was aboard the Thompson Pass. He is a resident of Wilmington, Calif. MICHAEL CLAPSHAW, 65, joined the SIU in 1978. Brother Clapshaw first sailed on the Overseas Anchorage as a member of the engine department. He was born in Port Angeles, Wash. and upgraded on numerous occasions at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Clapshaw most recently sailed aboard the Tacoma. He continues to reside in the state of Washington. JOHN GEHRING, 65, was born in Colorado. Brother Gehring became a union member in 1987. He first sailed on the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Gehring worked in the steward department. In 2000 and 2001, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center to upgrade his seafaring skills. Brother Gehring’s most recent trip to sea was aboard the Calvin P. Titus. He makes his home in Ronan, Mont. July 2007 TOMMY LISTER, 65, started shipping with the union in 1963 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Lister, who was born in Mississippi, sailed in the deck department. His first ship was the TransIndiana; his last the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Lister settled in Neely, Miss. EARL MACOM, 63, joined the SIU in 1965, first sailing on the Topa Topa. The Missouri native worked in the engine department, most recently aboard the USNS Chesapeake. He calls Morrill, Maine home. JOHN MIRANDA, 56, commenced his seafaring career in 1971. Brother Miranda’s first voyage was on the Dauntless. The engine department member, who was born in New York, most recently sailed aboard the Prince William Sound. He lives in Bush, La. THOMAS PAPPAS, 65, began sailing with the union in 1991. Brother Pappas first sailed with the MC&S Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) on the Northern Light. He was born in Virginia. Before retiring, Brother Pappas shipped aboard the USNS Soderman. He continues to reside in Virginia. LINTON REYNOLDS JR., 65, is a native of Clinton, Iowa. Brother Reynolds joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco, first sailing on an ISCO Inc. vessel. He last worked in the engine department aboard the Overseas Marilyn. Brother Reynolds is a resident of Dayton, Texas. HERMAN RHODES, 66, began his seafaring career in 1999 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Graysville, Ala., Brother Rhodes sailed in the engine department, working primarily on vessels operated by Maersk Line Limited, including the USNS Sisler and the USNS Watson. Brother Rhodes makes his home in Mobile, Ala. INLAND JAMES ADDINGTON, 63, launched his seafaring career in 1986 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman Addington initially shipped aboard Red Circle Transport Co. vessels. The deck department member most recently worked on Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels. Boatman Addington settled in Portland, Tenn. WALLACE CUMBEST, 56, joined the union in 1977. Boatman Cumbest, who was born in Georgia, sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing Co. vessels. Boatman Cumbest attended classes on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He resides in Oldtown, Fla. ARTURO MARTINEZ, 62, began shipping with the SIU in 1987 from the port of St. Louis. Boatman Martinez initially worked aboard a Delta Queen Steamship Co. vessel. He is a native of Honduras. Boatman Martinez most recently sailed on the Mississippi Queen. He calls Houston home. WILLIAM MATHEWS, 61, embarked on his seafaring career in 1967. Boatman Mathews first sailed in the deep sea division on the Coeur d’Alene. He upgraded frequently at the Piney Point school. Boatman Mathews’ most recent voyage was aboard a Penn Maritime vessel. He makes his home in Aydlett, N.C. ROSA MEZO, 63, became a union member in 1994. Sister Mezo sailed primarily aboard Orgulf Transport Co. vessels. She was a member of the steward department. Sister Mezo is a resident of Dix, Ill. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 When Brother Richard Lewis left New York in January 1941 on the City of Alma, a Waterman ship bound for Santos, he never thought the voyage would eventually take him to Shanghai, Manila and the infamous death march of Bataan. But the sequence of unforeseen events did that to this SIU seaman and, recently arrived back in the States, he told a thrilling story of his experiences in the intervening four years…. When it became impossible to leave Manila (where he had been hospitalized), Lewis offered his services to the Army, along with a number of other merchant seamen and was put to work moving supplies from Manila to Corregidor…. Following the surrender on April 9, 1942, Lewis and several other merchant seamen were put in a stockade with Philippine civilians and troops for about a week, after which they were started on the Death March of Bataan. His memories of this experience include the sight of hundreds of Filipino women being raped by foreign soldiers, of soldiers and civilians shot as they tried to get water, of men abandoned by the road to die or be bayoneted by the guards as the procession trudged along. The only food during seven days of the march was what furtive Filipinos managed to pass them along the route…. Brother Lewis himself was lined up for burial, but crawled away before the burial squad did its gruesome work. ROLAND SIMMS, 64, was born in Lewes, Del. Boatman Simms first sailed in 1977 on an IBC Co. vessel and most recently worked on an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. Boatman Simms resides in Georgetown, Del. MELVIN WILLIS, 66, commenced his SIU career in 1962. Boatman Willis joined the Seafarers in 1962. Prior to retiring, he sailed with Steuart Transportation Company. Boatman Willis settled in Marshallberg, N.C. GREAT LAKES MAYNARD BAKER, 66, joined the union in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Brother Baker, who was born in Michigan, first sailed on an American Steamship Co. vessel. He worked in both the engine and deck departments. Brother Baker last shipped aboard the St. Clair. He lives in Marine City, Mich. Continued on page 20 any aspect of the program. Three headquarters officials of the union are working full time on administration of the seniority system to assure smooth operation. They are Keith Terpe, director of organization, who is handling seniority matters for the district; A “French” Michelet, chief dispatcher at headquarters; and Freddie Stewart, working with Michelet as dispatcher. The seniority system was negotiated by the union with the shipowners in March and has been incorporated into the contract along with other membership-approved shipping rules. This Month In SIU History 1955 In effect for four months, the SIU’s seniority shipping system has been operating smoothly in all ports. No major hitches have developed in 1965 The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, has charged that the efforts to resolve the current collective bargaining dispute in maritime which has immobilized more than 100 vessels is “being thwarted by a handful of willful shipping company officials, representing just eight companies, who have refused to conclude agreements with any of the maritime unions whose contracts are now open for renegotiation.” MTD President Paul Hall said in a statement forwarded from Amsterdam, Holland, where he had been attending the International Confederation of Free Trade Union Congress as an AFL-CIO delegate, that “this situation is of grave concern to the Maritime Trades Department, which represents hundreds of thousands of workers who are dependent upon the maritime industry for their livelihoods. It is of particular concern at this time when a tripartite effort on the part of maritime labor, management and the government is being made to find ways and means of strengthening and improving the American-flag merchant fleet.” Seafarers LOG 17 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19x:3332p0 6/26/2007 4:41 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JULIO ARZU Brother Julio Arzu, 38, passed away Nov. 28. He became an SIU member in 1991. Brother Arzu, who was born in Honduras, first sailed aboard the Independence. He most recently worked on the Tyco Decisive. Brother Arzu lived in Houston. BENJAMIN BALERIO Pensioner Benjamin Balerio, 72, died Nov. 28. Brother Balerio joined the union in 1968. His first ship was the Midlake; his last was the Overseas Alaska. Brother Balerio, who went on pension in 1999, continued to reside in his native Texas. PETER BATAYIAS Pensioner Peter Batayias, 83, passed away Nov. 23. Brother Batayias began his seafaring career in 1964. His first voyage was aboard a vessel operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Batayias was a member of the steward department. He last sailed on the Horizon Mayaquez. Brother Batayias retired in 1993. He was a resident of Savannah, Ga. DAVID BOARD Pensioner David Board, 84, died Nov. 28. Brother Board began shipping with the SIU in 1967. The deck department member, who was born in Cuba, first worked aboard the USNS Potomac. Prior to retiring in 1989, he sailed on the Seattle. Brother Board made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. ROBERT BROWN Pensioner Robert Brown, 76, passed away Nov. 28. Brother Brown joined the union in 1956. His first voyage was aboard the Louis Emery Jr. Brother Brown sailed in the deck department. His last voyage was on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Brown called Elma, Wash. home. He started collecting his pension in 1996. MAURICE DUET Pensioner Maurice Duet, 79, died Nov. 15. Brother Duet began his seafaring career in 1945, first sailing aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Born in Crown Point, La., Brother Duet worked in the deck department most recently on the Cape Farewell. He settled in Maurice, La. Brother Duet became a pensioner in 1990. JOHN FLUNKER Pensioner John Flunker, 87, passed away Nov. 23. Brother Flunker joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1954 in the port of San Francisco. He first shipped aboard the Del Oro as a member of the steward department. Brother 18 Seafarers LOG Flunker’s last voyage was on the President Jackson. He was born in the Philippines and made Seattle his home. Brother Flunker retired in 1985. FRANK FROMM Pensioner Frank Fromm, 88, died Nov. 13. Brother Fromm first sailed with the SIU in 1951 from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Steel Architect; his last was the Connecticut. Brother Fromm, who was born in New Jersey, worked in the deck department. He went on pension in 1981. Brother Fromm was a resident of Lindenhurst, N.Y. WILFREDO GATEMAN Brother Wilfredo Gateman, 51, passed away Nov. 20. He became an SIU member in 1997 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gateman was born in the Philippines and shipped in the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Alaskan Navigator. Brother Gateman lived in Hawaii. CARLOS GOMEZ Pensioner Carlos Gomez, 79, died Nov. 14. Brother Gomez joined the Seafarers in 1951. He initially shipped on the Strathmore in the engine department. Brother Gomez was a native of Argentina. Before retiring in 1988, he sailed aboard the Steel Voyager. Brother Gomez called Winter Park, Fla. home. ERNEST KOLENOVSKY Pensioner Ernest Kolenovsky, 85, passed away Nov. 11. Brother Kolenovsky began his SIU career in 1947. The deck department member first sailed on the Walter Tyler Page. Brother Kolenovsky, who was born in Texas, last worked aboard the Connecticut. He settled in Galveston, Texas and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. NICHOLAS LOMAS Pensioner Nicholas Lomas, 78, died Nov. 10. Brother Lomas embarked on his seafaring career in 1946. His first voyage was on the Fort Bridge. Brother Lomas, who was born in Galveston, Texas, worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Discovery. Brother Lomas retired in 1992 and resided in Tampa, Fla. JESSE LUSIAN Brother Jesse Lusian, 25, passed away Sept. 2. Born in Santa Rosa, Calif., Brother Lusian joined the SIU in 2003 in Piney Point, Md. He initially sailed on the USNS Pomeroy. Brother Lusian’s most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Red Cloud. He made his home in Hemet, Calif. FELIX VITO Pensioner Felix Vito, 83, died Oct. 13. Brother Vito launched his seafaring career in 1945. His earliest trip to sea was aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Vito last worked on the Oakland. He became a pensioner in 1984 and called Reno, Nev. home. INLAND JOSEPH LONG Pensioner Joseph Long, 75, passed away Oct. 4. Boatman Long joined the union in 1968. He first worked aboard Gulf Atlantic Transportation Corp. vessels. Boatman Long, who was born in Baltimore, last sailed on a Piney Point Transportation vessel. Boatman Long started collecting his pension in 1996. He was a resident of Newport, N.C. JAMES MARTIN SR. Pensioner James Martin Sr., 79, died Oct. 8. Boatman Martin joined the SIU in 1974. He first worked aboard a Moran Towing of Virginia vessel. Boatman Martin was an Ohio native. He last sailed on McAllister Towing boats. Boatman Martin, who retired in 1989, lived in Norfolk, Va. RICHARD MOSS Pensioner Richard Moss, 57, passed away Nov. 20. Boatman Moss became a union member in 1968. He sailed in the deck department in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Boatman Moss first shipped aboard a Texas City Refining Inc. vessel and last worked aboard G&H Towing Co. vessels. He resided in Texas and went on pension in 1998. home in his native state of Minnesota. Boatman Sweeney started receiving compensation for his retirement 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. AMBLER BRANHAM Pensioner Ambler Branham, 98, passed away Aug. 11. Brother Branham joined the NMU in 1967, first sailing from the port of Beaumont, Texas aboard the Margaret Lykes. Born in Amhurst, Va., he worked on the Gulf Knight before retiring in 1978. Pensioner Joseph Self, 76, died Oct. 3. Boatman Self was born in Hemphill, Texas and began sailing with the union in 1962. He worked primarily aboard National Marine Service vessels. Boatman Self, who called Jasper, Texas home, went on pension in 1994. GREAT LAKES JACK SWEENEY Pensioner Jack Sweeney, 83, passed away Nov. 22. Brother Sweeney began his seafaring career in 1970, initially shipping aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Sweeney last sailed on the Seniority Men. He made his Pensioner Julio Rocca, 85, died Aug. 4. Brother Rocca joined the NMU in 1946 in the port of New York. He first shipped aboard the Clevelander. Brother Rocca was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. His last voyage was on the Cape Hudson. Brother Rocca became a pensioner in 1971. THEODORE WADDELL Pensioner Theodore Waddell, 76, passed away Aug. 18. Brother Waddell joined the NMU ranks in 1968 in the port of Baltimore. He initially worked in the steward department of the Rio. Brother Waddell was born in Maryland. He retired in 1987. SECUNDINO CARRION Pensioner Secundino Carrion, 83, died Aug. 23. Brother Carrion became an NMU member in 1961 in the port of New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner shipped in the steward department. Brother Carrion’s first vessel was the Atlantic; his last was the American Liberty. He started collecting his pension in 1986. JOHN CLARK Pensioner John Clark, 78, passed away Sept. 20. Brother Clark joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Kansas City, Kan., he last sailed aboard the Zoella Lykes. Brother Clark began his retirement in 1987. ROGELIO COLON JOSEPH SELF JULIO ROCCA Pensioner Rogelio Colon, 81, died Sept. 6. Brother Colon began his seafaring career in 1962 in the port of San Francisco, Calif. He initially worked on the Garden State as a member of the steward department. Brother Colon was born in Puerto Rico. His last boyage was on board the Marine Duval. Brother Colon retired in 1992. MICHAEL LEYDON Pensioner Michael Leydon, 82, passed away Aug. 1. Brother Leydon was born in Sligo, Ireland. He started sailing with the union in 1946 from the port of New York. Brother Leydon first sailed on the Sea Porpoise as a member of the deck department. Brother Leydon’s last voyage was on the Chestnut Hill. He went on pension in 1991. EGBERT WALCOTT Pensioner Egbert Walcott, 88, died Aug. 19. Brother Walcott joined the NMU in 1943 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Winding Gulf. Brother Walcott was a native of Barbados, W.I. The steward department member most recently sailed aboard the Austral Ensign. Brother Walcott began receiving his retirement compensation in 1981. MILTON WALTERS Pensioner Milton Walters, 76, passed away Aug. 30. Brother Walters began his seafaring career in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was on the Pan Pennsylvania. Brother Walters shipped in the engine department. He last sailed on the Tillie Lykes. Brother Walters went on pension in 1995. ROBERT WALTHALL Pensioner Robert Walthall, 81, died Aug. 12. Brother Walthall joined the union in 1947 while in Galveston, Texas. His first ship was the Pan Massachusetts. Brother Walthall was born in Kirven, Texas and sailed as a member of the engine department. He last worked on the Texaco New Jersey. Brother Walthall became a pensioner in 1973. CHARLES WILLIAMS Pensioner Charles Williams, 89, passed away Aug. 3. Brother Williams first sailed aboard the African Neptune in 1939. Born in Jacksonville, Fla., he worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1981, Brother Williams sailed on a vessel operated by Farrell Lines. July 2007 �43332_p01_9,15,18,19:3332p0 6/22/2007 5:48 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. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), April 5—Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Engine Delegate John E. Coleman, Steward Delegate Soriano S. Grande. Chairman reported ship paid off today after making final run to Guam and Hong Kong. Next voyage will start “Pineapple” run (Tacoma, Oakland, Honolulu). Secretary reminded departing crew members to clean rooms and leave fresh linen for next members. Educational director advised crew to check document expiration dates and, if necessary, renew early. He also reminded them to read the Seafarers LOG to stay current on what’s happening in union and in maritime industry and encouraged them to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew advised to keep an eye on clothes that are in dryer. Chief engineer to be notified about possible repair. Suggestions were made regarding medical plan. Crew thanked steward department for great St. Patrick’s Day barbecue. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), April 1—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Mohamed N. Ahlsinai. Chairman announced April 3 payoff upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He urged everyone to keep dues paid up and support SPAD for increased job security. Crew members were thanked for helping clean ship. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities offered at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), April 15—Chairman Amante V. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Mohsin A. Ali, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Abdulla. Bosun announced April 21 payoff to take place prior to arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He stated ship is then scheduled for dry dock in China on June 17. Educational director encouraged crew members to attend classes at SIU-affiliated school to upgrade seafaring skills. Treasurer noted $860 in crew fund and $1,000 in satellite TV fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers requested new radio with DVD player for crew lounge and made suggestions for next contract. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Hong Kong. JEAN ANNE (Interocean American Shipping), April 22—Chairman Daniel Davenport, Secretary Samuel P. Sinclair, Educational Director David F. Cutro, Deck Delegate Vince Ippolito, Steward Delegate Mary L. Maddox. Chairman thanked all departments for outstanding work July 2007 and dedication during recent voyages. Secretary went over eligibility issues. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate expressed crew’s gratitude to bosun for his support during journey. Next port: San Diego. LOUIS J. HAUGE JR. (Maersk Line Limited), April 23—Chair- Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $1,962 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report and communication from VP George Tricker concerning retirement and pension were read. Crew members were reminded to clean rooms and supply fresh linen for reliefs. Thanks given to steward department for “excellent job.” GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), May 29— Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Vladimir G. Tkachev, Deck Delegate David L. Parks, Engine Delegate Johnny W. Carson, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty. Chairman reviewed new health care information and encouraged members to check Seafarers LOG of May 2007 or carrier web site for further information. He stated that vessel will load cable next week for pro- report any problems immediately. He announced May 11 arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Treasurer stated $250 in ship’s fund and an additional $2,000 with captain. Suggestion made to use ship fund money to reimburse crew members who personally bought converters. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Captain has posted sign stating that gym equipment will be furnished each trip. Volunteers are needed to purchase more equipment. They will be reimbursed. Requests made for steam table, grill/griddle and additional refrigerator for galley. Clarification requested regarding medical benefits. Crew is encouraged to read and check out web site on STCW renewal. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), May 23—Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary Alexander Banky III, Educational Celebrating Flag Day on the Obregon Flag Day—June 14—was welcomed aboard the Pfc Eugene A. Obregon with a special menu and, of course, lots of flags! The ship’s steward department put forth their best efforts in showing the pride held by the crew members for the flag of the United States of America. The Obregon’s steward department consists of (from the left, standing) Chief Steward Patrick D. Helton, Assistant Cook/Utility Rod Jackson and Steward Assistant Timoteo Nunez. Kneeling are Chief Cook Eric Hernandez and Steward Assistant René Alfaro. Chief Cook Eric Hernanez (left) and Chief Steward Patrick Helton display their American flag cake. Thanks to Helton for sending these photos to the Seafarers LOG. man Paul C. Johnson, Secretary George J. Borromeo, Educational Director Arthur J. Kately III, Deck Delegate George McClendon, Steward Delegate Salvatore P. Gotti. Chairman talked about TWIC and how it affects SIU members. He also went over new company policy concerning a preboarding physical. Educational director urged members to take advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from headquarters was read and discussed. Next port: Saipan. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), April 15—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Donald M. Christian, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji. Chairman reported smooth trip with great crew and announced April 23 payoff in Newark, N.J. Secretary thanked crew for help and support in making this a good trip. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Steward Assistant René Alfaro stands at the decorated salad bar. ject for fall of 2007 and to remember that ship is on a 24-hour standby status. Pertaining to SMPPP, he reminded crew to keep track of their sea days and make sure beneficiary forms are filled out; they are not the same as union beneficiary forms. He noted that ship is awaiting a bid for repair of crew lounge furniture. Crew was asked to return movies to movie locker when done watching them and to report any water seen on deck to chairman. Request was made for copies of current Tyco-SIU contract and manning scale for various cable operations. Educational director urged mariners to make an appointment, if necessary, with Coast Guard to renew shipping documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made regarding work rotations and lower retirement age. HORIZON HUNTER (Horizon Lines), May 6—Chairman Larry E. Watson, Secretary Jennifer K. Kim, Educational Director Joe Eagan, Deck Delegate George W. Mazzola. Chairman reminded crew members not to wait for a meeting to report safety issues; Director Jeffrey D. Levie, Steward Delegate Fernando L. Vega Mercado. Bosun thanked crew for helping keep ship clean and congratulated them on successful Coast Guard inspection. He noted continuing need for help in separating plastic items from other trash. Secretary reported great voyage and thanked crew for helping with Captain Cocozza’s (“the best captain ever”) retirement barbecue. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to be aware of expiration dates on MMDs and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $4,156 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made concerning pension plan and addition for web site. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and clean galley. HOUSTON (U.S.S. Transport), May 20—Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Deck Delegate Sunday Nwankwo, Engine Delegate Hugh Morrison, Steward Delegate David Gibson. Chairman stressed the importance of shipboard meetings as a valuable way to keep the union and its members strong and informed. He also led discussion on possibility of increasing size of steward department due to large number of crew, cadets and other riders. Secretary asked crew to make sure doors to house are closed tightly so air conditioning will perform properly. He also thanked them for helping keep lounge and common areas clean. Educational director advised all members to stay informed about TWIC issue and read Seafarers LOG for any new developments. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for good food and hard work. Next ports: Philadelphia, Pa.; Bayonne, N.J.; Port Canaveral and Port Everglades, Fla. ITB NEW YORK (U.S.S. Transport), May 13—Chairman Calvin M. Miles, Secretary Milton M. Yournett, Educational Director Jimmie E. Thomas, Deck Delegate Hussein M. Mohamed. Chairman reported May 16 payoff upon arrival in Houston. Departing crew reminded to clean rooms and leave keys and fresh linen for next mariner. Educational director urged members to check expiration dates on z-card and passports. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding pension and medical plan. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Houston. PRIDE (Maersk Line Limited), May 6—Chairman Omaha S. Redda, Secretary Osvaldo J. Castagnino, Educational Director Matthew P. Ditullio, Engine Delegate Bruce M. Koete, Steward Delegate Obencio M. Espinoza. Chairman announced May 7 payoff at sea and thanked crew for their cooperation during voyage. Secretary asked mariners getting off to leave rooms clean and take dirty towels/sheets to linen locker. He thanked crew for helping keep messhall clean. Educational director encouraged crew members to take advantage of opportunity to attend classes at union-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs; disputed OT reported in steward department. Clarification requested on calling of standbys. Everyone expressed gratitude to steward department for excellent food. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Norfolk, Va. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), May 12—Chairman William M. Richard, Secretary Franklin J. Cordero, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth, Deck Delegate Robert S. Vazquez. Chairman thanked all departments for smooth, safe voyage. Secretary expressed his gratitude to fellow members for helping keep ship’s house clean. Educational director encouraged everyone to keep documents current and upgrade at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. Treasurer stated $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested as to why company cut back on certain food items. They also discussed the way incoming mail should be handled. Members requested new chair and e-mail hook-up for crew lounge. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for job well done. Of special note, AB Joseph Archer was given a wristwatch from Maersk from the captain for helping prevent an oil spill during a stowaway search. Seafarers LOG 19 �43332_p06,10_14,16,17,20_24:332p0 6/19/2007 6:13 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. Credit for Job Well Done Bill Eglinton’s retirement from the Paul Hall Center will be a loss. I met Bill in 1976 when he was an instructor at the school and I was an engine department upgrader. I especially valued a course that Bill taught, diesel for unlicensed engine department members. It differed from many other courses for upgraders because it did not lead directly to an MMD endorsement. But it provided a special opportunity for those of us who were without officer academy training. It was clear that Bill really enjoyed teaching this course, and most of us in the class picked up on his enthusiasm. I still use material presented in the course. I was Pensioners Continued from page 17 LAWRENCE CURNOW, 65, became a union member in 1966. Brother Curnow first worked aboard a Great Lakes Associates Inc. vessel. Born in Duluth, Minn., Brother Curnow’s most recent voyage was on the John Boland. He continues to call Duluth home. pleased when Bill remained at the school because I knew he would be an asset. Among the contributions that should be attributed to him, at least in part, was the school’s transition from teaching traditional shipboard department basics and specializations into the present multi-program curriculums. I remember that Bill was among the first at the school to see the need for ongoing changes. He had observed that worldwide developments were occurring for mariners’ qualifications, and the American maritime industry as we knew it was in jeopardy. He also knew that changes which would assure our membership’s security and mobility would be difficult. At that time, the school was just starting to enjoy membership acceptance, and it would have been easier to ride things out hoping for the best. Bill was one of the major players in aggressive developments at the school that followed, and his leadership was a key factor that helped provide for and lead to the programs and resources we have available today. In my view the membership Lindemuth joined the SIU in 1978, first working on a Michigan Interstate Railway vessel in the deck department. Brother Lindemuth most recently sailed aboard the Alpena. He lives in Pellston, Mich. and the American maritime industry as a whole have been served well during Bill’s tenure at the school. He was the right person there at the right time. Eric Sager Martinsburg, West Virginia Relief Fund A Big Help Because of Hurricane Katrina, I had a lot of damage to my home and had to replace the roof, among other things. I also had to replace a shed out back and a freezer in the garage, which was flooded. Three trees were downed and there was an awful lot of yard cleanup—just a lot of damage due to wind and water. Many others had it far worse, but I’m still trying to get it all back together. The assistance I received through the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) was a big help and I truly appreciate it. I want to say thank you to all of our officials and members. I wish you fair winds and following seas. Gene Wilson Saraland, Alabama McCarthy. In 2003, he attended the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. to upgrade his skills. Brother Nassir most recently sailed aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger. Born in Yemen, he makes his home in Detroit. SAID NASSIR, 66, joined the SIU in 1988. Brother Nassir’s earliest trip to sea was on the Walter J. ROLAND LINDEMUTH, 60, was born in Michigan. Brother Know Your Rights THE SLOP CHEST Items are available via the slop chest link on our web site at: 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. www.seafarers.org or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org 7/07 (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 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 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 HOME ADDRESS FORM 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. The exclusive online source for Seafarers International Union merchandise. 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 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. 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 2007 �43332_p06,10_14,16,17,20_24:332p0 6/19/2007 6:13 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. for most of 2007. 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 FOWT August 13 October 8 September 7 November 2 Junior Engineer July 16 September 7 Machinist July 9 July 27 Marine Electrician September 24 November 16 Pumpman* July 9 July 20 July 30 August 10 August 6 October 1 October 29 August 24 October 19 November 16 (*must have tankerman familiarization/ assistant cargo (DL) AND machinist) Welding Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting July 9 July 20 July 27 August 31 Start Date Date of Completion July 9 August 20 October 1 August 3 September 14 October 26 Fast Rescue Boat July 23 August 27 Basic Safety Training Classes are conducted weekly Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) October 22 October 26 Government Vessels Celestial Navigation July 9 August 3 GMDSS August 13 August 24 July 16 August 6 September 17 November 5 July 20 August 10 September 21 November 9 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 6 September 17 October 29 August 17 September 28 November 9 Medical Care Provider July 23 July 27 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* September 24 October 5 November 26 December 7 Radar October 8 October 19 Radar Renewal (one day) October 29 August 13 August 17 Course Able Seaman (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Recertification Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning July 9, 2007. Bosun October 8 November 5 Steward July 9 August 6 Academic Department Courses Engine Upgrading Courses Course Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops Start Date Date of Completion July 16 September 10 August 10 October 5 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 2007 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. 7/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �43332_p06,10_14,16,17,20_24:332p0 6/19/2007 6:14 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 686 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 686. They include (in alphabetical order) Charles Brown Jr., Mark Brownell, Jean Cardona-Santiago, Mario Cruz, Cleveland Foy, Preston Grant, Daniel Irizarry, Stanley Jackson Jr., Dawn Johnson, Dontae Jones, Demond Lindsey, Sabrina Long, Peter McNeal, Pierre Norwood, Trevor Rowe, Christopher Ruggiero, Arvid Rutledge, Bobby Turner, Robert Watson, Ryanne Wheeler, Melody White, Falando Williams and Benjamin Wright. AB — With instructor Bernabe Pelingon (far left) are upgraders who completed the AB course May 11. They are (in no specific order) David Stavron, Daniel Stavron, Parris Mancuso, Darnell Taylor, Johnny Starnes, Larry Castaneda-Mercado, Gabe Williamson, Nicholas Kempker, Omar Madrid, Robert Freeman Jr., Jamar Allen, Daniel Dale, Scott Stilwell, Orien Nelson, Daron Tinney, Scott Bloomfield, Clifford Cronan, Jeffrey Gronotte Jr., Robert Morrison, Kevin Wimbley and Michael Stilwell. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduating from this course May 4 are MTLX boatmen (in no specific order) Adam Emanual, Robert Stone, Tacek Sawicki, Kesse Kesse, Clyde McNatt, Darrel Koonce Jr., Brandon Raney, Jay Templet, Philip Wright, David Lane II, Joseph Lupton Jr., Scott Chew, Richard Serwat and Frederick Mayo. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at far right. (Note: not all are pictured.) FOWT — Upgrading seafarers who completed this course May 18 are (in no specific order) DeWayne Jacobs, Furman Watson, Carmelo Collazo, Kamion Kearney, Patrick Devlin, Jesse Tornabene, Kevin Lewis, Daniel McFarland, Gustavo Costas, Antoine Best, Aaron Larson, Scott Smith, Michael Iverson, Philip Rhule, Melvin Ratcliff, Travis Green, Billy Duenas, Peter Rubio, Kareim Wright, Mark Sawyer, Ronald Sease and David Ruggirello. Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha in each photo are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Showing their certificates of achievement are (top row, from left) Clifford Cronan, Abdmutaali Muhammad and Rafael Chow, (bottom row, from left) Robeson Carrier and Jeff Hawkins and Elrick Archer and Rudy Oliva. Marine Electrician — Students who completed the marine electrician course May 4 are (in no specific order) Greg Alvarez, Wendell Brown, Joseph Sam, Al Dixon, Joseph Krajnik, David Rushing, Husain Ali, Chris Schneider, Jeff Hawkins, Bryan Fletcher, David James and James Donohue. (Note: not all are pictured.) 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 July 2007 �43332_p10_14,16,17,20_24x2:332p0 6/27/2007 10:35 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Medical Care Provider — Upgrading seafarers who completed the medical care provider course May 4 under the instruction of Mark Cates are (in no specific order) Sellers Brooks, Vincent Mull, Samuel Levecque, Khaled Alsayed, Steven Blair, Timothy Fogg, John Collins, Michael Morita and Sean Grace. Bridge Resource Management — MTLX boatmen completing this refresher course May 4 are (in no specific order) Aron Morgan, Robert Bronzan, Michael Santini, Jeff Brown, Elliott Talbot, Stephen McGavock, Scott Melton and Howard Clark. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is at far left. Welding — Graduating from the welding class May 25 are (in no specific order) Bryan Fletcher, Tawrence Abrams, Forrest McGee, Michael Morita, Tim Johnson II and Stravon Jordan. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is second from right. Refrigeration Engineer — Jay Henderson (far left) taught the refrigeration engineer course that ended June 1. Included in this class were (in no specific order) Andrew Linares, Douglas Lowry, Rigoberto Beata and Rahul Bagchi. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two classes of Phase III apprentices graduated May 11 from tankerman assistant courses. They are (in no specific order) Cornelius Smith, Falando Williams, Charles Brown, Darren Hall, Cleveland Foy, Chris Caporale, J.K. Borden, Jonathan Luna, Diego Barbosa, Mark Brownell, Stanley Jackson Jr., Kieran Green, Preston Grant, Pierre Norwood, Daniel Irizarry, Felix De Armas, John Anson, Melody White, Arvid Rutledge Sr., Benjamin Wright, Ryanne Wheeler, Bobby Turner, Iker Urruchi, Michael Chapman, Arthur Jones, Rovena Cornelius, Tabethia Twine, Darein Matthews, Dawn Johnson, Ravon Moore, Demetrius Green, Alvin Hansley, Trevor Rowe, Mario Cruz, Joseph Maltese, Jesse Mixon, Enrique Velez, Paul Hart, Sabrina Long and Dwight Hunt. Fast Rescue Boat — Graduating from the fast rescue boat course May 4 are MTLX boatmen (in no specific order) Bill Marti, Gabor Gardonyi, Kerry Noble, Chris Mavbaum, Glenn Lane, Darrell Corgatelli, Mitchel Gordon, Mike Meriweather and Patrick Harrington III. Their instructors were Stan Beck (far left) and Tom Truitt (far right). July 2007 Fast Rescue Boat — Along with their instructor, Tom Truitt (standing at left), are May 25 graduates of the fast rescue boat class. They are (in no specific order) Frank Campos, Clifford Cronan, Jay Dillon, Marc Everell, Paul Kucan, Sergey Kurchenko, Nebojsa Milosevic and Paul Riggs. Seafarers LOG 23 �43332_p06,10_14,16,17,20_24:332p0 6/19/2007 6:16 PM Page 24 Volume 69, Number 7 July 2007 Summary Annual Reports for SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN and SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FUNDS, INC. —page 16 SL Achiever Returns from Voyage to North Atlantic A recent voyage to the North Atlantic provided Recertified Bosun Robert Lindsay with some incredible views of the SL Achiever covered in ice and other shots of fellow crew members at work during milder temperatures. The SL Achiever, operated by Maersk Line, Limited, is one of 13 additional ships gained under the Maritime Administration’s expanded Maritime Security Program (MSP) which runs from October 2005 until 2016. The MSP is a vital component of America’s national defense capabilities. The ships in the program contribute to the operation of a commercial U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed fleet engaged in the international trade, thus ensuring the government’s access to these vessels during times of war or national emergency. Above: AB Aubrey “Red” Davis preps a void space for closing. At right: Using a skyclimber, AB Richard Gathers prepares the front of the house for painting. ABs Sherman Hudson (right) and Aubrey Davis are at work on the deck of the SL Achiever. Closing access to the SL Achiever’s ballast tank is AB Richard Gathers. AB Dave Steele cuts old handles from a damper wire. � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CALIFORNIA NURSES ASSOC. JOINS AFL-CIO ANDRASICK, ARNTZEN, REINHART SELECTED FOR AOTOS AWARDS OVERSEAS LONG BEACH CHRISTENED CROWLEY WELCOMES ATB GULF RELIANCE PORT PERSONNEL COMPLETE WORKSHOP IN PINEY POINT SENATE VOTE IMMINENT ON FREE CHOICE ACT OPTIMISM FADES IN GROCERY TALKS G&H BOATMEN CYCLE FOR CHARITY SIU JOINS IN MARITIME DAY CEREMONIES IN CALIF., TEXAS CONGRESSMAN CUMMINGS HONORS MARINERS WITH SUPPORTIVE DECLARATION CEREMONY CONDUCTED FOR 6TH T-AKE SHIP USNS HENSON SAILS TO FINLAND HOSPITAL SHIP USNS COMFORT DEPLOYS MSC SAYS ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY’ TO U.S. MERCHANT MARINE RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MERCHANT MARINE IN WORLD WAR II SL ACHIEVER RETURNS FROM VOYAGETO NORTH ATLANTIC 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 07/01/2007 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. 69, No. 7 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5dc717e753d97a5744a0e641b6213063.pdf ee59b69a7b4fcc2076cce3399163274e PDF Text Text 43725_p1,2,18,19:2007-May 7/27/2007 6:16 PM Page 1 Volume 69, Number 8 August 2007 SIU-Affiliated School th Marks 40 Anniversary The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education opened in August 1967 in Piney Point, Md. Once a barebones facility, the campus has grown into a highly regarded, cuttingedge school where tens of thousands of mariners have trained. The photos below span the school’s existence, from the late 1960s to the mid 2000s. Additional coverage appears on page 2 and on pages 9-16. Seafarers Commend and Share Crowley’s Commitment to Safety Company Takes Smart, Proactive Approach Seafarers-contracted Crowley utilizes a far-reaching, highly effective combination of programs to help ensure shipboard safety—a practice heartily embraced by its SIU crews. Pictured below are two Seafarers employed by Crowley along with one of the company’s vessels: the ATB Sound Reliance (with barge 550-2) off the coast of Honolulu, Mate Greg Jarvis aboard a tug in Los Angeles/Long Beach, and Engineer Deso Hrboka in a tugboat engine room in Los Angeles/Long Beach. Page 24. Rescues at Sea Pages 2, 4 TWIC News Page 3 �43725_p1,2,18,19x:2007-May 7/31/2007 12:11 PM Page 2 Horizon Falcon Rescues 2 President’s Report Debris, Severe Weather Complicate Operation in North Pacific Leadership and Foresight A glance at the aerial photo at the bottom of this article should confirm that today’s Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education bears little resemblance to the spartan facility which opened 40 years ago this month in Piney Point, Md. Fortunately, the changes have been for the better. The SIU-affiliated school has grown and adapted throughout its existence, meeting the needs of individual students and ship operators who, in Michael Sacco turn, help fulfill the manpower requirements of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The school also has done much more than simply survive. The Paul Hall Center consistently has been at the forefront of state-of-the-art, maritime-specific training, whether we’re talking about simulators, fire fighting, oil spill prevention, shipboard computers, training record books, refrigeration and the list goes on. As with other institutions, there may be a tendency with the passage of time to overlook some of the history behind the Paul Hall Center—to mistakenly assume it was easy to put together. Having been on site when the property first was acquired, I can assure you it took an incredible amount of work to get that school off the ground. You’ve heard the expression “blood, sweat and tears?” Just about everyone who was at the school in the late 1960s shed some of each, and they weren’t tears of joy. Paul Hall, the union’s second president, rightfully is credited as the school’s driving force. Many times, I have used this space to reflect on Paul’s vision and how to this very day his foresight continues to help shape both the school and the union. Additional thoughts on Paul and the training center can be found elsewhere in this newspaper. But I wanted to take a moment to recognize the thousands of other people who also, in their own ways, have contributed to the success in Piney Point. I was based at the school for many of its early years. Because of that, and what the school means to our union, it has always and will always hold a special place with me. So, I have a firsthand appreciation for the school officials, instructors, staff members and students who over the years have helped build the Paul Hall Center into a world-class facility. They’ve made sacrifices large and small, usually away from the spotlight, but always for the betterment of the next people who would pass through the front gate. Obviously there is no realistic way to list every name or use every photograph as we celebrate “40 Years of Progress.” But as someone who was there from the start, I thank everyone who did their part and went out of their way to help maintain and build upon Paul Hall’s extraordinary vision. Rescues at Sea Many of the seamanship skills taught at the Paul Hall Center were utilized by SIU crews during two recent rescues at sea. Seafarers aboard the Horizon Falcon and the USNS Kanawha upheld the finest traditions of the “Brotherhood of the Sea” as they helped save fellow mariners in distress. On behalf of the entire union, I commend you for a job well done. Piney Point in 1967 Volume 69, Number 8 August 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The SIU-crewed containership Horizon Falcon last month rescued two Chinese mariners whose Panamanian-flag vessel sank in the North Pacific after encountering rough seas due to a typhoon. The rescue effort took place over a 24-hour period on July 12 and 13, approximately 375 miles northwest of Guam. The two mariners were among 13 survivors from the 22-person crew of the log carrier Hai Tong No. 7. Three other bodies were recovered; six more remained missing when the U.S. Coast Guard suspended search operations July 15. SIU members sailing aboard the Horizon Falcon during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Steven Bush, ABs Ahmed Almuflihi, John Dacuag, Jennifer Souci, Stanley Parker, Jack Kem, Earl Sparkes and Jerry Gonzaga, Electrician Ursel Barber, QMEDs Husain Ali and Gustavo Osorio, Recertified Steward Philip Lau and SA Milagros Clark. “In this electronic information age we live in, it’s easy to forget how goods actually get to consumers—that merchant mariners still go to sea for months at a time to make the global economy work. And ever since man has been going to sea, there has been danger. But there also has been and will ever be brotherhood at sea that crosses any boundary. This rescue effort is a shining example of that,” said Charles G. (Chuck) Raymond, chairman, president and CEO of Horizon Lines and himself a former mariner. “I couldn’t be prouder of our crew and their efforts,” added John V. Keenan, senior vice president and chief transportation officer for Horizon Lines. “I know our crewmen were thankful they could help bring home two fellow mariners, and only wished they could have located more.” The Hai Tong No. 7 crew already had been in the water for two days when the 722-foot Horizon Falcon was contacted by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam to divert for a distress call. The SIU-crewed ship arrived at the site before noon on July 12, where it encountered 30-foot swells in fierce seas, with 40-mph winds. The rescue further would be complicated by logs and other debris that came from the 420foot Hai Tong No. 7. According to reports from the company, the Horizon Falcon crew used a lifeboat and the ship’s portside pilot ladder to attempt a rescue of the distressed seafarers. A lifeboat with three seamen was dispatched with 18to-20-foot swells and waves impacting from every direction. One survivor was rescued, but as the lifeboat was being recovered, a large swell descended on the lifeboat, knocking the craft to a 45-degree angle and damaging the motor. The crew was ordered to abandon the lifeboat and climbed to safety with the survivor up the containership’s 40foot pilot ladder. A second survivor was rescued by AB Dacuag who, while harnessed to the pilot’s ladder, descended toward Some of the survivors from the Panamanian-flag ship are shown in this U.S. Coast Guard photo. the water. While being submerged by swells, Dacuag attached a grappling hook to the survivor before both were winched clear of the sea to safety. With flares from an Okinawabased Navy P3 Orion 225 airplane providing some light from above, the Horizon Falcon continued searching for survivors and was eventually joined by the M/V Coral Emerald. The Horizon ship ran a search pattern in the area for four more hours until morning. A U.S. Coast Guard buoy tender from Guam arrived at the scene to assist and relieve the Horizon Falcon, which was running low on fuel. Arriving in Yantian, China, the vessel’s destination, the two rescued seamen reported to local media crews that they were very well cared for on board the Horizon Falcon. Representatives of the government of China were on hand to express their appreciation for the efforts of the Horizon Falcon captain (Tom McDorr) and crew. The United States Coast Guard Amver offices in New York City also recognized the efforts of the Falcon crew. “These actions are to be commended and do not go unnoticed. Your willingness to participate in the Amver system is testimony to ensuring that no call for help goes unanswered… This underscores your commitment to safety at sea,” said Benjamin M. Strong, director of marketing, Amver Maritime Relations, U.S. Coast Guard. Cmdr. Frank Genco, chief of the Coast Guard’s search and rescue branch in Honolulu, added, “The immediate response by so many mariners is impressive. Mariners truly understand the importance of helping out their fellow sailors. The Coast Guard may be farther away and mariners have to rely on each other to help out in times like these.” USNS Wheat Hosts Dignitaries A Seafarers-crewed Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessel recently hosted a U.S. diplomat and a prominent Estonian military official while tied up in Tallinn, Estonia. The UNSN LCPL Roy W. Wheat on June 19 rolled out the red carpet to welcome U.S. Ambassador to Estonia Stanley Davis Phillips and Estonian Chief of Defense Col. N. Vali for a briefing and guided tour. A prepositioning and cargo vessel, the Wheat arrived in the Estonian capital city June 15, nearly one year after it initially called on the port in 2006. MSC reported that Capt. Peter Grealy, Wheat master, his officers and the 17-person crew of Seafarers did the American flag and U.S. maritime industry proud as they impressed their guests with their seamanship savvy and professionalism. SIU members who were aboard the vessel during the tour were: Bosun Bill Lima; ABs Marc Everell, Dorkucho Tanihu, Bryan Chase, Edward Majesky and Glenn Davis; QMEDs/Oilers Francis Yapching, Gerard Dunn and Romeo Harriell; Electrician Frank J. Michalski and Electrician Trainee John A. White. Also aboard were Chief Steward Emmanuel Zephr, Chief Cook Suree Farrell, Storekeeper Rodolfo Amoro and GVAs German Dolmo, Sylvan E. Harris and Israel L. Edmunds. According to MSC, the USNS Wheat frequently travels to commercial ports like Tallinn because, as a member of the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Prepositioning Ship (MSP) Squadron One, it often is forward-deployed to Europe. The vessels in this command strategically stage U.S. military cargo at sea in the European theater. In the event of a military or humanitarian crisis, the mission of this squadron is to deliver its cargo to forces ashore, ensuring a fast U.S. response to contingency situations. The squadron also plays an important role supporting NATO military exercises in the region and bolstering U.S. ties with its allies in Europe. The USNS Wheat was named after Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat. Wheat died in combat Aug. 11, 1967 during the Vietnam War, throwing himself on an exploding mine to save the lives of his fellow Marines. August 2007 �43725_p3_5,8,17,24x:3725p0 7/31/2007 12:32 PM Page 3 Unions Testify at TWIC Hearing Coast Guard Issues Guidance on ID Card Program U.S. maritime unions including the SIU last month continued urging Congress to take them up on a safe, straightforward idea that would allow seafarers to comply with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program by simply obtaining a merchant mariner document equipped with a biometric component. Meanwhile, the TWIC program lurched forward as the Coast Guard in early July issued a 63-page Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) covering its implementation in the maritime sector. The NVIC’s purpose is to provide guidance and clarifications about the TWIC program. The NVIC did not include an enrollment schedule, but reportedly will be updated as dates become known. Barring changes in the program, U.S. mariners will be required to obtain a TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008. But shipboard and shoreside unions on July 12 reiterated their position that the new card is overkill for some employees in the maritime sector who already undergo background checks before they can go to work. In joint testimony submitted to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, the SIU, MM&P, MEBA, ILA, ILWU, AMO, SUP and MFOW in part said, “All the maritime unions have a vital interest in, and an unwavering commitment to, the enhancement of America’s maritime security. We want an effective and realistic system for controlling access to facilities and vessels because our members are on the front lines. The members of our respective organizations will almost certainly be among the first American citizens directly affected, injured and killed in the event of such an incident or breach of maritime security. Therefore, we desire to be regarded by our government as an ally here at home, in the same way that we sail and work in support of our armed forces overseas in the war against terror. “At the same time, we have another obligation to our nation: to safely and economically move America’s foreign and domestic commerce. We strongly believe strengthening maritime security and facilitating the movement of cargo to strengthen our economic security are not mutually exclusive goals and objectives. Rather, we can achieve both goals provided the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) understands that a poorly designed and implemented program will unnecessarily burden our industry and seriously diminish our ability to do our jobs without providing any real maritime security bene- fits to our nation.” The unions also repeated their call to combine the TWIC with the existing merchant mariner credential, also called an MMD or a z-card. “Currently, when an individual submits an application to the Coast Guard for evaluation for an MMD, he must include a copy of proof of citizenship and establish proof that he has a Social Security Number,” the unions point out. “The individual must further undergo a drug test, and is also fingerprinted so that the Federal Bureau of Investigation can perform the necessary criminal background checks. Finally, the individual must agree to a check of the National Driver Register so the Coast Guard can determine if there are any offenses relating to the operation of a motor vehicle which may render the individual unsuited for the duties and responsibilities associated with shipboard employment. “We believe that the merchant mariner document (MMD) that is currently issued to seafaring personnel should be updated in order to comply with the requirements of the MTSA in order to allow the MMD to serve as a TWIC for all merchant mariners, licensed and unlicensed. We believe that the MMD can and should be upgraded to include the biometric identifier standards of the TWIC and that a combined MMD/TWIC should be issued after the requirements of both statutes are met. Doing so, and giving the Coast Guard exclusive jurisdiction to provide the requisite background checks, will eliminate the need for two or more Federal agencies to perform separate background checks; will eliminate redundancies in the vetting process; will streamline the credentialing process for mariners; and will eliminate the need for mariners to carry more than one Federal identification credential for maritime employment.” U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), chairman of the subcommittee, stated, “We must ensure that we put all needed security measures in place at our ports and throughout our maritime installations—but we must also ensure that these measures do not place an undue burden on the maritime industry, interfere with the flow of commerce, or lead to the unfair treatment of workers. Further, we must ensure that the measures that are put in place make sense and that they counter the real threats we face rather than simply denying job opportunities to those who do not in any way threaten our nation’s security.” Cummings said that he and others on the subcommittee are “deeply frustrated with the questions that remain unanswered about this credential. Of particu- Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, Sept. 3 for the observance of Labor Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. August 2007 lar concern are questions regarding the installation and use of the readers that are needed to enable the TWIC to be used to control access to secure locations as well as questions about whether the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Coast Guard will truly be able to issue a TWIC to all mariners who need one by September 2008.” The subcommittee is scheduled to reconvene in three months to receive a progress report from the Coast Guard and from the TSA regarding the program’s implementation. Meanwhile, the NVIC included the following points: TWIC holders will be required to choose a six-digit PIN which will be used during Coast Guard inspections and spot checks. The PIN can be used as the primary verification tool “if the biometric is inoperative.” However, during those inspections and spot checks, the agency intends to use handheld biometric readers to verify that the card is valid and in possession of the proper individual. Enrollment and issuance of the TWIC will be carried out by the TSA. Enforcement of the TWIC as an access control measure in the maritime sector will be carried out by the Coast Guard. A notice will be published in the Federal Register to announce when enrollment begins in each captain of the port zone. The phased-in schedule shouldn’t affect mariners prior to September 25, 2008, since their MMD will serve as a TWIC until that date. Possession of a TWIC does not guarantee unescorted access to secure areas; permission must be granted by the vessel or facility owner/operator. Individuals can apply for a TWIC and ask for a waiver if they know they don’t meet “the standards concerning criminal activity or mental capacity, or [are] in Temporary Protected Status at the time of enrollment.” In those cases, “the applicant should annotate by initialing they are applying for a waiver on the ‘TWIC Application Disclosure Form.’ If the applicant becomes aware that he or she does not meet the standards concerning criminal activity or mental capacity when TSA issues an Initial Determination, the applicant may apply for a waiver at that time as well.” The enrollment process consists of 5 components: preenrollment (optional), enrollment, fee collection, security threat assessment and notification of the results, and issuance of the TWIC to the applicant. The time from enrollment to credential availability is expected to take fewer than 30 days, not including potential appeal or waiver processing. If the security threat assessment does not reveal any questionable or negative information about an individual, the process is expected to take fewer than 10 days. All applicants will receive a TWIC Application Disclosure Form which must be signed in the presence of the enrollment personnel under contract to TSA at the beginning of the enrollment process. They re-post the application fees: $137.25 for individuals requiring a security threat assessment, $105.25 for the rest. Payment may be made by cashier’s check, money order or credit card. Also the card replacement fee, currently set at $36, may be increased to $60. The “TWIC Help Desk” has a toll-free number offering around-the-clock service: 866DHS-TWIC (347-8942). “Assistance includes help for enrollment, lost, stolen, or damaged cards, PIN resets (note: an applicant will have 10 tries to get their PIN correct before needing to have the PIN reset), etc. Assistance is also available for scheduling enrollment appointments, locating the closest enrollment facility to an applicant, and guiding applicants through the webbased pre-enrollment process. Both TSA (571-227-4545) and the Coast Guard (877-6872243) will have a help desk in order to address calls that do not come directly through 1866-DHS-TWIC.” U.S. Shipping Partners Takes Delivery of ATB SIU-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. early last month announced the delivery of its new articulated tug barge unit, the pusher tug Freeport and the double-hulled parcel barge Chemical Transporter (together, the ATB Freeport). It is the first of five ATBs ordered by U.S. Shipping as part of a fleet expansion. In a news release, the company noted, “The ATB Freeport has successfully completed sea trials and has received necessary certification by the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping. As is customary in newbuilding situations for the first of a series of vessels, there are a few documentation-related items that we need to address following delivery of the vessel. These items do not affect our ability to begin operating the ATB Freeport in our chemical service, and we do not anticipate any problem in satisfactorily addressing these items within the required time frames.” The new vessel departed the shipyard on July 1, 2007 for its first load port in Louisiana. Following completion of two routine design verification test procedures and arrival at the load port, it lifted its first cargo in The ATB Freeport, pictured in Baltimore, features the latest technology. early July. The Freeport is a 19,999 deadweight ton ATB capable of carrying 140,000 barrels of the most sophisticated chemical cargoes transported by seagoing vessels, according to the company. Its service speed is listed at 13.5 knots. Paul Gridley, chairman and CEO of U.S. Shipping Partners L.P., commented, “We believe the ATB Freeport is the most technologically advanced ATB in the U.S.-flag Jones Act deep sea trade. The features we built into this unit include 10 cargo tanks with flat internal surfaces, indi- vidual stainless steel deck mounted cargo heaters, stainless steel cargo piping, radar tank gauging, and advanced automatic tank cleaning. The ATB Freeport’s propulsion system runs on heavy fuel, which at current fuel prices yields significant operating cost savings in comparison to traditional diesel engines.” Manitowoc Marine Group of Marinette, Wis. and Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. of Panama City, Fla. are under contract to construct additional ATBs of similar design for U.S. Shipping. Seafarers LOG 3 �43725_p3_5,8,17,24x:3725p0 7/31/2007 12:33 PM Page 4 Government Services Division Wins Hotel Arbitration An arbitrator recently ruled in favor of the SIU Government Services Division in a case involving the union’s efforts to help ensure that CIVMARS aren’t required to stay in substandard hotels selected by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The hotel involved in the arbitration is the Days Inn Military Circle on Chambers Street in Norfolk, Va. A hearing had taken place Feb. 15-16 at the SIU hall in Norfolk, where representatives from the SIU and MSC stated their respective cases. On June 28, Arbitrator Mark H. Grunewald issued a decision calling for monetary compensation for CIVMARS required to stay in the hotel between Oct. 6, 2006 and Jan. 17, 2007. Although the union maintained that the general conditions at the hotel were substandard from the moment CIVMARS were assigned in October 2005, the arbitrator found that it was not within his power to determine whether the MSC could terminate the hotel contract award prior to October 6, 2007. Grunewald agreed with the union that “$40 per day is the proper back pay remedy to the CIVMARS who stayed in the contract hotel during the extension period” (Oct. 6, 2006-Jan. 17, 2006). That amount of money is stipulated in the Civilian Marine Personnel Instructions (CMPI) as the reimbursement rate for “cash in lieu of quarters.” At the outset of the hotel assignment, the union charged that the Days Inn Military Circle posed substantial health and safety risks to the hundreds of civil service mariners who stayed there. Grunewald noted that MSC’s inspectors found safety and health problems with the facility early on and the hotel was selected even though it was only “marginally” qualified. Despite MSC’s understanding of these problems, however, the contract was awarded to the Days Inn because of its lower cost to the agency. Grunewald took the agency to task for extending its initial agreement with the hotel despite relatively widespread concerns about health and safety. The con- USNS Kanawha, French Vessel Team Up for Rescue in Arabian Sea The U.S. 5th Fleet’s multina- uating six rescued mariners to the Sixteen mariners from aboard the Korean-flagged merchant tional Combined Task Force Dupleix each time. Dupleix’s ship Jai Laxmai almost certainly (CTF) 150 and CTF 53 directed RHIB retrieved the other four. owe their lives to the crews of the the Kanawha and Dupleix to set Once on board the Dupleix, all SIU-contracted Military Sealift course for the distressed vessel 16 rescued crew members were Command (MSC) fleet replenish- and to rescue its crew (CTF 150 examined and found to be in good ment oiler USNS Kanawha and is in charge of security in the health. They subsequently were the French warship Dupleix. region where the vessel was in transferred ashore in Salalah, Crews from the American and distress, while CTF is responsible Oman. “The quick and brave actions French vessels on June 25 jointly for the 5th Fleet’s logistics operarescued the North Korean ves- tions). The SIU ship had been of Kanawha’s crew represent the sel’s 16-person crew—composed steaming toward the Suez Canal, finest traditions of mariners helpof 13 Indians, two Burmese and but promptly changed course and ing other mariners in need,” said one Sri Lankan—in the Arabian sailed 35 miles at top speed to U.S. Navy Capt. Glen Sears, Sea. The Kanawha—crewed by reach the scene. Kanawha and commander, Sealift Logistics members of the SIU Government Dupleix crew members launched Command Central and CTF 53. The Kanawha has been supServices Division—and Dupleix their rigid-hull, inflatable boats at 6:26 p.m. June 25 responded to (RHIBs) at 9:35 p.m., three-quar- porting U.S. Navy and coalition a distress call from the MV Jai ters of a mile from where the Jai ships operating in the Middle Laxmai, which was in danger of Laxmai was helplessly floating in East since March 20. The ship, with 90 civil service mariners, the turbulent sea. sinking. The Kanawha’s RHIB made deployed from the United States The Laxmai had a disabled diesel engine and was anchored two trips to the Jai Laxmai, evac- in February. by a weak mooring line in unstable sea conditions.y; Waves were cresting at about 10 feet and the winds were blowing at speeds of up to 27 knots. Further complicating the situation, the crew of the Jai Laxmai reported that no food or water was available on board their vessel. They also were unable to deploy their vessel’s life- SIU CIVMARS from the USNS Kanawha helped rescue mariners whose ship was in danger of sinking. boats. Congratulations on Earning a GED Hard work and studying paid off for Phase III unlicensed apprentice Robert Brown (center), who received his GED at the July membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Congratulating him are (from left) VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Executive VP Augie Tellez, VP Contracts George Tricker, President Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. 4 Seafarers LOG tract’s first year ended Sept. 30, 2006 but included three “option” years. The arbitrator noted that “there is ample evidence in the record to support the view that there were serious health and safety concerns about the hotel since the outset of the contract,” including a detailed report from an MSC environmental health officer. Grunewald stated that in the face of the union’s grievance, the agency set up an individual complaint process through which CIVMARS could voice concerns. He noted, however, that this individual complaint system was not effective because the hotel failed to meet the appropriate standards and that the complaint system could not have addressed the multiple systemic problems at the facility. He ruled that “by extending services for a period clearly longer than it was obligated contractually, the agency changed its position on the problem.” After the first contract year was concluded and MSC chose to extend its obligation to the hotel, “it unreasonably sought to place the burden on the CIVMARS individually to identify problems and seek relief from a situation of MSC’s own making.” The agency may appeal the ruling to the Federal Labor Relations Authority. If no appeal is made or of the appeal is unsuccessful, the union will seek to ensure that CIVMARS who stayed in this hotel during the award period will receive the money owed to them. With this ruling, the union has met two of its major goals with regard to MSC assignments to shoreside hotels. MSC now uses a “three diamond” standard when selecting hotels on both the east and west coasts. The union is still pursuing its unfair labor practice against the agency to ensure that when hotels are selected the union is able to negotiate with MSC regarding the standards at individual facilities. CIVMARS will be updated as the unfair labor practice process continues. General Dynamics NASSCO Photo The USNS Alan Shepard departs San Diego during its June 12-13 sea trials. USNS Alan Shepard Delivered The SIU Government Services Division fleet on June 26 gained more tonnage with the delivery of the U.S. Navy’s latest T-AKE vessel, the USNS Alan Shepard. Named in honor of the late Alan Shepard, the Mercury and Apollo astronaut who was the first American in space, the vessel was constructed and delivered by General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The USNS Alan Shepard is part of the Lewis and Clark class of dry cargo/ammunition ships owned by the Navy’s U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). It will be crewed by SIU CIVMARS. The USNS Alan Shepard is expected to remain in San Diego for about three months to conduct crew familiarization and undergo final outfitting. The ship, which can sail at speeds up to 20 knots, will be part of the Navy’s MSC flotilla and will operate in support of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet. With a cargo capacity of more than 10,000 tons, the USNS Alan Shepard’s primary mission will be to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions from shore stations to combat ships at sea. The USNS Alan Shepard is the third in an expected class of 11 dry cargo-ammunition ships for the Navy. Construction of the 689-foot-long vessel began in September 2005. NASSCO has incorporated international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features into the T-AKE class ships, including an integrated electricdrive propulsion system, to minimize operating costs during their projected 40-year service life. The San Diego shipyard has contracts to build the first nine ships. Two of the vessels, the USNS Lewis and Clark and USNS Sacagawea—both of which are crewed by SIU CIVMARS—already have been delivered to the Navy. The fourth through seventh ships of the class are currently under construction. In addition to the T-AKE program, the San Diego shipyard is scheduled to begin construction on the first of nine product carriers for SIU-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners L.P., sometime this month. August 2007 �43725_p3_5,8,17,24x:3725p0 7/31/2007 12:36 PM Page 5 New Report Sheds More Light On Need for Free Choice Act The Employee Free Choice Act on June 26 was blocked in the U.S. Senate, but at least one distinguished researcher says the legislation’s passage is “critical” to ensuring America’s workers have a truly democratic process in choosing to join a union. “Anti-union employers are making a mockery of the principle governing American elections,” said Gordon Lafer, Ph.D., a University of Oregon political scientist who recently authored the report, “Neither Free Nor Fair: The Subversion of Democracy Under National Labor Relations Board Elections.” “Weak labor laws allow antiunion employers to manipulate the outcome of union elections in a manner that is inherently unfair and undemocratic,” Lafer said. “Union-busting activity in the weeks leading up to union elections resembles practices that our government routinely denounces when performed by rogue regimes abroad.” The report, released July 10 by American Rights at Work, comes just weeks after the Employee Free Choice Act, despite majority support, in effect was killed in the Senate. In echoing the multimillion dollar corporate campaign that sought to undermine support for the bill, anti-worker lawmakers claimed the measure would take away workers’ rights to secret ballot elections if employees are allowed to choose to join a union when a majority signed union authorization cards. That argument, no matter how often it is repeated, is wrong on two fronts, according to the AFLCIO. First, the federation pointed out, the Employee Free Choice Act does not eliminate secret ballot elections. Second, under the current NLRB government-run election process, the report points out there are “myriad ways in which workers are denied the most basic tenets of democracy.” “Neither Free Nor Fair” addresses head-on the claim that the NLRB election process guarantees workers a truly secret ballot—the central claim of antiunion advocates who seek to keep the current NLRB system in place. Instead, the report said, “NLRB elections fail to safeguard workers’ right to keep their opinions private; and that, on the contrary, the NLRB system results in workers being forced to reveal their political preferences long before they step into the voting booth— thus turning the secret ballot into a mockery of democratic process.” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney shortly after the report was released, issued the following remarks: “The new study … details the extraordinary barriers workers face under current labor law to exercise their freedom to form and join unions. In the first study of its type, Dr. Lafer makes a direct comparison between union elections and political elections, and finds that unlike America’s politi- Retired Port Agent Carter Dies at 76 Retired Port of Mobile SIU Port Agent David M. Carter passed away June 24 in Nixa, Missouri. He was 76. “Dave was a rock-solid union guy,” said SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. “He was true blue SIU all the way up until the end. “Dave ran a very efficient port in Mobile and had an untarnished reputation as a real fighter for our members,” Corgey continued. “He was not only a wonderful person, but also a great individual to work with. We all will certainly miss him a great deal.” “The union has lost not only a great person but an avid labor advocate,” said Ed Kelly, port agent in Mobile, Ala. “Dave and I worked together for about nine years and I replaced him when he retired. Transitioning into his position was very effortless … a real testament to how efficient he was and the type of operation he ran. “Dave was a true believer in the labor movement and worked hard to uplift and support everything the SIU stood for,” Kelly concluded. “Dave will definitely be missed.” “In addition to being a staunch advocate and tireless worker for the union, Dave was a longtime personal friend of mine,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Gulf Coast Jim McGee. “We worked together on several beefs and there was never any doubt as to how loyal toward the SIU and its members he was…. I was very sad to see him go and I’m certain that he will be missed by the union.” Born in St. Louis, Brother Carter August 2007 David M. Carter June 4, 1931-June 24, 2007 was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served during the Korean conflict. He joined the SIU in July 1976 in Mobile and was employed primarily in the inland division where he sailed aboard Hannah Marine and Crescent Towing vessels. Carter worked in all three shipboard departments and upgraded his skills at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1978. He came ashore in 1979 and thereafter served stints as patrolman in the ports of St. Louis and New Orleans. Carter also held the post of safety director in St. Louis and Mobile. He became port agent in Mobile in July 1990 and remained in that post until his retirement in June 1999. Brother Carter was preceded in death by his wife, Delia. He is survived by two sons, George Carter III and David Carter Jr.; two daughters, Toni Ballard and Linda Allen; five grandchildren, one great grandchild and a host of other relatives and friends. Memorial services were conducted June 28 at St. Catherine La Bourne Church in St. Louis. cal elections, union elections are not fair and balanced, but are skewed towards the employer. “Dr. Lafer describes what workers experience during National Labor Relations Board elections, including a culture of intimidation, fear, and aggression. The study details some of the extensive tactics, both legal and illegal, employers use to stifle workers’ freedom to form unions to bargain for better wages and benefits. “This key study comes at a time when working families are at the tipping point. Unions are the best anti-poverty, middle-class supporting program in our nation, and are a key to turning around the growing gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots.’ The anti-democratic and skewed system detailed in Lafer’s study clearly does not give workers a free and fair chance to improve their lives by forming unions. “The Employee Free Choice Act would level the playing field for workers and restore workers’ freedom to form unions and bargain. It would strengthen penalties for companies that coerce or intimidate employees, establish mediation and binding arbitration when the employer and workers cannot agree on a first contract and enable employees to form unions when a majority signs union authorization cards. Instead of forcing workers to go through an intimidating election process wrought with corruption, it would allow them to more freely exercise their freedom to form a union.” The report documents how employers: Deny workers free speech —Although management is permitted to plaster the workplace with anti-union posters, leaflets and banners, prounion employees are prohibited from doing likewise. Union organizers are banned from entering the workplace—or entering publicly used but company-owned spaces such as parking lots— at any time, for any reason. Employees of the company are banned from talking about forming a union while they are on work time and are banned from distributing prounion information except when they are on break time and in a break room. Use economic coercion and intimidation—When em- ployers speak out, employees always listen carefully for even the subtlest hints as to what kind of behavior will be rewarded or punished. This is all the more true in an economy where so many Americans feel insecure about their economic future. Ostracize and defame union supporters—The NLRB allows employers to make nearly any type of threatening or derogatory statement to employees, as long as it doesn’t contain an explicit quid pro quo threat. Workers who have earned their way to good standing with the company are often ostracized and belittled by management after publicly asserting their support for the union. In one example, a worker was followed to restaurants on days off by security guards with walkie-talkies. A member of management was assigned to work with her eight hours a day, five days a week, and was told he was there solely to work on her to change her ideas about unions. A full copy of the reports is available at www.americanrightsatwork.org/docUploads/Neither FreeNorFair.pdf Don’t Let Shipping Documents Expire Seafarers are reminded not to wait until the last minute before renewing their documents. With current security concerns and a reorganization of the Coast Guard’s licensing program, what once took a few weeks may now take anywhere from 10-12 weeks—but just to be on the safe side, it is recommended that mariners start the renewal process six months in advance. The Coast Guard has begun to centralize its Marine Licensing and Documentation program with the National Maritime Center (NMC) in a new location near Martinsburg, W.Va. The 17 Regional Exam Centers (RECs) will continue to perform the important customer service tasks that require face-to-face contact with mariners and the training industry, including answering basic questions, verifying applicant identity and nationality, fingerprinting applicants, reviewing applications for completeness and administering examinations. The RECs will then forward the completed applications to the NMC for evaluation. It is very important that when turning in an application to the REC, it is complete and not missing any item (e.g., results of a physical, drug test or court papers). The REC cannot send the application to the West Virginia center for processing until all the documentation for the application is in its possession. Additionally, it is suggested that seafarers not surrender their current (soon-toexpire) MMD when applying for a new one. Current documents are not required to be turned in even though applicants may be asked to do so. The Seafarers Appeals Board has added Action Number 423 to amend Rule 6 of the Shipping Rules to allow members under certain circumstances to extend reliefs when their MMD renewal has not been processed in time (see sidebar below). Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard launched a web site “to provide merchant mariners with real-time information on the status of pending mariner credential applications.” According to the agency, merchant mariners may check the status of application packages throughout the verification and approval process by logging onto http://homeport. uscg.mil/, clicking on the Merchant Mariners tab and then clicking on Merchant Mariner Application Status. In announcing the new site, the Coast Guard noted, “When application information is entered, Homeport will display the information submitted with the application package and current application status information. Mariner credentials that have already been issued will be displayed in Homeport as ‘issued’ for a 120day period. Mariners who need additional information after visiting the web site can request additional information by telephone or email.” Passports are another form of documentation that no seafarer should be without. Since the new requirement for air travelers returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean took effect Jan. 23, 2007, average wait times to get a passport have soared from three weeks to between 10 and 12 weeks on average. The State Department received more applications than it expected after the new regulations went into effect and has admitted to a backlog in the millions. To help alleviate the problem, passport officials have expanded operation hours at all 17 production facilities and formed task forces of trained volunteers to answer questions and help with processing. Unlike MMDs, applicants will have to surrender their current passport when renewing. Oftentimes, one of these important documents is due to expire while a seafarer is aboard ship. This should not happen. It is the responsibility of each person to manage his or her rotation well in advance so as not to get caught with an expired document. The bottom line is—whether it’s an MMD, passport, driver’s license, drug test, etc.—no one should wait until the last minute to renew these important documents. They are the tools that help all seafarers in their chosen careers. SAB Action Number 423 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 Mariner Document (MMD) while renewing and has submitted evidence that a renewal MMD has been applied for at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the MMD, may have a relief period extended until such time as his Merchant Mariner Document has been returned. Once the permanent or trip tour seaman has received his 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 provisions of these rules. The departing relief shall also have his transportation paid by the Company back to his original U.S. port of engagement. Seafarers LOG 5 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/31/2007 12:45 PM Page 6 Aboard the M/V Buffalo: A Real Working Ship After sailing for two months this past spring as QMED on American Steamship Co.’s M/V Buffalo, Roger Hewlett submitted the following article and accompanying photos on these two pages “as a tribute to the guys out there doing their great seafaring jobs on the bulk carrier. The crew and officers are all SIU and AMO, and I have really enjoyed working with them,” he stated. The AMO is an SIUNA affiliate. he Buffalo is a real “working ship,” sometimes hitting four docks in a single 24-hour period and other times sailing a more leisurely 2½-day trip all the way up the Lakes. It is like a tramp ship as we sometimes don’t know which loading port we’ll be heading for next, even after getting underway. This adds some mystery and interest to the job. So far this season, we have gone into Silver Bay, Marquette, Cleveland, Ashtabula, Lorain, Trenton, South Mate John Olney (AMO) and AB/Deck Watch Chicago, Waukegan, Port Saleh Ahmed attend to loading the vessel in Gypsum, Port Inland and South Chicago. a few others. This covers Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan and Erie, and we have carried coal, iron ore pellets, gypsum and various grades of stone. The crew works very hard, especially the deckhands, who can be called out at all hours to handle lines or rattle the cargo chains T to get the stuck lumps of bulk cargo to fall toward the conveyor chutes. The QMED also is called out at all hours to do the ballast pumping when cargo is being loaded or unloaded. The meals and bakery products are plentiful—and very pleasingly cooked. Due to the heavy demand for steel, there is more effort for the Buffalo to go far north to Lake Superior ports for iron ore than in the past. But since the lake levels are running low, the amount of cargo per load is diminished somewhat due to draft limitations. We probably will see a longer season and more cargo runs for ore and other commodities because of this. The Buffalo is kept very clean, including the deck and all the way down to the bilges. The rooms are nice and spacious, and there is a recreation room with TV, books and games. All rooms are wired for satellite TV and, eventually, internet connections, thanks to cooperation between the SIU and the AMO and the spirit of brotherhood. We get mail and light supplies delivered by the J.W. Wescott mailboat as we pass Detroit. Our reliefs often arrive by the Wescott as well. It’s great to have a job and be working, and we all enjoy the benefits of SIU membership— including rotation and relief with paid vacations—but it’s also great to see the relief man show up at the end of a voyage! The Buffalo loads coal in South Chicago. Saturday is ‘steak day’ on the Buffalo— and Chief Steward Robert Stark gets the grill going. Deckhand Kaleg Ahmed handles the Buffalo’s lines. After another great meal, Steward Assistant Jonah Ahmed does the dishes. Deckhand Mario Rascon handles the lines of the Buffalo as the ship goes through the Soo Locks. Note the snow still on the ground in mid-April. QMED Roger Hewlett (who sent these photos to the LOG) performs engine and machinery rounds on the vessel. AB/Wheelsman Al Maury takes the wheel. Left: 1st Mate (and relief captain) Guy Gramzow (AMO) guides the vessel through the narrow channels of the Detroit River near Belle Isle. Right: Baker Harry Petersen makes cookies. 1st Assistant Watch Engineer Bryce Sharpe (AMO) checks the engine. 6 Seafarers LOG August 2007 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/23/2007 7:53 AM Page 7 Left: Deckhand Mario Rascon works in the cargo hold aboard the bulk carrier. From the left, AB/Deck Watch Boyd Lesser and AMO 1st Mate (and relief captain) Guy Gramzow prepare Deckhands Kaleg Ahmed and Mario Rascon to be lowered to the dock for line handling at the Soo Locks. Left: 3rd Mate Andy Kenia (AMO) attends to navigation and pilot duties on the bridge as the vessel approaches Detroit. The M/V Buffalo . . . . . . upbound on the St. Clair River Right: AB Lennie Thomas stands gangway security watch during loading operations. Engine Utility Jeremy Pace proudly poses on the aft deck of the Buffalo. Relief Chief Steward Marco Kotajarvi prepares supper for the crew. 1st Mate Kevin Johnson (inset) demonstrates handheld flare procedures during a fire and lifeboat drill aboard ship. Chief Engineer ‘Mac’ Lamp (AMO) and 2nd Assistant Robert Fluharty pose in the control room of the Buffalo. August 2007 At the J.W. Wescott mailboat, QMED Roger Hewlett gets a warm welcome home from his wife, Jonene Eliasson, after two months of duty on the Buffalo. Seafarers LOG 7 �43725_p3_5,8,17,24:3725p0 7/24/2007 4:47 PM Page 8 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea September & October 2007 Membership Meetings JUNE 16 — JULY 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals 5 5 7 8 6 7 18 17 3 9 8 25 12 8 7 29 6 6 27 22 1 2 0 4 1 2 4 3 1 1 2 2 7 3 0 0 1 1 3 5 293 235 43 0 0 1 3 0 4 13 19 0 7 7 16 7 11 1 1 3 1 20 10 0 3 4 5 1 5 13 14 1 3 5 12 12 8 2 1 1 3 15 15 0 0 1 2 2 1 3 0 0 2 2 3 2 1 1 0 0 2 3 9 Totals 124 123 34 Totals Totals All Departments 2 0 3 10 0 8 31 26 0 5 13 26 17 13 6 2 5 1 24 31 223 2 2 5 10 2 6 22 16 1 9 7 13 15 4 3 7 5 2 26 15 172 0 1 0 3 0 1 6 6 0 0 3 2 7 0 2 0 0 0 5 5 41 0 0 4 9 0 1 22 13 0 2 10 23 10 5 2 1 4 1 20 19 3 1 12 19 3 18 65 62 4 17 21 82 15 41 9 1 15 3 51 53 8 9 10 21 10 15 39 31 5 13 13 50 11 20 11 29 16 8 49 29 5 1 0 5 2 2 9 8 1 2 4 6 12 6 1 1 1 3 10 11 1 0 4 5 0 5 12 9 0 3 8 14 8 6 5 1 2 0 11 6 100 1 3 5 4 0 2 4 15 0 4 3 10 11 5 0 1 1 2 14 9 94 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 0 0 1 2 2 5 22 Piney Point ...........Tuesday: September 4*, October 9* (*changes created by Labor Day and Columbus Day holidays) Algonac ................Friday: September 7, October 12 Baltimore..............Thursday: September 6, October 11 Boston ..................Friday: September 7, October 12 Guam ....................Thursday: September 20, October 25 Honolulu...............Friday: September 14, October 19 Houston ................Monday: September 10, October 15 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: September 6, October 11 Joliet .....................Thursday: September 13, October 18 Mobile ..................Wednesday: September 12, Oct. 17 146 495 397 90 New Orleans.........Tuesday: September 11, October 16 0 1 1 2 0 1 7 7 0 0 7 8 2 1 2 2 1 0 11 5 0 0 5 4 1 8 23 28 0 14 14 31 9 23 1 3 5 3 21 21 2 4 5 12 6 11 20 19 3 3 9 23 19 10 3 5 6 5 23 16 0 0 0 4 2 3 5 1 0 1 1 4 4 2 2 0 1 3 4 12 New York .............Tuesday: September 4, October 9 58 214 204 49 0 0 2 6 0 2 5 20 0 2 2 8 5 8 1 0 2 0 7 6 3 0 6 6 3 12 42 24 1 9 11 32 19 43 6 3 3 0 34 40 2 0 0 14 2 11 14 14 1 5 3 11 14 6 0 7 3 0 7 11 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 3 6 1 0 0 0 0 5 2 4 Norfolk .................Thursday: September 6, October 11 Oakland ................Thursday: September 13, October 18 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: September 5, Oct. 10 Port Everglades ....Thursday: September 13, October 18 San Juan ...............Thursday: September 6, October 11 St. Louis ...............Friday: September 14, October 19 Tacoma .................Friday: September 21, October 26 Wilmington...........Monday: September 17, October 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 5 3 9 19 18 1 3 5 17 16 19 2 2 1 0 19 18 160 2 0 0 8 1 5 10 13 0 1 5 8 6 5 0 3 2 0 5 3 77 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 2 16 Port Algonac A1chorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 3 0 10 8 0 10 47 32 2 12 12 43 11 26 7 1 6 2 31 30 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 2 5 1 11 16 10 0 1 4 13 11 10 1 1 0 0 9 12 107 1 0 0 9 0 7 7 8 0 0 6 2 10 3 3 0 2 1 5 4 68 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 76 297 125 30 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 1 2 1 6 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 2 7 1 1 20 15 0 4 4 31 8 17 1 22 1 0 12 15 6 1 0 5 1 3 10 7 0 0 2 11 11 4 3 10 1 2 7 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 3 0 0 1 5 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 4 3 6 3 1 15 17 0 2 2 11 8 4 1 4 2 3 10 8 2 0 1 1 1 2 7 4 0 0 2 1 5 4 1 17 0 0 2 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 5 0 0 1 6 10 1 10 0 0 0 0 7 2 2 2 3 10 2 15 34 28 3 10 9 82 17 31 1 22 1 0 24 20 9 1 1 14 3 10 14 19 3 0 7 28 21 14 4 4 2 5 21 8 20 162 90 22 105 53 0 42 316 188 597 597 183 452 439 120 280 1,048 1,042 357 Personals KENNETH LOCKHART Please write to Lorenzo Lockhart at P.O. Box 1074, Blountstown, FL 32424; or call him at (850) 867-2439. Correction The LOG article about the 2007 scholarship winners (June 2007) stated that Nicole LaPointe’s father, Robert LaPointe, was an AB aboard the Padre Island. He is now, in fact, captain of the Padre Island for Great Lakes Dredge and Dock and currently is in Bahrain working as relief captain on the the Victoria Island. 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. 8 Seafarers LOG August 2007 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/27/2007 6:26 PM Page 9 19672007 Paul Hall Center What It Meant Then Four Decades Of Preparing Seafarers To Meet The Challenges Of Changing Times The late Seafarers International Union President Paul Hall often is described as a visionary when it comes to the training facility that now bears his name. Consider this, however, about such a label: It’s a compliment, but it also by definition means the seer views things very differently from those around him. Put another way, it usually means others are skeptical about the vision. So it was for Paul Hall, who inarguably fits the formal characterization —“a person of unusually keen foresight”—but who in the late 1960s may have been described by some people in different terms. “To be honest, everyone at first had doubts about the school,” said current SIU President Michael Sacco, who was there from the beginning. “The membership didn’t buy into it right away, and the guys in the ports didn’t understand what we were trying to do. The isolated physical setting didn’t help with the general outlook, either. “But Paul was committed to the school and he was a strong leader. He insisted that we had to upgrade the quality of our people so we could meet the challenges of the future—automation and other new technology. He kept saying we were going to do it until we got it right.” Late 1960s August 2007 What is now the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education opened in August 1967 in Piney Point, Md. as the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, named after the SIU’s first president. (Lundeberg’s name still is part of the school’s full, formal title, and the largest building on the main campus is named after him. The overall campus was named for Paul Hall in 1991, 11 years after his death.) Jointly administered by boards of trustees representing, respectively, the union and its contracted operators, the school had humble beginnings. Make those exceptionally humble beginnings, according to others who were there when it opened. The school featured a trainee program from its earliest days, but most people on campus spent those first few years building or rebuilding facilities at what had been a torpedo-testing facility run by the Navy. It was grueling work, performed seven days a week, and merely mentioning it nowadays still elicits grimaces from the participants. “We worked very hard and very long,” noted Chief Bosun Tom Soresi, one of the first people assigned to the school. “I really don’t know how all of us hung in there. Paul was a tough Paul Hall, the union’s second president, didn’t let skeptics impede his dream of a comprehensive maritime school. taskmaster, and back in those days when you looked around, there wasn’t much to look at. I came to Piney Point from Brooklyn and it was like a no-man’s land.” Don Nolan, now vice president of the school, arrived there in 1968 straight out of the Navy. “I guess we didn’t know any better, but we worked seven days a Continued on page 10 Late 1990s Seafarers LOG 9 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/27/2007 6:17 PM Page 10 New Construction Refurbishing older buildings and constructing new ones has been the norm throughout the school’s history, which helps enable the Paul Hall Center to stay ahead of the curve. The photo at left was taken in 1981. ment resurfaces. Students gradually warmed up to week, 12- and 14-hour days,” he the school, for many reasons. The recalled. “This place was in shambles. vocational training not only helped We figured Paul Hall was either a them do their jobs aboard ship, it genius or a nut.” proved indispensable in keeping up Paul Hall Center Safety Director with rapidly changing technology. Jimmy Hanson, who had an unforgetMany took advantage of academic table introduction to the center in support which bolstered their perfor1968, pointed out another characterismance in the maritime-specific courstic of its dawning. es. Some even came to think of the “It was a growing time for the campus as a home away from home. school, and I soon found out that as an Sentimentality aside, there was no employee you would be called upon to disputing one key tangible benefit of do anything and everything from filltraining at the Paul Hall Center: It ing fire extinguishers to driving, painthelped students increase their earning ing, herding cattle, digging potatoes, power as they amassed more skills and carpentry work and the list goes on,” knowledge and improved their ratings. he said. “I have seen them put down “Everything that Paul envisioned asphalt in the snow and bulldoze part for the school has happened—maybe of a building while they were painting even more than he expected,” said the other side.” (Hanson, having com- Sacco, who served as Lundeberg pleted service in the Army, was work- School vice president from 1968 to ing in the local volunteer fire depart1979. “Back then, the school property ment and seeking employment in only contained old wooden military 1968. He was instrumental in extinbarracks, a two-story hotel and some guishing a fire at the school, and was piers. But Paul saw far beyond the limhired the same day.) ited accommodations. He believed that Not all of the challenges of that era education was vital to members were physical. Although the SIU datadvancing themselves, and he undering back to the early 1950s had operat- stood the potential that existed at the ed modest training centers in its halls school. He also had an all-consuming in New York, Baltimore, Mobile, New passion for helping Seafarers better Orleans and Houston, vocational themselves and improve their standard schooling for mariners largely was an of living—and he knew that the school afterthought in those days—and acade- would be critical to making it happen.” mic pursuits were virtually unheard of. The SIU president added a strong Not surprisingly, in the late 1960s word of credit for Hazel Brown, anothand early 1970s, Seafarers were skepti- er school official from the center’s forcal about the new school in Piney mative years. Brown wrote most of the Point. Some were intimidated at the initial curriculums, started the GED prospect of trying to pass a course, program and formally established the while others simply didn’t see the need Lundeberg School’s working relationfor such a facility. ship with the American Council on That’s where the “visionary” eleEducation, which justifiably boosted Continued from page 9 Directly above and at right, by 1969 the campus had undergone significant enhancements. Below: The Addictions Rehabilitation Center has saved careers—and lives. 10 Seafarers LOG August 2007 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/30/2007 the center’s reputation. “Hazel was an underrated figure in the school’s history,” Sacco said. “She brought a professional atmosphere to the school and helped refine it in many ways.” Soresi said he still marvels at what the school has become. “The truth is, what we have today, Paul envisioned 40 years ago,” Soresi asserted. “When you think about merchant seamen back then, everybody referred to us as drunks and bums and stuff like that. The thought of educating merchant mariners … I don’t know how Paul thought of it, but he had that vision. And even though it was hard work, we had a lot of faith in his leadership and in the leadership of our other union officials. August 2007 7:58 AM Page 11 “It wasn’t a very gratifying job at that time, but later on, when you saw what you helped develop, it all worked out.” Nolan, who founded the school’s steward department training, remembered that when Hall was on campus, “he made things happen. He had a vision and he saw things we didn’t see, there’s no doubt about it. Piney Point was Paul’s dream. “There are many others who deserve credit, too, and Mike Sacco is one of them,” Nolan continued. “He was the one who explained to members what the school was all about, and as you know, he’s a pretty convincing guy. And even back then, just like today, he would roll up his sleeves, jump in there and do whatever needed to be done.” Most of the photos on this page first were published in the LOG in the late 1960s and early ’70s. Seafarers LOG 11 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/27/2007 6:18 PM Page 12 SIU President Michael Sacco (directly above left, and in photo above right seated in front of podium) served as the school’s vice president from 1968 to 1979. 12 Seafarers LOG August 2007 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23x:3725p 7/23/2007 1:54 PM Page 13 Leadership Each of the SIU’s four presidents strongly has supported vocational training. Even before the school opened in Piney Point, Seafarers trained at union halls dating back to the early 1950s. Paul Hall is pictured at left, Frank Drozak directly below, and Michael Sacco below, left. A statue of Harry Lundeberg is prominently displayed in Piney Point. The Paul Hall Center’s primary mission hasn’t changed, but the training techniques constantly are revised and improved, as is the classroom equipment. Besides helping mariners advance their careers, the school also has hosted many dignitaries over the years and even been a summer vacation retreat for Seafarers and their families. August 2007 Seafarers LOG 13 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23x:3725p 7/31/2007 1:40 PM Page 14 Building and Growing Knocking down the old hotel and making way for a new one in 1983 Why It Matters Now Cutting-Edge School Characterized by Steady Improvements The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Md. started some 40 years ago as a central location for providing qualified manpower to crew America’s merchant vessels. Today it is the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States. Recently, three individuals, each of whom personally has been involved with the school over the years, shared their views on how the institution has changed, what those modifications have meant and what the center is today. Lending their perspectives were recently retired PHC Director of Training Bill Eglinton, PHC Vocational Director J.C. Wiegman and SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware. “The school essentially was established as the primary location to train a manpower pool to work aboard U.S. ships,” said Eglinton, who in 1973 signed on at the school as an instructor. “Its secondary purpose in those days was to serve as a hub where mariners could go—on a recurring basis—to improve on their skills and keep them updated.” Over the years, the school’s basic mission has remained the same, but virtually everything else has undergone far-reaching transformation. Today, Eglinton said, the institution provides topnotch professional training to students who are just entering their maritime career, to mariners who wish to improve or upgrade their seafaring skills and to mariners who wish to retrain in their job classifications. Overall, the school continues to meet the ever-changing needs of the maritime industry—never an easy task, but particularly so in this era of unprecedented federal regulation. “When I started there, we did not have formal classrooms,” Eglinton recalled. “We had barges—three of them. There was a hobby barge, a music barge and an upgrading barge. “The vocational offices of the instructors were located on the upper deck of a small vessel called the Sonny Simmons,” he continued. “The classrooms were located down below. As far as the classes were concerned, there was lifeboat, lifeboatman and basic deck. Basic engine classes were conducted in the gutted-out engine room. So the trainees had classes aboard the Simmons and the upgraders had classes on the upgrading barge.” Construction on the Logan and Drozak buildings, now fulltime classrooms, began in the late 1970s. In 1983, the first shiphandling simulator was installed while basic and advanced computer training were offered for the first time. But the change that caught the eyes of most in Piney Point was the opening of the six-story, 300room Seafarers Training and Recreation Center. While the physical changes around campus are hard to miss, they haven’t been the only substantial transformations at the school, according to Eglinton. In particular, he pointed to the trainee program as an example of how the school constantly has grown to meet the needs of the individual mariner and the ship operator alike. “The school went from being a 12-week mariners training regimen to an eight-month unlicensed apprentice training program,” he said. “The original trainee program was 12 weeks in duration. At the end of the 12 weeks, the trainees graduated and shipped out.” Eglinton explained that early on, there was general consensus that while the program had its strong points, there was plenty of room for improvement, too. “There was no sea service, no going out aboard ships and no field trips,” he noted. “Those undergoing the training never really got a taste of what going to sea entailed. So when they graduated after 12 weeks they’d often go out on ships only to discover that they did not like what they were doing.” Another concern with the 12week program was that trainees—at the outset of their instruction and without any real knowledge of what their job would entail—had to choose which shipboard department they wanted to work in. All of that would change in the mid-1990s with the amending of the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW). “The convention actually was implemented in 1995 and came on-line in 1997,” according to Eglinton. “The timing was right. It provided a perfect opportunity for us to change our approach from a training program to an unlicensed apprentice program because the amended convention called for exactly what its name suggests: the establishment of standards of training, certification and watchkeeping. “To meet those requirements and to continue fulfilling the school’s mission of turning out the world’s best-trained mariners, we went from a 12week training program in 1967 to the unlicensed apprentice program in 1997,” Eglinton concluded. “We all are very proud of it, and I think the record speaks for itself.” Wiegman said that besides the conversion of the unlicensed apprentice program, the biggest change during his tenure at the school to date has been the introduction of simulation. “When I came here there was no engine simulator. And the bridge simulator—while very good—still was a dinosaur,” Wiegman said. “It took a whole room of computers to make it work. “We now have a 360-degree fully automated bridge with three auxiliary bridges,” Wiegman continued. “We have multi-function classrooms with GMDSS, a radar, ARPA and an ECDIS Lab. Additionally, thanks to the simulation, we can train multiple platforms including cruise ships, tankers and containerships with scenarios in various ports around the United States. We also have the ability to convert the simulation to our inland members with Z-drive and conventional tug capability. We can train the entry level people to be look-outs. We can train the ABs to steer; we can train mates to perform all of their duties. “In the engine room we can train QMEDs,” he continued. “On the engineering side, we have steam and diesel simulators to train our watchstanders and day-working QMEDs. We just recently added new containers and a refrigeration trainer along with cargo handling simulation including an LNG simulator for loadings and discharges of LG cargoes. “When I started teaching here, we would draw out systems on the chalkboard,” Wiegman said. “Today, our classrooms have been upgraded with projection systems, computerized lectures and visual Power Points of the actual equipment aboard our vessels. Overall, the changes have been dramatic.” Wiegman said that 40 years ago when the school was founded, he was at sea and crewing levels on ships were large, Continued on page 16 14 Seafarers LOG August 2007 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/23/2007 12:26 PM Page 15 Paul Hall Center At a Glance Opened in August 1967 Located on 60-plus waterfront acres in Piney Point, Md. Purpose is providing vocational training for mariners, including entry-level curriculums. Also offers some academic courses. 22,000 apprentices have completed the entry program 110,000 upgraders have improved their skills 2,000 GEDs have been earned 1,200 honorably discharged military veterans have secured maritime jobs through Paul Hall Center programs Offers 75 Coast Guard-approved courses College degrees may be earned in nautical science and engineering Includes 11 maritime simulators Employs 40 instructors and teachers Includes Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which opened in 1999 Overall campus named in memory of the president of SIU-AGLIWD from 1947-80, who was the driving force behind the school’s construction. School itself is the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, dedicated in memory of the union’s founder. Various buildings are named in memory of Seafarers, SIU officials and officials of SIU-contracted companies. August 2007 Seafarers LOG 15 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/27/2007 6:19 PM Continued from page 14 affording the mariner the opportunity to receive on-the-job training. “Crews had enough people to take the new OS under the AB’s wing and to teach basic skills. As the OS acquired sea time, he or she would see the school for the first time to get training as a lifeboatman and AB. They would take a U.S. Coast Guard exam to acquire their rating and the school provided great training so the members could achieve their goals. What has changed over the years is a reduction in crew size and the introduction of automated systems requiring a better trained member.” Wiegman said technological advances also have had the overall effect of reducing crew sizes aboard vessels, noting, “Today when someone goes on board a ship they have demonstrated competency and have been assessed in the tasks they may be required to perform. So when we look back at the school’s history, it has evolved to meet the needs of the members and our companies by constantly upgrading the facility from a trainee program, then adding inland programs and expanding with an undergraduate degree program in nautical science or maritime engineering. “In addition, the implementation of the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) made a difference,” he continued. “This probably has had the biggest impact on mariners and the method in which they are trained.” The unlicensed apprentice program is a good example, he said. “A person comes here, learns some skills, does some assessments, goes out as a student observer for a while and then he comes back here to school for more skills and assessments. He then goes back out to sea again and returns here for a rating. And the process does not stop there. He continues acquiring more and more skills so that he becomes more qualified.” Wiegman said that without the Paul Hall Center, the cost to the mariner for his training would become quite significant. “In a nutshell, a mariner’s ability to advance becomes extremely limited with- 16 Seafarers LOG Page 16 out the school,” he concluded. “Without this school and this organization, mariners would have to pay astronomical costs for courses or acquire scholarships from some entity to be able to afford to go to sea.” Ware recalls that living conditions at the school in years past were a far cry from what they are today. “During those days there was no hotel,” said the union official and former recertified bosun who attended the Piney Point-based institution in the ’70s. “We all had to stay in bungalows. Now the school has accommodations to the extent that people have their own rooms. I think that arrangement can only help students get the most out of their classes.” Commenting further on living conditions, Ware noted that the school used to rely on its nearby farm. “We used to get a lot of our food from the farm—fresh meat and produce,” he said. “Now they have vendors bringing in everything. It’s a similar situation with laundry. In the past you had to drop your laundry off by a certain time and pick it up by a certain time; today you can do it yourself whenever you want.” As a whole, Ware said the changes he has seen at the school all have been extremely positive. “They have played a significant role in making the school the highly recognized and respected institution that it is,” he said. Still, Ware believes that there has been one aspect of the school that has remained constant throughout its history. “There have been various changes at the school, but the best trained sailors still come from Piney Point,” he said. “The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is an excellent school and a great vehicle for anyone wanting to become a merchant mariner. “The SIU has been successful since its establishment but the school has made it even more so,” Ware concluded. “Through it, the union is able to consistently turn out the most safety-conscious, efficient and best-trained mariners in the world. All of the shipping companies are aware of this, and that’s why SIU mariners continue to be a hot commodity and in such high demand.” Hands-on training always has been a staple of Paul Hall Center curriculums. The addition of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (bottom three photos) in 1999 further enhanced the center’s practical training. August 2007 �43725_p3_5,8,17,24x:3725p0 7/31/2007 1:47 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 CLAYTON EVERETT, 56, hails from Norfolk, Va. Brother Everett joined the union in 1970 in the port of New York. He first sailed in the engine department aboard the Steel Chemist. Prior to his retirement, Brother Everett worked aboard the Portsmouth. He continues to make his home in Norfolk. EDWARD FULLER, 63, became an SIU member in 1978 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Fuller’s first voyage was on the Neches. The Georgia-born mariner shipped in the steward department, most recently aboard the Horizon Crusader. He is a resident of Macon, Ga. JUAN GONZALEZ, 70, began his seafaring career in 1967. Brother Gonzalez, who was born in Puerto Rico, first sailed aboard the Alcoa Master. His most recent ship was the Overseas Philadelphia. Brother Gonzalez worked in the steward department. He calls Kissimmee, Fla. home. RAUL GUERRA, 53, joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Houston. Brother Guerra began sailing in the inland division on a G&H Towing vessel. He was born in Galveston, Texas and shipped in the deck department. Brother Guerra’s most recent voyage was on the Overseas Harriette. He lives in Texas City, Texas. ABDULHFID HUSSAIN, 61, was born in Yemen. Brother Hussain began sailing with the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard an Asbury Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Hussain, who worked in the engine department, most recently sailed on the Quality. He resides in Bronx, N.Y. STEVEN LEDERMANN, 55, began his seafaring career in 1969, first working aboard a Hudson Waterways vessel. The deck department member was born in Reading, Pa. His most recent voyage was on the St. Louis Express. He settled in San Marcos, Texas. August 2007 ANGEL MERCADO, 55, became a Seafarer in 1975. Brother Mercado initially sailed aboard the Los Angeles as a member of the engine department. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother Mercado’s most recent voyage was aboard the Midnight Sun. He makes his home in Lacey, Wash. OTTO PARIAMA, 69, joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of New York. Brother Pariama first shipped aboard a Rye Marine Corp. vessel. He was a member of the engine department. Before retiring, Brother Pariama worked on the Courage. He is a resident of Kissimmee, Fla. LARRY PHILPOT, 62, began shipping with the SIU in 1961. Brother Philpot first worked aboard the Beaugard. He was born in Kentucky and sailed in the engine department. Brother Philpot’s most recent voyage was on the Houston. He resides in LaPorte, Texas. INLAND ALDON BARLETTO, 57, embarked on his seafaring career in 1974. Boatman Barletto sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. The Louisiana native worked in the engine department. Boatman Barletto calls Franklin, La. home. JAMES KRUGER, 55, joined the SIU in 1974 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard an Allied Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Kruger was born in Fergus Falls, Minn. and shipped in the deck department. His most recent voyage was on a Penn Maritime vessel. Boatman Kruger lives in Norfolk. RICHARD ROSSER, 53, joined the union in 1974. Boatman Rosser worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans vessels as a member of the deck department. He resides in Gretna, La. RONALD RUSSELL, 57, joined the SIU in 1974. Boatman Russell first sailed on an Inter Cites Navigation Corp. vessel. He sailed in the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel. Boatman Russell was born in Pennsylvania and settled in Maryville, Tenn. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM AGNELLO, 60, started working with the Seafarers in 1970, sailing in the steward department of the Otto Reiss. His last voyage was on the Buffalo. Brother Agnello makes his home in his native New York. JOHN BISHOP, 65, launched his SIU career in 1968. Brother Bishop first sailed aboard a vessel operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. He was a member of the engine department. Prior to retiring, Brother Bishop sailed on the H. Lee White. He is a resident of Constantine, Mich. JOHN NORTON, 63, was born in North Dakota. He began his seafaring career in 1967 in Chicago. Brother Norton worked in all three shipboard departments and first sailed on the J. F. Schoellkopf Jr. His most recent voyage was on the Walter J. McCarthy. He lives in Austin, Texas. 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. CHARLES GIVENS, 65, joined the NMU in 1992 in the port of Seattle. Brother Givens first sailed aboard the Keystone Canyon. He was born in Tennessee. Brother Givens most recently worked aboard the Denali. He sailed in the deck department. ROLAND DARBY SR., 65, embarked on his NMU career in 1968 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Darby first sailed aboard a Lykes Brothers ship in the steward department. Born in Louisiana, Brother Darby most recently worked aboard the Jean Lykes. FLORENTIN JOHNSON, 70, launched his NMU career in 1989, shipping from the port of New York. Brother Johnson’s first voyage was aboard the Mormac Sun. Born in Honduras, he most recently sailed on the USNS Henson. KEVIN GASAWAY, 50, joined the union in 1989 in the port of Houston. Brother Gasaway, who is a native of Galveston, Texas, first sailed on the Star Oregon; his last ship was the Maersk Maryland. Brother Gasaway was a member of the steward department. EUGENE THOMAS JR.1, 65, hails from Amelia, Fla. Brother Thomas began his NMU career in 1963 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He first sailed on the Pioneer Valley. Prior to retiring, Brother Thomas worked aboard the Maersk Nebraska. He sailed in the deck department. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1947 NEW YORK, Aug. 21 – The fight of the Isthmian Steamship Company, last of the large open shop companies, against the union hiring hall and rotary shipping came to an abrupt end today when the company surrendered to the demands set forth by the negotiating committee of the Seafarers International Union. As soon as this provision was agreed upon, both the SIU and the SUP held special membership meetings in all ports where it was overwhelmingly voted to accept this victory and to release the 31 Isthmian ships which have been tied up. 1979 SIU boatmen sailing aboard the National Flag (National Marine Service) saved a ship’s pilot and extinguished a fire aboard a burning tugboat on August 30. The Seafarers’ good training and professionalism came to an emergency test when a Peruvian ship in the Mississippi River hit a butane barge that was loading in Good Hope, La. Amidst the chaos that followed, the crew rescued from the water the injured pilot off the ship. The crew then went on to put out the fire on a burning tugboat, the Capt. Norman…. Some eyewitnesses said the fire reached a height of at least 1,500 feet. This Month In SIU History 1962 The waters around Cuba seem to be as crowded with refugees as New York’s Times Square is with tourists. Since the escape route cuts right across busy shipping waters, SIU ships have landed a fair share of the Cubans abandoning the Castro regime. The Seafarersmanned New Yorker (South Atlantic & Caribbean Line) was the latest to perform this humanitarian service when it rescued three more Cubans in August. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy Oceanographic Office (formerly the Hydrographic Office) has warned that charts for Cuban waters are no longer dependable because they cannot be kept up-to-date due to political conditions in Cuba. The three men picked up from a small motor boat by the New Yorker expressed warm thanks to the crew for the food, attention and help given them. 1991 The complex embodying the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. has been named the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as a result of action taken by the institution’s board of trustees. The dedication of the Paul Hall Center was marked with a simple ceremony on August 20, the anniversary date of the birth of the late president of the SIU. In describing the naming of the Piney Point center, Herbert Brand, chairman of the Transportation Institute and master of ceremonies for the event, called it “more than a dedication—it is an act of remembrance” for the man who headed the SIU from 1947 until his death in 1980. Seafarers LOG 17 �43725_p1,2,18,19_24:2007-May 7/27/2007 2:08 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA ANTONIO CRUZ Pensioner Antonio Cruz, 79, passed away Dec. 12. Brother Cruz joined the union in 1944 in the port of New York. He first sailed on a Bloomfield Steamship vessel. Brother Cruz, who was born in Puerto Rico, shipped as a member of the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Elizabeth. Brother Cruz retired in 1989 and lived in Flushing, NY. HARPER DARROW Pensioner Harper Darrow, 82, died Dec. 10. Brother Darrow joined the SIU in 1951. His first ship was the Salem Maritime; his last was the Overseas Chicago. Brother Darrow worked in the deck department. He was born in Ashland City, Tenn. and made his home in Nashville. Brother Darrow went on pension in 1986. MICHAEL FIELDS Brother Michael Fields, 52, passed away Dec. 3. He started his seafaring career in 1989 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Fields first shipped on the Independence. The steward department member, who was born in Portland, Ore., most recently worked aboard the Paul Buck. He was a resident of Panama. LUIS GUADAMUD Pensioner Luis Guadamud, 71, died Dec. 10. Brother Guadamud joined the union in 1961 in the port of New Orleans. His first voyage was on the Del Mar. Brother Guadamud was born in Ecuador and shipped in the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Overseas Vivian. Brother Guadamud made his home in Metairie, La. He became a pensioner in 2000. WALTER MAKIN Pensioner Walter Makin, 86, passed away Nov. 5. Brother Makin, who was born in Alabama, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1944 from the port of New York. Brother Makin’s first trip to sea was on the Del Santos where he shipped as member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 1976, he worked aboard the Thomas Nelson. Brother Makin resided in Robertsdale, Ala. GEORGE MIKE Pensioner George Mike, 86, died Nov. 7. Brother Mike embarked on his SIU career in 1951. He first 18 Seafarers LOG worked aboard a New York Dock Railway Co. vessel in the engine department. Brother Mike was a native of Norwood, Mass. He last sailed on the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Mike started receiving his pension in 1984. He continued to live in Massachusetts. JOHN PENNELL Pensioner John Pennell, 80, passed away Nov. 6. Brother Pennell joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. The steward department member, who was born in Fort Scott, Kan., first sailed aboard the Sea Monitor. His last trip to sea was on the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Pennell retired in 1988. He called Huffman, Texas home. RODOLFO RAMOS Brother Rodolfo Ramos, 86, died Nov. 16. He launched his seafaring career in 1993. Brother Ramos first worked aboard the Independence. He most recently sailed on the Patriot. Brother Ramos made his home in Honolulu. STEPHEN ROTH Brother Stephen Roth, 55, passed away Nov. 18. He became a Seafarer in 1990, first sailing aboard the Liberty Belle. Brother Roth was a member of the steward department. He was born in Louisiana. Brother Roth last sailed on the Sgt. Matej Kocak. He was a resident of Metairie, La. BERNARD SACHS Pensioner Bernard Sachs, 75, died Dec. 8. Brother Sachs started shipping with the union in 1951 from the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Bradford Island. Brother Sachs was born in Maryland and worked in the engine department. He went on pension in 1996 and resided in Baltimore. SALVATORE SBRIGLIO Pensioner Salvatore Sbriglio, 77, passed away Nov. 17. Brother Sbriglio joined the Seafarers in 1952. He first sailed aboard an Isbrandtson Co. vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Sbriglio was born in Massachusetts. He last worked aboard the Pacer. In 1992, Brother Sbriglio retired and settled in Nevada. HARRY SCHOCKNEY Pensioner Harry Schockney, 84, died Dec. 11. Brother Schockney was born in Maryland and joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. He first shipped aboard the Yorkmar in the engine department. Brother Schockney’s most recent voyage was aboard the Houston. He lived in Bedford, Va. Brother Schockney started collecting his pension in 1986. LESLIE TOLLETT Pensioner Leslie Tollett, 79, passed away Dec. 10. Brother Tollett embarked on his seafaring career in 1967, first sailing on an Isthmian Lines Inc. vessel. The engine department member, who was born in California, last worked aboard the Innovator. Brother Tollett became a pensioner in 1993. He called San Francisco home. RAFAEL TORRES Pensioner Rafael Torres, 88, died Nov. 18. Brother Torres began sailing with the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard an AH Bull Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Torres was born in Puerto Rico. He worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Borinquen. He went on pension in 1978 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. INLAND DOMINGO HEREDIA Boatman Domingo Heredia, 58, passed away Nov. 13. He began his seafaring career in 1991, sailing in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Boatman Heredia first worked aboard a vessel operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of San Juan. His last ship was the Guayama. He made his home in Puerto Rico. 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. OSSIE FERGUSON Pensioner Ossie Ferguson, 88, passed away Oct. 16. Brother Ferguson joined the NMU in 1945. He first sailed aboard the Chapel Hall Victory. Brother Ferguson was born in Hallieford, Va. His last voyage was on the African Comet. Brother Ferguson retired in 1979. GIRINALDO FIGUEROA Pensioner Girinaldo Figueroa, 85, died Sept. 20. Brother Figueroa became an NMU member in 1941 in the port of San Juan, P.R. He worked in the deck department. Brother Figueroa’s last voyage was on the Santa Cruz. He began receiving his pension in 1968. RICHARD FLORES Pensioner Richard Flores, 68, passed away Oct. 1. Brother Flores embarked on his seafaring career in 1965 in the port of Houston. His first voyage was aboard the William Lykes. Brother Flores was a Texas native. Prior to his retirement in 1996, he shipped on the Howell Lykes. GENE NEUBAUER HAROLD GUY Pensioner Gene Neubauer, 87, died Dec. 11. Boatman Neubauer joined the SIU in 1974. He first sailed aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. Boatman Neubauer, who was born in North Dakota, most recently worked on a Taylor Marine Towing vessel. He retired in 1984 and resided in Ridley. Pensioner Harold Guy, 81, died Oct. 10. Brother Guy was born in Hyslop, Va. He joined the NMU in 1943 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Guy first sailed aboard the David Caldwell. He last worked in the engine department of the Pasadena. Brother Guy became a pensioner in 1969. GREAT LAKES AHMED MUSSAD Brother Ahmed Mussad, 55, passed away Dec. 2. He joined the union in 1970. Brother Mussad first shipped aboard an American Steamship Co. vessel. He worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Mussad most recently sailed aboard the Paul Thayer. Born in Yemen, he made his home in Dearborn, Mich. EDWARD PERRY Pensioner Edward Perry, 92, died Dec. 5. Brother Perry began his SIU career in 1961. He sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. Brother Perry, who was born in Stonington, Conn., became a pensioner in 1977. He was a resident of Debary, Fla. PAUL KOLWYCK Pensioner Paul Kolwyck, 79, passed away Oct. 14. Brother Kolwyck joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of New York. His first trip to sea was on the Anniston City. Brother Kolwyck, who was born in Batesville, Miss., last sailed aboard the USNS Yukon. He went on pension in 1985. ANGUS McCORMICK Pensioner Angus McCormick, 65, died Oct. 9. Brother McCormick began his seafaring career in 1967 in Charleston, S.C. He first shipped in the engine department on the American Falcon. Brother McCormick was born in Saint Paul, N.C. He most recently sailed on the Mallory Lykes. Brother McCormick started collecting his retirement pay in 1988. JOSE MOREIRA Pensioner Jose Moreira, 87, passed away Oct. 21. Brother Moreira began sailing with the NMU in 1946 in the port of Boston, Mass. The engine department member, who was born in Portugal, first worked aboard the Pocahontas. Brother Moreira’s last voyage was on the United States. He retired in 1970. LEROY OZEN Pensioner Leroy Ozen, 78, died Sept. 16. Brother Ozen commenced his seafaring career in 1968 in Port Arthur, Texas. His first ship was the Whitehorse; his last was the Texaco California. Brother Ozen was born in Texas and worked in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1986. CHARLES SNEYD Pensioner Charles Sneyd, 83, passed away Sept. 14. Brother Sneyd joined the union in 1944 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He was born in Chicago, Ill. Before retiring in 1968, Brother Sneyd shipped aboard the Green Bay. LEMUEL STEWART Pensioner Lemuel Stewart, 82, died Oct. 7. Brother Stewart was born in Panama. He joined the NMU in 1946 in the port of New York. Brother Stewart was a member of the steward department. His last voyage was on the United States. Brother Stewart began receiving his retirement compensation in 1970. PABLO VELAZQUEZ Pensioner Pablo Velazquez, 88, passed away Oct. 15. Brother Velazquez joined the NMU in 1963 in the port of New York. He was a native of Puerto Rico. Brother Velazquez shipped in the steward department. His last voyage was on the Mormac Draco. Brother Velazquez went on pension in 1983. August 2007 �43725_p1,2,18,19_24:2007-May 7/27/2007 2:13 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 (Maersk Line Limited), June 17—Chairman Michael Borders, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director Irwin J. Rousseau, Engine Delegate Chromer W. Jefferson. Chairman announced June 17 payoff in Charleston, S.C. He also noted that pay raise will take effect July 1. Secretary reported good trip with stores to be loaded in Houston. He thanked fellow crew members for their help throughout voyage. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and reminded them to check expiration dates on all documents needed for shipping (z-card, clinic card, passport, STCW, etc.). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read and discussed president’s report from latest Seafarers LOG. Crew members discussed upcoming changes to medical plan. New CD players have been purchased for crew rooms. Request made to have fans in each room as well. Suggestions made to increase pension payments and reduce eligibility requirements. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Charleston; Houston. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), June 3—Chairman Frank P. Sena, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Engine Delegate Charles J. Kirksey III, Steward Delegate Wiley C. Owens. Chairman reported smooth sailing and good crew. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to make sure their documents are up to date and they have the necessary certificates. Educational director urged mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on wording in contract. Thanks given to steward department for good food and clean ship. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), June 9—Chairman Edward J. O’Conner Jr., Secretary Charles A. Banky, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Engine Delegate Ahmed M. Sultan, Steward Delegate Robert Arana. Chairman announced June 13 payoff in Newark, N.J. He asked crew to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen and soap for reliefs. He also advised everyone to stay on top of TWIC situation and remember medical benefits start July 1 with Cigna. Secretary urged members to be careful when using concentrated laundry soap. Use only 1 oz. per load so clothes do not have soap left in them. Educational director talked about the importance of being fit for duty and completing tour. He informed crew members they can check the status of their documents on the Coast Guard web site. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to pension and prescription benefits. New ice machine will be picked up in Houston. Next ports: Newark; Charleston, S.C., Houston; Cagliari (Sardinia), Italy. EL FARO (Interocean American Shipping), June 17—Chairman Eric A. Berry, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Deck Delegate Zinnonnon Jackson. Chairman thanked crew for adapting to changes and working well together while getting the ship ready for its new trial run of different cargo. Vessel is now headed back to the States. Secretary reminded each mariner to clean room for next crew member and also to check expiration dates on documents. Working on the USNS Victorious There’s never an end to painting, chipping and other maintenance duties aboard ship. OS Wilbert Torres (above) and Bosun Angel Perez keep up with some of the work on the USNS Victorious. August 2007 Additionally, he suggested everyone read the Seafarers LOG to stay informed on issues affecting the maritime industry. Educational director talked about the benefits of upgrading at the Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $45 in ship’s fund. Crew voted to divide the amount and give it to the two apprentices on board ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. A vote of thanks was given to President Sacco for the hard work he does for the membership. Seafarers were advised to attend home port union meetings while ashore and were reminded that when taking cash for transportation, it is taxable. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for a job well done. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Jacksonville, Fla. HONOR (International American Shipping), June 10—Chairman Norman E. Tourtellot, Secretary Lionell P. Packnett, Educational Director Derek C. King, Deck Delegate Trawn D. Gooch, Engine Delegate Kyle W. Byron, Steward Delegate Roberto Rivera. Chairman announced June 11 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. Request was made for copies of the contract. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like washer and dryer to be fixed or replaced as well as purchase of new DVD player. Clarification requested on rest periods and penalty rates. Steward department was thanked for great food and housekeeping. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), June 10—Chairman Brian P. Corbett, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Isaac V. Mercado, Engine Delegate Ronald Williams, Steward Delegate Angel D. Corchado. Chairman announced June 15 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. Union books and dues should be ready for boarding patrolman. Chairman advised crew members to make sure all necessary shipping documents are current or chance losing a job. He thanked everyone for working together as a team and also explained TWIC procedures and time of projected issuance. Secretary thanked everyone for great voyage; with a special thanks given to Chef Carlito and UMS Corchado. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to check available courses at Paul Hall Center and renew expiring documents early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding eligibility requirements for health care benefits. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Elizabeth, N.J. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), June 11—Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Tyler N. Laffitte, Educational Director Jerome E. Dooms, Deck Delegate Stig Sasse Jr. Chairman announced June 18 payoff in Galveston, Texas. He also led a discussion on the TWIC program. Educational director urged all eligible mariners to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and keep MMDs and other documents current. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in deck department. Suggestions made regarding retirement benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. MAERSK NEVADA (E-Ships), June 7—Chairman Roy Tyler, Secretary Rudolph Daniels, Educational Director Herbert B. Hyde, Engine Delegate Malachi L. Tannis. Chairman thanked crew members for a safe trip and announced June 9 payoff in Port Elizabeth, N.J. Educational director requested more copies of standard agreement (along with any changes made to agreement) in order to better educate crew on rules and regulations. He also talked about benefits of upgrading skills at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job and for obtaining new pillows for crew. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), June 3—Chairman Deck Delegate Ruben V. Datu, Engine Delegate Melgar Daguio, Steward Delegate Orlando A. Hill. Chairman announced ship to arrive in Port Angeles, Wash. June 5 to discharge cargo and then proceed to Point Wells, Wash. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall clean. Educational director reminded everyone to check document expiration dates and urged them not to wait until last minute to renew. He also talked about taking courses at the Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested an extra washer and dryer to accommodate everyone, especially when riders Aboard the USNS Mary Sears Posing on the deck of the USNS Mary Sears are (from left) OS Joel Marcano, Bosun Kelly Doyle, 2nd Mate Glenn Loutsenhizer, DEU Mohsin Mohamed and OS Mark Randall. Roger C. Tupas, Secretary Ronald P. Drew, Educational Director Louis Valencia, Deck Delegate Virgilio T. Alday, Steward Delegate Breon A. Lucas. Chairman announced ship to arrive in Portland, Ore. on or about June 5, discharge cargo that night and then leave for Long Beach, Calif. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate gave steward department “3 hurrahs” for excellent food, and steward delegate thanked all departments for teamwork. Next ports: Portland; Long Beach. P&O NEDLLOYD BUENOS AIRES (Waterman Steamship Corp.), June 15—Chairman Francis C. Adams, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Basil R. D’Souza, Deck Delegate William Rios, Engine Delegate Saleh S. Saleh, Steward Delegate Taha A. Ismail. Bosun reported temperature has reached over 100 degrees in Persian Gulf and reminded everyone to drink plenty of water. Educational director advised everyone to take advantage of courses offered at Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills and better themselves intellectually and financially. Treasurer stated $190 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read letter from VP Contracts George Tricker concerning TWIC. Crew members thanked Tricker for great job he is doing. Suggestions made regarding bosun recertification process. Vote of thanks given to Chief Cook Asril Syarbaini for great food and SA Taha Ismail for keeping the house spotless. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International Inc.), June 3—Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Reginald R. Hunter, are on board. Steward department was thanked for job well done. Next port: Port Angeles; Point Wells; San Francisco. SEABULK TRADER (Seabulk International Inc.), June 6—Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary James E. Harris, Educational Director Eron G. Hall Jr., Deck Delegate David L. Hollenback, Steward Delegate Matthew D. Carroll. Chairman announced ship will anchor on arrival in Lake Charles. He praised crew members for jobs well done in China shipyard and reminded everyone that they will be required to carry a TWIC by September 25, 2008. Educational director encouraged all Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility and watch expiration dates on documents needed to ship out. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Satellite TV is now being received aboard ship. Requests made for new dryer in crew laundry and door hooks for reefer box doors. Steward department given vote of thanks for good food and service. SP5 ERIC G. GIBSON (Osprey Ship Management), June 6— Chairman Michael S. Sinclair, Secretary Hamdi H. Hussein, Educational Director Bobby L. Jones, Deck Delegate Larry Martin, Engine Delegate Vincent L. Kirksey, Steward Delegate James E. Kelly Jr. Bosun read memorandum regarding vacation/ holiday pay increases effective June 1. Educational director advised all hands to upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion was held concerning new TWIC program: what it is and when it will go into effect. More information was requested on this subject. Next ports: Fijirah, UAE; Jebel Ali, Dubai. Seafarers LOG 19 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/23/2007 10:14 AM Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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. PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos recently were sent to the Seafarers LOG anonymously–but were identified on the back! The picture below was taken aboard the VLCC Stuyvesant. From the left are Bosun Luther Pate (chairman), AB Gary Hoover (deck delegate) and Steward/Cook William Higgs (ship’s secretary). Pate is pointing to Valdez, Alaska on the map, the port at which the vessel was to pick up its cargo. The other photo was taken at the SIU hall in San Francisco on Mission Street. Mike Rossi (left) and Joe SanFilippo were two “tenderfoot bosuns,” according to the writing on the back of the photo. 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 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 20 Seafarers LOG 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 2007 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/23/2007 10:19 AM 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 2007. 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 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops September 10 October 5 FOWT August 13 October 8 September 7 November 2 Marine Electrician September 24 November 16 Welding August 6 October 1 October 29 August 24 October 19 November 16 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting September 24 October 5 Basic Safety Training Classes are conducted weekly Fast Rescue Boat August 27 August 31 Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman August 20 October 1 September 14 October 26 Government Vessels August 6 September 17 November 5 August 10 September 21 November 9 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) October 22 October 26 Medical Care Provider October 8 October 12 October 5 August 13 August 24 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* September 24 GMDSS November 26 December 7 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 6 September 17 October 29 August 17 September 28 November 9 August 13 August 17 Radar October 8 October 19 Radar Renewal (one day) October 29 Course (*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, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 beginning Aug. 6, 2007. Recertification Bosun October 8 November 5 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 2007 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. 8/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23:3725p 7/23/2007 1:15 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 688 — Unlicensed apprentices Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 687 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 687. They include (in alphabetical order) Dennis Barbosa, Farren Blackwell, Erik Brown, Robert Brown, Philip Carlton, Christopher Carrier, Emmanuel Garcia, Darren Hall, Michael Hernandez, Nikolay Ivanov, Zachary Kurtz, Joseph Maltese, Jesse Pernell, Robert Puckett, Pedro Rivera Riestra, Joey Roberts, Tommy Rodgers, Andrew Sitterly Jr., Aubrey Wiggins and Danielle Wright. from class 688 who completed the water survival course are (in alphabetical order) Scott Accardi, Brayone Albert, Ryan Atwood, Marcos Bolanos, Prymus Buckholtz, Angel Cintron-Colon, Moriah Collier, Derrick Elijah, Brandon Fields, Jose Garcia, Charles Glover Jr., Nicholas Gustafson, Joshua Hosseinzadeh, John McCormick, James McEntire, Juanito Mauricio, Victor Moody, Andres Nunez, David Pacheco, Joseph Redwood Jr., Terry Thomas, Josean Villanueva and Jason Young. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — Students who completed this course June 8 are (in no specific order) Michael Wittenberg, Nebojsh Milosevic, Scott Saw, Juan Bernal-Helices, Moises Ramos, Clayton Lupton, Thom Montgomery, James Rolin, Jon Dillon Jose Vazquez, William Schuppman and Brandon Granger. Advanced Fire Fighting — Completing the advanced fire fighting course June 15 under the instruction of Mark Cates (second from right) are Crowley boatmen (in no specific order) Jimmy Ocot, Roger Phillips, Joseph Pittman, Thomas Caballero, Kirk Pegan, Michael Alghafeili, Mrimri Farah, McKinley Jones Jr., Gregory White and Denis Burke. AB — With instructor Bernabe Pelingon (far left) are students who earned Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Phase III students and upgrading Seafarers who com- pleted this course are (in alphabetical order) Cortez Capers, Christopher Caporale, Michael Chapman, Mario Cruz, Dwayne Gould Jr., Alvin Hansley, Paul Hart, Dwight Hunt, Stanley Jackson Jr., Catherine Jones, Douglas Kellup, Vivian Norfleet, Pierre Norwood, Hipolita Roches, Juan Rochez, Cornelius Smith, Bobby Turner, Enrique Velez and Jonathan White. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at far left. their AB endorsement June 22. They are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Bianchi, Reid Bland, Wiliam Bolden, Roy Carey, John Cash Jr., Grant Fedukovich, Matthew Green, Bryan Hayden, Joseph Huff, Jorge Lanas, Shawn Orr, Michael Sedita, Whitney Sheridan, Wilma Joy Smith, Kyle Spruill, Thomas Tramutola, Jeremy Williams and John Worae. Computer Lab Classes With instructor Rick Prucha in both photos are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Showing their certificates of achievement are (from left) David Ruggirello, Aaron Larson and Arkady Bichevsky. 22 Seafarers LOG Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduating from this course June 29 under the instruction of Tom Cessna (center) are Crowley boatmen (in alphabetical order) Rayfield Crawford, William Dowzicky, Josh Gunter and George Murphy Jr. August 2007 �43725_p6,7,9_16,20_23x:3725p 7/31/2007 1:22 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes ARPA — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the ARPA course June 22 are (in no alphabetical order) Carlos Castillo, Steven Corachan, Patrick David, Denis Dubro, Robert Hall, Jeffrey Jenkinson and Gregory Martineau. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far right. Radar — June 15 was graduation day for members of the radar class (in no specific order) Richard Summers, Carlos Castillo, Denis Dubro, Robert Hall, Steven Corachan, Jeffrey Jensinson and Gregory Martineau. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far right. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (second from right) are students who completed the welding course June 29. They are (in alphabetical order) Arkady Bichevski, Mohsen Hubair and Jeffrey Parrish. Advanced Refrigerated Containers — Jay Henderson (far right) taught the refrigeration engineer course that ended June 15. Included in this class were (in no specific order) Rahul Bagchi, Hector Solis, Douglas Lowry, Mike Murphy, David James, Richard Huffman, Robert Norris, Andrew Linares and Rigoberto Beata. Specially Trained OS — Two groups of Phase III apprentices and upgrading Seafarers graduated June 15 from STOS courses. They are (in no particular order) apprentices Joseph Maltese, Arthur Jones, Demetrius Green, Ryanne Wheeler, Benjamin Wright, Cleveland Foy, Ravon Moore, Preston Grant, Daniel Irizarry, Faalando Williams, Arvid Rutledge, Mark Brownell, Diego Barbosa, Trevor Rowe, Melody White, Charles Brown Jr., Darren Hall, Jonathan Luna, David McRoy Jr., John Anson, Jesse Mixon, Iker Urrachi and upgraders Marino Macadaan, Dennis Shields, J.K, Borden, Thomas Clement, Durlas Ruiz, Ronnie Rankin and Jeremie Coates. One of their instructors, Stan Beck, is at far right. The other instructor, Tom Truitt, is not pictured. Safety Training at the Barbers Point Facility in Hawaii Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Completing this course June 15 are (in no specific order) Sergey Kurchenko, Forrest McGee, Albert Beneman, Lilia Bocaya, Teodulfo Alanano, Manolo Delos Santos, Michael Joel, Juma Juma, Fernando Mesa, Robert Brown, Kenneth Steiner, James Walker, Nicasio Arzu, Mohamed Mohamed, Michael Bell, Abdulkarim Mohamed and Milton Flynn. August 2007 STCW — NCL, June 11: Richard Maxian, Marjorie Marva, Raul Almoradie, Leonardo Porras Jr., Florante Alcosiba, Renato Santos Jr., Alejo Narcise, Ursulito Comia, Eiroll Banag, Ronald Dimalanta, Randy Gabunada, Viegas Marcelline, Manuel Valderrama, Jose Canonaso, Rudy Velasquez, Arnel De Lara and Menzi Espanol. Seafarers LOG 23 �43725_p3_5,8,17,24x:3725p0 7/31/2007 2:07 PM Page 24 Volume 69, Number 8 August 2007 The Slop Chest: Check out the exclusive online source for Seafarers International Union merchandise at www.seafarers.org Crowley’s Commitment to Safety Is ‘No Accident’ Seafarers-Contracted Company Takes Strong Initiatives Throughout Fleet With a constant emphasis on safety, Crowley Maritime Corporation and its subsidiaries employ SIU members aboard their owned and operated vessels. SIU-crewed Crowley vessels are home-ported in the ports of Baltimore, Charleston, Jacksonville, Lake Charles, Houston, San Diego and Long Beach. SIU members work aboard all Crowley vessel types: line haul tugs, ship assist and escort tugs, ATBs, tankers, RO/ROs and containerships, hauling cargo for commercial and military customers. The company is committed to a culture of safety. Safety is a Crowley “core value” reflected in their slogan “Safety, It’s No Accident.” That motto was selected because of its two very important and powerful meanings. According to the company, the first meaning of “Safety, It’s No Accident” is that safety on vessels (and at home) is the result of a culture where accidents are prevented. Safety just does not automatically happen. Crowley believes it is “a thoughtful and concentrated approach to all of our actions. It is thinking about and discussing the possible hazards associated with a task and deciding what controls are necessary to eliminate or reduce the risks,” the company noted in a statement for this article. “That is the second meaning. It is these control actions that result in safety. To take care, be fully aware, and understand the task. It’s no accident.” During the last few years, working in partnership with the SIU, Crowley has been embarked on a voyage of culture change. Starting in 2003, Crowley implemented “safety leadership” training. Safety leadership empowers all Crowley employees, from the captain to the GVA, to speak up and address any and all safety concerns they see in the workplace and aboard their vessels. The company notes that its safety culture is based on ideals including: Accidents can be prevented Safety is fully integrated in every business activity Employee involvement, feedback and recognition Capt. Al Costner aboard the ATB Sound Reliance Bosuns including Tom Moore (at front of hose) and Rick James (next in line), pictured last month during fire fighting training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, say Crowley constantly demonstrates its unwavering commitment to safety. are fundamental to safety Safe behavior is doing the job right Safety is a Crowley core value Safety is leadership focus, responsibility and example Safety is a good business practice Three Seafarers who regularly sail aboard Crowley vessels recently said that they have firsthand appreciation for the company’s commitment to individual and environmental wellbeing. “Crowley is a very safetyconscious company,” stated Bosun William Dowzicky. “This is a company that actually listens to its crew. If there ever is a safety concern, Crowley acts on it promptly. You can never be too safe on a ship, and Crowley stresses education and training.” Bosun Rick James said that in his 17 years of sailing with the SIU, “Crowley has been and continues to be at the forefront of shipboard safety and continues to train all their shipboard personnel. A ship’s safety is paramount to continued success for everyone—economically, environmentally and personally. That’s something that cannot be achieved without a proactive safety culture, and Crowley definitely has one.” Bosun Tom Moore simply declared, “Safety is our policy— always!” Crowley has an “Operational Excellence Management System” that puts a structured process in place to manage safe operations. It includes documented procedures to identify and effectively manage safety, health, environmental and operational risks. The objective is to provide safe practices in vessel operations and a safe working environment. The company has created industry-leading safety tools and education that include effective safety meetings, job safety analysis, near-miss reporting, “why tree” incident and nearmiss investigations and on-board video training. These are supplemented with the cutting-edge training curriculums at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and special programs such as ATB crew training that significantly improve safety for the crew member. According to Crowley, the real key to success is the SIU mariner. When it comes to safety, employees being aware of The harbor tug Master maneuvers in “indirect mode” (traveling sideways) to slow an outgoing car carrier in Los Angeles/Long Beach. potential hazards and using good judgment to make sure safety controls are in place, both on and off the job, represent the culture of safety Crowley expects. Charlie Nalen, Crowley’s vice president for environmental, safety and quality assurance said, “Crowley knows that its seafarers have the ability to prevent accidents. Each of us must take personal initiative and responsibility to be safe. We know from prior experience that the root cause of most incidents is unsafe acts or behaviors. That is why it is critical to always think about the safety aspects of a job and know that we are responsible and empowered to ensure that no work is performed if it can’t be done safely.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker praised the company’s commitment to safety. “Crowley deserves full recognition not only for their dedication but also for getting so much input from the crew members,” he stated. “There’s no doubt that when it comes to safety, Crowley is as thorough and successful as they come.” Besides the aforementioned initiatives, Crowley also has implemented the “Personal Safety Check” which has three elements: define the job; identify the hazards; apply controls. In describing the components, the company noted, “The first thing is to assess the work to be done. Good questions to always ask are—what can go wrong? And, what is the worst thing that could happen if something does go wrong? Taking a few seconds to think about these questions will help identify possible job risks. “Next, analyze how to reduce the risk. Have I done a job safety analysis? Do I understand the task? Have I been properly trained? Are there communication procedures in place? Do I have the proper personal protective equipment? “Finally, you need to act to ensure safe operations. This is the critical step of taking action to ensure that the job is safely done—controlling the job hazards and following the job safety analysis or written procedures— and asking for assistance if needed. Most importantly, stop the job if you think it’s unsafe or you see someone acting in an unsafe manner.” Along with safety leadership, Crowley emphasizes crew member responsibility. While the company and supervisors play their part, crew members are expected to arrive for their watch or activities on time, prepared to work safely throughout their day and address any safety concerns with their supervisor. Crowley crew members are encouraged to listen and learn from any training. They are active participants in learning a job skill or safety issue. They further are urged to ask for assistance if the training or instruction is not clear or they don’t feel comfortable in performing the task. Additionally, they are asked to report unsafe acts and near misses immediately; address problems with the supervisor ASAP, but always try to give solutions; re-address issues with the supervisor on unresolved topics; and be an active member in the safety of the workplace by (among other activities) participating in safety meetings, job safety analyses, and drills. Nalen added, “We are very proud to have the SIU as a safety partner. Together, we can continue to improve our culture of safety which will result in more voyages that bring seafarers safely home to their families.” � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES HORIZON FALCON RESCUES 2 USNS WHEAT HOSTS DIGNITARIES UNIONS TESTIFY AT TWIC HEARING COAST GUARD ISSUES GUIDANCE ON ID CARD PROGRAM U.S. SHIPPING PARTNERS TAKES DELIVERY OF ATB GOVERNMENT SERVICES DIVISION WINS HOTEL ARBITRATION USNS KANAWHA, FRENCH VESSEL TEAM UP FOR RESCUE IN ARABIAN SEA USNS ALAN SHEPARD DELIVERED NEW REPORT SHEDS MORE LIGHT ON NEED FOR FREE CHOICE ACT DON’T LET SHIPPING DOCUMENTS EXPIRE RETIRED PORT AGENT CARTER DIES AT 76 ABOARD THE M/V BUFFALO: A REAL WORKING SHIP 1967-2007 PAUL HALL CENTER WHAT IT MEANT THEN WHY IT MATTERS NOW CROWLEY’S COMMITEMENT TO SAFETY IS ‘NO ACCIDENT’ 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 08/01/2007 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. 69, No. 8 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b357606511f4b77b8293edb289205929.pdf 9b98edf4577477fee3016d19eaaa739b PDF Text Text Volume 69, Number 9 September 2007 Crowley Christens ATB SIU Fleet Welcomes Tugboat Resolve, Barge 650-3 Seafarers and union officials participated in the sun-drenched festivities Aug. 15 in Mobile, Ala. as SIU-contracted Crowley christened its newest articulated tugbarge (ATB). The vessels christened were the 9,280 hp tug Resolve (left) and the barge 650-3 (above). Shown in the Resolve’s engine room are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Seafarers Rick Cristofano, Jacek Sawicki, Ryan Hogge and Patrick Harrington III. Page 3. Rescue at Sea: Seafarers-Crewed USNS Gianella Saves Refugees On Aug. 2, the SIU-crewed USNS Lawrence Gianella, operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., rescued 13 Cuban refugees in the Gulf of Mexico. Capt. Robert Lee provided a detailed, absorbing account of the operation—along with photos, including those shown here (depicting the refugees adrift in their boat, the launching of the Gianella’s rescue boats, and finally the refugees safely aboard the U.S.-flag vessel). Page 2. Safety Milestone for ATC Comfort’s ‘Hoops Diplomacy’ U.S. Mariners Deliver Page 4 Page 6 Pages 12-13 �USNS Gianella Rescues 13 Cuban Refugees President’s Report Another Look at LNG The ceremony was modest, and there’s still a lot of work to be done. But, the U.S. Maritime Administration’s recent announcement concerning one company’s commitment to American-flag LNG ships—with U.S. crews— ranks among the more significant news to surface in our industry all year. In case you missed it, Woodside Natural Gas has pledged to utilize U.S.-flag vessels and American crews and officers in the company’s proposed “OceanWay” LNG import regasificaMichael Sacco tion project off the coast of Southern California. Woodside is the first business to make such a commitment as MarAd continues weighing applications for LNG terminals and LNG transport at various domestic ports. The agency is authorized to favor applicants who employ U.S. mariners and whose ships sail under the Stars and Stripes. Without question, that’s what Congress had in mind last year when it amended the Deepwater Port Act to help ensure domestic safety, security and environmental protection. The logic behind that position is hard to dispute. Natural gas already accounts for about one-fourth of all energy consumed in the United States. And, according to government projections, demand for natural gas will grow by roughly 40 percent by the year 2025. That’s a potential seven-fold increase in LNG imports. Here’s the first hitch: Natural gas production in the continental United States has peaked. Increasing the use of liquefied gas means transporting it from both Alaska and overseas to the Lower 48. However, most existing LNG import facilities in the U.S. were built during the 1960s and 1970s. And although the industry’s safety record has been strong, the volatile nature of LNG has created a sense of public unease. That’s where we come in. American mariners can and should play a key role not only in advancing public acceptance of LNG terminals, but also in the safe, secure transport of the cargo itself. During the past 10 months or so, members of Congress as well as state legislators have declared as much, citing the reliability of the American seafarer and particularly calling attention to the vetting process which civilian mariners must endure simply to acquire a merchant mariner document. The SIU and several other unions took it a step further this summer when we signed an agreement establishing appropriate training standards for U.S. seafarers aboard LNG vessels. On the flip side, it’s not exactly biased to point out that training and oversight in many foreign-flag registries are virtually nonexistent. It’s also a matter of public record that stowaways accompanied Algerian LNG tankers to Everett, Massachusetts earlier this decade. In fact, since September 11, 2001, more than one stowaway incident has been attributed to these vessels, and almost without exception the people caught are from countries known to harbor terrorists and fugitives. Previously, one of the Al Qaeda millennium-bomb plotters is reported to have reached our shores as a stowaway aboard a foreign-flag LNG tanker before departing through Boston. As our government issues licenses for new LNG terminals and with the solidly projected increase in importing such cargo, it’s not only good policy but also good common sense to recognize that having American LNG vessels and crews will help to minimize an obvious threat from those who wish to harm our nation. In part, that’s why I believe that MarAd without exception should push for 100 percent U.S. crewing and the use of the American flag aboard the ships in question. We already know that we can’t take anything for granted when it comes to threats to our population, facilities, environment, and energy security. The use of U.S. vessels and mariners in the LNG trade will go a long way toward protecting all of those things, and at a relatively small cost. Our nation can’t afford to approach the growing LNG trade any other way. Volume 69, Number 9 Editor’s note: On Aug. 2, the SIU-crewed USNS Lawrence Gianella, operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., rescued 13 Cuban refugees in the Gulf of Mexico. The following SIU members were sailing aboard the Gianella during the rescue: Bosun Bernardino Eda, ABs James Castillo, Roderick French, Troy Ingersoll, Ramsey Ingram and Jaime Guerrero, DEUs Christopher McAfee and Santiago Ruiz, QMED/Pumpman Darrell McDonald, QMEDs Nicholas Collins and James Summers, Steward/Baker Nancy Vaupel, Chief Cook Mary Brayman, GSUs Sonia Felix and John Rascon and Unlicensed Apprentice Eileen Mendiola. The following account was written by Capt. Robert Lee, the Gianella’s master, who also provided the photos accompanying this story. Cuban Refugee Rescue, Master’s Report On August 2, 2007 while SE bound through the middle of the Gulf of Mexico on a very rainy morning, the AB on Watch, Troy Ingersoll, was busy doing what he always does, scanning the horizon with binoculars in hand. Nothing gets by him. He is one of the best lookouts I have seen in all my years of going to sea. This morning would bring rare tangible reward for his unwavering attention to duty. His reports were typically professional, unembellished and monotone: “We have a small boat coming down the port side.” What may have not appeared strange to the lookout seemed very strange to the third mate. She confirmed his sighting off in the distance and through the rain. They also noticed what appeared to be two people aboard. Knowing we were more than 300 miles from the nearest land at 25-51N, 087-31W, this was strange indeed. The third mate alerted me to the situation at 1515Z, 1115L. We marked the GPS and chart with the position and the engineers worked quickly to ready the main engine-shaft generator for reduction to maneuvering speeds. As soon as the engine was made ready, we programmed down and began a hard 180-degree turn to port. The whole crew immediately became involved. Most who were work- AB Troy Ingersoll (right) was the first aboard the Gianella to spot the small boat. Capt. Lee said the refugees “were very happy with him.” ing inside jobs donned their rain gear and headed into the rain squalls to lend a hand. As we slowed and made our approach, the third mate spotted the small boat once again through the heavy rain. The chief mate and crew made ready the pilot ladder, painter lines and safety belts. The second officer made ready the trauma kit and the galley department gathered blankets and water. We approached from upwind and used the wind to our advantage. The closer we came, the more heads began to appear. It went from two to four to eight and finally to 13. I would learn later that they had become numb to passing ships that would not stop and did not want to waste energy sitting up unless it looked very promising. As it became evident that we were going to pick them up, they all began to get excited. As the small wooden boat came alongside, the crew worked it towards the pilot ladder. Two men and a woman wasted no time getting out and up the ladder right away. Nearly all began crying as they came over the rail and sat on the deck of the ship. Others were weaker and slowly made their way to the ladder as the small boat pitched and heaved in our lee. One woman had a laceration on her left leg and was having difficulty moving on the ladder, so the crew pulled her and the ladder up together—all she needed to do was hold on. The weaker ones were secured with a safety belt attached to two painter lines that allowed the crew to help them up and keep them from falling. As they came aboard, they were all given water and dry blankets. One man was a diabetic and very weak. The medical officer brought him some sugar and orange juice that immediately The refugees spent 13 days in their small boat before being rescued by the SIU-crewed USNS Lawrence Gianella. changed his demeanor for the better. The woman with the cut leg was also treated by cleansing the wound and bandaging. As they gathered on deck, it was obvious they were pleased with their new status. Our deck cadet, unbeknownst to us, spoke fluent Spanish and was a great help in our communications with the refugees. The cadet pointed out the AB/lookout that spotted them and they all showed great admiration for him. Once everyone was secured aboard ship, their few belongings were searched for weapons, and each refugee was searched before moving them to rooms in the house. Their wooden vessel was released and we resumed our voyage towards Charleston, S.C. The steward department held over lunch in case anyone wanted to eat, but they were not interested in much food. They continued to drink fluids and we supplied Continued on page 8 September 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Crew members and refugees pose on deck after everyone had a chance to exhale. September 2007 �Crowley Christens 3 of 10 New ATBs rd Tugboat Resolve, Barge 650-3 Join Seafarers-Crewed Fleet SIU members and officials were on hand Aug. 15 in Mobile, Ala. as Crowley christened its newest articulated tug-barge (ATB). The vessels christened were the 9,280 hp tug Resolve and the barge 650-3—the third of 10 new 185,000-barrel ATBs scheduled for delivery to the company by the end of the year 2010. “With these boats, you can clearly see that Crowley is preparing for the years ahead,” noted SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, who attended the christening along with SIU Mobile, Ala. Port Agent Ed Kelly. “Crowley’s new ATBs are all about the engineering—high-efficiency, low emissions, environmentally friendly. It’s really the wave of the future.” Kelly added, “It shows the progressiveness of both the SIU and SIU-contracted operators. This is really a state-of-the-art vessel. I was impressed with everything I saw.” During ceremonies, conducted in sweltering conditions at the Mobile Convention Center on South Water Street, Nancy Schlueter, wife of Ed Schlueter, vice president of Crowley’s Vessel Management Services (VMS) christened the Resolve, while Alison Haber-Djuve, wife of Karsten Djuve, regional chartering manager, BP Shipping USA, christened barge 650-3. Crowley’s Petroleum Services group will charter the VT Halter Marine-built ATB from VMS, and operate it for BP under a seven-year agreement. The 650-3 reportedly is the first vessel in the United States to be certified by Lloyds Classification Society as complying with the requirements of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO’s) Green Passport program. This certification ensures that any and all potentially hazardous materials that went into the original construction of the barge have been identified and will be properly disposed of when the barge ceases trading at the end of its useful life. Crowley already has four, 155,000-barrel ATBs and two 185,000-barrel ATBs operating. “We continue to receive positive feedback about these ATBs, Crowley’s newest ATB had a hot debut—temperatures soared to above 100 degrees at its christening Aug. 15 in Mobile, Ala. Pictured near the tugboat are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (fourth from left) and Seafarers (in alphabetical order) Willie Allen, Rick Cristofano, Patrick H. Harrington III, Ryan Hogge, Edward O’Connell, Kenneth Kuehne, Jacek Sawicki and Leo Venegas. which further validates our continued investment in the build program,” said Tom Crowley Jr., company chairman, president and CEO. “The ATBs that we currently have in service consistently provide reliable, efficient and safe transportation for the petroleum products they are contracted to carry.” MarAd Announces Commitment For American-Flag LNG Ships Woodside Natural Gas, Inc. Pledges to Utilize U.S. Crews The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration on July 30 announced an agreement that could lead to the first LNG ships registered in the United States in almost 10 years, potentially creating nearly 200 jobs for U.S. mariners. Officials from Woodside Natural Gas, Inc., of Santa Monica, Calif., committed to Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton and representatives from seafaring trade unions— including the SIU—that Woodside will create a U.S. presence in the rapidly growing international liquefied natural gas (LNG) fleet. The company agreed to the employment of U.S. mariners in Woodside’s operation of the proposed OceanWay deepwater port located 28 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, and to register its two new LNG regasification vessels under the U.S. flag. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox and SIU Wilmington Safety Director Abdul Al Omari represented the union at a ceremony in Santa Monica celebrating the announcement. “The employment of Ameri- can citizens aboard U.S.-flag LNG vessels serving the nation’s natural gas receiving facilities is in the best interest of the United States,” said Connaughton. “Placing the transportation of LNG under the control of U.S. mariners, who are subject to strenuous security checks, will add an additional layer of security to our Nation’s energy supply chain.” Although the global LNG fleet has been growing rapidly—from 194 ships at the beginning of 2006 to an estimated 373 at the end of 2007—there are currently no LNG ships of American registry. Woodside’s proposed OceanWay facility will use trading LNG carriers to transfer LNG to the U.S.-flagged regasification vessels, which will then convert the liquefied natural gas into natural gas for injection into Southern California’s existing onshore pipeline system. More than 90 American officers and crew will be employed on each of the vessels. OceanWay Secure Energy (Woodside Natural Gas, Inc.) filed an application with the Maritime Administration for a license under the Deepwater Port Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, October 8 for the observance of Columbus Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. September 2007 Act, to build, own and operate an LNG facility. The Maritime Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard and the City of Los Angeles are reviewing the revised application for completeness. The company’s application to build the OceanWay terminal must be approved by the Maritime Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the City of Los Angeles and the Governor of California. If approved, the specifics of this agreement will become conditions of the deepwater port license. An ATB has an articulated, or hinged, connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis, or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. Crowley and VT Halter Marine jointly designed the ATB tank vessel. The barge 650-3 was built at Halter’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the Resolve at its shipyard in Moss Point, Miss. The new ATBs feature the latest systems technology and double-hull construction for maximum safety and reliability. Not only does the unit have the capability of transporting refined products, but it can also carry heated cargoes and “easy” chemicals, which require special arrangements of vents, stripping systems, pump components and tank coatings above that normally required for product carriers. All of Crowley’s ATBs are built under the ABS SafeHull program for environmental protection. This program puts the vessel design through an exhaustive review to identify structural loads and strengthen the vessel structure. The 650-Class barges will be 27,000 deadweight tons, 587 feet in length, 74 feet in breadth and 40 feet in depth. The fully loaded draft will be 30 feet. There is an electric cargo pump in each of the 14 cargo tanks to assure maximum cargo integrity and segregation flexibility; two anchor windlasses and associated equipment to enable the vessel to accommodate offshore mooring operations; and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. There also is a nitrogen generator and vapor collection system for maximum safety. A layer of nitrogen covers products in the tanks to make the atmosphere too lean for combustion. An enhanced mooring system features 1,000-foot Spectra-type lines on split drums with a highspeed recovery rate of 100 feet per minute. The tugs meet all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and have a foam-capable fire monitor; twin fuel-efficient heavy fuel oil 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, according to Crowley. APL’s President Adams in New York These photos were taken Aug. 17 while the Seafarers-crewed President Adams was docked in Staten Island, N.Y. At right, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (right) greets General Norton A. Schwartz, USAF, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command. Pictured above (from left) are Chief Cook John Padilla, ACU Abdulla Quaraish, Patrolman Joseph Baselice, VP Soresi, Chief Cook Rudy Gibson and Steward/Baker William Churney. Seafarers LOG 3 �11 Million Hours and Counting As Alaska Tanker Co. Hits Milestone Shipboard safety and environmental performance during the past several years appear to have become synonymous with the SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC). Time and again since 2001, the Beaverton, Ore.-based business has added one feat after another to its unparalleled inventory of accident/incident-free accomplishments. ATC on July 11 augmented its list of triumphs by adding yet another conquest: the completion of 11 million man-hours without a lost time injury (LTI). This latest signpost covers a five-year period, accounts for all operations throughout the company’s SIUcrewed fleet and recognizes ATC’s achieving the highest levels of safety and environmental performance while transporting Alaska North Slope crude oil from Valdez, Alaska to refineries in Washington, California and Hawaii. “As far as I can tell, no other tanker company in the world currently matches, or has ever matched this record,” said ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur. “And with a restricted work injury rate of zero and a total recordable injury rate of 0.4, ATC’s personal safety record is amongst the best in any industrial setting in the world.” Mathur credited the SIU for substantially contributing to the company’s past as well as present outstanding safety record. “Our relationship with the Seafarers International Union has been crucial to our joint success,” he said earlier this year when the company reached the 10 million manhour plateau without a LTI. “The SIU leadership has an enlightened and long-term view of what is best for their membership. This view matches our view in ATC. “We both see safety as deeply personal and not about statistics,” he continued. “Safety is about taking care of ourselves every day, so we can live full lives and earn a good living for our loved ones. Our Seafarers have responded with maturity and responsibility to the work environment we have jointly created,” Mathur said. “ATC’s latest milestone is a great credit to all concerned,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, who pointed out that many of the company’s mariners have undergone safety training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He added, “Particularly where the school is concerned, I would invite other SIU-contracted companies to follow Alaska Tanker’s lead and take advantage of the world-class safety training available in Piney Point. The results speak for themselves.” ATC began operations in April 1999. The company operates five Seafarers-crewed vessels includ- ITF Inspector Honored An International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) inspector’s contribution to the labor movement has been honored with an award from an organization of Asian American and Pacific Islander trade unionists. Shwe Aung, an ITF inspector from the SIU, received the Art Takei award for “outstanding leadership” July 21 in Washington, D.C. It was presented by the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) during that organization’s convention. The award is named after a founder of APALA. “Shwe is small in stature but has a very big union heart,” said SIU Patrolman Robert Troy, who works with Aung at the union’s hall in Houston. “He has been a great advocate for all mariners and a thorn in the side of captains and owners of so-called flag-ofconvenience ships entering the western Gulf region. He does an outstanding job.” A native of Burma, Aung knows firsthand the pitfalls of runaway-flag shipping, having sailed aboard such vessels. He also knows the courage required of downtrodden crews who want to stand up for their rights. In late 2001, Aung’s vessel sank in Venezuela, taking his credentials and other paperwork beneath the sea. Unable to get a new passport without returning to Burma—where he would have been jailed for his pro-labor activities—he instead made his way to the United States. Ironically, he was detained by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, but with the help of U.S. Rep. Gene Green’s office, the ITF and SIU officials 4 Seafarers LOG ing the four new Alaska Class tankers built in San Diego: the Alaskan Legend, Alaskan Frontier, Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator, along with the Prince William Sound. Last year, the Alaska State Legislature honored ATC for its consistently outstanding record, presenting a declaration commending the company for its safetyrelated efforts and achievements. The declaration noted that since 2002 (and as of last summer, when it was presented), ATC ships safely carried 43.6 billion gallons of crude oil with just 27.2 gallons of hydraulic oil escaping to the sea (as a consequence of storm damage) The United States Coast Guard recognized ATC’s outstanding performance in 2004 when they presented them with their premier national honor, the Benkert “Osprey Award,” recognizing excellence in marine environmental protection. In recent years, Alaska Tanker has also won several major awards for excellence in marine safety and environmental stewardship from the state of Washington and the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force. MTD Spotlights Importance Of National Dredging Policy SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Aung is congratulated by AFL-CIO Executive VP Linda Chavez-Thompson (right) and APALA President Maria Somma. including Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Assistant Vice President Jim McGee, Aung was granted asylum in 2002. “When you have the chance to help a fellow trade unionist and mariner like Shwe, you do it,” Corgey said at that time. “We’re pleased to have given him a hand.” In addition to his duties with the ITF, Aung serves on the APALA board and is president of the alliance’s Texas chapter. He also is an official with the Texas AFL-CIO. The SIU is affiliated with the ITF, a federation of more than 600 transport-worker unions in 140 countries. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Heindel is vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section. Gretchen to the Rescue . . . SIU boatmen from G&H Towing in the Houston area provided badly needed assistance to a pushboat crew and also secured the boat and a barge during the pre-dawn hours of May 18. G&H officials praised the quick thinking and efficient actions of Seafarers from the tugboat Gretchen, including Capt. Charles R. Branch Jr., Mate John A. Mathews, AB John E. Fabain and Engineer Roy M. Saldana. The operation began shortly after 3 a.m. when the watch supervisor at Houston’s Vessel Traffic Service relayed a call to G&H Towing for assistance in helping the pushboat Miss Julie move a bunker barge from alongside the vessel Excellence, which was anchored in Bolivar Roads. The barge had just transferred fuel to the Excellence and was banging into the side of the ship’s hull due Pictured last year during the home stretch of construction, the Alaskan Legend is ATC’s newest vessel, first sailing in late 2006. to choppy waters and three-foot swells. The original request called for G&H to assist the pilot in turning the ship in the anchorage to allow the Miss Julie to find a lee and move the bunker barge away from the larger vessel. However, a crew member from a Coast Guard utility boat near the scene stated that the situation had become urgent. G&H dispatched the Gretchen to assist in turning the ship, and that part of the operation went smoothly. But the SIU boatmen also discovered that the crew members from the Miss Julie (which is owned by Hard’s Marine Service, Ltd.) had abandoned their boat and moved to the barge because they feared sinking. The Gretchen lashed up alongside the barge and towed it along with the Miss Julie to Galveston Harbor. (The Miss Julie had broken all of its face wires and could not tow the barge without assistance.) By around 5:30 a.m., the barge and pushboat were secured at pier 21 in Galveston. Steven J. Huttman, director of marine operations at G&H Towing, noted that the captain and crew of the Gretchen “performed with a great deal of professionalism and superior seamanship in taking a loaded bunker barge in tow alongside. This is a task that is not routinely performed by our crews.” Jeff Preston, director of safety and training at G&H, agreed, adding, “The decisive action by the crew of the Gretchen preserved life, property and the marine environment.” Branch, Mathews and Fabain all have completed safety-related courses at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The Maritime Trades Department (MTD), AFL-CIO, last month submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promoting dredging in general and also making a case for special consideration for the Great Lakes. The MTD consists of 23 affiliated unions, including the SIU, representing more than 5 million members. Responding to the agency’s request for comments (published earlier this year in the Federal Register) on existing national dredging policy, the MTD described dredging as “a vitally important aspect of the American economy” and also noted that the department “was a strong supporter of the work done by the U.S. Department of Transportation and a federal interagency working group in the early 1990s on this very issue.” At that time, the MTD criticized the “time-consuming and costly nature of the dredging review process, the myriad overlapping federal and state jurisdictions and the belief—fed by some environmental groups—that there was no way to balance legitimate economic concerns with the need to maintain a clean and safe environment. The success of the DOT’s effort can be seen by the creation of the original federal interagency working group in 1993, the streamlining of the interagency review process and several key findings of the national dredging policy that the EPA is submitting for review.” Among other things, the current policy notes that a network of ports and harbors is essential to the United States economy, affecting its competitiveness in world trade and national security. It further states that port facilities serve as a key link in the intermodal transportation chain and can realize their full potential as magnets for shipping and commerce only if dredging occurs in a timely and cost-effective manner. Additionally, the policy asserts that the nation’s coastal, ocean and freshwater resources are critical assets that must be protected, conserved and restored; that consistent and integrated application of existing environmental statutes can protect the environment while allowing for sustainable economic growth; and that close coordination and planning at all government levels—and with all aspects of the private sector—are essential to developing and maintaining the nation’s ports and harbors in a manner that will increase economic growth and protect, conserve and restore coastal resources. Portions of the MTD’s comments follow: U.S. Ports and Port Dredging Are Essential Components of a Healthy U.S. Economy and the Defense of the Nation The national dredging policy is absolutely correct in stating the importance of ports and dredging to the U.S. economy, and by acknowledging that environmental concerns and economic development do not need to be at odds. Any effective U.S. policy on dredging must start with these observations. Indeed, the importance of U.S. ports will only increase in an age of economic globalization with foreign trade expected to grow at a rapid rate over the next two decades. Today, U.S. ports and waterways handle more than 2 billion tons of domestic and import/ export cargo annually. By 2020, the total volume of cargo is expected to double. Continued on page 18 September 2007 �House Approves ‘Belated Thank You’ Legislation U.S. Merchant Mariners who served their country during World War II now are closer to receiving not only the recognition they deserve but also a monthly annuity, thanks to recent action on Capitol Hill. Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Bob Filner (D-Calif.) on July 30 announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 23, The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007. The bill, which has the full backing and support of the SIU, its officials and membership, would establish a U.S. Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund to provide monthly payments in the amount of $1,000 to qualifying members of the United States Merchant Marine who served during World War II between the periods of December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946. H.R. 23 includes qualifying members of the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. “The House of Representatives took the opportunity to correct a grave injustice heaped upon the gallant men of the Merchant Marine of World War II,” stated Filner. “We call our veterans ‘heroes’ for a reason, and the heroes from past wars deserve all the care and dignity that this nation can bestow. We will work boldly and tirelessly to move this legislation forward. “I am pleased that the House of Representatives passed The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007,” Filner continued. “The heroic and brave service of these veterans has gone unheralded by this country for too long. We owe these heroes a thank you and today, we are one step closer to righting this wrong—once and for all. These veterans kept their promises to serve our country and it is not too late to keep our promises to those that have fought for our country.” Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson (D), just days after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 23, urged the U.S. Senate to follow suit by passing companion legislation, S. 961, which he introduced. In a letter to the Senate’s chair and ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Nelson wrote, “Merchant mariners served this country by delivering troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other needed supplies to every theatre of the war. Yet they have been denied the benefits given to other service branches. It is past time to pass legislation to Labor Federation’s Executive Council Plans Strategies for Working Families Members of the AFL-CIO executive council, during their Aug. 6-8 summer meetings in Chicago, conferred about crucial concerns for working people and mapped out strategies to make certain that their voices are heard both in the workplace and in the highest echelons of government. Executive council members, including SIU President Michael Sacco, during the meetings outlined the next steps to be taken in the continuing battle to win quality health care for all Americans, developed plans to mobilize a force of activists as part of “An Economy That Works for All” and called for a rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure. Council members also approved statements on important reforms to the nation’s trade policy, advancing the fight for the Employee Free Choice Act and expanding access to higher education. On Labor Day, the AFL-CIO union movement will kick off a renewed campaign to win health care reform that protects hardwon union benefits and extends health care coverage to all Americans. The campaign’s goal, according to the council, will be to win universal, quality health care for all of America by making the 2008 elections a mandate on health care reform and electing people in the executive and legislative branches of the federal government who are pledged to that end. To accomplish these objectives, the AFL-CIO leadership will engage with federation unions to mobilize a massive working family army and help build a broad progressive alliance committed to establishing high quality care for all. Elements of this reform campaign include: Education of union members and their families about the necessity for federal action to preserve their hard-won benefits; Mobilization of union members to participate in the 2008 elections and demand that candidates for federal office support comprehensive health care reform; September 2007 AFL-CIO President John Sweeney Recruiting employers to support health care reform; Linking national health care reform to the important reform work at the state level; and Working with progressive organizations to establish a broad alliance for reform. In addition to soaring health care costs and shrinking retirements, workers are faced with stagnating wages and mounting economic uncertainty, the federation leaders charged. In short, America’s workers and their families are finding it tougher and tougher to maintain their living standards. To combat this situation, the council developed plans to train and mobilize a force of 1,000 activists in the coming months. These activists, as part of “An Economy That Works for All” campaign, will take the battle for economic justice to union members in their communities, workplaces and union halls. As a result of these activists’ actions, the federation anticipates that large numbers of other union members will become involved in the 2008 elections. The activists’ training will focus on three key policies: restoring workers’ freedom to form and join unions by enacting the Employee Free Choice Act; solving America’s health care crisis; and protecting good jobs through trade and industrial policies that support the creation of good jobs in America. With the images of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis fresh and the disaster of crumbling levees that flooded New Orleans in Hurricane Katrina still vivid, the council said it is time for a major national effort to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. “Our nation cannot careen from one preventable disaster to another,” said an official statement. “The future of our economy and our quality of life depend on the health of the nation’s infrastructure. Investing in it will create good jobs while improving the living standards of working families and their communities.” On trade, the council pointed out that since 2000, more than 3 million manufacturing jobs have disappeared and 40,000 facilities have been shut down “due to flawed trade policies.” The council statement said that the socalled free trade agenda “allows companies to avoid the whole panoply of domestic laws and regulations—affecting clean air and water, the minimum wage, the abolition of child labor, the right to organize and bargain collectively, a safe and healthy workplace, safe consumer products and safe food, to note just a few—that we as a nation have long decided are important to promote the common welfare and temper the worst excesses of a free market economy. Corporate profits have skyrocketed, executive compensation has gone through the roof and working Americans have paid the price.” Council members urged rejection of flawed trade agreements with South Korea and Colombia and any effort to renew fast track trade authority. They also supported reauthorizing and expanding the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act to help workers and their families who are victims of unfair trade. The Employee Free Choice Act, which protects workers’ freedom to form a union without employer intimidation, harassment or interference, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives (by a 241–158 margin) in March. In June, the bill fell to Continued on page 9 honor and recognize the contribution of merchant mariners during the Second World War.” While U.S. Merchant Mariners provided invaluable assistance during the war, they were denied benefits in the post-war G.I. Bill of Rights because they were classified as civilians. In 1988, they were granted a watered-down version of the G.I. Bill of Rights, but some portions of those benefits were never made available to them. Additionally, it wasn’t until 10 years later (1998) that the cutoff date for veterans’ status for World War II mariners was extended to match the one applied to members of the armed services. “We can never make up for the years lost, but we can fix the injustice by passing S. 961 as quickly as possible,” Nelson said. He added that the Senate version of this legislation already has garnered the support of 46 of his colleagues who have signed on as co-sponsors. “With the strong backing of these individuals, I will work with the leadership of both parties to do what is right for these merchant mariners: pass this bill,” he concluded. There is some dispute as to how many surviving mariners remain who sailed during World War II, but their average age is approximately 83. Calif. Grocery Workers Ratify 4-Year Contract Grocery workers in Southern California—represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)—on July 22 by an overwhelming majority approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the country’s largest supermarkets: Kroger, Safeway and Supervalu. The contract, covering approximately 65,000 union members, was ratified by a wide margin exceeding 87 percent, with extremely high membership attendance at the meetings throughout Southern California. All seven UFCW local unions involved recommended that grocery workers ratify the contract. UFCW members and their union officials in Southern California fought long and hard through six months of negotiations for this contract, and many believe it is a major improvement over the previous one. The new four-year contract, which runs from March 5, 2007 to March 6, 2011: Eliminates the “two-tier” wage and benefit structure. All employees now will be on the same wageprogression schedule and will be eligible to reach the same top pay scale in their classification; Provides annual wage increases retroactive to March 5, 2007. Wage increases will range between $1.65 and $6 over the life of the contract; Shortens the waiting period for health care eligibility to six months for new hires and dependents, and 24 months for spouses. The previous standard was 12-18 months for employees and 30 months for children and spouses; Provides funding for health coverage for the term of the contract. The union agrees to supplement the grocers’ contributions with $3,000 per employee from an existing health care trust fund to pay for health coverage, or about $240 million over four years; Includes provisions for preventative health care for all employees; Offers graduation to a “Plan A” health plan with increased benefits for employees hired after March 2004; and Continues pension funding at current levels. Much of what UFCW members accomplished, say union sources, can be directly attributed to the solidarity and strength they showed in working together to bargain for a fair contract. Seven Southern California UFCW locals all worked together in bargaining and coordinating campaign actions and strategies. They also owe their accomplishment to the extensive support of community and religious leaders, shoppers, affiliated unions and UFCW members nationwide throughout the negotiations. Coordinated action with supporters and customers played a pivotal role in gaining a positive settlement, UFCW officials said. Union members, community members, religious groups, grocery workers, and supporters knocked on thousands of doors, handed out flyers, sent e-mails and letters of support, wrote editorials, attended rallies and marches, spoke out in churches, and signed pledge cards supporting UFCW members. “This contract is a major step forward for grocery workers,” said Pat O’Neill, UFCW international executive vice president and director of collective bargaining. “But it never would have happened without the solidarity of the UFCW members and their union leaders in Southern California, along with the support of the community. It just goes to show that it pays to be a member of the UFCW.” Elsewhere on the West Coast, about 18,000 UFCW members in Washington and Oregon are still fighting for a fair contract with their employers. Grocery workers in Northern California will begin bargaining for a new contract later this fall. Seafarers LOG 5 �USNS Comfort CIVMARS Spread ‘Hoops Diplomacy’ in El Salvador Hospital Ship Continues 4-Month Humanitarian Mission The hospital ship USNS Comfort, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), is in the midst of a four-month deployment to Latin America and the Caribbean aimed at treating approximately 1,000 patients per day. Along the way, a number of the Comfort’s civil service mariners (CIVMARS) in late July befriended locals in Acajutla, El Salvador during a few evening games of pickup basketball—an interaction described by MSC as “hoops diplomacy.” On the vessel’s second evening in port in Acajutla, a group of 10 or so CIVMARS visited a park near the ship to play basketball and, rather than just play against each other, struck up a game with some of the locals. “We were over there playing ball and then some of the locals called us over and we started playing with them,” said Boatswain’s Mate William Ramos, who speaks Spanish and served as a translator. “Sunday, our second night playing, it was so crowded, there were at least 100 people in and around the park watching us play and having fun with us. At first they were cheering for their own people, but after the third game they started cheering for us, too.” During the mariners’ final night of competition, a local boy U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Karsten The hospital ship USNS Comfort, deployed for a fourth-month humanitarian mission, is moored in Acajutla, El Salvador in late July. brought a small American flag to the game. Some of the people in the crowd had been treated on the hospital ship and recognized the crew. “There was one lady who had had an operation on the ship, and she remembered us and asked us if we were from Comfort,” noted Ramos. The crew members took Gatorade, water, snacks and a soccer ball to share with the other players and with the many children who gathered to watch the games. Three of the CIVMARS gave their athletic shoes away to their new friends. “I just really like these people,” said OS John “Junior” Rogers, who gave a pair of Air Jordan basketball shoes to one of the opposing players. “It was nice—all of those people fell in love with us playing basketball,” said Ramos. According to MSC, the CIVMARS won the first game—but after that the El Salvadorans put together a winning streak that continued through the ship’s last night in port July 29. The Comfort’s current mission began in mid-June when the 894foot vessel sailed from Norfolk, Va. This is the ship’s first deployment since October 2005, when it had concluded more than a month of operations along the U.S. Gulf Coast providing assistance in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Its current itinerary includes stops in Belize, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. At each port of call, U.S. military doctors and nurses from the ship’s medical treatment facility are working with various embarked agencies (governmental and private) as well as medical professionals from the respective host nations. They are providing medical care including immunizations, general and specialty surgeries, dental care and vision services. In announcing the deployment, MSC noted, “Comfort’s mission, part of U.S. Southern Command’s Partnership for the Americas, is modeled in part on the humanitar- U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelly E. Barnes Lt. Megan Zeller, an intensive care unit nurse, checks a patient’s vital signs while he recovers after surgery aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort, which is crewed by SIU CIVMARS. The photo was taken July 31 in El Salvador. ian assistance deployment that the Comfort’s sister ship, the USNS Mercy, conducted last year to Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. On that mission, the Mercy’s medical team treated more than 60,000 patients.” The USNS Mercy also is crewed by SIU CIVMARS. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elizabeth Allen Aircrew personnel assigned to Helicopter Sea Command (HSC) Squadron 28 assist in directing an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter in moving cargo aboard the Seafarers-crewed USNS Comfort in mid-July, somewhere in the Pacific. Ammo Ship’s Story Has Pop It’s probably a rare circumstance in which an extra “pop” aboard an ammunition ship isn’t necessarily cause for alarm, but a report last month from the U.S. Military Sealift Command fits that description. According to the agency, the USNS Flint, which routinely delivers ordnance to Navy ships, was scheduled to distribute 250,000 bags of donated microwavable popcorn last month. Crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, the 564-foot Flint, which supports the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, was to supply the popcorn to Navy ships at sea and also pass a portion of its edible cargo to other MSC ships that will help deliver it to thousands of sailors and Marines aboard other Navy ships around the world. Termed “Operation Popcorn,” the delivery of 3,000 cases of the buttery treat—in addition to already-planned ammunition— was slated to be made by the Flint’s civil service mariners (CIVMARS). The donation was a result of a coordinated effort between the Boy Scouts of America, the Support Our Troops organization and Weaver Popcorn Co., which U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Maebel Tinoko Cases of donated popcorn are being shipped from the Seafarerscrewed USNS Flint to military personnel around the world. 6 Seafarers LOG gave the $70,000 worth of popcorn for Navy sailors and Marines serving far from home. The ammunition and popcorn were loaded at Naval Magazine Indian Island, Wash., July 20 and 21. Cases of butter, butter light and kettle corn were to be given to each ship. According to the MSC, the Defense Logistics Agency considers transportation requests for donated goods of this kind. Requests cannot be accommodated unless space is available and operations aren’t affected. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call In this early April photo taken in the South China Sea, a helicopter assigned to the Black Knights of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 4 clears the flight deck of the Seafarers-crewed ammunition ship USNS Flint. CIVMAR News: Union Files Grievance The SIU Government Services Division has filed a grievance requesting monetary compensation on behalf of crew members from the USNS Supply who were required to use the “buddy system” while on liberty. The union charges that the restrictions took two forms: MSC requiring that CIVMARS comply with the U.S. Navy’s instruction regarding the use of the “buddy system,” and the agency requiring that mariners return to the vessel by 0200. The union further insists that the aforementioned restrictions were unnecessary and that they violated the collective bargaining agreement, the Civilian Marine Personnel Instruction provisions and the applicable memorandum of understanding between the parties. In a recent communication to the agency, the union noted, “These unwarranted restrictions cre- ate a hardship for the mariners…. CIVMARS should not be forced to relinquish their rights to full liberty without compensation. This new policy has multiple, significant adverse consequences for unlicensed CIVMARS which need to be addressed in negotiations.” The union also noted that this is a great departure from past practice. The buddy system is a Navy directive implemented for the command and control of its forces and it is not necessary to use such a system with professional mariners who are experienced travelers. CIVMARS understand when the buddy system may benefit them and may decide to use it under certain circumstances. The requirement, however, is difficult to implement during short liberty periods and can work to eliminate the ability of CIVMARS to take liberty altogether. September 2007 �Six Stewards Complete Recertification Six Seafarers recently completed their respective ascents to the summit of the merchant mariner culinary hierarchy when they graduated from the union’s steward recertification course. In recognition of their achievements, the graduates received certificates during the Aug. 6 membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Satisfying the rigid yet essential demands of their instructors during the month-long curriculum were Stewards Christopher Amigable, Charlfred Autrey, Adele George, Karen Fensel, Exxl Ronquillo and Douglas Swets. Each stood and spoke before the audience of SIU officials, fellow Seafarers, family members, friends and guests during the membership meeting. Collectively, they expressed their gratitude for the opportunities they have been afforded to enhance their skills, improve their lives and those of their families and become better shipmates to their brothers and sisters aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Ronquillo, who sails from the port of Piney Point, Md., was the first to approach the podium. “I’ve been with the SIU since Sept. 29, 1989,” said Ronquillo who was born in the Philippines. “I sail as a chief steward and have sailed all over the world during my career,” he continued. Ronquillo told those in attendance that that SIU has been a very important part of his life since becoming a member because he considers the union as a partner. “It helps me to take care of myself and my family,” he said. “The SIU makes my life more secure and I am very proud to be a member.” Exxl Ronquillo, left, and David Swets perform prep work for one of their entrees. Members of the steward recertification class joined union officials for this photo following the August membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Standing left to right are VP Contracts George Tricker, Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Douglas Swets, Christopher Amigable, Charlfred Autrey, Executive VP Augie Tellez, Exxl Ronquillo, Adele George, VP Government Services Kermett Mangram, Karen Fensel and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. The children are the sons of Exxl Ronquillo (John, left, and Michael). Ronquillo extended his thanks to union officials for all that they do for the rank-and-file members, including the affiliation with the school and making upgrade training so accessible. He also thanked the Paul Hall Center instructors and staff for their contributions and support. “I thank them all for being there and being willing to help all of us. “To the trainees, never waste the opportunity to learn while you are here,” he concluded. “Always study hard and be the best that you can be.” Autrey sails out of the port of Mobile and has been an SIU member since 1993. He has upgraded at the school on three previous occasions. “I’m honored to be here today,” the Atmore, Ala. native told the audience. He extended his gratitude to the union’s officials and Paul Hall Center instructors for helping him advance in his career. Autrey told the trainees to always put their best effort forward and take advantage of each opportunity to learn. “Practice good teamwork while you are undergoing training,” he said. “Help each other out as often as you can and trust in one another’s abilities.” “I have sailed around the world several times,” said Amigable, who most recently sailed out of the port of Tacoma as a steward/baker. “I joined the SIU in 1984 in Seattle and have been sailing for Showing off their creations for the recertification course’s “mystery basket” module are (from left) Karen Fensel, Exxl Ronquillo, Adele George, Christopher Amigable, Douglas Swets and Charlfred Autrey. September 2007 14 years. The union has been very important in my life over the years because of the job opportunities it has given me,” he continued. “The benefits are great.” Born in the Philippines, Amigable previously has upgraded at Piney Point on five different occasions. “The training I received here is very valuable. I learned many new skills and I now feel more empowered with the ability to do a better job aboard my ship and to be a better shipmate to my brothers and sisters,” he said. “I enjoyed my stay very much and would encourage everyone to come here and upgrade their skills.” Amigable then extended his thanks to the SIU leadership for “the job security, good contracts and safe and reliable working conditions they provide for union members.” “To the trainees, you all have made a wise career choice and it’s good to see all of you here,” Amigable added. “I urge you to study hard, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Listen to your instructors, learn from your instructors. Learn to work together with your classmates and always carry your part of the load.” U.S. Virgin Islands-born George was a member of Unlicensed Apprentice Class 506 in 1993. She sails from the port of Norfolk, Va. and has upgraded many times. “I came back here five times before to attend upgrade training,” she said. “I learned a lot each time I was here, but this time I especially learned a great deal about working together as a group…. I would like to thank the union officials and the instructors here at the school for all that they do. “To the trainees, listen to your supervisors and always work together as a team,” she concluded. Swets is a veteran of the U.S. Army with some 30 years of service. “I served as a facility manager in the Army,” he said. “I later worked in a culinary capacity for 10 years with the Disney Resorts. I now sail as a chief steward. “I have been sailing with the SIU since 1987,” said Swets, who first donned the union colors in Honolulu. He currently sails out of the port of Oakland. “Joining the union and sailing changed my life for ever,” Swets told those in the audience. “It challenged me to work hard… and afforded me the opportunity to reach my goals.” Being at sea also gave Swets the time to read a great many books which were penned by some of his favorite authors. He shared some of their respective philosophies and views on humanity with those in attendance. Swets said that thanks to the SIU, he had made several voyages around the world. “I have traveled to such ports as Shanghai, Bombay, Singapore, Burma, Thailand, Southampton and Amsterdam,” he said. “I have made four trips around the world by way of the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal. I also have traveled around the Cape of Africa.” Swets said the overall training experience at Piney Point was “great and I will definitely encourage others to take advantage of what is available here. Being here and undergoing the training will help me do a better job aboard ship. It also has given me a better working knowledge of the union and its officials.” He continued his remarks by thanking everyone responsible for his success to date as a Seafarer and this most recent opportunity to attend training. “The SIU has been a life-changing experience for me,” he said. Swets had a lot of advice for the trainees. Using quotes from some of the books he had read over the years, he told the unlicensed apprentices, “The surest way to doom yourself to failure is to perform poorly the work you are paid to do. Today and every day, deliver more than you are getting paid to do. Don’t give up on your dreams…. Take responsibility for your choices and choose to be a winner.” Fensel launched her career with the union in Hawaii. “I’ve been sailing with the SIU since 1987,” she told the audience. “This career has opened many doors for me over the years. I first came to Piney Point in 1991 and have returned many times since to upgrade my skills. I thank the officials for helping to keep this school open and the instructors for keeping it running.” She told the audience that she enjoyed the meetings she had with union officials, including President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “Meeting and talking with them really opened my eyes to all of the hard work these officials have done and the accomplishments they have achieved for our union and its members. I’d like thank all of them for their hard work in getting us good contracts,” she said. Directing her attention to the trainees, Fensel said, “Work hard and take pride in everything you do. You will soon be representing our union aboard vessels, so please make our officials and members proud.” The steward recertification course, like most other classes at the Paul Hall Center, blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. Detailed refreshers in safety training (including fire fighting, first aid and CPR) and sanitary conditions are emphasized. Computer training also is a key part of the course as are study skills, communication and nutrition. Additionally, the training includes meetings with representatives from the various departments within the union and the Seafarers Plans, along with a trip to AFL-CIO headquarters (including the offices of the Maritime Trades Department). In every instance, the curriculum is designed to help stewards do an even better job when they go to their next ships. Adele George, left, and Karen Fensel mix ingredients for use in one of the courses of their mystery basket. Members of the class were divided into teams; each team was given the same ingredients. Within the established timeframe, each was required to complete a mystery basket. Seafarers LOG 7 �Luedtke Mariners Dredge in Toledo Deckhand Charles Wallace These photos were taken July 25 in Toledo, Ohio, where SIU members employed by Luedtke Engineering performed maintenance dredging operations from aboard Derrick Boat 16. More than 30 Seafarers work at Luedtke, based in Frankfort, Mich. OS Craig Argue Left: Foreman (and former SIU member) Bud Cropeck and SIU Representative Don Thornton SIU Representative Don Thornton, OS Craig Argue and Deckhand Charles Wallace Gianella Rescues 13 Continued from page 2 them plenty of Gatorade as recommended by MAS to bring their electrolyte levels back to normal. We also gave them plenty of simple carbs such as cookies to rebuild their energy levels. We kept a guard posted outside their rooms, but they rested quietly. Dry clothes were supplied by the ship. At dinner time, they were all in better spirits and did eat a little more. They were kept together as a group and allowed to eat after the crew. Once they completed their meal, I had the deck cadet bring up the “navigator.” He had requested to send an email to family to spread the word that they were safe. He was also eager to discuss his planned voyage versus his actual voyage. Using his small handheld GPS, he described how they intended to sail from Cuba and land in the Yucatan peninsula area of Mexico. They started with two small diesel outboards of some type, some jugs of fuel, 100 liters of water and containers of canned meat. Each one also had a flimsy inflatable life preserver that appeared to be leftovers from some airline. I am sure the group set out in high spirits, with dreams of a new beginning only days away. The navigator said he was a lawyer in Cuba. Using his handheld, battery-powered Treker GPS he pointed the way as they left Cuba. Problems occurred nearly right away when one 20liter water jug was found empty due to a hole. Later, engine #1 broke down and they had to employ engine #2. Another 20liter water jug would turn up dry as it was used upside down as a chair and had leaked. Towards the end of day two, they hit their first storm. The navigator turned off his GPS to keep the rain from harming it. They tied off motor #1 in the water to use as a sea anchor. When the storm had passed, they restarted the GPS to find out they had been going in a circle during the storm. It was becoming appar- 8 Seafarers LOG ent they were not going to have enough fuel. During day three they were able to get motor #2 working, but the Yucatan counter-current had taken them a fair distance south all the way to 19-52N, 85-38W. In this southern area they tried to get the attention of four cruise vessels that passed very close, but they were either not seen or ignored. Day three was also the day they ran out of water. The canned meat also spoiled from the heat, and cans began to explode. During the fourth and fifth days they had no water or rain. The stronger Yucatan current began to pick them up and carry them north. Knowing they did not have the fuel required to make it to Mexico, they tried to motor east in hopes of getting back to Cuba. Storm #2 hit them on day six and they once again secured the GPS, but continued to motor in what they thought was east. After the storm passed, they discovered they had gone in circles during the storm and had actually ended up farther west. Motor #2 broke down shortly that storm. The storm itself provided two liters of water, which was rationed by syringe at 20cc per person, twice a day. On day seven, securely in the clutches of the Yucatan current, they watched helplessly as Cuba passed by on their GPS. Drinking the last of their two liters of rain water, they worked at trying to get motor #2 to work again. They repaired the motor on day eight and tried to motor against the current to the now-closer Yucatan Peninsula; however, the GPS displayed the cold truth. Even with the motor running there was no way they were going to beat the strength of the Yucatan. Once motor #2 stopped again, they threw both motors over the side to make more room in the boat. Day nine was their second day without water again. At this point some of the refugees began drinking their own urine. They would put what they could into a plastic bottle, and then drag it in the water to cool it off. Once cooled, they would hold their nose and drink it. Day ten was more of the same. Somewhere in this area they endured storm #3. Waves would crash over the gunnels and at the worst point the boat was half full of water. Old water jugs with cut off tops would serve as bailers. The third storm was more wind than rain and did not supply significant drinking water. Day 11 brought another cruel insult to the 13 refugees. According to the navigator, on July 31, in the area of 26-10N and 87-54W a black-hulled cargo ship made a close approach and turned around them. He said the ship was so close he could clearly see Second Mate Jason Myers, an SIU hawsepiper, calls for assistance. the name “MINERVA” in blue lettering. He said it was a loaded ship with aft house construction. The refugees became very excited and began waving their bright yellow water jugs. He said they were sure the ship had seen them. Then the ship turned the other way and departed. He said when they saw it begin moving away they shouted for only water, but the answer was silence and a ship that grew smaller on the horizon. Day 12 was more of the same—more ships sighted, but none that deviated such as the MINERVA. They had no water and continued to drink their own body fluids. One or two would keep lookout while the other lay in the bottom of the boat and tried to keep the sun off of them. Another disturbing thing noticed by the navigator but not shared with the others was that his GPS positions showed them alternately moving both north and south, indicating they were in an area of mixed current. He was hoping they would continue on to New Orleans. Day 13 was the last day of their ordeal. It started with nice rains at 0530. Because the winds were not too high and the waves only three to four feet, the refugees collected a relatively large amount of water. They got five liters of water and began a 350cc per day, per person schedule. It was in these rains that they saw us pass them at 16 knots. The navigator said when he saw us reappear about 20 minutes later out of the rain, he did not get excited. Even though we were going much slower, he could only think of their earlier experience. This matched what we were seeing because despite us being fairly close and barely moving, we still thought there were only four people in the boat. It was not until I put the engine astern that many heads began to pop up above the gunnels. The navigator said when he saw our astern wash, he finally believed we were going to help them. The debrief with the navigator was very interesting for the cadet and me. He estimated they had seen about 20 ships in the 13 days with the MINERVA and cruise ships being the closest approaches. The navigator sent his email. I noticed he was very comfortable with the computer. He asked me about their fate and he was attentive when I let him know we were going to rendezvous with a U.S. Coast Guard ship. Although there was some disappointment in his face, he was still very gracious. He mentioned he may end up in jail if returned to Cuba. Even with that fate potentially ahead of him, you could tell he preferred it compared to more days aboard the LIBERTAE (Freedom), which was the name of the wooden skiff he built. All of the Refugees were grateful and very polite. On the morning of August 3, we were scheduled to rendezvous with the USCG ELM to transfer the 13 refugees. At 0800 they ate a good breakfast and prepared what tiny belongings they had. One man insisted on giving his watch to the AB that spotted them. It was the only thing he had to give and he desperately wanted to express his gratitude. The AB accepted the watch and I am sure it will be something he looks at with fond memories for years to come. Our transfer with the ELM was clockwork smooth. The ELM was exactly where she said she would be and she was ready for the transfer. The communications and small boat handling by her crew was very professional. The weather was calm, so we slowed to dead slow ahead and lowered the port lifeboat with all refugees aboard. We kept the boat locked in the falls and only inches above the highest waves. This made for an easy climb over the gunnels to enter the Coast Guard skiff. One by one, they made their way over the rail with smiles and waves all around. As they headed back to the ELM and I observed our crew, it was easy to see how helping these people out of a desperate situation also helped us aboard the LHG work together as one. Aboard the LHG, every crew member responded to the situation in a way that would make anybody proud. It was astonishing, disheartening, stimulating and bonding all in the same breath. September 2007 �Hughes Elected to Lead ILA Bowers Retires After 20 Years at Union’s Helm Richard P. Hughes Jr. has been elected to succeed the retiring John Bowers as president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO (ILA) Hughes, 73, was elected July 26 by voice vote during the ILA convention in Hollywood, Fla. He was unopposed. Born in Baltimore and a third-generation dockworker, Hughes since 2005 had served as executive vice president of the New York-based union, the No. 2 spot. He became the first Longshoreman from Baltimore to occupy the top post. Bowers had held the presidency for some 20 years. Hughes launched his career as a longshoreman on the docks of Baltimore in 1954, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father and uncle. He still resides in South Baltimore, and four of his five children are ILA members. Hughes held various titles in the ILA Local 333 and began his ascent in the parent union in 1985. At that juncture, he was elected vice president of the Atlantic Coast executive board, representing the port of Baltimore. Hughes’ election came following four days of convention sessions during which a full spectrum of issues relevant to the ILA and its members—including health care, port security, organizing, politics, safety, wages, retirees, port projects, labor-management relations and the general state of the shipping industry—were addressed. “The ILA is United, Powerful and America’s Best” was the event’s theme. Dozens of speakers—including SIU President Michael Sacco—addressed the 300-plus delegates and 700 guests who attended the convention. Many spoke about the critical importance of labor’s participation in the political process. After noting the upward spike in regulatory requirements faced by union members who work in the maritime industry since 9-11—the TWIC and what some AFL-CIO Maps Strategies Continued from page 5 a Senate filibuster—51 senators voted to end the filibuster, but under Senate rules it takes 60 votes. The council said the key to moving the Employee Free Choice Act into law is “to deepen and broaden our grassroots movement for reform, create a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and elect a president who can and will lead the movement for Employee Free Choice, navigate the bill through Congress and sign it into law.” Additionally, the council reported that, on average, college graduates leave school with a diploma and debts ranging from $15,000 to $24,000 as college costs have soared and local and state aid to colleges and universities have been eroded by inflation. To help ensure access to higher education for working families, the council said the AFL-CIO and it unions will lead a national effort to assist students in utilizing a diverse range of affordable, excellent higher education opportunities. The council also approved statements on mismanaged airlines and the need to protect aviation workers and the flying public, protecting the nation’s food supply and honoring retiring Longshoreman’s President John Bowers. Rose Ann DeMoro, executive director of the California Nurses Association/ National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC), was named to the council. The CNA/NNOC affiliated with the AFL-CIO in May. More information about the executive council proceedings, including full council statements, is available at www.aflcio.org/ aboutus/thisistheaflcio/ecouncil/. describe as excessive background checks, for example—President Sacco told those in attendance that “our people should be treated better. Brothers and sisters, our members deserve respect,” he said. “In many cases, they’re on the front lines in the war on terrorism. They should be treated by our government as assets, not as suspects. And it is up to us to make it happen. “How do we begin?” Sacco continued. “For us, it starts with grassroots political action. This means getting out the vote, promoting our issues, educating the membership and realistically, it means donating money to pro-worker, pro-maritime candidates. Voluntary political donations are simply a fact of life in this day and age. It’s not our only tool, and it doesn’t guarantee success, but without it, we’d never get our foot in the door.” He added that grassroots political action also includes “talking with—not to, but with—our elected officials from your local hometown all the way up to Congress. No one can better explain what we face at the docks and aboard ship than the people who are doing it day-to-day.” Labor Brief NSPS Battle Continues Unions in the United DOD Workers Coalition recently announced they would file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court in order to stop the Department of Defense from implementing its National Security Personnel System (NSPS). The coalition has been fighting NSPS since it was first proposed. In February 2006, the group won a decisive ruling in the U.S. District Court against NSPS. Judge Emmet G. Sullivan’s ruling protected workers’ rights by gutting NSPS provi- Other speakers included Congresswoman Corinne Brown (D-Fla.), Congressmen Bennie G. Thompson (DMiss.), Al Green (D-Texas) and Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda ChavezThompson, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard Admiral Thad W. Allen, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) General Secretary David Cockroft, Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary and ITF Dockers’ Section Chair Paddy Crumlin and International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots President Capt. Timothy Brown. ILA Executive Council members as well as other ILA officials also made presentations. The ILA—which represents more than 65,000 members on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, along major U.S. rivers, in Puerto Rico and Eastern Canada—was organized in 1892 in the Great Lakes region. The union negotiates master contracts governing the wages that shipping lines pay workers who load and unload cargo. It also lobbies Congress on labor issues and provides benefits to its members. sions pertaining to labor relations, collective bargaining, independent third party review, adverse actions, and Defense Department’s proposed internal labor relations panel. However, on May 18, 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals—in a sharply divided 2-1 decision—upheld the regulations. The coalition filed a motion for review, which was denied Aug. 10. The group subsequently announced its intention to file another motion with the Court of Appeals and within 90 days to proceed with a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. “If NSPS were to be fully implemented, DOD workers would be subjected to an arbitrary, dishonest and unfair working atmosphere,” noted American Federation of Government Employees National President John Gage. With Seafarers Aboard the El Yunque ATTENTION SEAFARERS: These photos of SIU members aboard the El Yunque were taken earlier this summer in Jacksonville, Fla. Recertified Steward Francis Ostendarp Crew members get together for a photo after meeting with SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Karl Leiter. SA Carlos Hernandez September 2007 Right: Chief Cook Ismael Garayua prepares lunch. Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore With the SIU . . . HOUSTON — OS Brian Kinard (right), who works at G&H Towing Company, recently completed training and passed the test to receive his 500-ton Inland Mate License, which he is showing to Asst. VP Jim McGee. NORFOLK — Sgt. Brian Goodman (right) was recalled June 24 to active duty as part of Iraqi Freedom. Brother Goodman, who sailed as an oiler, has always personified the concept of “Brotherhood of the Sea.” Port Agent Georg Kenny—along with the port of Norfolk and the entire SIU membership—wish him well. Retiring from the SIU SEABULK TRADER — Attending a shipboard meeting aboard the Seabulk Trader are (from left, seated) DEU Nasser Kassim, SA Sanad Saleh, Bosun Bob Coleman, OMU Nat Lamb, Chief Steward James Harris, (from left, standing) AB Irving Carlos Rueda, AB Carson Jordan, AB Geoffrey Hall, Chief Pumpman Eron Hall, AB David Hollenback and AB Melvin Smalls. FT. LAUDERDALE — AB John Kolodziej (center) shows his first pension check. Safety Director Kevin Marchand (left) has been Kolodziej’s best friend for nearly 14 years and helped him get into the union. With them is Port Agent Kenny Moore. HORIZON PRODUCER — Checking out a recent issue of the Seafarers LOG aboard ship are (in photo above left, from left) Chief Cook Juan Vallejo Hernandez, OMU Jo Vanii Sprauve and SA Fernando Vega Mercado. William Bunch (above right) is the recertified chief steward aboard the cargo vessel. JACKSONVILLE — Wallace Lester Cumbest (left) receives his first pension check from Asst. VP Archie Ware in the Jacksonville hall. JACKSONVILLE — SIU Patrolman Ashley Nelson (left) presents Ray Green with his first pension check. 10 Seafarers LOG VIRGINIAN — Bosun John Thrasher (above, seated) and CE Jaime Cayonte look over the Seafarers LOG aboard the cargo ship. STOS Renard Murphy (above, right) is an unlicensed apprentice (class 683). Several of the vessel’s crew members have commended Murphy for being a hard worker and a good shipmate. At right is Oiler Miguel Abad who sails from Port Everglades. September 2007 �September 2007 Seafarers LOG 11 �The U.S. Merchant Marine: Always Re Serving the Country from Colonial Days F reighters, tankers, tugboats, towboats, ferries, passenger ships, dredges: these are some of the privately owned and operated vessels flying the American flag that help make up the U.S. Merchant Marine in times of peace. The civilian mariners— including thousands of SIU members—and their vessels move cargo and passengers between nations and within the United States. They ply the oceans and Great Lakes, the inland waters and navigable rivers, canals and harbors, delivering goods and people where they are needed. During times of war, however, the merchant marine “The officers and men of the merchant marine, by their devotion to duty in the face of enemy action, as well as the natural dangers of the sea, have brought us the tools to finish the job. Their contribution to final victory will be long remembered.” –Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1945 becomes an auxiliary to the Navy and can be called upon to deliver troops and supplies for the military. The U.S. Merchant Marine is this country’s “Fourth Arm of Defense” and can deliver anywhere and at any time. The sealift effort by the merchant marine during World War II almost defies belief. It was, perhaps, the greatest sealift operation in history. But merchant shipping has been of vital importance to Americans since colonial times. The Early Years The first wartime role of an identifiable United States Merchant Marine first took place on June 12, 1775 in Maine. Citizens from the 13 independent colonies had only 31 ships in their Navy when they heard of the battles at Concord and Lexington and the demand by Britain for them to sign a petition promising to protect British property at all times in exchange for the right to buy supplies. They protested, but in order to fight the British, they needed additional ships. Letters of Marque were sent to privateers (privately owned, armed merchant ships that were outfitted as warships to prey on enemy merchant ships). The privateers interrupted the British supply chain all along the eastern seaboard of the United States and across the Atlantic Ocean. These actions by the privateers predate both the U.S. Coast Guard (formed in 1790) and the U.S. Navy (formed in 1797) and are considered the start of the merchant marine’s role in times of war. The U.S. Merchant Marine was active in subsequent conflicts. During the War of 1812, the British were seizing American ships on the high seas and forcing seamen to join the British navy or merchant navy. This war was fought primarily by merchant ships because the U.S. had almost no Navy. Together, the Navy and the privateers captured 30,000 prisoners. The Mexican War was the first conflict in which the U.S. Army invaded an enemy’s territory by sea, and thus required the use of a large number of oceangoing ves- guns, tanks, planes, fu dreds of other essentia sels. The American Merchant Marine provided chartered ships in order to defend Texas against Mexico. During the Civil War, there was a struggle for control of the sea lanes and the inland waterways. The North set up a blockade of all southern seaports, cutting off imports of war materiel, medical supplies and household goods. Merchant mariners also played a role in the Spanish-American War, the Korean War and the first and second battles of the Atlantic in both world wars as well as in the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. There were just six privately owned commercial ships under charter to the military when the Korean War began. There were 255 at the peak of the hostilities. In September 1950, when the U.S. Marine Corps went ashore at Inchon, 13 USNS cargo ships, 26 chartered American and 34 Japanese-manned merchant ships, under the operational control of Military Sea Transportation Service, participated in the invasion. During the Vietnam War, ships crewed by civilian seamen carried 95 percent of the supplies used by our Armed Forces. Many of these ships sailed into combat zones under fire. The Mayaguez incident is well known, involving the capture of mariners from that SIUcrewed merchant ship. During the first Gulf War, the merchant ships of the Military Sealift Command delivered more than 11 million metric tons of vehicles, helicopters, ammunition, fuel and other supplies and equipment during the war. At one point, more than 230 government-owned and chartered ships were involved in the sealift. Government-owned merchant vessels have, in fact, supported emergency shipping requirements in many wars and crises. During the Korean War, 540 vessels (commercial and military) were activated to support military forces. A worldwide tonnage shortfall from 1951 to 1953 required more than 600 ship activations to lift coal to Northern Europe and grain to India. From 1955 through 1964, another 600 ships were used to store grain for the Department of Agriculture. Another tonnage shortfall following the closing of the Suez Canal in 1956 resulted in the activation of 223 cargo ships and 29 tankers. During the Berlin crisis of 1961, 18 vessels were activated, which remained in service until 1980. The Vietnam conflict required the activation of 172 vessels. World War II Whether it’s carrying humanitarian supplies (like the bags of lentils shipped overseas on U.S.-flag vessels under the PL 480 Food for Peace program, above) or loading military equipment for defense purposes around the world, the U.S. Merchant Marine delivers. 12 Seafarers LOG The role played by America’s Fourth Arm of Defense during World War II is, perhaps, the most dramatic—and has been sensationalized in books and movies throughout the years. But the world is a little more aware of the true history and role of the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II, thanks to SIU pensioner John Bunker, who wrote a number of books about both the September 2007 �eady to Deliver s to the Present Shown here is a photocopy of a declassified page from a 1944 shipping log, indicating the progress of American and British convoys to the Russian ports of Archangel and Murmansk. The convoys setting out on what was popularly called the “Murmansk Run” were vital to keeping the Soviet Union in the war by supplying uel, food, machinery and hunals for its defense. union and the merchant marine. In “Heroes and Dungarees, The Story of the American Merchant Marine in World War II,” he states: “The Merchant Marine was in the forefront of battle from Pearl Harbor until the end of the war. It transported the steel, fuel and food, as well as the guns, tanks and ammunition that kept Britain and Russia in the war. It carried rubber, oil, ores and other raw materials for the American war arsenal. The Merchant Marine took the soldiers to war, too. Merchant seamen braved bombs, torpedoes, kamikazes and the hazards of storm, ice and collision in convoy, from the icy Barents Sea to Pacific invasion beaches. Shells from the guns of merchant ships streaked through many foreign skies. Wherever the freights of war were needed, the cargo ships were ready to deliver. “Hundreds of ships were sunk by bombs, torpedoes and gunfire; by storms; or by collisions in thick fogs and blanketing snow. Thousands of seamen went down with their ships or were killed or wounded in action.” Many battles took place during World War II involving merchant mariners. From the icy convoys in the North Atlantic to the battles of the Central and South Atlantic, the U.S. Merchant Marine continued to carry needed supplies for the war effort. They sailed in every theater, regardless of the danger, moving more than 300 million tons of material. September 2007 As General Dwight D. Eisenhower said during the early stages of World War II, “When final victory is ours, there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the merchant marine.” Tales of heroism and courage on the part of seafaring crews were commonplace during this period. But at no stage of the war were merchant ships and the seamen who manned them more vital than during and after the D-Day invasion when men and materiel were delivered in the greatest concentration in military and shipping history. Thousands of seamen took part in establishing the beachheads at Normandy and Omaha, among others, and later in maintaining the lines of supply which were vital in bringing down the Nazi regime. These mariners played an important role in landing the 2.5 million troops, the one-half million trucks and tanks and the 17 million tons of ammunition and supplies that were put on the beaches of Europe during the first days after D-Day. Many seafarers also were among the 1,000 merchant seamen who volunteered to sail the 32 American ships that were scuttled to make the emergency breakwater—the “miracle harbor” that made the successful invasion of the Normandy coast possible. After the beachheads were established, and as Allied troops fought their way toward the heart of Germany, the merchant ships continued to keep the supply lines open. Years have passed since the bombs of World War II fell, but those merchant mariners who saw and heard them have not forgotten them. Neither have they forgotten the 1,554 American-flag ships that went to the bottom between the “ In memory of those men, and in the interest of our nation, the United States must carry out the bold and daring plan of Franklin D. Roosevelt for a Merchant Marine of the best designed and equipped passenger and cargo ships, manned by the best trained men in the world.” —President Harry S. Truman The Merchant Marine flag, unveiled on May 24, 1994 by then-Maritime Administrator Albert J. Herberger, was designed by the U.S. Army’s Institute of Heraldry. It was first displayed at the annual U.S. Merchant Marine Memorial Service in Washington. D.C. to honor America’s civilian seafarers who have supported the nation’s armed forces in times of war and carried its commerce in times of peace. outbreak of the European war and Germany’s surrender, nor the 6,066 American merchant seamen who were killed or captured during that phase of the fighting—a casualty rate second only to that of the United States Marine Corps. More than 1,200 SIU members were among those who gave their lives. Thanks for Serving Without a doubt, all their service made a huge difference in the war’s outcome, and members of the U.S. Merchant Marine justly deserved the thanks and honors that came their way at war’s end. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, during the signing of the G.I. Bill on June 22, 1944, said, “I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of the merchant marine who have risked their lives time and time again during war for the welfare of their country.” But that was not to be. When merchant seamen returned home from World War II, they came back without travel pay expenses, mustering out pay, state and federal pensions, disability benefits, G.I. loans, on-the-job training, paid college education with living expenses, medical and dental payments and much more, including burial benefits. It was not until 1988— more than 40 years overdue and after a long court battle—that some veteran status was given to merchant mariners who served from Dec. 7, 1941 to Aug. 15, 1945. Mariners who went to sea during that time, serving in wartime in hazardous waters, got their status as veterans Nov. 11, 1998. Unfortunately, many did not live long enough to take advantage of these benefits. Additionally, it wasn’t until 1998 that the cutoff date for veterans’ status for mariners was extended to Dec. 31, 1946—the same one that applies to the armed forces, and the date upon which President Harry Truman declared hostilities to be over. For the last several years, merchant mariners have been awaiting legislation to extend the 1944 G.I. Bill of Rights to them as well. If passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law, the bill, “A Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007,” would provide benefits to certain individuals and grant them the compensation and respect that they have rightfully earned. On July 30 of this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation. It still is awaiting consideration by the Senate. Today, the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine continue in the spirit of seafaring brothers and sisters. Since 1977, the Ready Reserve Fleet made a major contribution to the success of Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm from August 1990 through June 1992, when 79 vessels were activated to meet military sealift requirements by carrying 25 percent of the unit equipment and 45 percent of the ammunition needed. Sealift remains a vital component in protecting our national security. Beginning in 2003, merchant mariners answered their country’s call to duty during the initial 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 the dictatorial regime in Iraq. Mariners transported—and continue to carry—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. September 11 by transporting emergency personnel and needed supplies. That day, more than a half-million people were safely “I have come to appreciate first-hand why our Merchant Marine has long been called our nation’s fourth arm of defense. The American seafarer provides an essential service to the well-being of the nation as was demonstrated so clearly during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm…We are a maritime nation…This means that not only do we need a strong Navy, but a strong maritime industry as well.” —Gen. Colin Powell, Persian Gulf Wars Peacetime Missions The U.S. Merchant Marine has taken on many peacetime missions as well. They sailed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope in 1993 and ’94; to Haiti in 1994 for Uphold Democracy operations; and in 1995 and 1996, helped deliver military cargo as part of U.S. and U.K. support to NATO peacekeeping missions. Four RRF ships were activated to offer support in Central America following Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and rendered humanitarian assistance to the Gulf Coast area following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2006, providing food, a place to sleep and electrical power to refinery workers, oil spill response teams and longshoremen. Merchant mariners were there first to answer the call for assistance following the horrific terrorist attacks of evacuated from lower Manhattan by SIU-crewed ferry boats, tour boats and government vessels. The U.S, Merchant Marine has served America with great distinction throughout our nation’s history—whether in times of peace or times of war. From the Revolutionary War through both world wars and up to today, the men and women who serve in the merchant marine have willingly served and defended their nation. As SIU President Michael Sacco noted recently, the names and faces of merchant mariners throughout the years may have changed, “but our commitment never wavers. Our reliability never lessens. Our message to our troops and to the rest of our countrymen is the same: You can count on us!” Seafarers LOG 13 �Recollections of the Merchant Marine in World War II Editor’s note: The first four installments of retired Seafarer Albert Stimac’s experiences in the merchant marine appeared in the April, May, June and July Seafarers LOGs, respectively. He wrote about his training, his first ship, joining the SIU, the responsibilities of a member of the black gang, traveling in a convoy during World War II and boiler problems on a C-3 bound for England. The last article left off following a Coast Guard hearing and being assigned to another ship. These are the best recollections of his training and sea time from the end of 1943 to late 1946, so any inaccuracies in the details need not be brought to his attention. S ometimes I think it was the Coast Guard that told the company which ship we would be assigned to. Usually, they pay you off and you leave the ship or else the chief or captain asks you to stay on. We weren’t even paid off—just transferred to another ship. I don’t even recall getting a discharge from that 10-day trip on the C-3. I got a bad feeling right away when I boarded the next ship. It hadn’t been cleaned yet and was a mess. The thing that bothered me most was the insulated Navy cold weather jackets left in one of the lockers. This meant the Murmansk Run and Russia. BAD NEWS!!! Small convoys that made this run were escorted by larger English navy ships, cruisers and the like. But if the Germans spotted the 20- or 30-ship convoy, they would send out their battleships berthed in the fjords. Then the English escort ship would abandon you and head for home. Otherwise, the German battleship could easily sink anything from a cruiser on down. No use sinking a battleship for a small convoy. Wasn’t worth the price. And besides, they were needed more on higher priority missions. The only good news was you would get a $500 bonus if you made this trip successfully. The bad side was you got paid in rubles and couldn’t get off the ship. And, you had to give the the money back. I talked to one guy who had made the trip and told me that Russian political prisoners unloaded the ships. When they couldn’t work anymore or starved, they were shot and pushed over the side. Well, they cleaned up the ship in the next few days, and I felt much better. When we were on board, I heard we were going to the New Jersey side. That was another surprise coming up. I had never been on a ship that loaded up on the Jersey side. I found out in a hurry, though, when we docked. Shore crews came aboard as soon as we tied up to the pier. They hauled all their lumber on board and started to board up the holds with wood. That meant only one thing: We were going to get loaded with something that would explode if there was a spark. It turned out we were hauling ammunition, 6,600 tons of it. But we were not going to Russia. We got loaded up with our cargo and headed out to sea. Scuttle—another term for rumor—was that we were headed for Europe. The second day out, we lined up in a convoy. It really was what I considered a large one. Over 50 ships. This was the first vessel I sailed on that had an armed guard crew. These were U.S. Navy sailors who would be in charge of the gunnery we had for protection. On this trip, we had four sets of twin 20mm anti-aircraft guns, a 5-inch cannon on the stern and a 3-inch cannon on the bow. The gun crews did not quarter with the merchant crew. They slept in the stern while we were quartered mid-ship. The 20mms were pretty new guns, but the 5-inch cannon mounted on the stern was a laughing matter. The gearing to move it up or down or left to right was very slow and hard to do. As we were carrying high explosives, we were the last to join up with the convoy. Just before we caught up to the rest of the ships, the captain decided to have the gun crew get some practice. So the alarm was sounded and the sailors rushed to their positions. After everyone was accounted for, the aft gun crew was ordered to drop a 50-gallon drum that was to be the target. The drum was specially made for target use and smoked when it was in the water. We were hitting some pretty good swells—long waves—and the stern would rise about 10 feet on top of a swell and down 20 feet to the bottom. On the command to fire, the ship’s stern just reached the top of the swell. The cannon fired, and we all watched to see how close they came to the smoking barrel. Of course, the gun barrel was further raised with the stern up and the bow down by 20 feet. We never did see the shell land and hit water. It just went up and out of sight. The captain got mad as we whooped and hollered with delight at the big miss. He immediately called to arm and fire again as the barrel was getting smaller and smaller as we continued on. As things went, the command to fire came just as the stern of the ship went down into the trough and the bow came up. With that movement, the gun fired right into the swell behind us, which was about 200 feet from the stern. Shooting of the cannon was called to an abrupt halt. Next, they went to the 20mm guns which were fed by cartridges that contained 25 or so 20mm shells. They were pretty heavy—I would guess about 40 to 50 pounds. These guns had some ammunition stored alongside them. But if they were in combat, much more ammo would be needed. This is where the Merchant Marine guys not on watch came in. We were supposed to go down in the hold and bring up two canisters at a time, one in each hand. Now we were supposed to walk up grated steps on a rolling ship and not be able to use you hands. It made no sense. The next practice was much better. They had one fellow who could really handle that 20mm. They would shoot up parachutes that opened up to about five or six feet and left a trail of smoke as they came down. Even on this ship going slowly up and down, he could cut off some of the lines on the parachute. These guns were slotted so they could go just so far to the right or left. The same went for up and down. It was a good thing. After a couple of other guys practiced, the next one up gave us another big thrill. He wasn’t too big or heavy set, so when the ship continued to pitch up and down, he had problems. He got strapped in alright, but did not get his feet or body set to control the gun. So when he released the turret safety, the gun swung aft as the ship’s stern went down in the swell. In the meantime, his hand immediately Students marched to class at the Sheepshead Bay training facility in Brooklyn, N.Y. where Stimac trained in 1943. 14 Seafarers LOG tightened and he pulled the trigger to fire. The shells went about 10 feet over our heads and cut off a couple guy wires. Scared stiff, we really moved from the fantail to the center of the ship. Now we knew why they put stops on the guns. The captain had just about had it, and he tied everything up and we never had any more practice. We soon caught up to the convoy and got into our position. We were in the last row back and the furthest ship out on the starboard side. This was called the “coffin corner.” Ships that carried explosives A pier, about five blocks long, was where lifeboat training was conducted at the Merchant Marine Academy. were assigned this position. If we blew up from a torpedo or gunfire, we wouldn’t take any other ship down with us. The closer to the middle of the convoy, the safer you were. But this wasn’t always true.... One time, for instance, a sub was spotted and it ran under the convoy for protection from the convoy escorts dropping depth charges. My experience was that when we were in the engine room on watch, we would count the depth charges the escorts would drop (usually between 75 to 100). This happened at sunrise and sunset. Anyway, on this day, the escorts came in after the sub and dropped a string of charges. They were close enough so it blew all the wrenches and spare parts loose from the skin of the ship. That’s why one always wanted to be the first one to sign up in the blackgang. The 4-8 watch was the worst, the morning watch when the sun rose around 6 or 7 o’clock and the 4-8 evening watch when the sun went down at 6 or 7 o’clock. I had just been relieved on my watch and was on the ladder going up when the charges started going off. I scampered up pretty fast and hit the deck running. I looked over the side and pretty soon saw some debris coming up from the sub. Don’t know if they got it or not, or if the sub just released a bunch of stuff. With a large convoy, it was difficult to keep everybody in formation and in line. One has to be aware that no radio communication could be used because it could be picked up by subs. So in clear weather, it was no problem as we kept everyone in visual sight. Even if the sea got a bit rough, we still could hold some sort of formation. The problem came when we hit fog. Visual contact was out, and all we used were the steamhorns. Each ship had an assigned horn signal—so many short blasts, long blasts and any variations thereof. If it was foggy or a dark night with a good sea running, one had problems. The ships would drift to port or starboard. In the morning, or when the fog cleared, it was a mess. It would take a good half day to get us more or less in line again. Even if we were the outside ship and in the coffin corner, ships would be outside of us and behind us. Some lines had six or seven ships and others would have only two or three. One day, we ran into heavy fog and a ship ran into our bow and tore off our starboard anchor. It also banged up our bow a bit but did not cause any leaks. It was on the deck plates and not down near the water line. Just as we were getting close to England, we ran into a large convoy of ships heading for the States. It was quite a mess. We met some of them head on and others came from the side. Evidently, some German subs had been in the vicinity and had torpedoed the ships, which then scattered. All around us, I could see ships going in different directions. We passed one ship that was going down bow first and the crew was lowering life boats. Seemed almost like a dream going by them at about 10 miles per hour. Maybe they were 100 yards away, but 100 yards isn’t much when two ships pass each other. Just past them was a ship sitting in the water, barely moving. But we kept heading straight ahead, making no effort to maneuver. We just kept sounding our horn in long steady blasts. We found out later that we had run up flags for BAKER. This meant high explosives on board in our cargo hold. There was a tanker on our port side coming at right angles to us He was really moving, but when he saw our B for BAKER flags, that big old tanker really put that ship in reverse in a hurry. The water was frothing and boiling up from the thrust of the propellers going full reverse. We just kept going, and it turned a little away from us and we passed in front of it by about 300 yards. After that, the escorts picked us up and gave us protection until the next morning and we were to hit England. During the lull in action, I heard how close we came to getting torpedoed. The Navy lookout on the bow did not respond during the action. One of the mate’s officers went up to see what the trouble was. He found the lookout in shock and just sitting and staring. The officer had to slap his face to get him to come around. We found out later his condition was caused by a torpedo headed toward us. Fortunately, it missed and went right under the bow. It missed us by just 10 or 20 feet. About five or six of us were rounded up the next day and we found out through scuttle that we were headed for Antwerp. That would be no problem, but the Germans had just left the port and had sunk boats and ships all over the passage going in. This time I was on day watch and down below when we started in. Why they put us in first, I’ll never know...unless they needed our ammunition that badly. We were afraid of a mined channel, so the 1st engineer had us put 5gallon cans filled with lube oil, one in each shaft alley bearing. We punched a hole in the bottoms and let it lubricate by gravity. Then we got out and went into the engine room and secured the watertight door. They always have a pilot come aboard a ship and bring it into the harbor, especially a local pilot who knows the harbor well. Being the first ones in, everybody was pretty jumpy. Hitting sandbars and sunken boats weren’t too bad. Floating mines and anchored mines gave us the biggest threat and fear. Brother Stimac’s wartime recollections will continue in a future edition of the Seafarers LOG. September 2007 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea October & November 2007 Membership Meetings JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals 3 5 6 18 7 7 37 22 4 13 6 28 17 15 6 4 4 2 38 17 0 0 1 8 2 0 5 5 0 1 3 6 5 5 3 0 0 0 6 8 307 259 58 0 0 6 11 2 4 19 19 2 8 8 24 6 10 3 1 3 0 15 18 0 1 2 9 3 6 16 12 1 7 2 10 14 7 1 3 5 1 19 10 0 1 0 2 0 1 4 4 1 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 5 6 Totals 159 129 31 1 0 1 10 2 12 24 14 0 6 5 29 6 22 1 1 1 2 22 26 0 1 1 7 2 3 8 10 1 4 3 5 10 1 2 2 3 1 5 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 Totals Totals All Departments 1 2 4 9 3 10 36 24 2 11 12 37 9 24 6 0 10 1 23 26 250 1 7 4 11 5 2 20 16 0 6 6 12 9 11 5 19 5 3 20 12 174 0 0 0 6 2 0 7 1 0 0 1 2 5 2 2 0 0 0 3 1 32 0 0 6 5 0 4 11 9 0 3 14 13 4 7 1 2 4 0 6 11 100 0 1 1 4 6 1 15 10 0 2 4 10 9 5 0 2 5 1 13 9 98 0 0 0 3 1 3 3 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 22 185 78 8 3 0 3 7 3 9 18 10 0 2 6 23 8 15 4 1 2 1 17 18 150 1 0 1 5 2 7 6 7 0 0 4 3 11 1 2 4 5 0 2 7 68 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 8 2 0 12 18 1 15 56 58 2 20 23 87 15 41 6 1 11 4 61 51 8 6 8 21 9 16 50 29 7 17 10 52 19 23 9 12 13 7 59 35 2 1 1 6 2 2 3 6 1 2 6 8 7 8 2 0 1 3 9 10 Algonac ................Friday: October 12, November 9 Baltimore..............Thursday: October 11, November 8 Boston ..................Friday: October 12, November 9 Guam ....................Thursday: October 25 ..............................Friday: November 23* (*change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) Honolulu...............Friday: October 19, November 16 Houston ................Monday: October 15 ..............................Tuesday: November 13* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) 133 484 410 80 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: October 11, November 8 0 0 3 1 0 2 4 8 0 1 3 5 9 4 0 1 2 0 0 13 0 0 5 11 3 10 25 35 2 16 9 38 10 19 3 1 4 1 28 21 2 4 6 14 1 13 17 18 3 8 7 15 20 10 4 5 5 5 25 13 0 1 0 1 1 1 5 3 1 1 1 4 5 1 2 0 1 3 5 8 Joliet .....................Thursday: October 18, November 15 68 241 195 44 0 0 1 8 1 3 12 7 0 0 0 9 7 8 0 1 0 1 7 12 1 0 4 9 2 14 42 25 1 10 7 31 16 42 2 3 1 1 36 45 1 1 0 9 2 8 15 18 2 9 2 13 15 4 0 2 2 1 9 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 2 77 292 124 21 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 1 0 2 4 3 0 1 2 7 0 5 0 0 1 0 9 1 0 3 4 4 3 4 18 18 1 6 6 36 16 10 1 3 4 0 20 13 1 0 2 4 1 12 5 12 0 3 3 6 18 8 0 27 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 5 0 4 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 3 1 2 2 4 14 7 0 4 6 21 5 9 0 8 3 0 10 6 0 0 0 4 2 3 5 0 0 1 1 3 6 5 0 19 0 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 8 3 0 2 4 11 1 7 0 0 1 0 10 2 2 2 3 10 3 8 26 32 3 9 5 70 25 28 2 16 4 0 28 24 9 1 2 9 0 16 12 22 2 2 8 27 28 13 4 12 1 3 12 7 37 170 110 17 105 55 0 53 300 190 688 636 207 517 445 117 278 1,070 1,029 335 *“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 2007 Piney Point ...........Tuesday: October 9* ..............................Monday: November 5 (*change created by Columbus Day holiday) 1 3 3 9 0 1 17 25 1 4 4 10 5 12 4 0 3 0 22 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac A1chorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 1 1 5 11 2 9 38 29 0 15 19 51 12 27 4 0 10 3 37 33 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Mobile ..................Wednesday: October 17, November 14 New Orleans.........Tuesday: October 16, November 13 New York .............Tuesday: October 9, November 6 Norfolk .................Thursday: October 11, November 8 Oakland ................Thursday: October 18, November 15 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: October 10, November 7 Port Everglades ....Thursday: October 18, November 15 San Juan ...............Thursday: October 11, November 8 St. Louis ...............Friday: October 19, November 16 Tacoma .................Friday: October 26, November 23 Wilmington...........Monday: October 22, November 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals CHIEF COOK GEORGE CREEKMORE Please e-mail Alma at shuby007@hotmail.com. HANK LIEBERMAN Anyone knowing the whereabouts of “my old shipmate, Hank Lieberman,” is asked to contact Tyrone Patrick-Navarre in Florida. The phone number is (850) 936-7015; or e-mail tdpat69@hotmail.com. Send Your Photos to the LOG Photos can tell a story. As has often been said, “a photo is worth a thousand words.” You can help the LOG tell the stories of interest to SIU members through your photos. When something happens on your ship, take some photos and send them to us. Or just snap some of your fellow shipmates at work. Try to take higher-quality photos (digital or regular), and therefore increase the odds that your photos will be included in the LOG. Here are a couple tips: Show the whole story in the photos. For instance, if the subject of the picture is a ship, show the whole ship. Let the LOG staff crop the photo as needed. Identify all the people in the photos by name and rating and indicate what they are doing. The LOG staff members are not seafarers, and sometimes they don’t know the proper names of equipment aboard ship. Digital photos should be taken at the highest resolution possible, otherwise they do not reproduce well for publication. Digital photos should be e-mailed to jbiscardo@seafarers.org. Other photos should be mailed to Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 IMPORTANT NOTICE TO UPGRADERS AND APPRENTICES Original USCG Physical Form and MRO Letter Mandatory Effective immediately, students who want to enroll in any of the following courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education must bring (or must have submitted in advance) an original, completed U.S. Coast Guard physical form and a medical review officer (MRO) drug letter upon arrival at the school: Unlicensed Apprentice Phase I, Unlicensed Apprentice Phase III, AB, FOWT, Junior Engineer, and all engine specialty courses. Members cannot take a drug test or a Coast Guard physical at the Paul Hall Center. Completed Coast Guard physical forms may be sent prior to a course’s start-up date or may be brought by the student. MRO drug letters may be submitted by the medical review officer in advance of the course or may be brought by the student. Paul Hall Center scheduling letters have been changed to include the aforementioned information. Additionally, each SIU hall in late July received a letter explaining this situation, including copies of the forms to be utilized by students. Please note that the MRO request form has been revised; the newest version calls for the letter to be sent directly to the Paul Hall Center admissions office. (Students and officials alike are reminded that random drug tests do not meet the requirement of the MRO drug letter.) For more information, contact the school’s admissions office at (301) 994-0010. BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 We are pleased to announce important changes to the Seafarers 401(k) Plan [formerly NMU 401(k) Plan]. Effective Aug. 1, 2007, we will be adding five (5) new investment options. NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 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. The new funds are called the ING Solution Portfolios, which are a set of five asset allocation portfolios. Each Solution Portfolio targets a specific date range for retirement. Here’s a summary of the investment option changes: Five (5) New Investment Options Effective Aug. 1, 2007 are: Asset Class Investment Style Lifecycle/Asset Allocation Solution Portfolios JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 899-0675 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE Seafarers 401(k) Plan [formerly NMU 401(k) Plan] HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 IMPORTANT NOTICE: ING Participant Access Effective Aug. 1, 2007, you will have access to the new funds via ING’s toll-free (800-262-3862) participant access telephone number or ING’s Internet Access Online New Funds Available on Aug. 1, 2007 Solution 2045 Portfolio Solution 2035 Portfolio Solution 2025 Portfolio Solution 2015 Portfolio Solution Income Portfolio available at www.ingretirementplans.com. You will also be able to use either of these services to initiate a transfer of your existing account balance and/or direct your future contributions to a different mix of available investment funds. If you need any additional information, please call the Plan office at the above number or Miriam Bove at (718) 499-6600, ext. 242. — Board of Trustees PIC-FROM-THE-PAST The year was 1954. The photo at right (taken from the LOG archives) shows copies of the new SIU contract being printed on the press in the mailing room at the headquarters building in New York. The new two-year contract, which was retroactive to Oct. 1, 1953, made several important changes in working rules and general rules dealing with such subjects as money draws in foreign ports, allotments, work in interior spaces by foreign shoregang labor, fans and innerspring mattresses in members’ cabins, handling of garbage and more. Monetary increases were anywhere from two to six percent in wages and overtime for all ratings. 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 2007 �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 AMERICUS BELL JR., 70, joined the union in 1990 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Bell sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He first worked aboard the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Bell was born in Alabama and shipped in the steward department. He attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 2000 and 2001. Brother Bell’s most recent voyage was aboard the Delta Mariner. He is a resident of Mobile. JOACHIM BUETZER, 65, became an SIU member in 1995. Brother Buetzer’s first voyage was on the Independence. The steward department member was born in Greece. Brother Buetzer upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1999, 2000, 2001 and again in 2002. He last sailed on the LNG Gemini. Brother Buetzer lives in Lahaina, Hawaii. WILLIAM FOGARTY, 65, embarked on his seafaring career in 1998 in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In 2000 and 2002, Brother Fogarty attended the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. to upgrade his skills. His first ship was the John McDonnell; his last was the USNS Red Cloud. Brother Fogarty was born in Connecticut and worked in the deck department. He makes his home in Palm Harbor, Fla. JOHN KOLODZIEJ, 65, hails from Mississippi. Brother Kolodziej joined the SIU in 1998 in the port of Fort Lauderdale. His first voyage was aboard the USNS Kane. Brother Kolodziej shipped in the deck department, most recently sailing on the USNS Dahl. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Kolodziej resides in Pompano Beach, Fla. MARVIN LAMBETH, 68, began his seafaring career in 1968. Brother Lambeth’s earliest voyage was aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. He enhanced his skills often at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, Brother Lambeth shipped on the Horizon Trader as a member of the engine department. He calls Temple Hills, Md. home. September 2007 ORELLANA MEJIA, 68, began sailing with the SIU in 1977. Brother Mejia first worked aboard an Altair Steamship Co. vessel in the engine department. Born in Honduras, he attended classes at the Piney Point school in 2001. His most recent voyage was on the USNS Algol. Brother Mejia settled in New Orleans. MIGUEL ROBLES, 61, first went to sea aboard a vessel operated by Penn Navigation Company. Brother Robles is a native of Puerto Rico. The steward department member upgraded in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Robles’ most recent voyage was on the Horizon Challenger. He continues to live in Puerto Rico. WILLIAM SHOWERS, 65, joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of New York. Brother Showers initially shipped in the deck department on the Sea Georgia. A native of Alabama, Brother Showers most recently work on a Delta Queen Steamship Co. vessel. He is a resident of Mobile, Ala. RAY GREENE, 61, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1980. Boatman Greene worked primarily on the Dodge Island. The Georgia native upgraded his skills in 2004 at the Piney Point school. Boatman Greene lives in Valdosta, Ga. ROBERT HURST, 64, hails from Virginia. Boatman Hurst launched his SIU career in 1977. He worked primarily on Virginia Pilot Corp. boats. In 1980, Boatman Hurst attended upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center. He is a resident of Cobbs Creek, Va. RAYMOND McKNIGHT, 48, initiated his SIU career in 1978. Boatman McKnight first sailed aboard a National Marine Service Inc. vessel. He was a frequent upgrader at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman McKnight was born in Pennsylvania. He most recently sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. Boatman McKnight is a resident of Thornhurst, Pa. BERRY MEEKINS, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1990. Boatman Meekins shipped primarily on vessels operated by Allied Transportation Co. He upgraded his seafaring skills on three occasions at the maritime training and education center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Meekins settled in Chocowinity, N.C. LUMAN MOODY JR., 65, embarked on his seafaring career in 1994 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Moody shipped primarily aboard American Marine Corp. vessels. He was born in Birmingham, Ala. and sailed as a member of the deck department. Boatman Moody makes his home in Seal Beach, Calif. CLYDE BRADSHAW, 62, was born in Maryland and launched his seafaring career in 1985 in Piney Point. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by the Association of Maryland Pilots. Boatman Bradshaw makes his home in Ewell, Md. EDWARD BRADY, 62, became an SIU member in 1983 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Brady sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. Born in California, Boatman Brady enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He resides in Sunset Beach, Calif. JAMES GRAY, 62, joined the union in 1983 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Gray sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. He took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Seafarers-affiliated school in 1994, 1998 and 2000. Boatman Gray worked in the deck department. He calls O’Neals, Calif. home. JOSEPH McKAY, 55, joined the union in 1973, initially sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother McKay worked primarily on vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management, including the J.B. Ford and the Alpena. He shipped in the engine department. Brother McKay attended the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. to upgrade his skills in 1979, 1994 and again in 2003. He lives in his native state of Michigan. GREAT LAKES MOHSIN ABDULLA, 65, was born in Arabia. Brother Abdulla joined the SIU in 1972. His first voyage was aboard the Hennepin, Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1947 INLAND on which he worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Abdulla attended classes at the Seafarers-affiliated school in 1979 and 2000. He most recently shipped on the Indiana Harbor. Brother Abdulla resides in Dearborn, Mich. Commending the captain and one of the ordinary seamen aboard ship for their diligence in aiding a crew member stricken with appendicitis, the crew of the SS Venore unanimously gave them a vote of appreciation at the September 7 shipboard meeting. The stricken crew member, J. Brake, oiler, became ill while the ship was off the west coast of South America. While Brake was ill, D. Reynolds, OS, gave unstintingly of his time to make Brake more at ease until port could be reached. The skipper, Robert Mason, kept in constant touch with the sick man. When he saw the man was too ill to remain aboard until the regular port was hit, he turned the vessel off course and put in at Lima, Peru. The foresight of the captain saved the life of the Seafarer as an operation was immediately performed with success. Moving for the vote of appreciation was Brother C. Davis with the entire crew in unanimous approval. Another vote of thanks for a somewhat different reason was given the ship’s steward, Clarence Davis, who was praised for good food, fast service and clean mess rooms. The steward in turn lauded the crew for being the most friendly, jolly and helpful to one another that he has had the pleasure to work with aboard ship. idled by the walkout. Strike action in San Juan on Wednesday tied up the Carolyn and the Jean, with the remainder of the fleet’s operations due to be closed down as ships come in. Two Libertys, the Angelina and Dorothy, are already inactive. The strike began on August 19 after many weeks of negotiations by the union committee and the company had failed to break a deadlock on wage changes and other monetary matters. Two days later, the Masters, Mates & Pilots, representing deck officers, and the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association also ran into total snags in their separate contract talks with the company and picketed the terminal. Longshoremen, Teamsters and others servicing the ships, including ship’s radio officers and pursers, have all respected the various union picket lines. This Month In SIU History 1957 The SIU extended its strike against Bull Line to San Juan in the fourth week of the walkout despite efforts by Bull to break the strike. A company bid for an injunction was denied last week by State Supreme Court Justice John E. Cone, who ruled that there was no reason why SIU’s peaceful picketing could not continue…. Round-the-clock picketing by Seafarers has halted all activity at the Brooklyn terminal, with four C-2 ships, the Frances, Kathryn, Elizabeth and Beatrice 1967 MONTREAL—The 5,400 members of the SIU of Canada have returned to their ships pending formal ratification of an agreement reached last week between negotiators for the union and 32 Canadian inland shipping companies. Voting on the full agreement will be held aboard all ships within the next two weeks, according to Leonard McLaughlin, SIU of Canada president. Release of full details of the settlement must await formal membership ratification, McLaughlin said, but it involves an overall 34 percent increase for Seafarers over three years and provides for a basic work week of 40 hours, previously denied to seamen in Canada. The decision by the SIU members to return to work after an agreement was reached ended a 37-day strike in which the key issues in dispute were a 40hour week, ship manning, the 24-hour work span and paid leave. Although a wage increase was sought by the union, most of its demands centered in the area of fringe benefits. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA LAU CHAN Pensioner Lau Chan, 79, passed away Dec. 30. Brother Chan joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Ship Management; his first being the President Polk. He last worked aboard the President Wilson. Brother Chan was born in China and shipped in the steward department. He retired in 1987. His home was in California. BILL FERNANDEZ Pensioner Bill Fernandez, 81, died Dec. 23. Brother Fernandez became an SIU member in 1967. He began sailing aboard Hudson Waterways Corp. vessels as a member of the deck department. Brother Fernandez, who was born in the Philippines, most recently sailed aboard the OMI Yukon. Brother Fernandez started collecting his pension in 1967. He called Pinole, Calif. home. JOHN FRANCES Pensioner John Frances, 85, passed away Dec. 20. Brother Frances began his seafaring career in 1951. His first voyage was on the Steel Record. Brother Frances worked in the engine department, most recently on the Leader. Brother Frances went on pension in 1984 and resided in Baltimore. JOSE GONZALEZ Pensioner Jose Gonzalez, 80, died Dec. 22. Brother Gonzalez joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York. He began sailing on an Ore Navigation vessel. Brother Gonzalez, who was a member of the deck department, last worked aboard the San Juan. He continued to live in his native Spain and went on pension in 1991. NEVILLE JOHNSON Pensioner Neville Johnson, 68, passed away Dec. 19. Brother Johnson joined the SIU in 1969. He first sailed in the steward department of the Baylor Victory. Brother Johnson was born in New Orleans. Prior to retiring in 1998, he shipped on the Steven L. Bennett. Brother Johnson was a resident of New Iberia, La. GEORGE KONTOMATIS Pensioner George Kontomatis, 84, died Jan. 3. Brother Kontomatis began sailing with the SIU in 1967. His first trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Joyce. Brother Kontomatis was born in Greece and worked in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard a the Baltimore. Brother Kontomatis started receiving 18 Seafarers LOG his pension in 1987 and made his home in Long Island, N.Y. ARNE LARSEN Pensioner Arne Larsen, 91, passed away Dec. 15. Brother Larsen began his seafaring career in 1951. He first shipped aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel and last worked on a Michigan Tankers Inc. ship. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Larsen began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1975. He made his home in Denmark. HARRIN MACIP Brother Harrin Macip, 64, died Dec. 23. Born in Honduras, Brother Macip joined the union in 1962. He first sailed on a Seatrain Lines vessel. The deck department member most recently worked aboard the Integrity. Brother Macip called Oberlin, La. home. DIMAS MENDOZA Pensioner Dimas Mendoza, 87, passed away Dec. 12. Brother Mendoza began his SIU career in 1944, first sailing aboard the Mobilian. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped as a member of the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Bayamon. Brother Mendoza went on pension in 1981 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. DONALD NICHOL Pensioner Donald Nichol, 78, died Dec. 13. Brother Nichol became a union member in 1979 in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was aboard the Del Sol. Brother Nichol, who sailed in the steward department, was born in Seattle and settled in Puyallup, Wash. He started receiving his retirement stipends in 1989. RAFAEL QUINONEZ Pensioner Rafael Quinonez, 79, passed away Dec. 28. Brother Quinonez joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Jefferson City Victory; his last was the Horizon Mayaguez. Brother Quinonez was born in San Juan and worked in the engine department. He retired in 1994 and made his home in Orlando, Fla. VINCENT SIGUENZA Pensioner Vincent Siguenza, 62, died Dec. 7. Brother Siguenza began his seafaring career in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was on the Santa Maria. Brother Siguenza worked in the steward department, most recently aboard the Grand Canyon State. Brother Siguenza was born in Hawaii and called Las Vegas, Nev. home. He became a pensioner in 2005. KENNETH STEINMETZ Pensioner Kenneth Steinmetz, 79, passed away Dec. 3. Born in New Jersey, Brother Steinmetz started sailing with the SIU in 1951 from the port of New York. During his seafaring career, he shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by Interocean American Shipping. Brother Steinmetz was a member of the engine department. He went on pension in 1986 and settled in Clearlake, Calif. BILLY WALKER Pensioner Billy Walker, 79, died Jan. 1. Brother Walker joined the SIU in 1945. The U.S. Army veteran initially sailed aboard the Azores as a member of the engine department. Brother Walker retired in 1989 and continued to live in his native state of Tennessee. SIDNEY WALLACE Brother Sidney Wallace, 52, passed away Dec. 15. He joined the SIU in 1978 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Wallace first shipped on the Fort Hoskins. The deck department member, who was born in Norfolk, Va., most recently worked aboard the ITB Groton. He was a resident of Virginia. LEROY WILLIAMS Pensioner Leroy Williams, 86, died Dec. 15. Brother Williams launched his SIU career in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. His earliest trip to sea was on a Cosmos Navigation Corp. vessel. A native of Florida, Brother Williams worked in the engine his SIU career, Boatman Dujmovich sailed primarily on vessels operated by Moran Towing of Philadelphia. He retired in 1986 and lived in Glenolden, Pa. department. Before his retirement in 1987, Brother Williams sailed aboard the Overseas Ohio. He resided in Catonsville, Md. BERT WINFIELD Pensioner Bert Winfield, 76, passed away Dec. 19. Brother Winfield began shipping with the union in 1951. His first voyage was on the Winfield S. Stratton. Brother Winfield was born in Virginia and sailed in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Performance. Brother Winfield made his home in Norfolk, Va. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1994. 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 DOD Archer, William 86 Nov. 26 Armijo, Samuel 89 Nov. 2 Budny, Frank 80 Oct. 28 Fontanez, Calixto 91 Nov. 28 Fuertes, Francisco 79 Nov. 15 Hendricks, Thomas 80 Nov. 24 RONALD WOLF Jennings, Ned 83 Oct. 30 Pensioner Ronald Wolf, 77, died Dec. 31. Brother Wolf joined the SIU in 1979. He initially shipped on the New York as a member of the deck department. Brother Wolf, who was born in New York, worked on the Edward A. Carter Jr. prior to retiring in 1995. He called Massapequa Park, N.Y. home. Langford, John 81 Nov. 7 Levy, Kenneth 86 Nov. 20 Lewis, Carl 79 Nov. 8 Mandahar, Margaret 62 Oct. 25 Martinez, Felix 78 Oct. 23 Mashburne, Harvey 80 Oct. 28 McBride, Joseph Nov. 8 INLAND 77 Melendez, Antonio 95 Nov. 22 Padro, Angel 85 Nov. 28 Phelan, John 73 Nov. 30 Raines, John 83 Nov. 20 THOMAS DUJMOVICH Rowley, Amos 88 Nov. 15 Pensioner Thomas Dujmovich, 83, passed away Jan. 1. Boatman Dujmovich was born in Philadelphia and joined the union in 1961. During Rybak, Frank 82 Nov. 12 Vaughn, Billy 75 Oct. 17 Vincze, Richard 79 Oct. 16 MTD Promotes National Dredging Policy Continued from page 4 Moreover, the Department of Defense has designated two dozen ports as being essential in the mobilization and deployment of U.S. forces during major overseas conflicts and in keeping troops supplied. U.S. Dredging Projects Should Be Funded at Adequate Levels While the EPA statement on dredging notes that “a network of ports and harbors is essential to the United States’ economy … and national security,” it fails to explicitly state that the only way that these national assets can be maintained is if the federal government sets aside adequate monies for port modernization/ dredging. Unfortunately, over the past two decades, dredging projects have been consistently underfunded. For example, the administration requested $4.871 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works program in the fiscal year 2008 budget. As the American Association of Port Authorities noted, this funding level still is about $1 billion short of what is needed to ensure that U.S. ports remain capable of handling the volume of ships from all categories that are found in the world’s maritime fleets. As other groups have noted, funding for domestic dredging began to stagnate in the 1970s. The establishment of a Harbor Maintenance Tax in 1986 was supposed to alleviate this problem at deep-draft ports and waterways. However, the monies in the fund, which has a surplus of $3.3 billion, have never been dispensed at levels needed to keep the U.S. port system properly maintained. Any Dredging Policy Should Recognize the Special Needs of the Great Lakes Industry Any federal dredging policy should recognize that the crisis that permeates the industry is particularly acute on the Great Lakes, which has long been shortchanged when it comes to government spending on port modernization. Corps per capita spending on Great Lakes dredging amounted to $0.52 per ton carried last year. In contrast, per capita spending on the Missouri River was 30 times that amount, or $15 per ton of cargo carried. Because of this funding imbalance, Great Lakes vessels have been forced to sail at less than capacity, which affects the local economies and increases operating costs and pollution. Other Areas The MTD, like other segments of the maritime industry, strongly believes that the federal government should invest monies into research to make the dredging industry more productive. One promising method for the Great Lakes region includes Open Lake disposal of non-contaminated sediment. However, some states bar this promising method. The MTD strongly supports increasing the beneficial uses of dredged material. This offers not just an opportunity to lower the cost of dredging, it also aids in restoration and habitat creation. Any federal policy should take into account that we need to expand the times of year dredging can be done safely. This will substantially reduce costs. Finally, dredging projects should proceed in a timely manner. While the 1993 review helped streamline the dredging process, it did not go far enough. Too many legal and bureaucratic hurdles remain in place. September 2007 �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. ADVANTAGE (Sealift, Inc.), July 1—Chairman Andrew Jones, Secretary Kenneth A. Roetzer, Deck Delegate Allan B. Coloyan. Chairman discussed changes to health plan and read president’s report from Seafarers LOG. He thanked crew members for safe trip and stated ship is going under APL contract in the Middle East. Secretary reported smooth sailing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude to steward department for “awesome job.” Next port: Jebel Ali, UAE. ALLIANCE (Liberty Maritime Corp.), July 8—Chairman Brad D. Brunette, Secretary Ronald V. Lupinacci, Deck Delegate Raymond Johnson, Engine Delegate Wade Jordan. Chairman announced July 24 payoff in Brunswick, Ga. He asked seafarers to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. He also requested that they keep noise down in passageways while watchstanders are trying to sleep. Crew was reminded to keep documents current. Educational director talked about educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested refrigerators in all crew rooms. Bosun suggested raising retirement benefits. Next ports: Savannah, Ga.; Jacksonville; Baltimore. EL YUNQUE (Interocean American Shipping), July 29— Chairman Luis J. Ramirez, Secretary Francis E. Ostendarp Jr., Deck Delegate Jackie Jones Jr., Engine Delegate Peggy A. Wilson, Steward Delegate Ismael A. Garayua. Chairman advised crew members to read Seafarers LOG to stay up-to-date on information pertaining to maritime industry. Secretary discussed changes to medical plan. Educational director recommended everyone upgrade at Piney Point school whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), July 25—Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki Haggerty. Bosun talked about Coast Guard web site. Information about new TWIC program can be found there. He also informed crew that CIGNA, the new insurance carrier, has web site where you can find names of doctors. Members asked for copies of contract; they would like to know vacation rate and number of days required for vacation pay. Clarification requested regarding permanent crew members returning to vessel as per shipping rules. Secretary reminded everyone to put dirty laundry in supplied bags. Treasurer stated $4,300 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for job well done and, in turn, thanked deck department for painting pantry and engine department for installing new refrigerator. Thanks also given to bosun for help getting new washers and dryers for crew. Next port: Portland, Ore. HARRIETTE (Sealift, Inc.), July 8—Chairman Sean M. Ryan, Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Manuel A. Lulley, Deck Delegate Osnang Ariola, Engine Delegate Alfredo M. Silva, Steward Delegate Lolita A. Sanchez. Bosun announced payoff July 14 in the port of Houston. Ship returning from West Africa and will be loaded in Houston and Lakes Charles, La. for Africa. Secretary advised crew members to have cash on hand to pay dues when agent comes aboard. Educational director urged Working on the Seabulk Trader Clockwise from left: Chief Cook Matthew Carroll prepares a meal in the galley; AB Carson Jordan operates the port crane; and AB David Hollenback heads for lunch after a busy morning. Photos taken by AB Irving Carlos Rueda on the way back to the U.S. from China. September 2007 mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated bosun donated $230 to ship’s fund, which now contains $330. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), July 22— Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Sherman W. Anderson, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Frank R. Bermudez, Engine Delegate Jeffrey L. Murray, Steward Delegate Christopher D. Hopkins. Chairman announced July 26 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. Educational director advised crew to check document expiration dates and renew early. He also encouraged them to attend classes at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications were read and posted for crew to review. Bosun thanked all members for working hard to clean ship after coming out of shipyard. All aboard expressed gratitude to steward department for great meals during voyage. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), July 18— Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary William P. McGee, Educational Director Matthew P. Ditullio, Deck Delegate Franklin V. Futch, Steward Delegate Daniel V. Crawford. Chairman led discussion of new medical network. Educational director encouraged all mariners to take advantage of upgrading opportunities offered at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made pertaining to the pension and medical plans. Next port: Houston. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), July 4—Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Clark S. Williams, Educational Director Brian S. Leach, Deck Delegate Chad Chirell, Steward Delegate Thomas Gingerich. Chairman announced July 6 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. He informed crew that new barbecue grill was purchased and is scheduled for delivery in Oakland, Calif. Secretary encouraged crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. He stressed the need for more electricians. Educational director also talked about upgrading and encouraged members to take advantage of the refrigeration course. Treasurer stated $400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked fellow crew members for their patience and respect during journey. Request was made for a steam table, grill and larger sink for washing pots and pans. Clarification requested on process of calculating seatime when applying for medical benefits. Next port: Tacoma. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), July 5—Chairman Abdulla R. Alwaseem, Secretary Michael Kozak, Educational Director Grant W. Schuman, Engine Delegate Romeo N. Rivera, Steward Delegate Clancy Hennigan. Bosun announced July 7 payoff in Los Angeles. He informed crew members that retroactive pay for COLA would be forwarded to employees’ homes. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and to watch expiration dates on MMDs and renew early. Treasurer stated $1,400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new laundry detergent, hot water dispenser in messhall and fans for crew rooms. Clarification requested on various terms in contract. Seafarers thanked steward department for nice holiday barbecue. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), July 8—Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Abdul Gharma, Engine Delegate William J. Boyd. Chairman thanked crew for smooth, safe voyage and passports. He advised mariners to apply for TWIC cards as soon as issuing offices are open. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to keep noise down during lunch hour and after 1800 because people are trying to sleep. Aft door on crew deck also should not be used during those hours. Bosun reminded everybody to separate plastics from regular trash in all rooms including messhalls and laundry and garbage rooms. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals and clean house. Next ports: Yokosuka, Japan; Ulsan, South Korea; Guam; Cherry Point. Aboard the Seabulk Trader SA Sanad Saleh and DEU Nasser Kassim are good friends as well as good shipmates. announced July 16 payoff in Newark, N.J. Secretary reported 60-day stores to be taken on in Portsmouth, Va. He thanked members for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged mariners to contribute to SPAD for job security and to upgrade skills at school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding raising pension benefits. Steward department was thanked for job well done. Next ports: Portsmouth; Charleston, S.C. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), July 1—Chairman Roger C. Tupas, Secretary Jack A. Hart, Engine Delegate Gilberto E. Baltazar. Chairman announced July 21 payoff in New Jersey and that the ship would then be re-flagged. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade whenever possible at SIU-affiliated school for better wages and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase vacation benefits. Thanks given to all departments for great work during voyage. Next ports: Jacksonville; New Jersey. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships, Inc.), July 16— Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Fonda T. Biamonte, Educational Director Kelly L Mayo, Deck Delegate Eric A. Kjellberg, Engine Delegate Donald W. Lumpkins, Steward Delegate Albert Hermoso. Bosun announced Aug. 15 payoff in Cherry Point, Wash. He talked about change in medical plan and reminded departing crew members to make sure they get injury/illness-free tour of duty letter from captain in order to qualify for bonus when filing for vacation benefits. Steward delegate asked that drinking glasses not be taken to rooms or on deck. Educational director urged members to check expiration dates on z-cards and Second Pumpman Ray Avie and AB Geoffrey Hall stand a minute of silence following the shipboard meeting in memory of departed Seafarers. SEABULK POWER (Seabulk Tankers, Inc.) July 3—Chairman Moises Ramos, Secretary Richard A. Riley, Educational Director Donald H. McBride Jr., Engine Delegate Pedro G. Rochez, Steward Delegate Charles Reynolds III. Chairman requested copy of memorandum of understanding with Seabulk Tankers Inc. He thanked galley gang for great job. Secretary distributed copies of current health and benefit plan to all crew members and informed them that any questions should be directed to the plan on an individual basis. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of Piney Point school whenever possible and also stressed the importance of contributing to SPAD. Suggestion made to ask contracts department to look into increasing pension benefits and reducing number of days required to qualify. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. WASHINGTON EXPRESS (Crowley Marine), July 5— Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Frances Dvoroznak, Educational Director George W. Bieselin. Chairman announced July 11 payoff in Houston. He reminded mariners to keep plastic items separate from paper and other trash and donate to SPAD for job security. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in order to qualify for jobs aboard ship. Last four refrigerators were purchased and installed in crew rooms. All rooms now have refrigerators. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to set a sailing board 30 minutes after arrival, as per contract. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Houston. 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. Wartime Shipping Memories Still Vivid Sixty-three years ago, I took an oiler’s job on the John W. Meldrum. We loaded 10,000 tons of ammunition out of Beaver Ammo Depot, which is near Clatskanie, Ore. On leaving Beaver and going across the bay, the No. 1 bearing got hot. I was trying everything in the book to cool it down, including dumping kerosene in it followed by gallons of oil. (This was a Liberty ship with a triple expansion steam engine.) I was running up and down the staircase with the oil and kerosene. The chief engineer was running behind me, beating me on the back with his fists. He was furious. But he was a small man, so he didn’t hurt me. I finally got the bearing cooled down, but it was wiped out, so it hammered all the way across the Pacific to the Admiralty (or Manus) Islands. The minute we dropped anchor, the first engineer pulled that bearing down and scraped it and refitted it like new! The next day, the USS Mt. Hood blew up alongside of us. The port officials moved our ship a couple miles out to sea, where we dropped anchor and were unloaded by barges. It took six weeks to unload. There is a discrepancy as to how many people lost their lives—anywhere from 325 to 375. No bodies were ever found—only bits and pieces. I was on deck at the time, and the blast almost blew me over. Ed Unversagt Warren, Oregon Retiree Remembers Sailing Days The following poem was written by John M. Clarke of Houston, Texas, “an old retiree who no longer can ship out but who often thinks about what it used to be like.” Brother Clark wishes “good luck to all the officials and members of the SIU—the finest maritime union in the world—and to all in the number-one port in the U.S.A.—Houston.” Know Your Rights I want to make a trip On a good old union ship. To places I want to see Somewhere across the sea. Perhaps over to sunny Spain And hope it does not rain. To feel ocean breezes once more Far from the American shore. I do have a hanker Once again to ride a tanker. Ras Tanura, here I come Hold out your hand in welcome. Remembering One thing I want you to get I am not ready to sail yet. Hope you take some time To read this little rhyme. It came into my head Before I even got out of bed. I am just letting off steam And having a nice little dream. LOG-A-RHYTHM SS Steel Flyer 1943-1971 by Max Reed There’s nothing like ships and sailors—amen. Sixteen years, twenty-one or thirty, from the union they send—kids we are and men. Be it first ship or last ship ... bulk carrier, tanker or freighter, its seafaring adventure—shipmates like kin. Fireman, watertender, oiler man, all hands ... pilot on the captain’s bridge—the voyage begins ... from the engine room, galley and deck—all aboard—the Steel Flyer, a steamer 16 knots—we travel— no wind. The screw churns, turns and sailors’ tales we spin. Saigon, Pusan, Tokyo and Taipei ... Fire, oil and steam—fire it up, Captain and heave-ho, it’s the New Bar Pusan ... and our cherry boys will go. It’s the pretty women that will change the boy’s life, you know. Former Seafarer Max Reed sailed aboard the Steel Flyer in 1968. The Isthmian Lines vessel was built in 1943 by Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp. in Pascagoula, Miss. In 1971, the ship was sold for scrapping in a foreign yard. 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. 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 9/07 (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ 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 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 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 Pensioner 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. Tied up and let go—from sea to sea—the SS Steel Flyer Americanflagged she be—the house has been full and many lives she see ... Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? Active SIU 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. 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 2007 �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 2007. 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) 9940010. Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops September 10 October 5 FOWT October 8 November 2 Marine Electrician September 24 November 16 Welding October 1 October 29 October 19 November 16 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting September 24 October 5 Basic Safety Training/STCW September 3 September 17 September 24 October 29 November 12 November 19 December 10 September 7 September 21 September 28 November 2 November 17 November 23 December 14 Government Vessels September 17 November 5 September 21 November 9 Medical Care Provider October 8 October 12 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* September 24 October 5 November 26 December 7 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 1 October 26 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* October 22 October 26 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 17 September 28 October 29 November 9 Radar October 8 October 19 Radar Renewal (one day) October 29 (*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, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. 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 beginning Sept. 3, 2007. Recertification Bosun October 8 November 5 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 2007 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. 9/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 689 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 689. They include (in alphabetical order) Ali Ahmed, Bryan Boyle, Robert Brackbill, Linarys Castillo, Rani Duke, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Stanley Gerber, Robert Lee Gray, Ruben Haynes, Travis Horton, Weneisom Landstrom, Cheryl Lee, Elmer Pancho, Rommel Sijera, Thomas Tebow, Anthony Thomas and Joshua Zelinsky. Galley Ops — Flanked by Chef/Instructor Ed White on the left and Chef/Instructor Natalie Nunes on the right are students working their way up through the culinary ladder. They are (from left), Brad Stephenson, Keesha Smith, Lisette Bonilla, Rob Engelhart, Budiman Chandra, Donald Lasley and Julio Marcone. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 690 — Unlicensed apprentices from class 690 who completed the water survival course are (in alphabetical order) Jakssen Aristizabal, Robert Arnett, Gavin Benckert, David Bernstein, Drake Corpus, Jose Encarnacion, John Fraley, Donnetta McLee, Joshua Montgomery, Dwon Petite, Neiman Pettis, Robert Raymond, Christopher Sheppard, Henry Sheppard, Sean Sullivan, Dominic Tuccio and Kurt Weidacher. Advanced Fire Fighting — Completing the advanced fire fighting course July 20 under the instruction of Mark Cates (far right) are (in no specific order) Jordan Cuddy, Bryan Field, Chris Kibodeaux, Harry McKever, Kenneth Jackson, Robert McMurray, Maurice Baptiste, Joel Encarnacion, Doug Lewis, Greg Martineau, Marco Rodriguez, Michael Stephens, Carlos Castillo, Willie Sam, James Armer, Charles Mispagel, Wayne Henry, Philip Ayotte, Kelly Doyle and Jeffery Bull. 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. Machinist — Forrest Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two groups of Phase III students completed this course July 6. They include (in no specific order) Aubrey Wiggins, Joshua McAtee, Jason Young, Gavin Benckert, Robert Brown, Rhett Morgan, Philip Carlton, Farren Blackwell, James McEntire, Linarys Ortiz, Cheryl Lee, Dennis Barbosa, Rani Duke, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Christopher Carrier, Jean Cardona, Angel Cintron, Brandon Fields, Derrick Elijah, Jose Garcia, Neiman Pettis, Danielle Wright, Ali Ahmed, Andres Nunez, Emmanuel Garcia, Chris Ruggiero, Vic Moody, Pedro Rivera-Riestra, Robert Puckett and Daniel Griffin. McGee (seated) had the full attention of his instructor, Steve Haver, in the machinist class that ended July 27. Computer Lab Classes Flanking instructor Rick Prucha are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Showing their certificates of achievement are Lissette Bonilla (left) and Alfredo L. Genio Jr. 22 Seafarers LOG Machinist — Graduating from this course July 6 are (in alphabetical order) Sergio Ayala, Jessie Cooper, Ron Embody, Samuel Garrett, Benjamin Mathews, Terry Santure and Hector Solis. September 2007 �Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the water survival course July 6 are (in alphabetical order) Christopher Baxter, Jeremie Coates, Brenton Edenfield, Alfredo Genio, Ronnie Rankin, Hipolita Roches and Dennis Shields. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is standing at left. Fast Rescue Boat — Five students completed the fast rescue boat class June 29. They are Carlos Castillo, Greg Martineau, Jeffrey Jensinson, Robert Hall and Eric Hurt. Their instructor, Tom Truitt, is at far right. Galley Ops — Completing one of the galley courses recently (under the instruction of Chef John Dobson at left) are (from left) Cory Jackson, Alex Vasquez and Al Balsone. FOWT — Under the instruction of Tim Achorn (standing far right) are 15 students who completed the FOWT course. They are (in no specific order) Claytain Carr, Eeric White, Fatim Rashed, Brandon Bosch, Maurice Jones, Damion Vaughn, Victorino Marin, Rustin Calame, Alex Roel, Lewis Coleman, Tracy Hanson, J.M. White, Michael Bussiere, Myckal Sands and Dewayne Gould Jr. STCW — NCL, July 19: Eugenio Guzman, Eric Haight, Christopher Hawkins, Micah Hill, Jillian Huschke, Carly Irby, Lindsey Jones, Lindsie Jones, Peggy Jones, Michael Kenworthy, Tenphel Kunchok, Matthew Leach, Alvin Lopez, Joseph Mancini, Jeffrey Marsden, Kevin McCarthy, David Pettit III, Darrell Price, Joseph Pugliese Jr., Zackary Quichocho and William Reiff Pumpman — With instructor Jim Shaffer (far left) are upgrading Seafarers who completed the pumpman class July 20. They are (in alphabetical order) Sergio Ayala, Jessie Cooper, Samuel Garrett, Terry Santure and Quincy Wilson. Safety Training at the Barbers Point Facility in Hawaii STCW — NCL, June 18: Rodolfo Novero Jr, Richard Estonina, Rodrigo Sarinas, Maribele Zamora, Teresa Perez, Ivor Steve Hooker Omeir, Pereira Amancio Martin, Teles Francisco, Augustin Ulrick, Delfinito Olarte, Wilfredo Ariap Jr, Rodrigo Junior Habana, Michael Roman, Juremar Crisostomo, John Timoteo September 2007 STCW — NCL, June 18: Albert Bagona, Redentor Carino, Whitzel Panes, Tacorda Salvador, Gama Victor, Savio Cecil Pereira, Costa Constancio Roberto, Menino Luis, Joseph Alfonso, Melanio Aguirre, Joseph Villafuerte Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 69, Number 9 September 2007 Attention Seafarers: It takes a four-letter word to be heard. Contribute to SPAD! ‘Phase II’ Apprentices Sail on Cleveland For Practical Training, At-Sea Component Is Tough to Top Unlicensed Apprentice Henry Sheppard Unlicensed Apprentice Drake Corpus These photos of Seafarers and unlicensed apprentices were taken this summer aboard the Cleveland, which crossed the equator during the voyage. A ugust marked the 40th anniversary of the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. While the school has undergone drastic changes since first opening its gates in 1967, the entry-level program always has remained an essential part of Paul Hall Center curriculums. Nevertheless, the unlicensed apprentice program itself also has transformed throughout the years. Perhaps the most significant change occurred 10 years ago when the program expanded to include (among other new segments) “Phase II”—a 90-day shipboard experience in which each trainee rotates through the three shipboard departments aboard a U.S.-flag vessel. Mariners and instructors alike have cited Phase II as a key reason why students who complete the entire UA program are likely to continue working in the industry. According to Paul Hall Center officials, more than 75 percent of students who graduate from the program still are sailing four years later (the most recent calculation made by the school). Seafarers-contracted Sealift, Inc. recently joined the ranks of companies participating in “Phase II” of the unlicensed apprentice program, which entirely consists of U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses, many of them blending classroom instruction with practical training. Other companies taking part in Phase II include 3PSC, Alaska Tanker Company, Allied Towing, AMSEA, American Steamship, Crowley, E-Ships, Hannah Marine, Horizon Lines, Interocean American Shipping, Keystone, Liberty Maritime, Maersk, NCL America, Ocean Ships, Overseas Shipholding Group and Pacific Gulf Marine. While the shipboard training has proven successful, Phase I, at the school itself, lays the foundation for becoming a mariner. This phase also lasts three months and includes the following training: vessel familiarization; STCW basic safety training; basic fire fighting; first aid; water survival; vessel operations; and social responsibilities. During Phase III (which also takes place in Piney Point), students begin to specialize their training. Deck personnel head to courses titled (respectively) specially trained ordinary seaman OS Steven Reiber, UA Henry Sheppard and tankship familiarization/dangerous liquids, while engine department mariners enroll in the basic auxiliary plant operations class. Those who choose the steward department take four weeks of upgrader-level galley operations. Completion of Phase III is considered official graduation, but the school doesn’t abandon students after that point. What is considered Phase IV consists of an additional four months’ sea service, followed by the appropriate upgrading course (able seaman, for instance). For additional information about the program, call tollfree at 1-877-235-3275 or visit the Paul Hall Center section of the web site at www.seafarers.org Unlicensed Apprentice David Bernstein � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES USNS GIANELLA RESCUES 13 CUBAN REFUGEES CROWLEY CHRISTENS 3RD OF 10 NEW ATBS TUGBOAT RESOLVE, BARGE 650-3 JOINS SEAFARERS-CREWED FLEET MARAD ANNOUNCES COMMITMENT FOR AMERICAN-FLAG LNG SHIPS 11 MILLION HOURS AND COUNTING AS ALASKA TANKER CO. HITS MILESTONE ITF INSPECTOR HONORED MTD SPOTLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL DREDGING POLICY GRETCHEN TO THE RESCUE… HOUSE APPROVES ‘BELATED THANK YOU’ LEGISLATION LABOR FEDERATION’S EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PLANS STRATEGIES FOR WORKING FAMILIES CALIF. GROCERY WORKERS RATIFY 4-YEAR CONTRACT USNS COMFORT CIVMARS SPREAD ‘HOOPS DIPLOMACY’ IN EL SALVADOR AMMO SHIP’S STORY HAS POP CIVMAR NEWS: UNION FILES GRIEVANCE HUGHES ELECTED O LEAD ILA BOWERS RETIRES AFTER 20 YEARS AT UNION’S HELM THE U.S. MERCHANT MARINE: ALWAYS READY TO DELIVER SERVING THE COUNTRY FROM COLONIAL DAYS TO THE PRESENT RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MERCHANT MARINE IN WORLD WAR II ‘PHASE II’ APPRENTICES SAIL ON CLEVELAND 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 09/01/2007 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. 69, No. 9 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/03f034557209c8415ebc509a06904a54.pdf 2b3b4470a66ff4b43f1ad7f82590ac62 PDF Text Text 44775_P01_24x:September-07 10/2/2007 1:05 PM Page 1 Volume 69, Number 10 October 2007 ‘Mapping Out a Brighter Future’ At left: AFL-CIO President John Sweeney addresses the convention as SIUNA President Michael Sacco (center) and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel listen. At right, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) discusses challenges facing the maritime industry. Delegates, Speakers Address Maritime And Other Critical Issues The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) on Sept. 13-14 conducted its 25th convention, hosted by the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Guest speakers from Congress, the administration, the military and the domestic and international labor movements tackled a range of key issues— some of them maritime-specific, others more broad, including health care. The event’s theme was “Mapping Out a Brighter Future.” Coverage starts on pages 2-3 and continues on pages 9-14. International Association of Machinists President Tom Buffenbarger notes the consistent solidarity shown by SIUNA unions. U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton talks about opportunities for U.S. mariners on LNG ships. Tanker Construction Updates Aker Philadelphia Shipyard and General Dynamics NASSCO, respectively, recently provided updates on the tanker construction projects happening at those yards. In Philadelphia, the third product tanker in a series of ships being built for SIU-contracted OSG was floated from its berth in the yard’s building dock (right) in late August. Also, steel cutting has begun for the sixth vessel. In San Diego, construction started Aug. 30 on the lead tanker in a series being built for SIUcontracted U.S. Shipping Partners. Page 3. SEATU Convention CIVMAR News Seafarers Pension Plan Notice Page 6 Page 16 Page 20 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 10:14 PM Page 2 SIU of Canada Demands Answers After Dangerous Greenpeace Stunt President’s Report Convention a Roaring Success I can honestly say that the convention held last month by the Seafarers International Union of North America ranks as one of the best we’ve ever had. Many of the guest speakers offered uplifting expressions of solidarity. They also provided valuable insights into the workings of our government and military. Convention delegates and guest speakers alike took candid looks at key challenges facing the Michael Sacco maritime industry and facing all working families. Consistent with the event’s theme—“Mapping Out a Brighter Future”—we formed strategies moving forward that I believe will prove to be appropriate and effective. Parts of the 25th SIUNA convention had a decidedly international flavor, and not just because of the strong attendance by our brothers and sisters from the SIU of Canada. Our lineup of guest speakers included leaders from the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the Maritime Union of Australia and the Norwegian Seafarers Union. Their remarks really held everyone’s attention, and I think the audience could tell they were heartfelt. Something that stood out among those speeches was the consistent recognition of how politics affects all of our industries. As Paddy Crumlin, national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia put it, “The reason the SIU is in Washington is that’s where the decisions get made. That’s where the Jones Act lives and dies. The heart and the mind of the union is in Washington because if you’re unable to persuade the politicians, then we’re in the hands of big business and global business—and they don’t care about our interests.” When union officials from other countries see things as we do on such an important subject, it reinforces our own beliefs and strengthens our resolve. I should also mention that Paddy paid tribute to the late John Fay, whom he described as “a giant in more ways than one.” As many, if not most, of our members know, John was a top official in the SIUNA and did groundbreaking international work not only on behalf of our union but truly for all mariners. He passed away in November 2005. “He was a larger-than-life character that really represented the interests of seafarers and the SIU all over the world,” Paddy said. “He was greatly respected right to his last breath. Hopefully that message will get back to John’s family.” In ways that John undoubtedly would approve, his union family throughout the convention focused on the tasks at hand. They include organizing new members, boosting the U.S. Merchant Marine, fighting for good health-care coverage and much more. As always, it starts with hard work. And as always, sooner or later it will involve politics. We’re ready. We’re committed. We will get the job done. Pension Notice This edition of the LOG contains a Seafarers Pension Plan notice with a long section on rules governing insolvent plans. I want to make it clear that there is a legal requirement to publish this notice along with the footnotes, but the Seafarers Pension Plan is fully funded. (All pension plans such as the Seafarers Pension Plan, regardless of their condition, are required to send out a notice.) The Plan is not in trouble at all. A quick read of the notice may cause undue concern. The bottom line is that the Seafarers Pension Plan is in good shape. Volume 69, Number 10 October 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The SIU of Canada last month called for charges of terrorism or piracy to be levied against Greenpeace activists who illegally boarded a union-crewed ship on Lake Erie. Protestors from the Greenpeace vessel Arctic Sunrise during the morning hours of Aug. 30 unlawfully went aboard the union-crewed Algomarine on Lake Erie as it was delivering a shipment of coal to a power plant at Nanticoke, Canada. “This isn’t a small incident,” said James Given, vice president of the Seafarers International Union of Canada. “They put the lives of 16 guys in danger. They (crew members) didn’t know why the protestors were there.” According to several reports, five activists boarded the ship in a bid to delay its delivery of 30,000 tons of coal to the power plant. In the process, they hoped to draw attention to the issue of global warming. After writing the words “No coal, no nuclear—Clean energy” on the ship’s hull, two of the protestors boarded the Algomarine and chained themselves to its discharge boom, which is used to unload coal. Sources say a third demonstrator suspended herself from the vessel’s stern where she dangled dangerously close to the rudder, making movement of the ship impossible. Following the boarding, the Algomarine’s captain radioed the Coast Guard to have the activists removed. He then veered away from the port to await the arrival of authorities. The trio—Dominique Du Sablon, 20, of Toronto; Charlie Latimer, 25, of Vancouver; and Emily-Elizabeth Storey, 22, of Toronto—eventually was cut down and taken away by Ontario Provincial Police to a detachment in Cayuga, Ontario. They were charged with two counts of mischief apiece, but Given contends the protesters should have been charged with terrorism or piracy. “It is piracy. You’re still a pirate. You’re still boarding a ship illegally,” he said during a phone interview from the union’s Thorold, Ontario office. Given said the 16 crew members aboard the Algomarine—some from Niagara, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland—had already been dealing with stressful circumstances before the protest. A crew member from Nova Scotia died during an accident aboard the ship two weeks earlier when it was at a port in Quebec, according to Given. The Greenpeace protest unnecessarily targeted the Algomarine crew, he said. Given has since written a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on behalf of the union demanding to know why the protesters are not facing more serious charges. The union also wants the federal government to call a public inquiry into why no preventative measures were taken by authorities to stop the protesters from boarding the ship. Besides targeting the Algomarine crew, the actions of the protestors also put themselves in jeopardy, said Allister Paterson. He works for Seaway Marine Transport, the company that manages the Algomarine for Algoma Central Corp. “You’d have to have a death wish, I think, to do something like that,” he said of the stunt. Paterson added he could not understand how the protesters even managed to board the Algomarine. “The ship is 700-plus feet long and they’re very high. It’s an athletic feat to climb. There’s no set of stairs. It’s exceptionally dangerous, because if you fall and you go under, you’re dead.” The activists’ boarding of the coal carrier came one day after the Ontario Power Authority released plans for a new power plan that calls for more than $25 billion to be spent on nuclear power plants to ensure the province’s electricity supply until 2025. ILO Report: American Workers Are World’s Most Productive American workers constitute the world’s most prolific labor force. They stay longer in the office, at the factory or on the farm than their counterparts in Europe and most other rich nations, and they produce more per person over the year. American workers also get more done per hour than everyone but the Norwegians, according to a report released Aug. 27 by the United Nations International Labor Organization (ILO). Concisely put, the United States “leads the world in labor productivity,” said the report, which was scrutinized by the Associated Press. The study, “Key Indicators of the Labor Market 2001-2002,” was based on a research effort led by labor market economist Lawrence Jeff Johnson, who serves as chief of the ILO Employment Trends Team. Findings were based on 2006 figures for many countries, or on the most recent available. The average U.S. worker produces $63,885 of wealth per year, more than their counterparts in all other countries, the ILO said in the report. Ireland comes in second at $55,986, followed by Luxembourg at $55,641, Belgium at $55,235 and France at $54,609. Only part of the U.S. productivity growth, which has outpaced that of many other developed economies, can be explained by the longer hours Americans are putting in, the ILO said. The U.S., according to the report, also beats all 27 nations in the European Union (EU), Japan and Switzerland in the amount of wealth created per hour of work—a second key measure of productivity. Norway, which is not an EU member, generates the most output per working hour, $37.99, a figure inflated by the country’s billions of dollars in oil exports and high prices for goods at home, according to the report. The U.S. is second at $35.63—about a half dollar ahead of third-place France. The U.S. employee put in an average 1,804 hours of work in 2006, the report said. That compared with 1,407 hours for the Norwegian worker and 1,564 for the French. It pales, however, in comparison with the annual hours worked per person in Asia, where seven economies—South Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Thailand— surpassed 2,200 average hours per worker. But those countries had lower productivity rates. America’s increased productivity “has to do with the ICT (information and communication technologies) revolution, with the way the U.S. organizes companies, with the high level of competition in the country, with the extension of trade and investment abroad,” said Jose Manuel Salazar, the ILO’s head of employment. The ILO report warned that the widening of the gap between leaders such as the U.S. and poorer nations has been even more dramatic. Laborers from regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East have the potential to create more wealth but are being held back by a lack of investment in training, equipment and technology, the agency said. In sub-Saharan Africa, workers are only about one-twelfth as productive as those in developed countries, the report said. “The huge gap in productivity and wealth is cause for great concern,” ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said, adding that it was important to raise productivity levels of the lowest-paid workers in the world’s poorest countries. China and other East Asian countries are catching up quickest with Western countries. Productivity in the region has doubled in the past decade and is accelerating faster than anywhere else, the report said. But they still have a long way to go: Workers in East Asia are still only about one-fifth as productive as laborers in industrialized countries. Green Bay Reflags U.S. Last month, the brand new RO/RO Green Bay (below) hoisted the Stars and Stripes and replaced the Atlantic Forest in the U.S. Maritime Security Program Fleet. Crewed by SIU members, the Green Bay is operated by Central Gulf Lines. The vessel is 656 feet long and has a beam of 105.8 feet. Its gross tonnage is listed at 59,217; the ship has a CEU (car equivalent unit) capacity of about 6,400. October 2007 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 10:06 PM Page 3 Convention Focuses on Maritime, Health Care, Right to Organize Meeting in convention Sept. 13-14 in Piney Point, Md., delegates representing the dozen affiliated organizations of the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) reviewed accomplishments and lessons learned from the past five years and crafted strategies to keep fighting for working families. During the SIUNA convention, the St. Mary’s County (Md.) Board of Commissioners presented Seafarers President Michael Sacco with a proclamation celebrating the 40th anniversary of the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Pictured from left are Commissioner Thomas Mattingly, formerly a member of the Communications Workers of America; AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, one of the convention’s featured speakers; Francis Jack Russell, president of the board of county commissioners; SIU President Sacco; and Commissioner Kenneth Dement, who represents the district including the Paul Hall Center. Tanker Construction Starts in San Diego Philly Shipyard Reports Milestones Tanker construction projects in Philadelphia and San Diego, respectively, are moving ahead, with shipyards reporting milestones in late August. At General Dynamics NASSCO on the West Coast, construction started Aug. 30 on the first product carrier in a nine-vessel series for Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners. The keel is scheduled to be laid in December, with vessel delivery slated for early 2009. The first ship will be named Golden State, in honor of California. The other vessels of the class will bear the nicknames of American seaboard states, according to the shipyard. Each of the double-hulled tankers will be just over 600 feet long, displace 49,000 deadweight tons and will have a cargo capacity of about 331,000 barrels. They are designed to carry petroleum and chemical products in the Jones Act trade. Across the country, with two double-hulled tankers already delivered on charter and in service to SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), Aker Philadelphia Shipyard on Aug. 27 announced “major milestones” on two subsequent vessels in their program. The third tanker, Hull 007 (eventually to be named Overseas Los Angeles) was floated from its berth in the yard’s building dock on Aug. 25. Two days later, steel cutting began for Hull 010, the sixth vessel in the series (marking the start of production on that ship). For the latter ship, the first steel plates were cut on one of the yard’s two state-of-the-art plasma-cutting machines, and will be used in the construction of engine room sections. With two other tankers also in production, the yard now once again has four of the 600-foot long MT 46 Veteran Class tanker vessels under construction simultaneously. Featuring the theme “Mapping and delegates elected by acclamaOut a Brighter Future,” the tion President Michael Sacco and SIUNA’s 25th convention took Secretary-Treasurer David Heinplace at the Seafarers-affiliated del. Twenty vice presidents also Paul Hall Center for Maritime were chosen at the convention. Training and Education, which is They are Tom Bethel, Nick in its 40th year of operation. Celona, Dean Corgey, Jorge Cruz, During the quinquennial gather- Ed Cummings, Michel Desing, delegates called for actions to jardins, Orlando Diaz, Roman protect workers’ rights to join Gralewicz, Theresa Hoinsky, unions; strengthen the U.S.- and René Lioeanjie, Gunnar LundeCanadian-flag maritime fleets; berg, Kermett Mangram, Nick SIUNA President Michael Sacco back the work of the Marrone, Tom OrzeInternational TransMore convention chowski, Herb Perez, PASHA and TOTE, and we’ve port Workers’ FederaAnthony Poplawski, gained new ATBs with Crowley. tion along with that of coverage appears Joseph Soresi, John “We’ve continued to get supother individual ITF Spadaro, Augie Tellez port for the Jones Act from on pages 9-14. affiliates; provide good, and Donna Walsh. Congress and the administration,” affordable health care Topics on the he continued, “which as you for all Americans; and support agenda included the Employee know is also vital to many of our America’s troops wherever they Free Choice Act, port and shipunions.” serve. They also passed resolu- board security, the war against Several guest speakers lauded tions urging labor federation soli- terrorism, health care, cabotage the school on its anniversary, and darity; continued utilization of laws and the U.S. Maritime following the convention’s first Union Plus programs; grassroots Security Program. session, county officials presentpolitical action; and specifically President Sacco during his the enactment of the Belated opening remarks listed some of ed a proclamation honoring the Thank You to the Merchant the challenges faced by maritime Paul Hall Center and the union. Sacco pointed out, “One of the Mariners of World War II Act. labor and unions as a whole, but keys to the school’s success is Approximately 250 delegates also cited a few of the key accomthat it has always changed with and guests attended the conven- plishments spurred at least in part the times. It has always changed tion. Addressing the gathering by SIUNA affiliates since the to meet the needs of our members were (in order): Valerie Lilja, prior convention in 2002. and our companies. I believe Union Plus representative; Ernie “SIUNA unions helped secure every one of the unions in the Grecco, president, Metropolitan the renewal and expansion of the SIUNA has to be guided by that Baltimore AFL-CIO; Paddy U.S. Maritime Security Program, same philosophy.... We can be Crumlin, national secretary, which provides thousands of jobs proud of our history. We can celMaritime Union of Australia; Bill for our members,” he pointed out. ebrate traditions. But we have to Van Loo, secretary-treasurer, “Our unions also helped support remain on the cutting edge in Marine Engineers’ Beneficial efforts that have resulted in con- order to survive.” Association; Dick Myers, repre- struction of new American-flag The SIUNA was chartered in senting the office of U.S. Senator commercial ships in Philadelphia 1938. It consists of 12 autoBarbara Mikulski (D-Md.); Capt. and San Diego—tankers for OSG nomous affiliate unions, includGlen Banks, international secre- and U.S. Shipping, and container- ing the Seafarers International tary-treasurer, International Or- ships for Matson. We’ve picked Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and ganization of Masters, Mates & up new ships with Horizon Lines, Inland Waters District/NMU. Pilots; John Sweeney, AFL-CIO president; Capt. David Stalfort, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center; U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.); Tom Buffenbarger, president, International Association of Machinists; Sean Connaughton, U.S. maritime administrator; Fred Mason, president, Maryland and D.C. AFLCIO; Steve Cotton, International Transport Workers’ Federation maritime coordinator and secretary of the ITF Special Seafarers’ Department; Jacqueline Smith, president, Norwegian Seafarers’ Union; and Rear Adm. Robert Reilly Jr., commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command. Additionally, SIUNA affiliates reported on their recent activities, Delegates and guests pack the auditorium. Production starts on Hull 010 at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard in late August. Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12 for the observance of Veterans Day, and Thursday, Nov. 22 for the observance of Thanksgiving Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. The convention took place Sept. 13-14 at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center. October 2007 Seafarers LOG 3 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 6:06 PM Page 4 Allied Boatmen Approve Contract SIU boatman employed aboard inland vessels operated by Norfolk, Va.-based Allied Transportation Co. on Aug. 31 ratified a new threeyear agreement which went into effect the following day. Among other gains, the new contract provides for annual wage increases and the continuation of Core-Plus benefits levels throughout the life of the accord. Some 120 union members who work aboard eight Allied-operated vessels (Heron, Sea Robin, Sea Raven, Sea Hawk, Falcon, Sea Eagle, Petral and Socrates) are affected by the new agreement. Seafarers from a ninth vessel (Osprey) also will fall under the fresh pact when it rejoins the Allied fleet later this year. “This new labor agreement is fair to all parties concerned,” said SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny, who served as principal negotiator for the union. “The actual negotiations went very smooth and the company’s representatives were very open and willing to address our major concerns. They recognized the importance of labor and management working together to get things done.” Kenny had high praise for the rank-and-file members who assisted him on the union negotiation committee: 1st Mate Mike Woolard, Engineer Dan Haag and AB/Cook George Erwin. “Each of the negotiation committee members did a wonderful job lobbying in the interests of their fellow shipmates,” Kenny said. “Their brothers and sisters should be proud.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker credited the union’s bargaining committee for outstanding work and also noted that Allied was extremely forthcoming in hammering out the new agreement. Company bargaining officials realst From left, 1 Mate Mike Woolard, Engineer Dan Haag and AB/Cook ized that it benefits all concerned to George Erwin served on the union’s committee during recent con- have safe, reliable, enthusiastic crew tract negotiations with Allied Transportation Co. in Norfolk, Va. In members who feel like they’re partaddition to these members, Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny (not pic- ners in the operations rather than just tured) was a member of the SIU negotiating team. numbers, he said. SIU boatmen aboard the Heron are pleased with the new contract. The crew (from left) consists of Chief Engineer William Racette, Capt. Cliff Noe, AB Ronnie Powell, AB/Tankerman William Matthews, Mate Edward Rittenhouse and OS/Cook Charles Hill. Members of the Sea Robin crew are happy with the efforts of their shipmates who helped hammer out the new labor agreement. Pictured (from left) are AB Brad Hall, AB Jose LeBron and Mate Lance Riggs. G&H Adds New Tugboat Pictured on the Sea Raven are crew members (from left) OS/Cook Elwin LeBouef, Mate Gerald Gamage, Chief Engineer Stuart Diggs, Capt. Steve Lewis and Engineer Gil Diggs. Also on the crew but not pictured are AB/Tankerman Andy Page and Cargo Mate Ryan Emmons. T-AKE Ship Order Expands SIU-contracted G&H Towing recently christened the z-drive harbor tug Thor. Seafarers and SIU officials participated in the ceremony at Barbours Cut in La Porte, Texas. The 6,500 hp tugboat features high-tech navigational and propulsion systems. It also is equipped with a firefighting system that includes a vapor-mist feature designed to extinguish fires on LNG vessels or at LNG terminals. Pictured in the group photo are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Gulf Coast Jim McGee, Mate Travis Parker, DEU Buddy Wheeler, Capt. Doug Caradec, AB Jay Fabian, Relief Capt. Nicoli Payne, Chief Engineer Chris Wootton and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. The z-drive harbor tug Thor 4 Seafarers LOG The SIU’s Government Services Division on Aug. 23 continued its run of good news in the new tonnage arena. On that date, San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO announced it had reached an agreement with the U.S. Navy for options to build up to five additional T-AKE dry cargo ammunition ships. Each of the new builds will be part of the Lewis and Clark class of vessels owned and operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) and crewed by the union’s CIVMARS. Shipyard sources say contracts for the ships, valued at approximately $2.5 billion if all options are exercised, are expected to be awarded over the next four years. Including the nine ships previously under contract, this pact means the San Diego shipyard would build a total of 14 T-AKE ships for the Navy. Since October 2001, NASSCO has received contracts to build nine T-AKE ships and delivered the first three ships of the class (USNS Lewis and Clark, USNS Sacagawea and USNS Alan Shepard). The fourth T-AKE ship (USNS Richard Byrd) is scheduled to be delivered next month. Under the new agreement, NASSCO would deliver the fourteenth ship in the fourth quarter of 2014. Each of the new platforms will be 689 feet in length, boast an overall beam of 106 feet, navigational draft of 30 feet and the ability to displace about 42,000 tons with a full load. Powered by a single-shaft diesel-electric propulsion system, each of the ships can reach a speed of 20 knots. As part of the Military Sealift Command’s Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the ships will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners. Each vessel also will have military detachments of 11 sailors to provide operational support and supply coordination. When needed, the ships each will carry helicopter detachments of 39 military personnel. NASSCO has incorporated international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features into the T-AKE class, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system. The ships can deliver more than 10,000 tons of food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships at sea. T-AKE ships are replacing single-mission ships that are reaching the end of their service lives. October 2007 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 6:07 PM Page 5 Labor Day Events Focus on Health Care Union workers across the country, including SIU members in Mobile, Ala. and Wilmington, Calif., celebrated Labor Day 2007 with an assortment of picnics, parades and politics. Working families, counting SIU port officials, rank-and-file members and their families honored the working men and women who built and maintain America. Moreover, they celebrated a year that saw workers play a major role in: electing a new Congress, the passage of the first increase in the minimum wage in a decade and majority congressional support of the Employee Free Choice Act. Perhaps the most significant Labor Day episode, however, actually took place Aug. 29 in Washington, D.C. when the AFLCIO launched its massive national drive to fix America’s broken health care system. New figures from the federal government show there are a record 47 million Americans with no coverage. Speaking at a press conference conducted shortly after the drive’s launch, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the grassroots campaign will summon the full force of millions of union members and scores of union retirees behind winning high-quality, secure health care for every person in America within the next two years. Five days later, Sweeney, while making a Labor Day appearance in Philadelphia, vowed to make health care a national priority in the presidential race. Speaking at the annual Labor Day festivities along the Delaware River, Sweeney repeated his earlier pledge to recruit millions of union workers to speak out on health-care reform. “Nobody should have to fear the consequences of getting sick,” he said, adding that no company should have to go out of business because health-care costs have gotten out of control. “This year, we’re not only putting together the biggest grassroots political campaign in our history, we’re putting the full force of 10 million union members and 3 million retirees behind a new campaign to win high-quality health care for every person in America by 2009,” he said. “We’re stepping out front because we believe that in America nobody should have to fear the consequences of getting sick or having an accident,” he continued. “Our message to America this Labor Day is a promise: We brought you public schools. We brought you the weekend and, by God, we’re going to bring you health care.” In Tampa, Fla., AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka told a rally that workers can restore the grand principle that ours is a nation for all the people, all of the time. “We can have it all if we refuse to take a rest and begin now this Labor Day to finish what we started last year,” Trumka said. “We can take back control of our government and take back control of our country and take back control of our lives if we pledge to work October 2007 harder than ever to elect men and women at every level of government who will champion our working family’s agenda.” AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda ChavezThompson, who threw out the first pitch during a Toledo (Ohio) Mud Hens AAA Minor League baseball game earlier in the day, told a rally that workers are “sick and tired of living on a treadmill—running as fast as we can and still falling behind. We see what’s going on and we’re not going to keep quiet. We’re going to join together and stand up for what we know is fair and right.” The enthusiasm and determination of workers to win universal health care could be seen around the country during the Labor Day weekend, according to federation reports. Labor Day is the traditional launch of the political campaign season and with the all-important 2008 elections approaching, workers used the Labor Day weekend to send a message to candidates that they want health care and other working families issues addressed in this campaign. The United Steelworkers and the Mine Workers used the weekend to endorse former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) for president. But it was health care that was on most workers’ minds. Many of the picnics and parades used stickers and placards with “In America, No One Should Go Without Health Care” and “Employee Free Choice Act Now.” New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech and Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan said America’s failure to adopt a national and health care plan for all dramatically undermines our nation’s ability to maintain a healthy economy. Instead of rewarding union contractors and responsible employers for contributing to their workers’ health care, the labor officials said our system places them at a disadvantage as they are faced with the reality of paying premiums inflated by the cost of providing care for the uninsured. In Phoenix, Ariz., AFL-CIO Executive Director Rebekah Friend said health care is the main issue on working people’s minds. “It’s become more and more of an issue for us when we’re going to the bargaining table for our contracts. Health care is the number one issue and the rising costs associated with it,” Friend said. More than 4,000 union members attended a statewide rally in Birmingham, Ala. Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.) attended the event and pledged to support a comprehensive health care plan. Alabama AFL-CIO President D. Stewart Burkhalter told the crowd, “There’s something wrong when we’re the wealthiest country in the (world) and so many of our people don’t have health insurance.” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), in his Labor Day statement, pledged that the new Congress will continue to put working families first when it returns to Capitol Hill after the Labor Day recess. “We cannot Seafarers in Wilmington, Calif. march in the annual Labor Day parade. forget that so many workers in the world’s wealthiest nation continue to struggle,” he said. “New census data show that while wages have declined, the number of Americans without health insurance has increased.” Elsewhere on Labor Day, according to the AFL-CIO: Workers from as far away as the U.S. territory of Guam celebrated. GFT, Guam’s local union, made free soda floats for everyone at the Labor Day picnic on the beach. In the Boston area, members of Electrical Workers Local 2222 who work for Verizon displayed banners on two busy highway overpasses, saying “Enjoy your holiday weekend—made possible by organized labor!” In Pasadena, Texas, the Harris County Central Labor Council and the Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council joined with the Texas Gulf Coast BBQ Cookers Association for a cook-off competition and Labor Day celebration. The two-day event included food for purchase, entertainment, exhibits, crafts and children’s activities. In Pittsburgh, a plaque was unveiled renaming the 10th Street Bridge in honor of Philip Murray, founding president of the United Steelworkers. Workers in New York City— in place of the city’s traditional Labor Day parade— rallied Sept. 8 to demand long-term health care for ill Sept. 11 workers. Rallygoers urged Congress to pass comprehensive health care legislation, including ongoing treatment and medical monitoring for all workers made ill by their exposure to the toxic air at Ground Zero in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001. New Terminal Opens in Va. “Impressive–quite impressive!” That was the reaction and assessment of SIU Vice President Government Services Division Kermett Mangram Sept. 7 after attending ceremonies which marked the official opening of APM Terminals’ new $450 million port complex in Portsmouth, Va. The new terminal took about seven years to develop, according to the Virginian-Pilot. It sits on 230 acres of real estate, replaces a 71-acre facility and is one of the most technologically advanced facilities of its kind in the world. Its 30 semi-automated cranes, which will be operated via a combination of computer and human guidance, are expected to significantly increase the number of cargo containers which the Hampton Roads port annually handles. Mangram and Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny represented the SIU during the terminal’s official opening which attracted some 700-plus people. Included were representatives from the national and international maritime transportation industry, maritime labor, and Virginia state and local governments. Additionally, Maersk McKinney Moller, the 94year-old former chairman of A.P. Moller-Maersk, flew in from Denmark to participate in the event. In his remarks to guests, he said that Maersk ships have been calling in Hampton Roads regularly since 1928. “We’ve always been treated well in Virginia, in a friendly, Southern, high-quality way,” he said. Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine (D) called the project a huge win “for Virginia because it increases the state’s global connections.” Such links are essential for success in the modern economy, he noted. Reports say the complex initially will employ about 130, including the longshoremen who handle cargo. The employee count is expected to reach about 210 as the terminal increases to full capacity SIU VP Government Services Division Kermett Mangram (left) met and conversed with Maersk McKinney Moller, former chairman of A.P. MollerMaersk (center), during the ceremony. Joining the two for this photo is Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny. —one million 20-foot-long containers per year. Edward L. Brown Sr., general vice president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO, also attended the event. After commenting on the impact which the new facility may have on longshoremen and their employment opportunities—sources say the terminal’s automation presents a challenge to longshoremen by reducing the need for manual work—he urged APM not to employ non-ILA workers to do traditional longshoremen’s work. APM Terminals spent about seven years developing the cargo container terminal. It opened July 30 for testing and ramp-up operations, including working some smaller ships. Larger vessels already have been arriving at the terminal, but sources say the facility won’t be fully operational until year’s end. APM Terminals, part of the Danish conglomerate A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, built the new facility to handle international cargo shipments which are expected to increase rapidly in coming decades. In particular, it will serve the Seafarers-contracted Maersk Line Limited, its sister company and the world’s largest container shipping line. Several of the new facility’s 30 railmounted, semi-automatic cranes provided an excellent backdrop for parts of the grand opening ceremonies. Officials say the new equipment will have the capability to stack cargo containers faster and more efficiently than other systems. Seafarers LOG 5 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 5:03 PM Page 6 SEATU Convention Tackles Issues of Growth and Organizing As the fourth triennial convention of the Seafarers Entertainment & Allied Trades Union (SEATU) got under way Sept. 10, 2007 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., delegates, officials and guests heard from a number of speakers about the necessity of keeping the labor movement strong through organizing efforts. SEATU, an affiliate of the SIU, was chartered in 1995 with 169 members in Alton, Ill. Twelve years later, with more than 4,600 members, this two-day meeting and election of officers focused on the need to continue to grow. SIU President Michael Sacco, who also is president of SEATU, opened the convention by talking about the challenges currently faced by SEATU/SIU-contracted NCL America and how the company’s three U.S.-flagged cruise ships, the Pride of Aloha, Pride of America and Pride of Hawaii, have brought thousands of jobs to the rank-and-file membership. He also talked about the necessity to raise money through PACs (political action committees). The SIU has an old saying, “Politics Is Porkchops,” meaning that politics plays a role in helping put food on the table. PACs use money to selectively support those candidates at the federal, state and local levels who support their members’ issues. One of the union’s greatest friends in the U.S. Congress is Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii), who, as a champion of working people, energized the group as he spoke about the labor movement. A successful movement, he noted, is based on faith and trust—“faith in yourselves and trust in your mission.” He likened the hard work in building up the Paul Hall Center from a barren area to a top-tier training school for merchant mariners to that of the hard work being done in Congress. He also stressed the importance of remembering that every single vote counts. “You need to figure out what’s in your interest and who’s on your side….You’ve got to vote for people that are on your side and that can organize themselves.” “Votes for labor just don’t appear in the Congress of the United States,” he said. “It takes hard work, concentrated work to make sure we get the 218 votes that we need in order to get a majority.” It also takes money, and “a PAC is the first line of financial defense in helping elect those officials who will work for you.” Abercrombie mentioned the foreign cruise ships that currently are sailing in the Hawaiian Islands—cruise ships that don’t pay taxes in the United States and don’t have to obey the health, environmental and safety laws. He said that SEATU members on the NCL ships are pioneers in the struggle to keep a cruise ship operation that is American flagged and crewed under American laws and noted that there wouldn’t be a U.S. cruise industry today without them. Some people accept their fate, the representative said. They have no faith that they can change their own condition. But by organizing—and voting—changes can be made. He concluded by thanking those who continue to have faith and trust in him and promised that while he remains in Congress, Gene Clark, senior vice president at Penn National Gaming, Inc., expressed his hopes that SEATU and Penn National will continue to grow together. Legislative Affairs Consultant Bob McGlotten emphasized the need for political action and the importance of registering to vote—and then actually getting to the polls. U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) energized the attendees at the SEATU convention as he spoke about the labor movement and the importance of keeping a strong American-flag cruise ship operation. labor has a friend 100 percent of the time. On the second day of the convention, Bob McGlotten, a partner in the legislative affairs consulting firm of McGlotten & Jarvis (and previously the legislative director of the AFL-CIO), continued talking about unionism and the need for political action. “Workers in this country are under attack,” he stated. Changes in laws are being made to help individuals’ interests, not to help the workers’ interests. He acknowledged that votes and money—in that order—are the two things that politicians understand. While individuals may not have the money themselves, they can join forces with others to raise it and become politically effective by outvoting those politicians who are not for working people. He urged union members to become more political on a daily basis to protect their jobs and their industry—to be players. “Politics,” he said, “plays a major role from birth to death and everything in between. Politics is playing a role in your life every single day…Step up to the plate by registering to vote and help your union survive.” Gene Clark, senior vice president, human resources at Penn National Gaming, Inc., toured the Paul Hall Center, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and came away impressed by the people, the facility and the work being done there. He noted that the relationship The re-elected officers take the oath of office given by General Counsel Leslie Tarantola. From the left are Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Augie Tellez, Executive Vice President/Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and President Michael Sacco. 6 Seafarers LOG John Mason, CEO of American Service Technology, Inc., talked about skills involved in the maritime, service, gaming and hospitality industries. Valerie Lilja, AFL-CIO Union Plus Rep, provided information about the cost savings programs available to union members including the popular credit card program. between SEATU and Penn National (which acquired Argosy in 1995) is unique and unlike any other union association. The company started out in 1972 as the owner of a racetrack in Pennsylvania. It went public in 1994 and since then the rate of growth has been astonishing. It is the only company in history to make Fortune magazine’s “100 Fastest-Growing Companies” six times in a row. The experienced gaming operation has small and large facilities in a geographically diversified area and employs 2,000 SEATU members, including in Lawrenceburg, Ind.; Sioux City, Iowa; Riverside, Mo.; Baton Rouge, La.; Joliet and Alton, Ill. And that growth and continued growth, Clark affirmed, is attributable to SEATU. He encouraged the union to continue to assist the company with providing the technical training and marine expertise as well as with legislative issues needed to help it provide continued job security for its employees. “SEATU is successful if Penn National is successful,” Clark stated, and he hoped the two forces will continue to grow together. Part of the convention proceedings included regional reports from the various union halls, a reading of the Executive Board minutes, and reports from the Auditing Committee, Credentials Committee and Convention Arrangements Committee. Carolyn Gentile, general counsel of the Seafarers Investment Funds spoke about legislative regulations on pensions and health care. John Mason, CEO of American Service Technology, Inc., the company that provides curriculums and educational guidance to the Paul Hall Center, talked about the skills involved in the maritime, service, gaming and hospitality industries that are taken for granted by the public, and he showed a promotional film about the hospitality programs available to employees of NCL and Penn National, noting that the school has issued 9,952 certificates to SEATU gaming facility members since 1996. Valerie Lilja, the AFL-CIO Union Plus representative for SEATU and the SIU provided information to the group about the cost savings available to union members through their benefit programs, including a new plan for roadside assistance and auto buying. She also conducted a workshop in the afternoon during which she summarized each of the benefits available, including credit counseling, health savings, insurance programs, education services and the popular credit card program, among others. Before adjourning the triennial convention, delegates voted to approve 12 resolutions and to return the current officers to lead the union through the next three years. Re-elected were President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President/Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Augie Tellez and Vice President Tom Orzechowski. October 2007 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 8:21 PM Page 7 Catching Up With Seafarers On Shore Boston Port Agent Gerard Dhooge (left in both pictures) stands behind the counter in the new hall on Drydock Ave. as members come in to take care of business. Oiler Antonio Dos Santos is at left and QMED Hank Spanhoff is at right. Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus of Baltimore, Md. challenged himself Aug. 4 when he ran a 10K in Washington, D.C. as part of The North Face 2007 Endurance Challenge. Of 118 finishers in the race, Marcus came in 51st place overall–and first in his age group (50-59), with a time of 55:55.75 (or a 9:01 pace per mile). With him at the finish is the race director. Manuel Figueroa (right) receives his first SIU inland pension check from Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hall in Santurce, P.R. Figueroa worked as an engineer at Crowley. Capt. David C. Stalfort, commanding officer, National Maritime Center, U.S. Coast Guard, had an opportunity to tour the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in late August. He is pictured here with instructor Mitch Oakley, who showed him the stateof-the-art computer bridge simulator. Captain Stalfort was impressed by what he saw and returned to the school last month as a speaker at the SIUNA convention. Above: Upgrading member Richard Wright (third from right) receives his full book at the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. From the left are Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Port Agent Edd Morris, VP Kermett Mangram, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Wright, VP George Tricker and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. At right: QMED Jimmy McCall receives his full book at the September meeting. From the left are VP Joseph Soresi, Tellez, Morris, McCall, Tricker and Heindel. October 2007 SIU Port Agent Georg Kenny (right) greets U.S. Senator Jim Webb during the Virginia AFLCIO convention in Tyson’s Corner, Va. in mid-August. Kenny congratulated the senator on his election last year, and the two briefly discussed the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. At a June 20 luncheon held by the United Seamen’s Service in New York City, SIU Rep Kate Hunt (left) met with Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, commander, MSC. Also in the picture is Randi Ciszewski, MEBA/MMP Government Fleet representative. Seafarers LOG 7 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 8:22 PM Page 8 Recollections of the Merchant Marine in World War II Editor’s note: The first five installments of retired Seafarer Albert Stimac’s experiences in the merchant marine appeared in the April, May, June, July and September Seafarers LOGs, respectively. He wrote about his training, his first ship, joining the SIU, the responsibilities of a member of the black gang, traveling in a convoy during World War II, boiler problems on a C-3 bound for England, attending a Coast Guard hearing and a convoy trip to Europe with a load of high explosives on board. This is the last article in the series. These are the best recollections of Brother Stimac’s training and sea time from the end of 1943 to late 1946, so any inaccuracies in the details need not be brought to his attention. I t was a long four hours before we docked, and the pilot was no prize. He would ring down every other minute from full ahead to full reverse and everything in between. The fireman/watertender had to have a full head of steam at all times in order to maneuver quickly and yet not blow the safety valves and blow steam all over. We counted later in the log that he called for changes of speed 30 to 40 a minute until we finally made it through all the mess. Sometimes the pilot would ring down different changes so fast that we would stand there and do nothing. But eventually, we made it to the dock and tied up. Almost immediately, everyone who wasn’t on watch took off. Even the gun crew members took off. Merchant seamen did not have to get permission to go ashore once a ship had docked. The only ones needed were the black gang people. The only steam needed when docked was enough to run the generators for electricity and pumps for water and fuel. I had stayed on board as I could see no sense in running ashore when the whole area was bombed out. I figured I’d go the next day with a couple of the black gang crew to take a look around and that it would be a few days before they got the ship unloaded. In late afternoon, I heard a big boom and then saw a large column of smoke head skyward. It was almost white in color and then, like a mushroom, it blossomed out in a black cloud. The column must have been a mile or two high. I judged it was about 10 miles away and figured the Germans had blown up a supply dump of ammunition while retreating. Shortly thereafter, an air raid siren on land went off, which meant for the Navy armed guard to get to the 20mm guns. I looked around and didn’t see any armed guard (Navy personnel) going to the guns, so I figured I’d go and see if anybody needed help. Nobody was on the gun station that I checked. About five minutes later, the gunnery officer showed up and gave a quick look around. He could see there was nobody on the gun except me and asked me what I was doing there. I just looked at him and shrugged. He stared back, turned around and left. So I stayed there and got into the gun harness and tried to remember how to fire the thing. I figured that this would be an Albert Stimac stays busy with gardening and yard work and also is quite at home in the kitchen. His pride is a deep-oil fryer that holds five pounds of French fries. 8 Seafarers LOG exciting thing to do. In training, we fired at planes coming in from different angles that were shown on a giant movie screen. This stuff now was for real. Before I got around to even get started trying to fire the gun, I heard an engine noise that sounded like a plane was in big trouble. It was burping and sputtering like it was going to crash at any time. Then I looked astern and saw it wobbling along about 500 feet above the water headed directly toward us. I figured I was a dead duck if he opened fire, but he just came over the top of us and kept on going. It wasn’t hard to see the German markings on the plane. Shortly after, I heard another plane whose engine was running fine. He came over us at a good speed but did not fire at us. That was all the activity we had that evening. I found out later that this was a favorite icebergs. The captain called for full reverse of the engines, and we stopped and had just enough propeller revolutions to have control of the ship’s drifting. These icebergs were really something to see. I would guess they were 150 feet to 200 feet high and 300 or 400 feet across. This was just on top of the water. They say 90 percent of an iceberg is beneath the water. As we sat there just slowly drifting, a ship suddenly appeared out of the fog coming about 10 knots straight at us. We were broadside to it on our port side. It was about 600 yards out and all the horns started blowing. It was like a movie in slow motion. The oncoming ship was desperately trying to avoid us by turning to its left while we tried turning to our right. It slid into us about about 45 degrees. The ships came together as I stood on our As his ship was heading into LeHavre, France during the war, Brother Stimac and his fellow crew members caught sight of a half-sunken Liberty ship. tactic of German fighters and bombers. The first plane coming in was a decoy acting like it had engine problems. If the gun crews opened fire at it, then they knew it was an operating supply ship. The second plane could aim for the ship guided by the gun fire at the decoy. Then it would dive down and drop a bomb or bombs on the ship. As I look back on this, I wonder sometimes at how things happen. If the gun crew had not gone ashore and were there to fire at the decoy, I doubt I would be writing this. The next day, I went ashore with a couple of my pals, an oiler and a watertender. The port was a mess. No building was complete. They were either bombed out or just skeletons. No people were around. We just walked around a little and went back to the ship. The next day we got orders to start building up steam in the boilers because we were going to leave port. I couldn’t figure out why we didn’t unload our ammo. We did not look forward to sailing around with our cargo, and there was no scuttlebutt about our next destination. We ended up going back to England and anchored about two or three miles offshore. The current from the tide was very strong and ran about 6-8 knots. We had to let out all of our anchor chain to hold us pretty much in the same place. With the current this fast, we didn’t have to worry about getting torpedoed. We didn’t stay long in this location as we were in the process of making up a convoy back to the States. We took the northern route and things went along pretty well as far as the ships keeping in a group. This lasted until we hit dense fog around the Greenland area. The convoys usually zigged and zagged once or twice a day. We had zigged in the morning and then came upon a thick fog bank. Before orders could go out to all ships in the convoy to zag at 3 o’clock instead of 5 o’clock, it was too late. We just kept going straight ahead as some ships did while others took a turn to port and steamed on. It really became a nightmare to try and guess who was where. We had just broken out of a fog for a patch of sunlight when we ran in between three main deck watching the action taking place. The other ship did not reduce its speed and so it kept going and scraping along our port side. As I stood there, I saw a huge long bolt of blue go across our deck caused by the scraping of the two steel hulls of the ships. This ship was empty with only water for ballast in its fuel tanks. So it stood high in the water while we were loaded and were low. When in full contact alongside of us, the other ship took off our life rafts and boats and caved in the 20mm gun turrets. I saw some guys running to the back of our ship and saw our 3rd engineer going that way, too. He was a carrying a Colt 45 in his hand. Some of the men were starting to go over the side. Two men were already over the rails ready to jump, and I saw the 3rd engineer point the pistol at them. He ordered the men back aboard and said if they jumped, they would be dead before they hit the water. They all climbed back over the rails. I thought to myself, “It’s Sunday afternoon and 5 o’clock. What a hell of a way to die.” The odd part was that I had no fear of death. It was so unreal, and a person had no control over the events that were happening. As we slowly drifted apart, the crew from the other ship showed up on their rail. They were about 10 feet above us since they were empty, and they disappeared in a hurry when they found out we were carrying ammo. Luckily, we didn’t rupture any of the seams but we dented the port side pretty badly. The rest of the trip was uneventful, and I understand they scrapped our ship after we got off. I decided to go home for a couple weeks and then ship out on the West Coast as the war was pretty much over in Germany. As usual, my mother asked me how things were and if I had run into any trouble. I said no, just average. She didn’t say anything but took out a piece of newspaper from her apron pocket. She had found a short article in the Duluth News Tribune on a back page that stated that a convoy in the North Atlantic had run into icebergs and some ships had been damaged. It named the ships, and mine was among them, saying it was one of the most damaged. It’s amazing sometimes how life goes on. There was a widowed woman in Nashwauk who ran a café that was a popular hangout on Main Street. Just before I left, I was having coffee and visiting. The woman came over and asked if she could talk to me. So we went to an empty table and she started talking about her son, a young man of 18 or so. I knew who he was, but was not a friend, so to speak. Evidently, the son had been involved with some of the younger “war widows” as local gossip said. The term “war widow” meant any woman, young or old, whose husband or boyfriend was in the service. To make a long story short, I agreed to take him with me when I left. He didn’t show too much emotion about staying or leaving town. We went to Seattle and I hunted up the union shipping hall. I didn’t have any trouble getting a good ship after the union steward saw my stamped union book. He saw that I had just gotten off a ship as a junior engineer and fixed me up on a motor vessel at the same rating, even though I didn’t have papers. I talked to him about my problems with the hometown boy. I had promised his mother that I would help him get some sailing papers, and he set him up as a mess boy on the same ship I was sailing on. All the ships I had sailed on before were steam driven. This one was a diesel engine. It had two monster diesels for its power. I remember our trip from LeHavre, France. We were hauling some troops back to the States in our cargo holds. I knew the purser and persuaded him to look on the Army roster for anybody from Minnesota. He found a guy from Keewatin, Minn. I fixed it up to get him out of the cargo hold and up for a shower and a cooked meal from our galley. He sure was hungry. We sailed to Guam with cargo and after we unloaded, we headed back to the States. We also hauled troops back from Guam. I found one from the Iron Range and did what I could for him to take showers and eat a couple of good meals. We only broke down once and had to replace a piston and rings on one cylinder. We heard then that the United States had dropped an atom bomb on Japan. There were all kinds of wild rumors as to its size. I never did see the local boy after we docked and were paid off. I said I was going home for good since the war was all but finished. One of the things I liked best about shipping in the Atlantic was the respect and treatment we got from the people, especially in the British Isles. They thought as much of us as they did their own Air Force fighter pilots who fought off the Luftwaffe. We weren’t exactly too high on the good-guy list in the States. Many members of the military figured we were in it for the money since we supposedly got about three times their pay rate. What they didn’t figure on was that we received no pay when we were off a ship and waiting for another one. We had to pay all of our own expenses: food, travel, clothing, lodging, etc. We never got any more pay if we carried ammo or were on a tanker carrying vehicle gas, fuel oil or airplane gas. We never got any benefits such as schooling, medical, unemployment or cheap rates for housing. About 40 years after the fact, Congress recognized us as veterans and gave us the right to be buried in a military cemetery. The state of Minnesota gave me a $187 bonus for services rendered. All I can say is that I did what I thought was the most I could do for the war effort. The Merchant Marine had a higher casualty rate than any military service except for the Marine Corps and that doesn’t include the thousands who were wounded or injured from ship sinkings. October 2007 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 6:08 PM Page 9 Maritime Speakers Describe Industry’s Value, Challenges Representatives from Congress, the administration, the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the U.S. Coast Guard and maritime labor had plenty to say about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s tremendous importance as they spoke during the SIUNA convention Sept. 13-14 in Piney Point, Md. They also didn’t shy away from addressing some of the key challenges facing the industry during this time of unprecedented and evolving regulation. Among those focusing the bulk of their respective comments on the U.S.-flag industry were U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.); Rear Adm. Robert Reilly Jr., commander, MSC; U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton; Capt. David Stalfort, commanding officer of the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center; Dick Myers, representing the office of U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (DMd.); Capt. Glen Banks, international secretary-treasurer of the International Association of Masters, Mates & Pilots; and Bill Van Loo, secretary-treasurer of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. Cummings chairs the House Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He reviewed some of the subcommittee’s key accomplishments during the past nine months, including passage of the Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act and the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act. Concerning the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program—a complex, controversial subject—Cummings stated, “Like all of the new security measures instituted after 9/11, the introduction of TWIC requires the govern- ment to strike a delicate balance. We must ensure that we put all needed security measures in place throughout our maritime installations, but that these measures do not place an undue burden on the maritime industry or lead to the unfair treatment of workers. Right now, too many questions about TWIC remain unan- swered. For that reason, I will be convening the subcommittee again in the fall to receive an update from the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration regarding the steps that will be taken to ensure the effective and predictable roll-out of the TWIC.” He said that when it comes to offshore LNG projects in and near the U.S., “I will continue to take every available opportunity to promote the placement of LNG operations offshore—and the use of vessels that fly the U.S. flag and employ U.S. crew members to serve those terminals.” Cummings stated that when he became subcommittee chairman, “I dedicated myself to two objectives. The first objective is to promote the growth and success of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The second objective is to oversee the effective operation of the Coast Guard. Importantly, these two goals are also complementary. “The posture of the Coast Guard toward the maritime industry is a concern that has been repeatedly raised to me by mariners, port officials, shipowners, and indeed all members of the maritime community since I assumed the chairmanship of Rear Adm. Robert Reilly Jr., SIUNA President Michael Sacco the subcommittee. I want you to know I have heard these concerns and I am working diligently to address them.” Cummings concluded by thanking mariners for their vital contributions to U.S. security, and in particular noted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in evacuating citizens on September 11, 2001; providing aid and emergency assistance along the Gulf Coast to victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and providing the sealift capacity that keeps our armed forces equipped to fight the global war on terrorism. “I know that without these highly trained men and women, we would simply be unable to equip our armed forces with the Organizing, Health Care Top U.S. Labor Agenda Addressing the SIUNA convention Sept. 1314 in Piney Point, Md., guest speakers from U.S. organized labor cited health care and organizing as the movement’s top priorities. They also credited the Seafarers with unfailing solidarity and declared unions must play a vital role in promoting and revitalizing the nation’s middle class. Speakers included AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; International Association of Machinists President Tom Buffenbarger; Maryland and D.C. AFL-CIO President Fred Mason; and Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO President Ernie Grecco. Sweeney opened his remarks by thanking SIUNA President Michael Sacco “for the support you’ve given me and for your outstanding service as a vice president of the AFL-CIO and a member of our executive council. Nobody works harder for the unions affiliated with the Seafarers or gives more support to the 54 other affiliates of the AFL-CIO— nobody.” He added, “I want to thank you, Mike, and every leader and activist in the Seafarers for the work you do every day to keep our union movement strong. You’re not only there in numbers for every rally we have on Capitol Hill, but at every convention and in every campaign we sponsor—even though many of the things we’re fighting for are like the health care and pensions and health and safety protections you already have.” He pointed to U.S. cabotage laws as a model for other domestic sectors. “I’ve often said I wish we had a Jones Act for every one of our basic industries,” Sweeney stated. “It’s the standard for trade unionists of every stripe, and every one of you deserves a medal for defending it and extending it so well for the last 87 years.” He noted the labor movement’s grassroots capabilities, reflected in the strong union turnout during last year’s elections. Sweeney also said that those capabilities must be used to organize new members. “There are 60 million Americans out there who say they want to join our unions, and we’re determined to bring them that opportunity.” Turning to health care, Sweeney said it will be a critical issue in next year’s elections. “Nobody in this richest country in the world should go without health care—not a single child, not a single retiree, not a single family,” he asserted. “Along with good jobs and the freedom of every worker to form and join unions, health care will be a signature issue for us from now through the elections of 2008. We will elect members of Congress and a president who will support real national health care reform—health October 2007 Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO President Ernie Grecco care as good as our members of Congress get. Health care worthy of our great country. Health care that works for Main Street instead of health care that works for Wall Street.” Buffenbarger noted that American workers simply seek basic things including a fair wage, safe neighborhoods and maintaining traditional expectations “that they can do better than their parents as they emerge into the workforce ... and at the end of a lifelong career, they can retire with dignity and respect and with pensions that are safe and secure.” He mentioned an IAM-sponsored rally in D.C. earlier this year and thanked the SIUNA for its strong turnout. “This great union stands up with its friends,” Buffenbarger said. Further expressing that appreciation, he presented Sacco with a bronze eagle bearing an inscription from the IAM to the SIUNA that reads in part, “With deepest respect, admiration and appreciation for the work your members do. Solidarity forever.” Mason shared a story from his childhood that involved a Seafarer whom he knew as “Uncle Addison,” though they weren’t related. Mason told the audience that he grew up “dirt poor” in segregated Virginia during the 1950s. His interactions with Uncle Addison helped him appreciate many aspects of unions. Mason said that whenever Addison returned home from a voyage, “No matter what time of year it was, it was Christmas. He always had money, always had one of the best cars. He’d bring back photos of black and white people in fraternal relationships, actually smiling, and would tell stories about going to different countries. I didn’t know at the time what an impact those stories were having on me, nor at the time about the role that the union was actually playing in helping to change America. “A piece of that is the notion of a middleclass way of life,” he continued. “The union made it possible back then. Today, unions still have a role to play in making our democracy better, in recapturing and surpassing the middleclass way of life that Americans deserve. We have to put forth greater effort to elect politicians that honor work and respect workers and who will pass the Employee Free Choice Act. We have to support and elect politicians who believe all workers—all people—are entitled to decent, affordable health care.” Mason also thanked the SIUNA for its support, noting that “any time the federation has needed assistance, it was literally a phone call away. Call on the SIU, and we’ll have people there to do it.” Grecco fired up the crowd by urging union members and officials alike to work harder and work smarter to accomplish the movement’s goals. He also emphasized union members’ buying power and reminded delegates that buying union-made, American-made products is beneficial in many ways. He pointed out the loss of industrial jobs in Baltimore over the years as well as elsewhere across the country—a condition brought on mostly by corporate greed but exacerbated by citizens buying so many foreignmade goods. “I remember the days when you couldn’t attend one of these kinds of meetings without checking to see if you had a union label on your coat,” he said. “Those days are gone. We need to get back to those days, and we need to talk—not only to each other, but to our members. We need Continued on page 10 supplies they need to defend our nation,” he said. Mikulski could not attend the convention but sent a letter stating, “You know that I am on your side. Working men and women are the backbone of our great nation. Unions play a vital role in ensuring safe and fair working conditions. I’m proud to stand with the labor movement.” Reilly recalled the heroic efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II—in particular the Murmansk Run—and stated, “If you think about our U.S. Merchant Mariners and you recognize the fact that they have always been there to support us, you will recognize the fact that they still have the courage and the conviction to support this nation in time of defense, no matter what the threat is.” He said that relying on civilian mariners is a good value for the government “because we can take advantage of the efficiencies that have been learned in the civilian sector to not have a lot of overhead.” Reilly said America is “still a maritime nation and we always will be. It ultimately ties us to the American fleet.” The MSC commander mentioned that several of his family members have belonged to unions, so he understands and appreciates the value of such organizations. He concluded, “I appreciate your support. I appreciate the ongoing relationship we have with you. Keep fueling that maritime engine that supports that bell of freedom.” Connaughton thanked the union for its support since he took office a year ago. He noted that during that time, MarAd reorganized. He said there are current and future opportunities for the marine highway system and shipbuilding. Concerning LNG, Connaughton said, “I think we’ve been very successful taking a step-by-step approach, first to get some agreements to put American mariners on board.” He noted the recent commitment by Woodside Natural Gas to the U.S.-flag and U.S. crews on the West Coast and added, “I am very happy to say we’re very, very close to another commitment from another company to operate U.S.-flag LNGs here on the East Coast.” Continued on page 10 U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) Seafarers LOG 9 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 6:08 PM Page 10 International Solidarity Still Key for Mariners and Their Unions In this age of economic globalization, maritime unions must follow suit by working together at every opportunity to promote and protect good jobs for their respective memberships. That message was driven home last month by three prominent labor officials at the SIUNA convention in Piney Point, Md. on Sept. 13-14. Delivering the sentiments were Paddy Crumlin, national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia (a position equivalent to that of a president in the U.S.); Stephen Cotton, secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Special Seafarers’ Department and also the ITF maritime coordinator; and Norwegian Seafarers’ Union President Jacqueline Smith. Cotton provided an overview of the ITF, pointing out that the organization consists of 680 transport unions representing more than 4.5 million workers from 148 countries. He noted that the federation was formed more than a century ago “from solidarity action and industrial action. Those principles of standing up for your rights and defending workers are just as true today as they were over 100 years ago. We have to fight for each other.” He updated the convention on the ITF’s battle against so-called flag-ofconvenience shipping, also called runaway-flag shipping. Cotton reported that the federation now has more than 8,000 ships under contract and noted that during the past three years, ITF inspectors have collected $60 million in back pay for crew members. “Our objective is to see all of the world’s seafarers in strong unions fighting for their future,” he said. Cotton credited the SIUNA with providing a good example for other ITF affiliates, describing it as “a democratic, strong, powerful union that knows how to fight and knows how to deliver. Good trade unions don’t moan about changing times. They find ways to take on the chal- Paddy Crumlin (left), national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, brought a present from his union to the SIUNA and President Michael Sacco. lenges. Here again, the SIU has led the way.” Cotton brought two letters conveying fraternal greetings from, respectively, the Seafarers Union of Russia and the Philippine Seafarers Union—and pointed out that both of those organizations use the SIUNA as a model. Additionally, he voiced the ITF’s commitment “that if there is anything we can do to support the employment of American seafarers on LNG vessels, we will do that, whatever it takes.” Finally, Cotton pointed to the need to develop new methods of organizing and building alliances with government, employers “and whoever else we need to help achieve our objectives. We have to look at our history and understand that everything you have today comes from the leadership and the membership fighting for what they’ve achieved. Our future—the future of your families and workers tomorrow—depends on our ability to mobilize our power. We must be effective, and solidarity is the key.” Smith mentioned that the conven- tion marked her first visit to the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. She described the school as “truly an inspiration to seafarers globally.” She noted the long tradition of SIUNA and NSU solidarity. “It’s through international liaison that SIU and NSU along with other ITF affiliates are able to secure higher living and working conditions for seafarers on a global basis,” Smith stated. On a somber note, she explained how runaway flags—particularly flagging out from traditional maritime nations—harms mariners and “has had an extremely harsh effect on our members. Just in the last 20 years, over 100,000 jobs have been lost in the European shipping industry. Around 30,000 Norwegian seafarers lost their jobs practically overnight when they introduced a second registry in the [Norwegian International Ship Register].” She concluded by noting that Norwegian trade unions are “still battling to establish something similar to the Jones Act” to help reverse the “nightmarish” loss of jobs. “U.S. seafarers must never let the government Continued from page 9 10 Seafarers LOG ITF Maritime Coordinator Stephen Cotton Norwegian Seafarers Union President Jacqueline Smith decency at work ... to have a pension and medical benefits. Those things aren’t just American values. They’re Australian values, Canadian values, UK values. We’ve got to maintain strong leadership and belief in each other—and understand the fact that we’re part of an international family. If we don’t stick together, someone will come up the gangway and take our jobs.” Officials Credit SIUNA For Consistent Support Continued from page 9 to talk about the importance of buying American-made, unionmade products and the importance of getting involved in the political process.” He added that the SIU is appreciated by fellow unions in Baltimore, specifically mentioning the work of SIU Port Agent Dennis Metz. “Every local union in the city knows that if there’s any situation whatsoever, the Seafarers International Union is there to help.” Maritime Speakers Describe Challenges He asserted that MarAd must protect the Jones Act and be “very vigilant with our other government agencies with respect to government-impelled cargoes” to ensure the appropriate use of U.S.-flag vessels and U.S. crews. Connaughton also vowed to continue pushing to “lift some of the burden that will help mariners and ship operators alike to grow the U.S.-flag fleet. I look forward to working with you.... We have a great partnership, great collaboration because there’s one key element. It’s all about making sure we support American jobs and support American businesses.” Stalfort offered detailed descriptions of changes happening at the National Maritime Center (NMC) and improvements to the mariner licensing and documentation program. “The Coast Guard is committed to drastically improving all aspects of the credentialing process and we take this job seriously,” he said. “We certainly understand past and current frustration and we accept that our past performance does not warrant giving us the benefit of the doubt just yet. However, we continue to focus on the future and strive for issuing credentials to competent mariners in the most efficient, customer-centric manner possible. We thank you for challenging us to improve; we ask for your patience and support as we do.” Both Banks and Van Loo stressed the ongoing need for American maritime labor to work together, especially in the political arena. “If we have learned anything over the years it is that our likelihood of success in Congress is directly related to our ability and willingness to work together,” Banks said. “All of our officers are totally committed to this proposition and we’re extremely pleased and proud that our D.C. operation and yours are able to closely work together on the Hill. There should be little doubt that if the unions had not decided to work in sync with one another we very likely would not have been able to enact the Maritime Security Program or have it re-authorized two years ago for anoth- weaken the Jones Act. Never. This won’t happen as long as you have strong leadership.” Crumlin emphasized political action as an indispensable means of advancing mariners’ interests. He called SIUNA President Michael Sacco and the entire union “an inspiration for seafarers around the world, showing that we don’t have to just stand back and let other people take our jobs. If we stand up for our jobs there’s a future for us and our families and the generations to come.” He noted that the SIUNA has a long history of working with promaritime candidates regardless of political party. Such activity “reflects union leadership. It’s a great tribute to the SIU and it’s a great tribute to Mike’s leadership and other leaders that you’ve been able to maintain because it is a vision for all of us that we can secure our future. “If we’re prepared to work together; if we’re prepared to make hard decisions; if we’re prepared to protect our own interests, we can make things happen.” Crumlin recalled that during an earlier visit to the U.S., he observed how the union lobbied Congress and appreciated the fact that union headquarters is based just outside of D.C. “The reason the SIU is in Washington is that’s where the decisions get made. That’s where the Jones Act lives and dies. The heart and the mind of the union is in Washington because if you’re unable to persuade the politicians, then we’re in the hands of big business and global business— and they don’t care about our interests.” Wrapping up, Crumlin described merchant mariners as “blue-collar workers seeking to get a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and to have U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David Stalfort, SIUNA President Sacco, SIUNA Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel er 10-year period. I can honestly say I don’t think this would have happened at all if it hadn’t been for the leadership of Mike Sacco.” Van Loo said, “In maritime labor, solidarity is more than just a buzzword. It’s a practice. One needs only to look at the history of cooperation between the MEBA and the SIU to see examples. Our members serve together on nearly every vessel we crew.” He added, “This industry, despite our best efforts, has been slowly shrinking over the past 50 years. Larger ships, newer technology and tougher competition have reduced the number of jobs available but we have proven we can overcome these obstacles when we cooperate. When we work together there is no limit to what we can achieve.” Maryland and D.C. AFL-CIO President Fred Mason AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (right) confers with SIUNA President Michael Sacco. SIUNA Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel is shown in background. IAM President Tom Buffenbarger (left) presents a gift to SIUNA President Michael Sacco on behalf of Machinists officials and members. The eagle is directed toward all officials and members of SIUNA unions. October 2007 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/29/2007 HTER F UR R A B IG E MAPPING OUT UT 7:10 AM Page 11 2007 SIUNA Convention HIGHLIGHTS 9/29/07 6:27:43 AM In photos directly above and below, delegates and guests sign in for the convention. Union Plus Representative Valerie Lilja explains some of the benefit programs. SIUNA President Michael Sacco tells convention delegates that while much has been accomplished since the previous convention, there’s no shortage of challenges ahead. Unlicensed apprentices post the colors at the convention’s start. The St. Mary’s County (Md.) Board of Commissioners presented Seafarers President Michael Sacco with a proclamation celebrating the 40th anniversary of the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The school is located in Piney Point, Md. and was the host site for the convention, which took place Sept. 13-14. Pictured from left to right are Francis Jack Russell, president of the board of county commissioners; Commissioner Kenneth Dement, who represents the district including the Paul Hall Center; SIU President Sacco; and Commissioner Thomas Mattingly. October 2007 This was the 25th SIUNA convention. The organization was chartered in 1938. Seafarers LOG 11 �44775_P01_24x:4775p0 10/2/2007 1:28 PM Page 12 DELE &G MAPPING OUT IG UR R A B Michael Sacco SIUNA President E Archie Ware SIU Asst. VP HTER FUT 44775_SIU_MappingLogo.indd 1 John Sweeney AFL-CIO President 9/29/07 6:27:43 AM Michael Given SIU of Canada Organizing Director Sean Connaughton U.S. Maritime Administrator SPEAKERS U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) Ambrose Cucinotta SIU Asst. VP Ernie Grecco Metropolitan Baltimore AFL-CIO President Georg Kenny SIU Port Agent Capt. David Stalfort NMC Commanding Officer Tom Buffenbarger IAM President Fred Mason Maryland and D.C. AFL-CIO President Stephen Cotton ITF Maritime Coordinator Bill Van Loo MEBA SecretaryTreasurer Jacqueline Smith Norwegian Seafarers Union President Rear Adm. Robert Reilly Jr. MSC Commander 12 Seafarers LOG Chris Westbrook SIU Port Agent Tom Soresi SIU Bosun Paddy Crumlin Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Dick Myers Representing office of U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski Capt. Glen Banks MM&P SecretaryTreasurer Valerie Lilja Union Plus Representative Herb Perez UIW VP October 2007 S �44775_P01_24x:September-07 10/2/2007 1:11 PM LEGATES GUESTS Tom Orzechowski SIUNA VP Joseph Soresi SIUNA VP Page 13 Augie Tellez SIUNA VP Roman Gralewicz SIU of Canada President Tom Bethel AMO President David Heindel SIUNA Sec.-Treasurer Dean Corgey SIUNA VP George Tricker SIU VP Kermett Mangram SIUNA VP René Lioeanjie SIUNA VP Charlie Stewart SIU VP Nick Marrone SIUNA VP Nick Celona SIUNA VP Becky Sleeper SIU Port Agent Catina Sicoli SIU of Canada Comptroller Dan Smith AMO Exec. VP Eugene Irish UIW VP Dennis Metz SIU Port Agent Elizabeth Brown SEATU Asst. VP Dave Connolly SUP VP Don Cree AMO VP Frank Pecquex MTD Sec.-Treasurer Jeff Turkus SIU Port Agent Anthony Poplawski MFOW President Chad Partridge SIU Port Agent Bob Love UIW Representative Chester Wheeler SIU Asst. VP Edd Morris SIU Port Agent Gerard Dhooge SIU Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski SIU Port Agent Joe Vincenzo SIU Port Agent Karen Horton-Gennette SEATU Business Rep. Mike DiPrisco Paul Hall Center Trustee John Cox SIU Port Agent Tony Naccarato Paul Hall Center Trustee Tracey Mayhew UIW Rep. Tom Walsh IPTW Organizer John Larew Jr. IPTW Sec.-Treasurer Desiree Gralewicz SIU of Canada Sec.Treasurer Jim Given SIU of Canada VP Bill Ellis UIW VP Amancio Crespo SIU Port Agent Michel Desjardins SIU of Canada Exec. VP Kenny Moore SIU Port Agent Donna Walsh SIUNA VP John Spadaro UIW National Director October 2007 Maggie Bowen SIU Plans Administrator Bill Cole ATC Labor Relations Director Theresa Hoinsky Fishermen’s Union President Brian Krus AMO Asst. VP Jim McGee SIU Asst. VP Neil Dietz SIU Port Agent Orlando Diaz UIW VP Todd Brdak SIU Port Agent Bill O’Brien MFOW VP Seafarers LOG 13 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/29/2007 7:20 AM Page 14 COMMIT TEES MAPPING OUT IG E AUDITING COMMITTEE – (Seated, from left) Elizabeth Brown, David Heindel, Roman Gralewicz (chairman), Joseph Soresi, (standing) John Zimmerman, George Tricker, Nancy Beltran, Thomas Bethel, Tom Orzechowski. (Zimmerman is a CPA with the Buchbinder Tunick accounting firm, Beltran the SIU controller. They were on hand to assist the committee if the group had any questions about the financial reports.) UR R A B Committees consisting of representatives from the SIUNA affiliates met during the convention and carried out their assignments. Each committee reported on its work to the full convention. Whether providing credentials to the delegates, reviewing resolutions submitted by the member unions, or developing recommendations for rules by which to conduct the convention, the committees work to see that the event functions democratically and efficiently. HTER FUT 44775_SIU_MappingLogo.indd 1 9/29/07 6:27:43 AM CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE—(Seated, from left) Don Cree, Augie Tellez (chairman), Joseph Soresi, Becky Sleeper, (standing) Herb Perez, John Cox, Jim Given, René Lioeanjie, Todd Brdak. LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES COMMITTEE—Theresa Hoinsky (chairwoman), Kermett Mangram, Tracey Mayhew, John Spadaro, Michel Galarneau, (standing) Charlie Stewart, Gerard Dhooge, Michael Given. OFFICERS AND AFFILIATES REPORTS COMMITTEE—(Seated, from left) William Berger, Nick Marrone, Desiree Gralewicz, (standing) Thomas Walsh, Brian Krus, Hugo Boisjoly. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE—(Seated, from left) Catina Sicoli, Anthony Poplawski (chairman), Karen Horton-Gennette, (standing) Dan Smith, John Larew Jr., Bill Ellis, Augie Tellez, Joe Mieluchowski. RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE—(Seated, from left) Georg Kenny, Dean Corgey (chairman), Dave Connolly, (standing) Eugene Irish, Amancio Crespo, Augie Tellez, Chester Wheeler. CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS & PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE—(Seated, from left) Donna Walsh (chairwoman), Michel Desjardins, Orlando Diaz, William O’Brien, (standing) Nick Celona, Ambrose Cucinotta, Jim McGee. 14 Seafarers LOG October 2007 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 6:12 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea November & December 2007 Membership Meetings JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2007 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port 2 1 0 4 1 2 7 5 1 0 2 2 5 1 3 0 0 0 5 2 0 1 4 11 0 10 33 23 3 12 11 26 14 17 3 0 1 4 34 29 2 2 7 18 6 3 23 13 2 11 7 24 20 12 4 6 7 2 24 16 0 0 1 2 1 1 4 3 0 0 3 2 3 4 1 0 0 0 5 4 0 3 5 8 0 3 25 11 0 2 10 17 8 11 2 1 1 2 24 13 4 0 9 19 1 12 61 64 1 22 27 81 15 40 5 1 14 3 51 50 5 7 6 14 7 16 42 30 11 13 15 44 14 16 9 14 15 12 51 31 3 2 0 7 2 3 5 6 2 2 3 6 7 5 4 0 1 1 7 7 283 252 43 236 209 34 146 480 372 73 1 0 4 6 1 9 12 19 0 9 6 15 8 18 0 2 6 2 17 10 2 1 7 3 3 2 12 27 1 2 3 8 11 10 5 5 0 1 12 12 0 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 0 1 0 1 10 4 0 0 1 1 1 4 0 0 5 6 1 5 11 18 0 10 4 17 7 8 0 1 4 0 12 12 0 1 3 3 2 3 11 10 0 3 2 8 9 5 5 3 2 3 8 9 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 4 1 0 3 9 9 0 3 0 15 3 3 1 0 1 3 12 4 1 0 3 13 1 12 25 30 2 12 8 32 10 22 3 2 6 3 30 17 2 2 7 10 2 8 17 28 3 7 5 11 21 11 3 3 3 2 28 15 0 1 0 3 2 2 6 3 1 0 1 3 10 3 1 0 1 3 4 9 145 127 33 121 90 16 71 232 188 53 2 0 2 6 1 6 19 16 0 3 6 19 10 28 3 3 2 1 13 20 1 0 2 7 1 3 6 10 0 3 5 10 11 2 1 0 1 1 11 6 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 3 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 160 81 16 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Port 0 0 1 4 2 2 8 10 0 1 1 2 4 0 0 0 1 1 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 9 5 0 0 2 13 6 4 0 0 0 0 7 5 3 0 2 10 2 14 31 32 1 8 7 29 13 45 3 3 3 2 34 42 1 1 1 12 1 10 10 15 1 8 6 16 21 5 1 1 2 1 16 10 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 7 1 0 1 0 0 3 2 3 129 44 8 56 284 139 25 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 2 1 10 0 3 0 1 1 0 3 2 0 1 4 3 2 9 28 21 0 3 5 28 12 19 0 8 2 0 14 13 2 0 1 8 0 8 4 10 2 2 2 8 14 13 0 20 2 2 15 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 2 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 4 3 2 7 21 20 0 5 4 20 11 10 1 9 0 0 5 7 0 0 2 1 0 4 1 4 0 0 1 3 6 4 0 20 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 6 4 0 1 2 14 0 8 0 1 2 0 8 2 0 2 3 8 1 6 31 27 1 8 7 58 20 23 0 12 5 0 32 25 7 1 1 11 0 14 9 19 2 4 6 19 30 14 3 10 2 1 22 9 Totals 29 172 117 20 129 50 0 52 269 184 617 632 209 506 472 108 273 1,048 968 335 *“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 2007 Baltimore..............Thursday: November 8, December 6 Boston ..................Friday: November 9, December 7 Guam ....................Friday: November 23* ..............................Thursday: December 20 (*change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) Honolulu...............Friday: November 16, December 14 Houston ................Tuesday: November 13* ..............................Monday: December 10 (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Jacksonville ..........Thursday: November 8, December 6 Joliet .....................Thursday: November 15, Dec. 13 Mobile ..................Wednesday: November 14, Dec. 12 New Orleans.........Tuesday: November 13, Dec. 11 New York .............Tuesday: November 6, December 4 Norfolk .................Thursday: November 8, December 6 Oakland ................Thursday: November 15, Dec. 13 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: November 7, Dec. 5 Port Everglades ....Thursday: November 15, Dec. 13 San Juan ...............Thursday: November 8, December 6 St. Louis ...............Friday: November 16, December 14 Tacoma .................Friday: November 23, December 21 Wilmington...........Monday: November 19, December 17 0 0 0 4 1 4 25 11 0 3 5 17 9 16 2 2 0 0 14 16 Algonac A1chorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals All Departments Piney Point ...........Monday: November 5, December 3 Algonac ................Friday: November 9, December 7 3 6 6 12 6 10 25 22 7 10 15 26 11 11 5 11 13 9 27 17 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 1 2 13 0 11 46 39 2 14 16 32 12 21 3 1 5 2 29 32 Port Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. NOTICE Federal Court Bars Calif. CPA From Claiming So-Called Mariner’s Tax Deduction The U.S. Department of Justice on Aug. 22 issued the following news release: WASHINGTON, D.C.—A federal judge in Los Angeles has barred Martin A. Kapp, a certified public accountant from El Segundo, Calif., from preparing federal income tax returns claiming a so-called mariner’s tax deduction, the Justice Department announced today. The permanent injunction was entered by U.S. District Judge George Schiavelli of the Central District of California. The court found that Kapp prepared returns for mariners nationwide, improperly claiming deductions for the costs of meals when their employers had given them free meals. The court said Kapp “knew or should have known” the deductions were illegal. The court ordered Kapp to give the Justice Department a list of names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and Social Security numbers of customers for whom he claimed the deductions. The judge also ordered Kapp to post a copy of the permanent injunction on his Web sites for one year. More information about this case is available at http:// www.usdoj.gov/tax/txdv06213.htm. Since 2001, the Justice Department has sought and obtained injunctions against more than 245 tax return preparers and tax fraud promoters. More information about these cases is available on the Justice Department Web site at http://www.usdoj.gov/tax/tax press2007.htm. More information about the Justice Department’s Tax Division can be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/tax. Seafarers LOG 15 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/29/2007 10:41 AM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory CIVMAR News Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 Hotel Award Calculated, CIVMARS to Receive $482,200 Previous LOG articles notified CIVMARS that the SIU was successful in the “failure to provide adequate hotel quarters” arbitration earlier this year. The SIU convinced the arbitrator that the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC)-selected hotel, the Days Inn Military Circle, was unsafe, unhealthy and unsuitable. (The full decision is available on line, in PDF format, at http://www.seafarers. org/log/2007/082007/decision.pdf) The arbitrator held that while the hotel was clearly substandard from the start of the time CIVMARS were assigned, because MSC had signed a contract with the hotel, the arbitrator did not have the authority to determine if MSC could have cancelled the contract. As a result of this finding the arbitrator determined that the monetary awards for CIVMARS would start once the contract had been extended, from Oct. 1, 2006 and ending when CIVMARS were transferred to the Doubletree, Virginia Beach Jan. 18, 2007. CIVMARS staying at the Days Inn Military Circle between those dates will be receiving monetary compensation of $40 for each night of their stay. The union reviewed each sign-in sheet and listed each CIVMAR and the nights stayed to calculate the amount of the award. The total award amounted to $482,200. This report was sent to MSC for implementation. The union will work with MSC to ensure appropriate payment and notification of CIVMARS who will receive this money. Union Proceeding with TARSClass Habitability Grievances The union’s efforts to have CIVMARS paid habitability pay aboard the TARS salvage vessels USNS Grasp, USNS Grapple and USNS Salvor are proceeding. The SIU and MSC are selecting arbitration dates for the East Coast salvage ships. The Salvor grievance has been sent for a third-step review by Rear Adm. Robert Reilly, commander, MSC, in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the SIU and MSC for the West Coast CIVMAR unit. The union is asking for compensation for all CIVMARS assigned to these vessels at $40 per night. The SIU will keep CIVMARs posted. Penalty Meal Hour Payments The union has been advised by East Coast CIVMARS that they may not be getting an appropriate reimbursement for working through a meal hour. The collective bargaining agreement and the CMPI provide for penalty pay if CIVMARS are required to work through the meal hour as a result of underway replenishment duties or duties related to the navigation of the vessel. These rules do not apply to people on watch duty. If you have been required to work during a meal hour, even if you have received 15 or 20 minutes to eat your meal, you may be entitled to this payment in addition to the overtime rate of pay. CIVMARS must request payment for this type of penalty pay. If you do not know how to file for this pay, contact civmarsupport@seafarers.org or contact your SIU Government Services Division representative. You can call Maurice Cokes at (757) 622-1892; Kate Hunt at (718) 499-6600, extension 223, or Chet Wheeler at (510) 444-2360, extension 17. Benefits Enrollment Period The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently announced that the federal benefits enrollment period will take place from Nov. 12 through Dec. 10. Also, the agency has given the enrollment period itself a new name: Federal Benefits Open Season. Previously, it had been called the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Open Season. However, the new procedure involves more than signing up for basic health benefits. Federal workers also may enroll for vision and dental coverage. They may arrange “flexible spending accounts” for out-of-pocket expenses for health care and dependent care. Updated information (including 2008 premiums) should be available by early November at the following web address: www.opm.gov/insure. Two Ports Remain on USNS Comfort Mission By late September, only two ports remained on the hospital ship USNS Comfort’s humanitarian assistance mission, MSC reported. The vessel is crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. It is on a four-month deployment to Latin America and the Caribbean providing medical assistance to patients in a dozen countries. The deployment is in support of the U.S. Southern Command’s Partnership for the Americas initiative, strengthening the ties between the United States and partner nations. According to MSC, the Comfort has helped more than 84,000 patients to date. Additionally, the ship departed Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Sept. 22, having been the longest vessel to pull pierside there. Typically, the port has a limitation for the length of ships allowed to dock, due to a small turning basin where the vessels enter and exit. The Comfort (at 894 feet) exceeds the length set in the limitations, so special accommodations were arranged. In particular, the Comfort only took on 60 percent of its fuel capacity before arriving in Trinidad and Tobago, and the ballast tanks were emptied so the ship wouldn’t run aground. If the Comfort hadn’t been pulled pierside, everyone arriving on and departing the ship would have had to be flown, which would have depleted the ship’s helicopter fuel supply. Nearly 100 surgeries were performed on the ship in cooperation from Trinidad and Tobago medical professionals. Two Trinidad and Tobago doctors assisted and observed during a range of surgeries, including hernia repairs, cataract surgeries, hysterectomies and a variety of others. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST The first SIUNA convention was held March 23-28, 1942 in the port of San Francisco. This photo of the delegates (taken from the LOG archives) was snapped at that meeting. Sixty-five years later, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. was the venue for the 2007 Quinquennial Convention of the SIUNA. See coverage of the September 1314, 2007 convention on pages 3, 9-14. 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 2007 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 8:42 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 ROBERT BELL JR., 58, joined the union in 1965. Brother Bell first sailed aboard the Southwestern Victory as a member of the engine department. He attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. on numerous occasions. Brother Bell, who was born in Alabama, most recently worked aboard the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. He makes his home in Cantonment, Fla. FRANK CASBY JR., 69, became an SIU member in 1979 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Casby’s first ship was the Cove Engineer. He was born in Louisiana and worked in the engine department. In 2000, Brother Casby upgraded his seafaring skills at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point. His most recent voyage was on the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Casby lives in Franklin, La. MICHAEL DUNN, 54, began his seafaring career in 1973 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Dunn’s first trip was aboard the Overseas Aleutian. He upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. Brother Dunn, who was born in California, sailed in the deck department. His most recent voyage was on the Liberty Spirit. Brother Dunn calls Richmond, Calif. home. JACOB DUSICH III, 55, was born in Washington. Brother Dusich joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1977 in the port of San Francisco. In 1997 and 2000, he attended the Maritime Training Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Dusich’s most recent voyage was on the Manukai. The steward department member lives in Apple Valley, Calif. DOMINGO GORDIAN, 65, joined the SIU in 1990. Brother Gordian’s first voyage was on the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge. The Puerto Rico-born mariner shipped in the deck department. Brother Gordian upgraded his skills in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Horizon Trader. Brother Gordian is a resident of Tucson, Ariz. October 2007 ALAN HANSEN, 62, began his seafaring career in 1970 on the Walter Rice. Brother Hansen, who was born in Seattle, worked in the engine department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. Brother Hansen’s most recent voyage was aboard the Cape Island. He resides in Port Angeles, Wash. FRANCISCO INSUA, 65, joined the SIU in 1979. Brother Insua first shipped aboard the Cove Engineer as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills on three occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Insua, who was born in Spain, most recently sailed on the Columbia. He resides in Spain. JOSE JORGE, 65, joined the SIU in 1977. Brother Jorge first worked aboard a Cove Shipping Company vessel. In 2000 and 2002, he took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the Seafarers-affiliated school. Brother Jorge most recently sailed on the Commitment. Born in Puerto Rico, he makes his home in New York. MARY-LOU LOPEZ, 65, hails from Hanford, Calif. Sister Lopez embarked on her seafaring career in 1978, initially sailed aboard the Mariposa. Sister Lopez, who shipped in the steward department, upgraded three times at the Paul Hall Center. She most recently worked on Matson Navigation’s Mahi-Mahi. Sister Lopez calls San Pedro, Calif. home. DAVID MILLIGAN, 60, became an SIU member in 1975. Brother Milligan’s first ship was the Transcolorado. He was born in New York and sailed in the deck department. Brother Milligan upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. His most recent voyage was on the Horizon Pacific. Brother Milligan makes his home in Reno, Nev. HASAN RAHMAN, 66, began his seafaring career in 1979 in the port of New York. He first worked aboard the Merrimac as a member of the steward department. Brother Rahman, who was born in Egypt, attended classes often at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently sailed aboard the Horizon Crusader. Brother Rahman is a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. DAVID VALLE, 65, began sailing in 1974 aboard the Overseas Alaska. Brother Valle, who was born in Puerto Rico, worked in the steward department. He upgraded his seafaring skills on numerous occasions at the Maritime Training Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Valle most recently shipped on the Horizon Discovery. He resides in Worcester, Mass. VERNON WALLEN, 66, joined the union in 1976 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Wallen’s first voyage was aboard the William Roesch. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Wallen attended the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions to upgrade his skills. He is a native of Tennessee. Prior to retiring, Brother Wallen worked on the ITB New York. He lives in Orem, Utah. his SIU career in 1968. Boatman Amey’s first voyage was aboard a Meyle Towing vessel. He was born in New Jersey and sailed in the deck department. Boatman Amey most recently worked aboard a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. He makes Thorofare, N.J. his home. JOHN IVANKOVICH, 68, was born in Croatia. Boatman Ivankovich started shipping with the SIU in 1989 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. Boatman Ivankovich upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. He lives in San Pedro, Calif. WILLIAM McANDREWS, 63, began his SIU career in 1962. Boatman McAndrews worked pri- INLAND KENNETH AMEY, 62, began Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1954 BALTIMORE – Seafarers from the crew of the SS Bull Run (Petrol Tankers) have been manning a 24-hour seagoing picket line around the ship here since Sunday, as the company continues its refusal to renew its full work agreement with the SIU. The vessel, which arrived late Saturday under tow from Norfolk, had been covered by an SIU contract for several years. Members of the crew originally left the ship in the Virginia port after the union acted on prior strike authority voted by the membership and called the crew out on strike. marily on Great Lakes Towing Company vessels. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., he calls Hamburg, N.Y. home. EARL SHEPARD JR., 54, joined the union in 1970. Boatman Shepard initially sailed in the deep sea division aboard the Charleston before switching to the inland division. He was born in Baltimore, Md. and attended the Piney Point school on three occasions to upgrade his skills. Boatman Shepard’s most recent trip to sea was on a Maritrans Operating Company vessel. He settled in Hanover, Pa. GREAT LAKES CLARENCE DOAN, 65, joined the union in 1968 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Doan’s first ship was the American Sea Ocean; his last was the American Republic. He was born in Michigan and worked in the deck department. Brother Doan resides in Hollister, Fla. diploma through the GED program offered at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Born in Aland Island, a possession of Finland, Brother Moval went to sea for the first time at the age of 13. The story of his career is typical of the great heroism shown by the brothers of the SIU during the Second World War. He was one of four survivors from a tanker that hit a mine in the Bordeaux Harbor in 1940. He was later captured by the German army and placed in a prison camp in France. His third escape attempt was successful…. After joining the SIU in 1942, Brother Moval’s first ship took him to the invasion of Casablanca. He returned to the U.S. and immediately shipped out again, this time as a chief steward. He served in the D-Day invasion of Anzio Beach and the invasion of Okinawa…. “The GED program is great, and the teachers are outstanding,” he said. This Month In SIU History 1964 The battle of the SIU and other segments of maritime to extend the Food for Peace program under Public Law 480 without any crippling amendments added on came to a successful conclusion last week when President Johnson signed the bill extending the law for two more years. As a result of the victory a substantial number of American seamen’s jobs have been saved. The fight to extend the law had been marked by attempts to whittle down the role of U.S. ships in carrying P.L. 480 cargoes. These provisions were beaten down through the efforts of the SIU and other maritime groups. The union intends to keep a watchful eye on the administration of the bill in order to make certain that American-flag ships get their fair share of P.L. 480 cargoes. 1974 Seafarer Leo Moval, 57, recently became the first SIU pensioner to receive his high school 1984 Another newly converted RO/RO ship has been added to the SIU-contracted fleet. Bringing in more jobs for SIU members is the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr. which is being operated by a privately owned company for the Military Sealift Command. This 755-foot long vessel is part of the U.S. military’s Maritime Prepositioning Ship (MPS) program. During her conversion, the ship was lengthened by a 157-foot mid-body section and was fitted with a semi-slewing stern ramp, side port doors and ramps, and three twin-tandem heavy-lift cranes. A helicopter pad and quarters for military personnel were also added. Seafarers LOG 17 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 8:52 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA HERBERT ATKINSON Pensioner Herbert Atkinson, 74, passed away Jan. 25. Brother Atkinson became an SIU member in 1961. The Florida-born mariner shipped in the engine department. Brother Atkinson initially worked aboard the Steel Rover. Before his retirement in 2003, he sailed on the USNS Capella. Brother Atkinson was a resident of Jacksonville. CLAUDE BANKSTON JR. Pensioner Claude Bankston Jr., 79, died Jan. 5. Brother Bankston started his seafaring career in 1951. He first set sail on a Waterman Steamship vessel. Brother Bankston was a native of Bogalusa, La. He worked as a member of the deck department, most recently aboard the Leader. He made his home in Baton Rouge and went on pension in 1992. HARRY CAMPBELL Pensioner Harry Campbell, 81, passed away Jan. 9. Brother Campbell joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1934 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member was born in the Philippine Islands. Brother Campbell’s most recent voyage was aboard Matson Navigation’s Lurline. He resided in Shingletown, Calif. and became a pensioner in 1974. WILLIAM FOLSE Pensioner William Folse, 82, died March 7. Brother Folse embarked on his seafaring career in 1951, initially sailing aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. He was born in Raceland, La. Brother Folse’s most recent voyage was on a Michigan Tankers vessel. He called Slidell, La. home. Brother Folse became a pensioner in 1973. PABLO GONZALEZ the Del Valle. Brother Harvey worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Robert E. Lee. Brother Harvey began collecting his retirement stipends in 1984. He made his home in Picayune, Miss. MAGON HERNANDEZ Pensioner Magon Hernandez, 81, passed away Jan. 29. Brother Hernandez joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Puerto Rico and sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Hernandez retired in 1978 and called Torrance, Calif. home. HOEI HIGA Pensioner Hoei Higa, 81, died Jan. 30. Brother Higa became a member of the MC&S in 1948 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Ewa, Hawaii and shipped in the steward department. Brother Higa’s most recent voyage was on Matson Navigation’s Kauai. He went on pension in 1985. Brother Higa was a resident of Waipahu, Hawaii. JOSEPH MARTELLO Pensioner Joseph Martello, 91, passed way Jan. 5. Brother Martello joined the union in 1939. He worked primarily aboard Delta Steamship Lines vessels as a member of the engine department. Brother Martello’s first ship was the Del Sud; his last was the Delta Manpower. Born in Italy, he settled in Louisiana. Brother Martello started receiving his retirement compensation in 1980. HARLAN PETERS Pensioner Harlan Peters, 95, died Jan. 23. Brother Peters joined the union in 1939 in the port of Baltimore. His first voyage was aboard the Morning Light. A native of Alabama, Brother Peters shipped in the steward department. Before retiring in 1976, he worked aboard the Del Sol. Brother Peters lived in Tampa, Fla. Brother Gregory Terado, 56, passed away Jan. 30. He joined the SIU in 2005. Brother Terado was born in the Philippines. He worked primarily aboard the Seabulk Power. Brother Terado made his home in Virginia Beach, Va. LEE HARVEY RAFAEL VERGARA 18 Seafarers LOG INLAND PETER FUNK Pensioner Pablo Gonzalez, 80, passed away Jan. 5. Brother Gonzalez began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951. His first ship was the Jefferson Davis, on which he sailed in the steward department. Brother Gonzalez, who was born in Ponce, P.R., last worked aboard the Cove Trader. He continued to live in Puerto Rico and started receiving his pension in 1988. Pensioner Lee Harvey, 81, died Jan. 12. Brother Harvey, who was born in Arkansas, joined the SIU in 1951. His first ship was pensioner in 1995. Brother Vergara continued to live in his native Puerto Rico. GREGORY TERADO Pensioner Rafael Vergara, 73, died Jan. 27. Brother Vergara began his seafaring career in 1968 in Puerto Rico. He became a Boatman Peter Funk, 52, passed away Dec. 29. He joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of New York. Boatman Funk began his seafaring career by working in the deck department aboard an American Barge Lines vessel. He sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. His most recent voyage was on the Sound Reliance. Boatman Funk, who was born in Chicago, Ill., called Fort Lauderdale, Fla. home. EDWARD FURMAN Pensioner Edward Furman, 85, died March 22. Boatman Furman, who was born in Maryland, joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Baltimore. During his seafaring career, Boatman Furman shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing of Maryland as a member of the deck department. In 1983, Boatman Furman retired. He made his home in Baltimore. Keill settled in Rockport, Texas. He became a pensioner in 1995. ANTHONY KUMBAT Pensioner Anthony Kumbat, 91, passed away May 12. Boatman Kumbat became an SIU member in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. His first expedition was aboard a Sheridan Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Kumbat was born in Pennsylvania. He most recently sailed aboard a Meyle Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Kumbat made his home in Philadelphia. He began receiving his retirement pay in 1978. GREAT LAKES WILLIS KINGSTON Pensioner Willis Kingston, 77, died Jan. 15. Brother Kingston started his seafaring career in 1961. The New York native worked in the deck ROBERT McCARL Pensioner Robert McCarl, 75, passed away Dec. 16. Brother McCarl launched his SIU career in 1961. He was born in Ashland, Wis. Brother McCarl worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessels. A resident of Michigan, he went on pension in 1993. FLOYD OLSON Pensioner Floyd Olson, 86, died Jan. 17. Brother Olson joined the union in 1961 in the port of Duluth, Minn. He worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. Brother Olson sailed in both the engine and deck departments. He retired in 1982 and called Duluth home. ANDREW ROSE Brother Andrew Rose, 47, passed away Jan. 30. Born in London, Brother Rose joined the SIU in 2002 in Detroit, Mich. His first vessel was the Sam Laud; his last was the Indiana Harbor. Brother Rose worked in the deck department. He made his home in Michigan. 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 ERNEST GIBBS department. Brother Kingston shipped mainly on the Lemmerhirt. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1991. Brother Kingston resided in New York. AGE DOD NAME AGE DOD Pensioner Ernest Gibbs, 80, passed away Jan. 20. Boatman Gibbs began sailing with the union in 1977, initially aboard a Tug Management Corporation vessel. The steward department member was born in Pleasant Grove, Ala. Boatman Gibbs most recently shipped with Sheridan Transportation. He was a resident of Tampa, Fla. Boatman Gibbs went on pension in 1995. Alvarez, Ramon 87 Jan. 17 Karschau, Horst 84 Jan. 10 Archey, George 82 Jan. 18 Kroon, Efrain 83 Jan. 29 Burgdorf, Richard 82 Jan. 10 Labus, Joseph 91 Dec. 29 Burgos, Jose 81 Jan. 17 Lake, Richard 84 Dec. 12 Carbo, Jose 98 Jan. 12 McKnight, Raymond 83 Jan. 13 Chavez, Carlos 83 Jan. 17 Medina, Marcial 87 Jan. 23 ROBERT GILES Cruz, Frank 85 Jan. 26 Moore, Nathanial 66 Jan. 3 Darcey, Charles 75 Jan. 26 Paul, Eugene 84 Dec. 28 DeJohn, Benjamin 80 Dec. 9 Pendino, Salvatore 88 Dec. 14 Delannoy, Alejandro 85 Dec. 4 Pinero, Arturo 81 Dec. 15 Donohue, William 80 Jan. 8 Price, Edward 94 Dec. 23 English, Edward 79 Dec. 25 Quervalu, Francisco 91 Dec. 6 Flores, Leonelo 59 Dec. 19 Rivers, Charles, Sr. 79 Dec. 17 Formosa, Anthony 80 Jan. 8 Rolain, Raymond 80 Dec. 25 Freeman, Oras 74 Dec. 26 Savory, Arthur 80 Dec. 25 Goicuria, Fernando 80 Dec. 16 Scheuerman, Robert 78 Dec. 22 Gomez, Guillermo 88 Dec. 4 Silva, Cyprian 77 Jan. 20 Grady, John 82 Jan. 9 Simpson, Robert 78 Dec. 3 Greer, George 75 Dec. 27 Smith, Robert 80 Dec. 30 Hebrank, Edward 79 Jan. 31 Strawder, Carlo 68 Jan. 17 Hickson, Walter 92 Dec. 29 Stryker, Ralph 81 Jan. 10 Higgins, Carroll 85 Dec. 22 Tennyson, Charles 68 Jan. 23 Hill, Elton 82 Jan. 8 Torres, Pedro 81 Dec. 26 Ishiki, Charles 86 Dec. 23 Trensch, Frederick 89 Jan. 3 Istre, Clebby 83 Dec. 4 Vargas, Efrain 88 Jan. 21 Jaiman, Adolfo 96 Jan. 23 Yunque, Wilfredo 81 Jan. 20 Jimenez, William 77 Jan. 2 Zavala, Oscar 90 Dec. 6 Pensioner Robert Giles, 83, died Dec. 13. Boatman Giles became an SIU member in 1955 in the port of Jacksonville. He first worked aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation vessel. Boatman Giles was born in Kansas City, Mo. Prior to his retirement in 1989, he sailed with Mariner Towing Company. Boatman Giles resided in Sanford, Fla. JILES HAMM Pensioner Jiles Hamm, 80, passed away Dec. 26. Boatman Hamm joined the union in 1952 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard a vessel operated by Alcoa Steamship Co. Boatman Hamm was born in Black Creek, N.C. and shipped in the steward department. His most recent voyage was on a Piney Point Transportation vessel. Boatman Hamm started collecting his pension in 1991. He called Hertford, N.C. home. THOMAS KEILL Pensioner Thomas Keill, 73, died Dec. 23. Boatman Keill, who was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, began his Seafaring career in 1975 in the port of Houston. Boatman Keill’s first voyage was on a National Marine Service vessel. He last sailed with Higman Barge Lines. Boatman October 2007 �44775_P01_24x:September-07 10/2/2007 1:16 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 JACOB (Matson Navigation), Aug. 4—Secretary Gary S. Dottino, Steward Delegate Erik J. Loret. Secretary reported annual pay raise took effect July 28. Steward delegate thanked engineers (MEBA and MFOW) for quick response to galley repairs. Clarification requested from company on family emergencies and current e-mail restrictions. Crew members requested to have direct deposit option for paychecks. Ship is currently in Okinawa, Japan with generator problem. Next port: Sasebo, Japan. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 25—Chairman James K. Walker, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Engine Delegate Stephan J. Riccobene, Steward Delegate Jorge Mora. Bosun reported good, safe voyage and great crew. He announced Sept. 2 payoff in Newark, N.J. and noted other bosun would be returning at that time. Those crew members requesting cash at payoff will have to wait until cash arrives aboard ship. Sanitary inspection to take place this week. Secretary thanked wiper for great job and also thanked trainees for good seamanship while aboard vessel. Educational director stated that new Cigna health cards were sent out in June and reminded crew members about 24-hour hot-line to speak with a nurse. He urged mariners to watch for safety hazards while on deck, especially watertight doors, which are very heavy and have no latch. Treasurer stated $1,332 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding time needed to collect pension benefits. Next ports: Newark; Charleston, S.C.; Houston. CP NAVIGATOR (Crowley Marine), Aug. 8—Chairman Stig Sasse Jr., Secretary Hernegildo Batiz, Educational Director Barry C. Knowles. Chairman announced Aug. 9 payoff in Houston. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and read Seafarers LOG to stay abreast of issues that affect maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase dental benefits and lower seatime requirements. Seafarers recommended that book numbers be used on all paperwork rather than Social Security numbers to avoid identity theft. Crew thanked steward department for keeping ship clean and great food. Next port: Houston. HONOR (Interocean American Shipping), Aug. 12—Chairman Billy G. Hill Sr., Secretary Patricia A. Sullivan, Engine Delegate Derek C. King, Steward Delegate Eddy Usmany. Chairman announced payoff on Aug. 18 en route to Beaumont, Texas. He reported Middle East trip was extremely hot, but crew did good job of staying hydrated. Members were reminded to keep documents current and dues paid up and to support SPAD. Secretary reminded crew to turn in linen before arrival in U.S. port. Clean linen will be issued to next mariners when they arrive on board vessel. No beefs or disputed OT Sailing with the SIU The above photo was taken of SIU members aboard the Interocean American Shipping vessel Freedom when it arrived in New York on July 30, 2007. At right is Michael Carello, chief steward on the Vermont, an Eships Inc. vessel. He is checking out the latest union news in the May 2007 Seafarers LOG. October 2007 reported. New freezer and dishwasher have been installed and are operational. Seafarers requested fresh water drinking fountain be installed on deck 7. Chairman thanked Chief Steward Sullivan for healthy meals and great cook-outs. He also expressed his gratitude to entire crew for an outstanding sanitary inspection. Suggestion made regarding contracts for car-carrying vessels. Next ports: Beaumont; Houston; Jacksonville, Fla. HORIZON DISCOVERY (Horizon Lines), Aug. 5— Chairman Patrick C. Ray Jr., Secretary Gerald B. Kirstey, Educational Director Herman Castro, Deck Delegate Efrain Alvarez, Engine Delegate William B. McCants, Steward Delegate Tracy L. Newsome. Chairman encouraged mariners to apply for renewal of passports and z-cards early (six to 11 months before they expire) and announced upcoming payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director advised members to get information regarding retirement and vacation from the union. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower seatime requirements for medical benefits and raise pension amounts. Seafarers requested comparable gym as officers. They also asked for new chairs in crew mess hall and lounge. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. HORIZON PRODUCER, (Horizon Lines), Aug. 15— Chairman Joseph R. Colangelo, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Gary M. Dahl, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro, Engine Delegate Alex Oliva, Steward Delegate Juan J. Vallejo. Chairman reported Aug. 17 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $4,299 in ship’s fund; suggestion made to buy a Bowflex machine with the money. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers requested status of the motion sent to Board of Trustees regarding evaluation of current pension benefits. HORIZON RELIANCE, (Horizon Lines), Aug. 11— Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Michael L. Baker, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Erowin C. Udan, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Cesar L. Santos. Chairman announced upcoming payoff at sea prior to arrival in Los Angeles. He noted that reply from headquarters pertaining to new medical coverage was received and posted in crew lounge. Secretary advised all members to upgrade skills when- New Orleans. He encouraged members to become familiar with their contracts, work rules and duties. Secretary asked mariners to leave rooms clean for next crew members. Educational director warned seamen to keep all necessary sailing documents current and take advantage of upgrading opportunities at SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests made for purchase of fans for crew rooms and DVD player for crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to the steward department. Awards Given on the Green Point Capt. J.E. Belcourt (at left in both photos) was proud to present a couple of awards during voyage 69 aboard the Green Point. The “Best Shipmate” award was given to AB Gregorio Saguran (top photo), and the Safety Award was handed out to Bosun Melvin Nichols. “Both crewmen performed their duties in the best traditions of the U.S. Merchant Marine,” stated Belcourt. The ship was sailing from the Mediterranean to Panama during that voyage. ever possible and take advantage of all Piney Point has to offer. Educational director discussed importance of contributing to SPAD and how it helps our industry. Treasurer stated $788 in ship’s fund. Beef and disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew members were informed that outside locks will be rekeyed to work with room keys. Next ports: Los Angeles; Honolulu. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), Aug. 12—Chairman John T. Roe, Secretary Michael J. Gramer, Educational Director Stephen R. Treece, Deck Delegate Franklin B. Akins, Steward Delegate Hamin Sialana. Chairman announced Aug. 20 payoff in Houston. He reported that everyone on board has gone above and beyond their duties in terms of helping out on deck, in the galley and in the engine room. “Great crew,” he said. Secretary reminded mariners to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Educational director encouraged crew to stay abreast of TWIC requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new ice machine, box spring mattresses, bigger and more efficient dryers and good dishwasher. Recommendation made to look into larger yearly wage increases. Steward department was thanked for fantastic job during voyage. Next ports: Houston; Durbin, South Africa. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), Aug 26—Chairman David N. Martz, Secretary Ronald J. David. Chairman announced Aug. 30 payoff in MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 26— Chairman Thomas Flanagan, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Hiawatha J. Williams, Deck Delegate James V. Triassi Jr., Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov, Steward Delegate Medardo Thomas. Chairman reported smooth, safe voyage and announced Aug. 27 payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. He urged Seafarers to check document expiration dates, support union through SPAD donations, and start looking into TWIC requirements. Educational director advised mariners to continue education process at the maritime training center in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to hire standbys so crew can have day off following a voyage. Request made for a new carpet-cleaning machine. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Aug. 4—Chairman Eddy E. Stwaeard, Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Engine Delegate Owen L. Richards, Steward Delegate Ricardo C. Ellis. Chairman discussed benefits of new medical plan. Everyone aboard expressed pleasure in the changes which will help in lowering deductibles. Secretary thanked members for helping keep ship clean and asked departing crew to clean room and leave fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director encouraged mariners to stay updated on TWIC information and reminded them they will need the cards to ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for great meals. Seafarers LOG 19 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 6:12 PM Page 20 ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR SEAFARERS PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multi-employer plans to send annually, includes important information about the funding level of Seafarers Pension Plan, Plan Number 001, Employer Identification Number 13-6100329 (Plan). This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency..1 This notice is for the plan year beginning Jan. 1, 2006 and ending Dec. 31, 2006 (plan year). Plan’s Funding level The plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the plan year was 98.01 percent. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefits payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the plan’s assets as of Dec. 31, 2006 was $676,381,358. The total amount of benefit payments for the plan year was $31,160,116. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 21.7:1. This ratio suggests that the plan’s assets could provide for approximately 21.7 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the plan year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Margaret R. Bowen, Plan Administrator, at (301) 899-0675, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For more information about the PBGC and multi-employer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the federal relay service toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1800-400-7242). 1 Rules Governing Insolvent Plans: Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multi-employer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’s guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide noti- fication that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC: The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for a $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.7,5 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency. Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay or severance pay. 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 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 2007 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 8:58 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 2007. 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) 9940010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion FOWT October 8 November 2 Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations October 1 November 9 Welding October 1 October 29 October 19 November 16 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Safety Training/STCW October 29 November 12 November 19 December 10 November 2 November 17 November 23 December 14 Government Vessels November 5 November 9 Medical Care Provider October 8 October 12 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* November 26 December 7 Course Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 1 October 26 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* October 22 October 26 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. (*must have basic fire fighting) (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Lifeboatman/Water Survival October 29 November 9 Radar October 8 October 19 Radar Renewal (one day) October 29 Seafarers: Keep abreast of the latest training programs offered at the Paul Hall Center. Check out the courses offered on this page and apply now. A future edition of the Seafarers LOG wll contain a complete guide to all upgrading courses available to students in the year 2008. Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Oct. 1, 2007. Recertification Bosun October 8 November 5 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 ________________________________________________ October 2007 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. 10/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 6:10 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 691 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 691. They include (in alphabetical order) Jay Aki, Raymond Banks, LaDarus Clark, Steven Dalton, Caprice Jennings, Sean Jones, Thomas Jones, Thaddeus Kilgore, Riley LeBlanc, Delbra Leslie-Singleton, Wade McClennan, David Newsome, James Paulin, James Petite, DeAndre Whitley, Cortney Williams and Christopher Yokel. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 692 — Unlicensed apprentices from class 692 who completed the water survival course are (in alphabetical order) Edwin Arroyo, Andrew Cooper, Peter Crane, Daniel Giles, Benigno Gonzales Jr., Richard Grushkin, Cheryl Gutkowski, Weston Hines, Yakan Israel, Omar Izquierdo, John Joyce, Sean Keaton, Jon Larrinaga, Alexis Lopez, Blaine Musk, Shawn Pantschyschak, Amer Saleh, Casey Shannon, Patrick Shaw, Leroy Sierra-Ramos, Lamar Walton and Robert Wilson. Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) — On Aug. 10, the following students completed the STOS course under the instruction of Stan Beck (far right). They are (in no specific order) Dennis Barbosa, Vic Moody, Chris Ruggiero, Robert Brown, José Garcia, Joshua McAtee, Pedro Rivera-Riestra, Mark Wand Sr., Emmanuel Garcia, Rhett Morgan, Jesse Baumler, Edmund Livins, Philip Carlton, Farren Blackwell, John Stanton, Ben Vogel, Aubrey Wiggins, Cheryl Lee, Danielle Wright, Anthony Clemons, Ali Ahmed, Derrick Elijah and Ryan Anderson. AB — Completing the AB class Aug. 3 are (in alphabetical order) Richard Bodden, Christopher Curran, Darnell Goggins, Gerret Jarman, Sherwin Jones, Christopher Justo, Jorge Lanas, Raymond Any student who Maldonado, José Nieves, Ryan Racoma, John Solis, Johnny Starnes, has registered for a William Thomas and Wilbur Torres. class and finds—for Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. whatever reason— that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions Chief Cook — Working their way up the culinary ladder are upgrading students in the chief cook course (from left) Korey Jackson, Domingo Barroga and Thessolonian Smith. Chef/Instructor John Dobson is at far right. department so that another student may take that place. Computer Lab Classes A number of students recently completed computer lab classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. At left, Jess Cooper (left) and Budiman Chandra hold their certificates of achievement while their instructor, Rick Prucha, looks on. In the photo at right are (from left) Donald Lasley, Instructor Rick Prucha, Stephen McGruder and Francisco Madsen. 22 Seafarers LOG Pumpman — Forrest McGee (seated) had the full attention of his instructor, Jim Shaffer, in the pumpman class that ended Aug. 10. October 2007 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 6:11 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Medical Care Provider — The nine upgrading Seafarers who took the medical care provider class taught by Instructor Mark Cates (far right) are (in no specific order) Edgar Pacanja, Charles Bennett, Donald Tye, Marco Rodriguez, Michael Stephens, Robet McMurray, Harry McKever, Kiplig Wise and Kenneth Jackson. The class lasted from July 23-27. (Note: not all are pictured.) Radar — Five boatmen from G&H Towing and Crescent Towing completed the radar course Aug. 10. They are (in no specific order) Douglas Lewis, John Niday IV, Douglas McGuire, John Harrison and George Bennett. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far right. Water Survival — Tankerman (PIC) Barge — Graduating Upgrading Seafarers who completed the water survival course Aug. 17 are (in alphabetical order) Zirjan Ahmed, Hermogenes Aquino Jr., Brandon Ballard, Robert Boomer, Charles Herrera, Edgar Pacana and Horace Page Jr. from this course Aug. 17 are Crowley and Allied Transportation boatmen (in no specific order) Matthew Fullilove, Dadrian Hyman, Raymond Snow and Mark Stabler. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is at far right. Safety Training at the Barbers Point Facility in Hawaii STCW — NCL, June 23: Sonja Gubalke, Leisa Radosavljevic, Trudy Miles, Haley Laux, Hancy Hart, Isaac Hayes, Susan Amato, Sheryl Olson and Jamie Boston. STCW — NCL, July 16: Arnold Bugabua, Joauinito Ig, Oliver Orale, Hermogenes Tipo, Renato del Rio Vasquez, Alvaro Dracket, Rodney Irodistan, Harry Lincuna, Emerson Mendoza, Jenifred Villanueva, Vinayak Nirmale, Ceferino Paguinto, Antonio Chan and Pascual Tinio. STCW — NCL, July 30: Gerard Oblina, Ferdinand Lipardo, Marlon Manile, Federico Jumarang Jr., Dino Gallardo, Ramona Graur, Lacerda Aslie, Luis Montalbon, Caroll Gardener, Armando Pangilinan, Ismael Orjaio, Ronaldo Gurimbao, Rolly Ofalsa, May Grace Sobida, Mary Rose Macatangay, Johnny Gamoso, Henry Garungcong, Agostinho Cardozo, Edilberto Egonia, Bhaskar Bandyopadhyay, Wayne Charles, Reinaldo Lugo, Richard Rebello, Elmer Fernandez, Joel Martin, Euserio Galvez and Ramilo De Guzman. October 2007 STCW — NCL, Aug. 6: Ian Bacheikov, Abraham Caluza, Pelagio Riodique, Christopher Belena, Edwin Delos Reyes, Premel Autor, Madel Bunyi, Joseph Quiday, Charlyn Rosete, Juvenil Cabales and Mary Grace Meneses. Seafarers LOG 23 �44775_P01_24:September-07 9/28/2007 6:32 PM Page 24 Volume 69, Number 10 October 2007 Attention Seafarers: It Takes a Four-Letter Word to Be Heard! Contribute to SPAD. Buck Crew Enjoys Antarctic Scenery The SIU-crewed USNS Paul Buck, a tanker operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc., arrived Feb. 1 at the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica for the annual resupply mission known as Operation Deep Freeze. The vessel, which is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet, pumped off 162,000 barrels of fuel for equipment ranging from generators to helicopters. The Seafarers LOG ran an article about this mission, along with photographs sent by Bosun Phil Corl, in its May 2007 issue. A number of crew members from the ship also took pictures of the unique and often dramatic scenery from that trip, and some of them are included here. MSC has participated in Operation Deep Freeze every year since the station was established in 1955. This photo was taken looking through a porthole as the USNS Paul Buck nears McMurdo. Icebergs and other broken ice are common sights as the vessel approaches McMurdo. The USNS Paul Buck is tied up at the ice pier. A Coast Guard icebreaker, the Polar Sea (above), is one of the ships that helps keep the channel clear of ice. Below, scientists and others who work at McMurdo Station arrive by specially outfitted planes that land on “skiways” made of ice. Even though it’s summer in Antarctica in February, temperatures “skyrocket” to the minus 30s with wind gusts of up to 200 miles per hour. Keeping warm, as these crew members show, is all a matter of dressing in layers. Castle Rock, 3.5 miles from McMurdo Station, is a prominent volcanic outcropping. Below is one of the apple hut shelters on the trail that have emergency supplies such as a stove, food, sleeping bags and a first-aid kit. Penguins, seals, whales, birds and krill are but some of the animal life found in Antarctica. Clockwise from above are: an orca (killer whale); crew members feeding Cheerios to a bird on deck; and penguins frolicking on the ice. One of the Buck’s crew members (above) climbed the rock spire and was rewarded with a spectacular view. � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU OF CANADA DEMANDS ANSWERS AFTER DANGEROUS GREENPEACE STUNT ILO REPORT: AMERICAN WORKERS ARE WORLD’S MOST PRODUCTIVE CONVENTION FOCUSES ON MARITIME, HEALTH CARE, RIGHT TO ORGANIZE TANKER CONSTRUCTION STARTS IN SAN DIEGO ALLIED BOATMEN APPROVE CONTRACT T-AKE SHIP ORDER EXPANDS LABOR DAY EVENTS FOCUS ON HEALTHCARE NEW TERMINAL OPENS IN VA. SEATU CONVENTION TACKLES ISSUES OF GROWTH AND ORGANIZING RECOLLECTIONS OF THE MERCHANT MARINE IN WORLD WAR II MARITIME SPEAKERS DESCRIBE INDUSTRY’S VALUE, CALLENGES ORGANIZING, HEALTH CARE TOP U.S. LABOR AGENDA INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY STILL KEY FOR MARINERS AND THEIR UNIONS BUCK CREW ENJOYS ANTARCTIV SCENARY 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 10/01/2007 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. 69, No. 10 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e5740f88666809442b0eeb45d052296c.pdf 23f93d336281a8113b2f91781227e127 PDF Text Text 45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24:September-07 10/26/2007 1:13 PM Page 1 Volume 69, Number 11 November 2007 National Glory Joins SIU Fleet Seafarers recently climbed the gangway to the newly contracted National Glory, pictured in Busan, South Korea in late September. In photo above, SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus (third from left) met with crew members when the ship docked in Guam. Shown from left are Chief Cook Victor Wolf, Chief Steward John Rapoza, Turkus, STOS Mohamed Mazid, Recertified Bosun Donald Rezendes and AB Dave Seeman. Page 4. CIVMARS Sailing On USNS Safeguard Seafarers in the union’s Government Services Division gained more shipboard jobs recently as the U.S. Navy rescue and salvage vessel Safeguard (pictured at right) was decommissioned and transferred to the Military Sealift Command (MSC). Page 4. Union Testifies on Manpower, Training SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez (above) presented testimony Oct. 17 to the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Chaired by Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), the Subcommittee conducted a hearing “to receive testimony on trends and innovations in mariner education and to assess how growing workforce shortages will affect the maritime industry as trade continues to increase.” Page 3. OSG Ship Order Increases to 12 Aker American Shipping ASA and SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) recently announced that they have signed an agreement under which Aker Philadelphia Shipyard will construct two additional Veteran Class MT-46 Jones Act product tankers. Also, the keel-laying ceremony for the fifth tanker in the 12vessel series took place Oct. 8 in the yard’s building dock (left). Page 3. Paul Hall Center’s Apprentice Program Still Going Strong 10 Years after Revamp In 1997, the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education instituted a major restructuring of its program for entry-level mariners (a curriculum which, more recently, attracted the trainee at left, getting pointers from an upgrading bosun). Ten years later, the results are sterling. Page 9. NMU Pension Plan Notice TWIC News Page 3 Page 20 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:35 AM Page 2 Seafarers 401(k) Plan Announced President’s Report Educational Opportunities for Everyone My message this month is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s important to Seafarers and their dependents who definitely want to attend college or who may want to attend some day. Within the SIU, we often emphasize the educational opportunities available at our affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. as well as through the annual Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarships. Additionally, Seafarers and their dependents may have chances to take advantage of scholarships offered through Union Plus, an organization founded by the AFL-CIO. In the bigger picture, through our affiliation with the Michael Sacco AFL-CIO, the SIU also is promoting educational opportunities for working families all across the country. The federation’s executive council, on which I serve, recently adopted a resolution in which we committed that the AFL-CIO and its affiliates will lead a national effort to help ensure that all Americans have full access to a diverse range of excellent, affordable higher education opportunities. This is an important commitment partly because we recognize that higher education will be increasingly vital for workers in the 21st century economy. But it’s also important because America’s higher education system—once the best and most accessible in the world—is in danger of becoming unattainable for working families. Some feel it’s also in danger of losing its quality edge. America’s higher education system was built on an important public policy consensus. Specifically, it was built on the shared belief that investing in higher education is good for everyone. Going back as far as the years immediately following World War II and up through the 1970s, policy consensus resulted in strong state support for public institutions and an impressive array of two-year, four-year and graduate programs, as well as an extensive system of federal financial aid to equalize educational opportunity. Not coincidentally, from the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s, the share of the American work force possessing at least a bachelor’s degree doubled. The boost in education also helped to increase wages and combat unemployment. (The export of blue-collar jobs is a separate issue and a topic for another day.) Over time, though, there’s been some erosion in the public policies that supported the American higher education system, and working families’ access to college has declined as a result. As reported by the AFL-CIO, adjusted for inflation, state and local funding per student at public colleges and universities last year reached its lowest level in 25 years. Cuts in state aid have caused tuition and fees at four-year public universities to increase 52 percent over the past 10 years, while median family income increased only 3 percent. Frankly, in some ways it reminds me of the health-care crisis. In our resolution, the council noted, “The system for awarding student financial aid now is skewed against working students and provides little support for part-time students.... More students need to take out loans to attend college, and graduates now average debts of $15,000 for attending public institutions, $19,000 for private institutions and $24,000 for attending forprofit colleges.” What must not be lost in those numbers is their effect on low-income families and prospective students. Right now in the U.S., a low-achieving, high-income student is just as likely to attend college as the highest-achieving, low-income student. I understand the realities of money in society, but we’re also supposed to be an equal-opportunity society. When it comes to education, the numbers say something else. There is another component to this story. Reductions in state spending on higher education have had a big impact on the academic workplace. Less than one-third of the instructional personnel consist of full-time tenured professors. The rest work from one term or academic year to the next. At the same time, according to the AFL-CIO, graduate students and other faculty without either tenure or collective bargaining rights are staffing more and more classes. Most of them receive extremely low salaries (less than $200 a week for teaching a 15-week course) and few if any benefits. In the maritime industry, we understand the importance of keeping up with technology and learning as much as possible to help us do the best job possible. I’m also proud to remind everyone that our affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. offers college credits for many courses and college degree programs. The opportunities are plentiful for anyone who wants to start or advance their career. Nationwide, we’ll be well-served by adopting similar strategies and a greater commitment to higher education. Even the most highly educated workers need to adopt new skills over their lifetimes. With that in mind, the AFL-CIO, through its state federations and central labor councils, is focused on restoring state support for higher education and curbing tuition costs. This is a legislative priority for organized labor—one that also will advocate labor-studies programs at public universities. Unions must and will lead the way in rebuilding America’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens have the chance to pursue a college degree. Meanwhile, I encourage Seafarers to check out the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarship information on page 14 of this issue of the LOG. Volume 69, Number 11 November 2007 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 © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG A new benefit is being introduced for eligible Seafarers. As reported during the October membership meetings, a 401(k) plan will be implemented effective Jan. 1, 2008. “Seafarers has teamed up with Smith Barney and Mass Mutual to provide you with a 401(k) plan which offers world-class benefits and services,” Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen said in her monthly report. “Smith Barney provides investment and financial consulting services to the 401(k) plan as well as individual family wealth management for participating Seafarers. Mass Mutual is a leading retirement services firm which specializes in the design and administration of retirement plans.” An introduction letter and “welcome kit” is scheduled to be mailed to participants in the very near future. It will include an enrollment form and a beneficiary designation form along with detailed descriptions of all investment choices and “model portfolios.” Also, Seafarers 401(k) Plan forms will be available on line at www.massmutual.com/retire, and a Smith Barney-SIU “hotline” will be available toll-free at 800421-5127. Bowen also announced that the existing Seafarers 401(k) Plan —formerly known as the NMU 401(k) Plan—will be rolled over into the new plan as of Jan. 1, 2008. ING no longer will be the investment manager/third party administrator of that plan. “This change is an improvement over the current plan offering and will provide participants with several advantages, includ- ing an enhanced selection of mutual fund investment options,” she added. “Other advantages include state-of-the-art internet and interactive telephone systems allowing unlimited access to account information and the ability to carry out investment transactions.” There are no employer contributions associated with the new Seafarers 401(k) Plan. Voluntary contributions may be made by participants via payroll deduction through their employer. Several employers already have agreed to implement this system. Additional information about the new Seafarers 401(k) Plan will be published in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOG and also will be posted to www.seafarers.org. Family Health Care Yearly Premiums Now Average More than $12,000 Report: Costs Have Increased 6.1 Percent This Year Premiums for employer-sponsored health insurance have increased by an average of 6.1 percent in 2007—less than the 7.7 percent increase reported last year but still higher than the increase in workers’ wages (3.7 percent) or the overall inflation rate (2.6 percent), according to the 2007 Employer Health Benefits Survey released Sept. 11 by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust. Key findings from the survey were also published in the journal Health Affairs. The 6.1 percent average increase this year was the slowest rate of premium growth since 1999, when premiums rose 5.3 percent. Across the nation since 2001, premiums for family coverage have increased 78 percent, while wages have gone up 19 percent and inflation has gone up 17 percent. The average premium for family coverage in 2007 is $12,106, and workers on average now pay $3,281 out of their paychecks to cover their share of the cost of a family policy. “We’re seeing some moderation in health-cost increases, but premiums for family coverage now top $12,000 annually,” Kaiser President and CEO Drew E. Altman, Ph.D. said. “Every year health insurance becomes less affordable for families and businesses. Over the past six years, the amount families pay out of pocket for their share of premiums has increased by about $1,500.” “The number of options for low wage earners is limited, and the greatest burden of all health care costs falls to this segment of the population,” said Health Research and Educational Trust President Mary A. Pittman, Dr. P.H. “Although the economy seems to be strong, between 2005 and 2006 the total number of uninsured still rose by 5 percent, including a 9 percent increase in the number of uninsured children.” The annual Kaiser/HRET survey provides a detailed picture of how employer coverage is changing over time in terms of availability, costs and coverage for the 158 million people nationally who rely on employer-sponsored health insurance. It was conducted between January and May of 2007 and included 3,078 randomly selected, non-federal public and private firms with three or more employees (1,997 of which responded to the full survey and 1,081 of which responded to a single question about offering coverage). While premiums continue to rise faster than workers’ wages, this year’s gap of 2.4 percentage points is much smaller than the 10.9 percentage point gap recorded four years ago, when premiums rose 13.9 percent and wages grew just 3 percent. However, “despite the comparatively low rate of increase in premiums and a strong labor market, the percentage of the workforce obtaining coverage from employer-sponsored plans remained unchanged since 2006,” reports the Health Affairs article by Kaiser’s Gary Claxton and co-authors. The 60 percent of firms offering health benefits to at least some of their workers is statistically unchanged from last year’s offer rate (61 percent). The offer rate remains significantly lower than it was in 2000, when 69 percent of firms offered health benefits. Nearly all (99 percent) large businesses with at least 200 workers offer health benefits to their workers this year, but fewer than half (45 percent) of the smallest firms with three to nine workers do so. Meanwhile, in spite of the extensive attention paid to consumer-driven health plans, the survey finds that these relatively new types of arrangements have made only a small inroad into the employer market. Such plans cover about 5 percent of all covered workers, which is not statistically different from the 4 percent share recorded in 2006. Overall, an estimated 3.8 million workers are enrolled in consumer-driven plans, about equally divided between high-deductible plans that qualify for a Health Saving Account (HSA) and plans with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). These plans feature a high-deductible plan and a tax-preferred savings option, from which employees can pay for their out-of-pocket medical expenses. Such plans are often described as consumer-driven because people pay directly for a greater share of their health care and may have an incentive to minimize its cost. They also may offer tools to help consumers choose providers based on cost and quality. This year, 10 percent of firms offered a consumer-driven plan to their workers, which is up from (but not statistically different than) the 7 percent of firms reporting this for 2006. Firms with at least 1,000 workers are more likely to offer such plans, with nearly one in five (18 percent) offering one. Looking toward 2008, few firms that don’t already offer such plans report that they are very likely to add a HRA plan (3 percent) or a HSA-qualified plan (2 percent). Premiums for these high-deductible plans are generally lower than for other types of plans, though in addition to the premiums, employers may also contribute money to the savings accounts. The survey finds that firms on average pay a total of $7,815 toward the cost of family coverage for a HSA-qualified plan (including $714 for the account) and $10,179 toward the cost of family coverage for a high-deductible plan with a HRA (including $1,800 for the account). Compared to the $8,879 average firm contributions for other types of plans, employer contributions are lower for HSA-qualified plans and higher for plans with HRAs. Businesses made no contribution at all to the savings account for roughly half of all workers enrolled in an HSA for family coverage, leaving workers to pay the generally higher out-of-pocket costs associated with their high-deductible plan. “Consumer-driven plans have established a foothold in the employer market, but they haven’t grown as much as one might think, given all the attention that they receive,” said Kaiser Vice President Gary Claxton, co-author of the study and director of the Foundation’s marketplace research. “Despite the economic expansion that added 2 million new jobs from April 2006 to April 2007, the Continued on page 7 November 2007 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:37 AM Page 3 TWIC Enrollment Starts, But Questions Remain Beset by delays, the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program nevertheless got going last month, as Wilmington, Del. on Oct. 16 became the first port to enroll workers in the federally mandated plan. Along with the start date for enrollment in Delaware, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the next 11 ports that will begin enrolling in November. They are (early November) Corpus Christi, Texas; (mid-month) Baton Rouge, La.; Beaumont, Texas; Honolulu; Oakland, Calif.; Tacoma, Wash.; and (late November) Chicago; Houston; Port Arthur, Texas; Providence, R.I. and Savannah, Ga. During a media conference call Oct. 15, TSA and U.S. Coast Guard officials noted that while the enrollment period for the TWIC is starting, program enforcement hasn’t begun. TWIC compliance dates will vary from port to port, the officials stated, and those dates haven’t been announced. There is a federal requirement to provide at least 90 days of advance notice before the TWIC regulations are enforced at a given port. Barring changes to the program, mariners will be required to carry a TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008 in order to have unescorted access to secure areas of vessels and maritime facilities. Eventually, they also will be required to carry a separate document known as a merchant mariner qualification credential (MMC), as the current zcard/MMD and STCW certificates are phased out. The final rulemaking on the MMC isn’t expected to be published until at least summer 2008, and initial issuance of that credential will continue over a fiveyear period. This means that until the proposed MMC regulation is final, Seafarers should continue to apply for zcards/MMDs, licenses, CORs and STCW endorsements under the current regulations in 46 CFR parts 10 and 12. Indications are that the MMC will be phased in over five years. If the MMC proposed regulation is fully implemented, mariners would be able to apply for original, renewal, duplicate and raise-in-grade MMCs entirely by mail, without having to visit a Coast Guard regional examination center. Most or all of the information currently submitted in person at one of the 17 RECs already would have been submitted at one of the 125 or so TWIC enrollment centers when an individual applied for a TWIC, removing the need (though not eliminating the option) to apply for an MMC in person. Many questions remain about the TWIC program, including details about the card readers. Those readers were one of several topics scheduled for scrutiny during a U.S. House Homeland Security Committee hearing scheduled for Oct. 31 and titled, “Homeland Security Failures: TWIC Examined.” More information about the TWIC program will be included in upcoming editions of the LOG, posted at www.seafarers.org and reported at the monthly membership meetings. Additionally, the TSA/TWIC customer service line is available at (866) 347-8942, and the TSA’s TWIC web site is located at www.tsa.gov/twic. The fee for a TWIC is $132.50 and the credential is valid for five years. Mariners with a valid z-card may pay a reduced fee of $105.25 because they have undergone a “comparable background check” as the one required for a TWIC, but it’s important to note that a new TWIC only is valid for five years from the date the background check was performed. In other words, if a mariner secured his z-card in December 2005 and then obtained a TWIC in December 2007 by paying the reduced fee, the TWIC only would be valid until December 2010. In any case, according to the TSA, payment for a TWIC must be made with credit card (Visa or MasterCard only), money order, or cashier’s check. The cost of a replacement TWIC if the original is lost, stolen or damaged is $60. Union Testifies on Manpower, Training and Trade Issues House Subcommittee Examines Maritime ‘Trends, Innovations’ SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez presented testimony Oct. 17 to the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Chaired by Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), the Subcommittee conducted a hearing “to receive testimony on trends and innovations in mariner education and to assess how growing workforce shortages will affect the maritime industry as trade continues to increase.” In announcing the hearing, the Subcommittee indicated it specifically would “consider the possible impact of various factors on workforce shortage, including wage levels; lifestyle challenges associated with employment in the maritime industry; and training requirements imposed by the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention.” In addition to the SIU’s Tellez, the other panelists testifying were Coast Guard Rear Adm. Joel Whitehead; Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton; Michael Rodriguez, executive assistant to the president of the Masters Mates and Pilots; Carl Annessa, chief operating officer/vice president for operations of Hornbeck Offshore Services for the Offshore Marine Service Association; Cathy Hammond, CEO of Inland Marine Services for American Waterway Operators; retired Navy Adm. John Craine Jr., president of the State University of New York Maritime College; William Beacom, navigation consultant for Professional Mariner; Capt. Arthur H. Sulzer, USN (Ret), board member, Maritime Academy Charter High School; Capt. Jeff Slesinger, director of safety and training, Western Towboat Company; and Berit Ericksson, former executive director, Pacific Coast Maritime Consortium. Besides submitting written testimony, witnesses (divided into three panels) offered oral statements and answered questions from Subcommittee members. Among other points, Tellez emphasized that shipboard manpower “must be addressed in the context of national security.” He cited sealift lessons learned by our nation after the Persian Gulf War, including the need for a strong Ready Reserve Force ade- SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez testifies at the Oct. 17 hearing. U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, Nov. 12 for the observance of Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 22 for the observance of Thanksgiving Day and Tuesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas Day holiday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. November 2007 quately crewed so the ships are properly maintained and ready to mobilize. He also noted the cooperative efforts between the SIU, its contracted operators and the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education—efforts that have strongly contributed to the nation’s manpower pool of skilled, loyal, U.S. citizen seafarers. Tellez also expressed dismay at the recent announcement by the U.S. Maritime Administration concerning a reduction in crew sizes that is expected to accompany the agency’s takeover of the fast sealift ships (an issue that was reported at all SIU membership meetings in October). Excerpts from his written statement follow. Visit the “Heard at Headquarters” section of www.seafarers.org for a link to individual statements by all panelists as well as by Rep. Cummings and Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the full committee. Continued on page 7 OSG Tanker Order Grows to 12 Aker American Shipping ASA and SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) recently disclosed that they have signed an agreement under which Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, a subsidiary of Aker American Shipping, will construct two additional Veteran Class MT-46 Jones Act product tankers. Under terms outlined under an arrangement announced Oct. 3, the shipyard will—after manufacturing the new platforms—transfer them to another subsidiary, American Shipping Corporation (ASC). ASC then will bareboat charter the vessels to subsidiaries of OSG for initial terms of 10 years. The agreement is subject to relevant government approvals. “We are proud to be expanding our fleet from 10 to 12 tankers, and excited for the opportunity to continue exhibiting our expertise in constructing quality merchant vessels,” said Aker American Shipping President and CEO Dave Meehan. “These modern ships are vital to the U.S. Jones Act and we are eager to deliver them to an expanding market in need of quality, double-hulled vessels.” The shipyard also recently issued a progress report on the initial 10-ship program. Assembly of the series of Veteran Class tankers is continuing on schedule, according to Aker officials. In addition to the two ships previously delivered (the Overseas Houston and the Overseas Long Beach), and the two vessels under construction in the building dock, the third tanker in the series (Hull 007) is nearing completion with testing and commissioning procedures taking place in the yard’s outfitting dock. Construction of the sixth vessel is under way with ongoing steel cutting of plates which will form part of the ship’s engine room. In a related development, Aker American Shipping ASA-owned vessels have been designated as the first to serve as U.S.-flag shuttle tankers. Pursuant to the agreement announced Oct. 5, between OSG and Petrobras America, Inc. (Petrobras), two of the 12 products tankers under construction at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard will be converted for shuttle tanker service for use with The Overseas Houston is the first tanker in the series of ships being built in Philadelphia for SIUcontracted OSG. Petrobras. OSG now has time charters in place with major oil companies or refiners for 11 of the 12 tankers. “We are the first U.S. owner and builder entering the new and exciting shuttle tanker market, where growth prospects are seen as very strong,” said Meehan of the historic announcement. “This is an important strategic milestone for Aker American Shipping and is another example of how we are reinventing and reinvigorating the U.S. Jones Act market.” Elsewhere, the keel laying ceremony for the fifth tanker in series took place Oct. 8 in the yard’s building dock. The ceremony itself was particularly noteworthy, according to shipyard officials, because it marked the first time that the engine room section was the initial module to be set in the dock. This complicated section featured sweeping curves and intricate outfitting whereas previous vessels saw the less-complex cargo sections of the keel set first in the dock. As part of the ceremony, coins were placed under the keel block recreating a long-held shipbuilding tradition whereby special coins are hidden in the keel section of a ship as a permanent symbol of good fortune and safe travels. Seafarers LOG 3 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:38 AM Page 4 Seafarers Crew Up National Glory The National Glory approaches the docks in Busan, South Korea after leaving the shipyard in China. In addition to being stored on the deck of the National Glory, materiel also found its way into the holds during the vessel’s maiden voyage with a Seafarers crew. More jobs came to the forefront for union members recently when SIU-contracted Crowley Ship Management welcomed the National Glory to its fleet. Owned by National Shipping of America, the 575 TEU containership recently underwent upgrades and a refurbishment in Jiangyin, China. The vessel measures 489 feet in length and 72 feet in width and will work in the U.S. coastwise trade starting in the second quarter of 2008. Since its delivery from the shipyard, the vessel has loaded in Busan, South Korea for discharge in Guam. The ship is presently sailing between Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Jebel Ali, UAE. It is expected that the vessel will operate in the Arabian Gulf area for the next several months before returning to the U.S. Both Crowley Ship Management and the owner have been very pleased with the cooperation of the SIU crew which has been assigned to the vessel. Officials said they did a masterful job in getting the vessel underway and ready for trading during a very difficult shipyard period. Members of the National Glory’s SIU crew are among those posing for this photo while the vessel underwent upgrades in Jiangyin. Cargo is staged on the docks in Busan and then hoisted aboard ship. Crowley, Horizon Lines Honored for Environmental Excellence Two SIU-contracted companies, along with their top performing vessels, recently were recognized by the U.S. maritime industry for outstanding achievements in environmental excellence. Crowley Maritime Corporation and Horizon Lines Inc. during a Sept. 25 dinner at the Washington Marriott Hotel were cited for their outstanding environmental records by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA). Twenty-six vessels which are owned and operated by Jacksonville, Fla.-based Crowley subsidiaries and 13 others in the fleet of Charlotte, N.C.-headquartered Horizon were singled out for their respective accomplishments. Certificates were bestowed upon each vessel. “These awards are especially gratifying because they are all about safety,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “It’s a tribute not only to the companies but also the individual mariners. This recognition also is 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.” “Safety, which includes environmental protection, is our company’s most important core value,” said Tom Crowley Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corp. “I am extremely proud of the men and women here at Crowley who are providing leadership in this area by not only taking responsibility for their own safety, but who are also safeguarding those around them, our customers’ cargoes and USNS Safeguard Joins SIU CIVMAR Fleet Seafarers in the union’s Government Services Division—CIVMARS—gained more shipboard jobs recently as the U.S. Navy rescue and salvage vessel Safeguard was decommissioned and transferred to the Military Sealift Command (MSC). Masters, Mates & Pilots Capt. Edward Dickerson and 26 CIVMARS on Sept. 26 boarded the vessel and assumed their new duties at the conclusion of a decommissioning ceremony which was conducted in Sasebo, Japan. More than 100 of the vessel’s active-duty Navy crew looked on as Lt. Cmdr. Doyle Hodges, Safeguard commanding officer, lowered the ship’s commissioning pennant. The vessel assumed the designator United States Naval Ship—USNS Safeguard—shortly following its decommissioning and transfer to MSC. “We’re extremely happy about the vessel being added to the MSC fleet as well as the new job opportunities which were created for Seafarers as a result of the decommissioning and transfer,” said Chet Wheeler, assistant vice president, SIU Government Services Division. “I’m hopeful that a few issues with respect to habitability can be worked out as soon as possible so that our people’s transitions into their new jobs will be as smooth as possible.” “Safeguard is a great addition to MSC’s fleet,” said Paul Devoe, assistant program manager with MSC’s Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force. “The ship will continue to provide vital support to the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet.” The Safeguard will remain in Japan and maintain the same mission and operational capabilities, MSC officials said. These missions include: salvage of stranded vessels; rescue and assistance operations; recovery of submerged objects; and manned-diving 4 Seafarers LOG The USNS Safeguard is a new addition to the SIU Government Services Division fleet. operations. The CIVMAR crew will be complemented by a four-person military detachment of Navy sailors for communications support, and up to 20 Navy divers as the mission requires. According to Navy officials, operating noncombatant ships with civilian mariners means the U.S. Navy can free uniformed sailors for critical jobs in the combatant fleet. The Safeguard is the fourth and final Navy rescue and salvage ship to be transferred to MSC and be crewed by SIU CIVMARS, joining the USNS Grapple (T-ARS 53), USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51) and USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52). MSC operates 110 noncombatant ships with civilian crews 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. the environment.” John V. Keenan, president and CEO of Horizon Lines, echoed Crowley’s assessment noting, “Environmental responsibility is a commitment our company and ships have honored since our founding. These awards allow us to know that we are delivering on our promise to be good citizens on shore and at sea—actions that make us proud of our people and our performance.” The awards recognized companies with vessels that had achieved a record of two or more years of no recordable environmental incidents including: No reportable spills; No U.S. Coast Guard citations for violations of MARPOL; No port state citations for violations of MARPOL; and No violations of state/local pollution regulations. Vessels are eligible for awards beyond the initial two-year period. Crowley companies, including Crowley Liner Services, Crowley Petroleum Services, Marine Transport Lines and Marine Transport Management far surpassed the two-year benchmark, company officials said. The company registered a combined total of 152 years of environmental excellence among its recognized vessels which included: Crowley Liner Services— MV Cape Taylor, SS Cape Intrepid, SS Curtiss, SS Cape Island and SS Wright. Crowley Petroleum Services —ATB Coastal Reliance, ATB Ocean Reliance, ATB Sea Reliance, ATB Sound Reliance, MV Guardsman, MV Navigator, MV Sea Cloud, MV Sea Prince, MV Sioux, MV SMT Chemical Trader, SS Blue Ridge and SS Coast Ridge. Marine Transport Lines— MV Cape Decision, MV Cape Diamond, MV Cape Domingo and MV Cape Edmont. Marine Transport Management—Charleston Express, St. Louis Express, Washington Express and Yorktown Express. Horizon Lines vessels boasted a combined 94 years of environmental excellence. Those honored and their number of years with no recordable environmental incidents were: Horizon Challenger–4 years; Horizon Discovery–2 years; Horizon Enterprise–17 years; Horizon Fairbanks–7 years; Horizon Kodiak –6 years; Horizon Navigator–17 years, Horizon Pacific–7 years; Horizon Producer–4 years; Horizon Reliance–6 years; Horizon Trader–9 years; USNS Bowditch –2 years; USNS Heezen–7 years and USNS John McDonnell–6 years. U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen delivered the event’s keynote address. During his remarks, he shared statistics that demonstrate how the emphasis on preserving the environment by mariners, shipping companies and government agencies has yielded positive results through the years. In addition to high-ranking officials from shipping companies, the dinner was attended by prominent figures from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Maritime Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and other government organizations. The Chamber of Shipping of America was founded in 1917. The organization represents 30 U.S.-based companies that own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, container ships and dry bulk vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades and companies that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels. November 2007 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:40 AM Page 5 University Professor Scrutinizes Runaway-Flag Shipping National security risks resulting from the United States’ dependence on flag-of-convenience (FOC) merchant ships since the events of 9-11 continue to raise concerns in many circles. J. Peter Pham, Ph.D., director of the Nelson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Harrisonburg, Va.’s James Madison University, points out that these concerns are well-founded and further that the FOC arrangement—as well as the ships which sail the seas under its authority— pose a clear danger to America’s national security interests. Foreign-flag ships in 2002 were estimated to be transporting 98 percent of U.S. commercial imports and exports, and many of those vessels fly FOCs, also known as runaway flags. The United States also relies on U.S.owned ships registered in at least five FOC states for military supply and support in wartime under a defense doctrine known as “effective U.S. control.” Under flags of convenience, a ship owned in one country is registered at relatively modest cost in another country, usually a poor nation that depends on the registry revenues for much of its income. In exchange for ship registry, some FOC states offer secrecy that often allows hidden title to a single vessel or fleet, and they generally do not tax shipping interests. Further, FOC states commonly shield vessel owners and operators from accountability in collisions, oil spills and other incidents. FOC states either cannot or do not enforce minimal operating, environmental, safety or social standards established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) in the United Nations. Pham, in his work, “An Inconvenient Flag: Liberia’s Ship Registry in the Age of Global Terrorism,” scrutinized Liberia’s maritime force. He found that while this West African nation essentially has no Navy or Coast Guard to patrol its 579-kilometer coastline, it still has the world’s second largest merchant navy both in terms of vessels and gross tonnage. Ranking second only to Panama, Liberia’s merchant fleet is comprised of 1,687 large ships amounting to more than 96 million deadweight tons. Included in this inventory of seagoing platforms are three barge carriers, 322 bulk carriers, 83 cargo container ships, 75 liquefied gas tankers, 397 petroleum tankers, 76 refrigerated cargo ships, four roll-on/roll-off vessels, 11 specialized tankers and 35 vehicle carriers. After examining the fashion in which Liberia was able to grow its merchant registry from virtually nothing to the world’s second largest, and what he described as the extremely lax policies and procedures under which it registers vessels under its flag, Pham said that Americans need some assurances that the vessels sailing the world’s oceans are safe, highquality platforms which meet commonsense environmental safeguards, fair labor standards and basic security requirements. “We need to know who owns them, who operates them, and who crews them, especially if they approach our shores or those of our allies,” Pham said. According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation Federation Appoints Executive VP Holt Baker Succeeds Newly Retired Chavez-Thompson Arlene Holt Baker, the daughter of a domestic worker and laborer in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sept. 21 unanimously was approved to become the AFL-CIO’s new executive vice president. Holt Baker—the first African American woman to serve in one of the labor alliance’s top three offices—replaces Linda ChavezThompson, who served the labor movement for 40 years. She announced her retirement in early September. Holt Baker brings 30 years of experience as a union and grassroots organizer and political activist to the post. As a teenager, she got her first job in programs established through President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty” initiative, and began her union career with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). As an organizer, international representative and eventually AFSCME’s international union area director in California, Holt Baker helped public-sector workers form a union and win a voice at work. She also helped workers secure contracts with better wages as well as pay equity for women. Holt Baker has served on California’s Comparable Worth Task Force Committee and also has received numerous civic awards for her work as a labor and community advocate. She came to the AFL-CIO as executive assistant to former Executive Vice President Chavez-Thompson in 1995. Most recently, she led the AFL-CIO’s Gulf Coast Recovery effort. Chavez-Thompson returned home to San Antonio to be with her family shortly after announcing her retirement. She was elected to the office of executive vice November 2007 (ITF), FOC crews typically are recruited from developing and less-developed countries including the Philippines and Indonesia, and, in a more recent trend, from former Soviet-bloc states in Eastern Europe. Many have no training, and many more are known to have fraudulent mariner documents and training certificates. Labor, clergy and human rights organizations worldwide have charged that FOC crews are easily exploited and often abused, working long hours for little pay under substandard conditions. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (who also serves as first vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section) during testimony earlier this decade before the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee stated that FOC vessels “have been linked to the registration of hijacked ships, phantom ships, fraudulent unreported and unregulated fishing, illegal alien smuggling, and most recently, to international terrorism.” Norwegian intelligence sources in late 2001 furnished the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization with a list of 23 cargo ships linked to terrorism, or more specifically to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda. The ships’ names, listed owners, likely cargoes, and flag states at Attention Linda Chavez-Thompson Arlene Holt Baker president in 1995. A second-generation American who is the daughter of cotton sharecroppers, Chavez-Thompson became the first person of color to hold one of the top three elected offices at the AFL-CIO. She had previously served on the AFL-CIO Executive Council as a leader in AFSCME. Traveling and speaking to union and community groups constantly, she has been the face of America’s new union movement to millions. Chavez-Thompson during her career worked to strengthen state and local labor movements and has served as a strong voice on behalf of civil, human and women’s rights. She also has been a national leader on the issue of immigration and immigrant workers’ rights. “In everything she’s done over a lifetime of service, Linda has broken new pathways for the labor movement,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “Countless working women and men, not only in the United States but throughout the Western Hemisphere, have a better life because of all she’s contributed. She’s inspired tens of thousands of people to contribute through their own action, and wherever she’s gone, she’s earned tremendous affection.” Under the AFL-CIO constitution, Chavez-Thompson, a native of Lubbock, Texas, will become the AFL-CIO’s first executive vice president emerita. She will continue to chair the AFL-CIO Immigration Committee and serve as head of the InterAmerican Regional Organization of Workers (ORIT), the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) regional organization for the Americas. She also will serve as an advisor to state federations and labor councils. In a letter to Sweeney formally communicating her retirement, Chavez-Thompson said she wrestled with her decision. “I am blessed to have had 12 years worth of wonderful experiences, meeting thousands of union members and workers who have given me hope that our labor movement continues to be a major factor in their lives,” she wrote. “You have given me the opportunity of a lifetime, which was to go where I never dreamed I could go, and do more than I ever dreamed I could do.” the time of the House hearing remained classified. In London, however, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft declared that the possibilities were strong that the ships cited were registered under FOCs. “We warned two months ago that ships could be used to transport explosives, terrorists or worse,” Cockroft said. “I am sure that most, if not all, of these vessels will be flying flags of convenience.” Cockcroft continued, “Corruption and lack of accountability are endemic in the FOC system, which is built on two pillars: no questions asked of shipowners and no questions answered to anyone else. When a ship is registered with one of these flags, a curtain of secrecy descends—as valuable if you’re a money launderer, someone who wants to sink a ship for insurance, or work its crew half to death before abandoning them unpaid in a foreign port. As long as governments and the United Nations turn a blind eye to the way FOCs allow criminals to operate anonymously, ships will be used to transport everything from drugs and illegal immigrants to the supplies used by the al-Qaeda men who blew up the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.” Seafarers: Seafarers LOG 5 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24:September-07 10/25/2007 11:26 AM Page 6 Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly Retires The comments definitely were offered in jest, and immediately were followed by laughter and then obviously sincere words of praise. But, it’s undoubtedly a measure of the union’s affection for newly retired SIU Mobile, Ala. Port Agent Ed Kelly that the first few quotes solicited for this article brought forth descriptions from different people including “big pain in the rear,” “grouchy so-and-so,” and “grumpy old [person].” Far more revealing and heartfelt was this sentiment from SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey: “I hope we still see him around in the port of Mobile. He did a great job for us, and it was a pleasure working with him. Ed comes from a long line of charter SIU members and has a history Kelly said that working with the late SIU Assistant VP Steve Judd (left) was one highlight of his career, and asked that this particular photo—taken at the SIUNA convention in Piney Point, Md. in 2002—be published with his retirement article. with the union dating to its inception. He’s a great guy.” Kelly, 65, recently called it quits after an SIU career dating to 1981. While he indeed hails from a seafaring family, Kelly traveled an atypical route to the SIU. He had been a schoolteacher and was working as head coach of the track and cross country teams at the University of South Alabama when he decided to take advantage of an opening with the union. “At first, I thought, what the heck did I get myself into?” Kelly recalled with a chuckle. “But I’ve made friends for life in the SIU. I loved servicing, meeting the members and ‘preaching’ about the SIU. The union became my home and my family.” A native of the small town of Theodore, Ala., he worked in other halls from time to time, including facilities in Houston, New Orleans, Jacksonville and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., but spent most of his career in Mobile. Kelly served as port agent there beginning in 1999. “One thing that struck me is that no matter what hall you went to, the members all felt the same way about the SIU, and it was very positive,” he noted. “What that meant to me was the leadership and the rank-and-file were all on the same page.” Kelly’s father, Ed Kelly Sr., joined the union right after World War II and eventually sailed as a recertified steward. Kelly also Bosun’s Work Is No High-Wire Act had five uncles who were Seafarers, including charter member Jack Kelly, who sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions. The newly retired Kelly listed among his fondest memories the years he worked in Houston in the late 1990s; assisting with a postSeptember 11 donation to the International Association of Fire Fighters from the Greater Mobile Port Maritime Council, where he served as secretary-treasurer; participating in grassroots activities promoting pro-maritime legislation; and working with the late Steve Judd, SIU assistant vice president based in New Orleans, who died unexpectedly in early 2006. SIU Assistant Vice President Gulf Coast Jim McGee described Kelly as “good to work with. He would follow up and take care of business. I wish him nothing but the best in retirement.” Ft. Lauderdale Port Agent Kenny Moore, citing Kelly’s well-known passion for golf, said, “I’m sure he’s on a course right now. He’s a very sharp guy who never shied away from hard Recently retired Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly (left) is pictured with SIU boatmen earlier this year during contract ratification at Crescent Towing. work. He has a great sense of humor and I wish him all the luck in the world.” Kelly, reached (at home) in mid-October, said he is “happy to be retired, but I miss my peers.” At the end of a long conversation filled with laughs, he turned serious when offering this thought for experienced Seafarers: “It’s the job of older members to teach younger members about the union—to help them learn to care about it. Somebody taught you, so what’s wrong with you teaching them? That’s something that’ll keep the union strong for everyone.” Safety Team Reviews Regulations, Hones Skills SIU safety directors from 10 ports last month participated in their ninth annual meeting at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Their agenda from Oct. 9-12 included hands-on training; examining critical regulations governing vessel and port safety; ship inspection procedures; methods for discovering hidden hazards; training and education at the center; manpower and recruiting; contracts and communications skills, and more. Pictured in the group photo (from left) are safety directors and SIU officials Jimmy White (from the SIU’s Houston hall), Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Karl Leiter (Jacksonville), Kevin Marchand (Ft. Lauderdale), President Michael Sacco, Sam Spain (Norfolk), Monte Burgett (Algonac), Ryan Palmer (Tacoma), Abdul Al Omari (Wilmington), James Brown (New Orleans), Kathy Chester (Oakland) and Frank Iverson (Honolulu). State-of-the-art simulators are important parts of many Paul Hall Center classes. Checking out the bridge and engine simulators, respectively, are Karl Leiter (left photo) and James Brown. Great Lakes Contracts Ratified For Bosun Zeki Karaahmet, pictured (literally) above, slushing the topping wires used on cargo cranes aboard the SIUcrewed Washington Express makes for an eye-catching experience, but it’s all in a day’s work. The bosun recently emailed these images taken during a voyage back in May. The vessel, operated by Marine Personnel and Provisioning, is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program fleet. The ship is 798 feet long with a beam of 105 feet, 8 inches. Built in 2002, the vessel is equipped with four cargo cranes and can sail at greater than 21 knots. 6 Seafarers LOG Several contracts recently were ratified in the union’s Great Lakes Division. Separate but very similar 12-year pacts are now in place at Upper Lakes Towing, with one agreement covering unlicensed crew members and the other covering licensed mariners. The Upper Lakes Towing contracts call for wage increases each year through March 2013 and a wage reopener for the years 2013-2019. They also boost company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and increase company vacation benefits. At VanEnkevort Tug and Barge, a comparable 12-year contract is now in place. It, too, stipulates annual wage increases from 2007 to 2013, followed by a wage reopener for the agreement’s remaining years. Further, the new pact provides for an increase of the company contribution to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan along with increased company vacation benefits. Finally, crew members on Hanson Material Services harbor boats based in Morris, Ill. are covered by a new five-year agreement. The pact took effect March 1, 2007 and runs through February 2012. This agreement maintains current health and pension benefit levels and provides for annual wage increases. November 2007 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:41 AM Page 7 Union Testifies on the Hill Continued from page 3 Excerpts from SIU Statement I would like to thank the Committee for the opportunity to appear before you today and to express our thanks for the continued support of the Congress for the Maritime Security Program (MSP), the Jones Act and Cargo Preference that play a vital role in ensuring that the United Statesflag fleet is generally not experiencing the kind of manpower shortages at issue here today, and can continue to supply the trained manpower essential to maintaining U.S. strategic sealift capabilities. At the same time, I would be remiss in not pointing out that a recent government decision was made in order to save a relatively small amount of money by reducing crews in the vital U.S. Ready Reserve Force. This potentially sets a dangerous precedent and could create significant problems down the line by eroding the pool of well-trained, loyal, U.S.-citizen crews whom our military depend upon during times of conflict…. United States-flag vessels operating in the deep sea ocean trades are not experiencing the manpower shortages that are the subject of today’s hearing. The reasons for this include the MSP program enacted by Congress in 1996 and re-authorized in 2003; the preferences granted to United States-flag vessels for the carriage of military and commercial U.S. Government owned or impelled cargoes by Cargo Preference Laws enacted over the years; ongoing support for the Jones Act; maintenance of the RRF; and the general support of the Congress for emphasizing the use of commercial vessels for military cargoes expressed by the National Security Sealift Policy adopted by Presidential Directive in 1989. In combination, these programs and policies have enabled the United States to maintain a commercially viable and militarily useful fleet of privately owned vessels, manned by U.S. citizen crews, in active service in the international and domestic trades. In 2004, pursuant to Congressional direction in the Maritime Security Act of 2003 to study the Maritime Security and Cargo Preference programs, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded that: “The cargo preference and Maritime Security Programs both provide incentives to retain privately owned U.S.-flag ships and their U.S. citizen crews for commercial and national defense purposes.” As stated by the Department of Defense in its comments on that report, “The Department of Defense supports a strong and viable United States Merchant Marine which provides DOD with needed U.S.-flag vessels and mariners during war. The Cargo Preference and Maritime Security Programs are vital to the U.S. Merchant Marine and DOD.” The direct linkage between these programs and U.S. strategic sealift capabilities is clear. Today 60 militarily useful vessels are enrolled in the Maritime Security Program, while, according to the GAO, on average almost 200 United States-flag vessels participate in the carriage of military and commercial preference cargoes. The contributions made by these vessels to defense sealift are two-fold. First, the vessels themselves are available for use by the military for defense cargoes. This is particularly true for the 60 vessels in the Maritime Security Fleet. As important, however, is the contribution made to creating and sustaining a pool of skilled and experienced seafarers that the Departments of Defense and Transportation can draw upon to provide augmentation crews for strategic sealift vessels kept in reduced operating or reserve status when not required for contingency operations. In general, to provide for crew rotations, training ashore, vacations and sick leave, for every billet on board those vessels, there are approximately 1.5 trained and experienced U.S. citizen seafarers. It is those seafarers who form a substantial part of the manpower pool that can be called upon to crew vessels being activated from those reserve or reduced operating status fleets. The importance of these ships Health Care Premiums Rise Continued from page 2 employer-based system can do no better than tread water,” said coauthor Jon Gabel, senior fellow at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. “It makes one ask, ‘What will happen during the next economic downturn?’” Worker Contributions, Cost-Sharing Covered workers on average pay 16 percent of the overall premiums for single coverage and 28 percent for family coverage— shares that have remained relatively stable in recent years. However, workers in small firms (three to 199 workers) pay significantly more on average toward the cost of family coverage ($4,236 annually) compared to larger firms ($2,831 annually). November 2007 For single coverage, the opposite is true, with workers at small firms annually contributing less on average than workers at large firms ($561 vs. $759). Other findings include many employers indicating that they expect to make significant changes to their health plans and benefits in 2008. Overall, 21 percent of firms say they are “very likely” to raise workers’ premium contributions next year. Some firms also say they are “very likely” to increase office visit costsharing (13 percent), increase deductibles (12 percent) and increase prescription drug costsharing (11 percent). Very few firms say they are “very likely” to restrict eligibility for coverage or drop health coverage altogether. The full survey may be accessed online at http:// www.kff.org/insurance/7672/ and crews to military sealift is evidenced by their continued role in supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. To augment active privately owned, militarily useful vessels in commercial service and U.S. Government-owned active sealift forces, the United States maintains a fleet of approximately 45 sealift vessels in reserve or reduced operating status. During the period between October 2001 and February 2006, vessels activated from those reserve fleets transported 28.2 percent (U.S.flag commercial vessels carried most of the remaining 71.8 percent), or almost a third, of all military equipment and supplies delivered to U.S. forces in those contingency operations. One of the sealift lessons learned through Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-91 was that because of the age of many of these vessels, and the lack of any crew on board during reserve status, the vessels experienced a high operating failure rate during the initial surge to this earlier war. Crew shortages also became an issue because the only manpower pool that was available to man the governmentowned vessels had to come from the U.S.-flag commercial fleet. After extensive study and analysis, in the mid-1990s the Department of Defense and the U.S. Maritime Administration changed the way that the government vessels would be maintained to solve the crewing issues encountered during the first Gulf War. In short, the Maritime Administration established a Panelists from different components of the industry participated in the subcommittee hearing. Reserve Operating Status Maintenance Program that placed a cadre of U.S. crews on board groups of reserve vessels in order to maintain the ships in a higher state of readiness. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, these ships were again called upon for initial surge transport, but unlike in Operation Desert Shield, the ships performed flawlessly, and most importantly, because of the small cadre of crew already on board the ships for maintenance there was a nucleus crew ready to sail the ships. By making the change in the mid-1990s, it increased the manpower pool by a small amount, but that was sufficient to help solve the crewing issues experienced during Desert Storm. Overall, it must be emphasized that in addition to the RRF crews, without the trained and experienced mariners drawn from the manpower pool made possible by the United States-flag commercial fleet supported by the Maritime Security Program, Cargo Preference programs and the Jones Act, it would have been impossible to crew up those vessels for Operation Iraqi Freedom. This being said, I am very concerned with plans by the government, as a cost-saving device, to decrease the readiness of certain vessels and reduce or eliminate the crews originally put on board through the changes made to the RRF program after Operation Desert Storm. While we are experiencing no significant crew shortages at this time, with the downgrading of the Reserve vessels, any future use of those vessels for major sealift will clearly lead to crew shortages in both the Jones Act and international trades. The gradual reduction in entry-level shipboard positions in all three departments makes this situation even worse.... SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU VACATION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the NMU VACATION PLAN, EIN 13-6700828, Plan No. 501, for period Jan. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2006. 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 $0 as of Dec. 31, 2006, compared to $1,077,591 as of Jan. 1, 2006. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $1,077,591. 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 $5,091,029 including employer contributions of $4,959,294 and earnings from investments of $131,735. Plan expenses were $4,895,543. These expenses included $961,890 in administrative expenses and $3,933,653 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. As of Dec. 31, 2006, the NMU Vacation Plan merged into the Seafarers Vacation Plan and transferred the remaining net assets. 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; and 2. financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write to: Board of Trustees of the NMU Vacation Plan, c/o Seafarers Benefit Funds, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.70 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. 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, c/o Seafarers Benefit Funds, 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 7 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:43 AM Page 8 Aboard the SS Haverford Victory: Winter of ’45 in the North Atlantic Editor’s note: This article was written by Paul Hogan, who joined the NMU in the fall of 1945 and sailed for about three years. He then went to Penn State before getting drafted into the Korean War. The GI bill that was promised to him was never granted, so he did his duty all over again in the Army. After his military service, Hogan became a contractor, designing and building playgrounds all over the world, from Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific to Leningrad in the former Soviet Union and all points in between. He has written three books on the subject and is still active in the field of playground safety. (You can find his web site at Triax2000.com.) I t was a dark and stormy night, one of the darkest and stormiest nights I have ever experienced, even to this day, nearly 62 years later. To make matters worse, we were in the North Atlantic aboard a rocking and rolling Victory-type troop transport. Our mass-produced vessel of 8,000 tons bobbed in the North Atlantic like a cork in rapids. Aboard were 2,000 German POWs who were being transported back to Europe, not to immediate freedom as they had hoped, but to six more months of indentured service clearing land mines in France. The French attitude was, “You put them down, you pick them up.” Also with us were 35 non-commissioned Army MPs and two or three of their officers. Their job was to maintain order among the POWs and to prevent anyone from escaping. How or why anyone would want to try and escape from a troop ship in the middle of the North Atlantic in the midst of a winter storm, I couldn’t fathom. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. As an 18-year-old seaman, I had already been on a troop ship to Southampton where I had about three hours of shore leave to go to a pub for my first English beer while the ship loaded 2,000 American soldiers to bring them home. That first overseas experience had me hooked for life. The next trip was more eventful. By throwing in my union card at the hiring hall, I bid on a trip to Le Havre, France. I knew it was a troop ship but had no idea we would Paul Hogan (right), as a young assistant officer’s pantryman, shakes hands with his boss—and friend—Sandy. be taking 2,000 German POWs to France and then bringing an equal number of GIs home on the same ship. My job was the lowest ranking on the ship: assistant officer’s pantryman. Chief pantryman Sandy was black, 19 years old and, with two years before the mast, had far more experience than I. He became my good friend, regaling me with many funny stories about coping with his position aboard ship. As on every ship, and I suppose in every office in the world, there is one person whose goal in life seems to be making it difficult for someone else. Our nemesis was a young, officious army lieutenant whose name I conveniently forgot a long time ago. I’ll call him Lt. X. He was second in charge of the MP guards who maintained order among the 2,000 POWs. That was really a joke because the POWs maintained their own order. They knew that anything other than order would cause them trouble, of which they’d already had enough. The majority of the POWS had been in 8 Seafarers LOG for a UFO or for whatever was hovering the Afrika Korps. When Rommel was over us with a flashing red light. Finally defeated, the United States was stuck the searchlights focused onto the kite with several hundred thousand German that was trailing us. The OD (officer of prisoners. As it was too expensive to the deck) was not amused, but 2,000 take care of them in Africa, they were POWs, the MPs and our own crew shipped here and relocated in dozens of thought it was great sport. The next day POW camps around the country. Now we had orders: “No more kite flying.” that the war was over, it was time for I forgot to tell you about our captain, them to go home (with that slight detour the strangest one I ever served under. through the mine fields of France). He was reclusive to the extreme and But I digress—an easy thing to do spent most of the time in his cabin, when trying to recall events of 62 years rarely going to the bridge and even ago. more rarely actually taking command of Every morning, Lt. X would appear POWs make a kite to pass the time on the Haverford his ship. One of Sandy’s jobs was to in full dress uniform for his inspection take the captain his breakfast, lunch and tour of our pantry. No one ever wore full Victory. dinner where he ate alone in his cabin. dress on an old troop ship save our Even on Thanksgiving, he ate alone. nemesis. Everyone from the almostly the GIs who had to suffer under Lt. X. If Both the officers and crew of our ship were never-seen captain to the engine room medals had been given for this sort of glad he stayed in his cabin rather on the wipers wore old work clothes. They were exploit, surely Sandy would have earned bridge where he was supposed to be. I doubt clean but old. I used to clean my pants by one. most of the crew ever saw him once, even tying a rope around them and throwing them By comparison, my second trip to Le when docking. off the fantail for about 10 minutes. They Havre was mostly uneventful. We picked up One morning, Sandy came back from got a good washing, and then I’d rinse the several train-loads of German POWs in Port delivering breakfast to the captain’s cabin salt water out of them with fresh water. Elizabeth, N.J. where our ship was docked. laughing. He told me that after having set Back to Lt. X As we watched them get off the special down his tray and on the point of leaving, He had the habit of reaching up and runprison trains and march up the gangplank, I our captain shouted out, “SANDY!” “Yes ning his fingers along the shelf rims looking wondered what lay ahead on this voyage. sir,” Sandy replied. ”You didn’t say good for dirt or grease. He never found any as We had been in port just a few days morning to Bozo” (the captain’s dog). Sandy ran a clean and tight pantry. After a cleaning out the ship and reprovisioning it Replied Sandy, “Oh sir, I said good morning week of this insult, Sandy took me aside and for taking 2,000 German troops east and to him when he was out for his walk earlier whispered, “Paul, I’m going to fix it so he another 2,000 American troops west. I don’t will never come in here and bother us suppose you can imagine how much the ship this morning.” The captain seemed satisfied with that excuse and dismissed Sandy. again.” Bear in mind, our pantry was out of smelled after a thousand or so German and As with most troop ships we had a pretty his domain and was under the supervision of American soldiers had been seasick. There good PA system—certainly superior to what our own chief steward who was very happy were precious few supplies available in you find on today’s 747s. The system was with the way we did our job. Europe for the homeward trip so we had to allegedly under the management of the Sandy found a bottle of molasses and carry provisions for both ways. American MPs, but as they were too busy poured it on the shelf where it was hidden I’d spent a few evenings with Sandy (shooting craps or playing poker), the job by the lip. Lt. X soon came in on his morntouring his favorite hangouts in Harlem, was left to the Germans who were glad for ing rounds to harass us. Unfortunately, this which strengthened our friendship. He was the opportunity. As it was so near Christmas time he had on white gloves. He looked in both my boss and my friend. After all, he and everyone was feeling nostalgic, the the drawers, opened the refrigerator and, as was 19 and I was only 18. Germans kept playing Lily Marlene—perexpected, ran his hand along the shelf where I forgot to tell you that on the first trip, haps every fourth record was sung by his new white gloves picked up a half-pound some of the POWs gave classes in German Marlene Dietrich. She sang the song that of gooey molasses. He jumped back in to wile away the time. I attended almost begins with: “Underneath the Lamppost,” in astonishment, and before he could say a every one and soon learned to count and both German and English. After a few days word, Sandy said, “Oh thank you make basic talk about the weather, jobs I of this, one of the American MP sergeants Lieutenant, I wondered what happened to had, and things like that. My rudimentary burst into the room and told the German DJ that bottle. It must have tipped over on a German came in handy when I greeted the that if he played Lily Marlene one more heavy roll. Here, let me help clean you up.” new load of POWs to our humble ship. I time, he’d throw the record and the DJ overLt. X never came back to our pantry for even learned to sing two complete verses of board. the rest of my two voyages on the Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night, We didn’t hear Marlene for a day or so. Haverford Victory. Holy Night). Then she slowly crept back onto the list Back to my opening line. It was a dark One concert that will stay with me for as where she sang her plaintive song perhaps and stormy night. It was Thanksgiving 1945, long as I live was when the entire shipload and as pantrymen, we had the job of serving of 2,000 German POWs sang Silent Night in every 20 records. We all liked that song but not quite so much as the lonesome POWS. I up a memorable meal for both the ship’s German—and in unison—on a tossing made a few good friends among the POWs officers and our guest army officers. troopship. Though the ship was divided into and for several years corresponded with Still worked up about Lt. X, Sandy had compartments, the song was picked up from Walter Borkofski. He sent me a beautiful yet one more trick up his sleeve. About 10 one compartment of 400 or 500 soldiers to charcoal sketch of a photo I had taken of me minutes before the Thanksgiving dinner the next until the entire ship sang as one in merchant marine training school. I sent gong sounded, he went into the officer’s beautiful chorus. It’s too bad we were him food parcels, but over the decades we dining salon and unscrewed three of the four unable to record that experience. lost touch. “dogs” on a porthole. A dog is a screw type It was cold and bitter when we left Port Last year, while in Tampa, I went aboard device that secures the porthole to the ship’s Newark. Christmas was just three weeks side. The fourth and last dog was held in away. As we entered the Gulf Stream, every- the American Victory. It is now a museum and was an exact duplicate of the Haverford place by just a few threads. thing warmed up for a day, and then we hit Victory. I recalled every nook and cranny of This unsecured porthole just happened to the bitter cold and unforgiving North the Haverford Victory as I led my companbe over the lieutenant’s favorite place in the Atlantic. ion on a tour. I was amazed how I rememsalon. A few days further out, however, the They say if a Victory ship rolls 50 weather turned pleasant again and the POWs bered the use of every room and piece of degrees, it just keeps on going and you are were allowed on deck. The holds where they machinery. I visited my old pantry and the officer’s dining salon. I went forward to the dead. We were in the low forties on our rolls (and the Americans as well) slept had bunks bow where I used to stand under a combing that Thanksgiving. six tiers high, so any excuse to get outside as the ship rose and dived in the heavy seas. The music over the PA system was was welcome. I could have found my bunk room blindfoldappropriate for the season. Everyone was in One warm, sunny day, a few of the ed. I touched the bunk in which I once slept. a holiday mood as they took their places and POWs decided to make a kite. They got I was carried back to that dark and stormy I began serving them from the opening to cloth and string and sticks from I don’t night 62 years ago. the pantry. After serving everyone their dinknow where and made a traditional kite ner, a few bottles of wine appeared out of about 3 feet across. They put a long tail on it nowhere. I went back to the pantry. Sandy and flew it off the stern of the ship. All the nudged me and whispered; “Now you just POWs cheered when the kite took off and watch.” While not appearing nosy, I kept my followed us across the ocean. eye on Lt. X. The ship was going through a Before dinner call, one of the POWs had particularly rough sea with each roll steeper the bright idea of tying a red flashing light than the last. to the tail. Such lights were attached to all On one never-to-be-forgotten roll, the the life belts so that if you were floundering porthole over Lt. X burst open, pouring tons in the freezing water you could be spotted of 32-degree seawater down on his head, by a rescue craft. Never mind that you’d washing him under the table and out the freeze to death after just 15 minutes in that door into the alleyway. Officers jumped up watery grave. to resecure the porthole while Sandy and I Though the European war had been over ran in with mops and buckets and profuse for six months, the North Atlantic still had apologies to begin the clean-up task. Was it thousands of loose drifting mines. We were worth it? You bet. Later, a few of the ship’s still on combat pay, and our ship was on officers went up to Sandy and said, “Good what might be termed today as a Yellow work, Sandy. That guy needed to be flushed Alert Condition. out of the salon.” The exploit traveled About 10:00 p.m., all hell broke loose POW Walter Borkofski sent Hogan this throughout the ship, making Sandy the hero with sirens and klaxon horns blaring. sketch from the small photo (inset) he had among our crew, the Germans and especialSpotlights were turned on, searching the sky sent to the German in 1946. November 2007 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24:September-07 10/26/2007 12:26 PM Page 9 Paul Hall Center’s Milestone Year Also Includes 10 th Anniversary of Revamped Trainee Program While the 40th anniversary of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education duly was celebrated earlier this year, another milestone of sorts involving the school took place near the start of 2007. The month of March marked 10 years since the school announced a major change to its trainee program—a staple of the center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship since its founding. Specifically, in 1997 the program shifted from 12 weeks to a curriculum lasting about 2.5 times as long as the old class. A major change in scenery accompanied the expansion. Whereas the old program exclusively took place at the school in Piney Point, Md., the new one added a 90-day shipboard component in which students went to sea and rotated through each department. The redesigned program retained the initial 12-week phase in Piney Point, which includes vessel familiarization, firefighting, first aid and CPR, water survival, vessel operations and maintenance, sanitation and other topics, with emphasis on hands-on training. Finally, the updated curriculum added a third phase back at the southern Maryland campus in which students undergo department-specific training along with additional classes that help provide more options when it’s time to ship out. Like a majority of Paul Hall Center courses, the “phase III” classes include plenty of practical training. Registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, the apprentice program has graduated approximately 22,000 people. U.S.-flag vessel operators have praised the redesigned training, pointing out that the more rigorous curriculum has decreased turnover while boosting safety. Alaska Tanker Company Labor Relations Director Bill Cole sees many benefits in the current format. “This unlicensed apprentice program has been a home run for the school and the employers,” stated Cole, who also serves as a Paul Hall Center trustee. “It’s been that way because what we’ve done is create a career path, starting from an entry-level position. That system provides employers with highly trained and competent people, which has been proven time and time again. Not only are new people entering the industry through the UA program, they’re coming fully qualified with state-of-the-art training and upgraded skill sets.” The program’s changes were driven by regulations as well as by practicality. Part of the impetus came from the amended STCW convention—an international maritime treaty governing the methods used to train and certify merchant mariners. Among that pact’s myriad requirements are practical demonstrations of shipboard skills for certification. But STCW wasn’t the only factor. “The old system was one in which many people taught the newcomers on board the ship how to do a job,” noted Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman. “A trainee could come to the school for a relatively short period of time and then go right to work. You had larger crews that could take people under their wing on the ships. “The updated apprentice program was a product of higher technology, smaller crews on ships and the apprentice having to come aboard the vessel fully trained and ready to go. Because of those changes, it’s probably now the best program in the country for unlicensed seamen.” A U.S. Navy veteran, Wiegman compared his own experience sailing aboard destroyers to those of merchant mariners aboard civilian-crewed ships. In both cases, technology and automation slowly drove down crew sizes. The apprentice program has tried to compensate for such changes through more thorough training, which in turn has improved retention rates in the These photos depict various components of the unlicensed apprentice program, including shipboard training. U.S.-flag fleet. In particular, students, instructors and company officials alike have pointed to “phase II” (shipboard training) as a boon. Generally, the sentiment is that when a student finishes that stage of training, he or she has a clear idea of whether or not to fully enter the industry. Seafarers-contracted companies participating in phase II include 3PSC, Alaska Tanker Company, Allied Towing, AMSEA, American Steamship, Crowley, E-Ships, Hannah Marine, Horizon Lines, Interocean American Shipping, Keystone, Liberty Maritime, Maersk, NCL America, Ocean Ships, Overseas Shipholding Group, Pacific Gulf Marine and Sealift, Inc. For more information about the apprentice program, visit the Paul Hall Center section of the SIU web site at www.seafarers.org or call toll-free at 1-877-235-3275. With Allied Boatmen in Virginia As reported in last month’s LOG, SIU boatmen working aboard inland vessels operated by Norfolk, Va.-based Allied Transportation Co. have approved a new three-year contract which took effect Sept. 1. Among other elements, the contract maintains Core-Plus benefits levels and calls for annual wage increases. A few of the 120 union members who sail aboard Allied’s eight vessels are pictured below. Serving on the tallying committee were (from left) 1st Mate Mike Woolard, AB/Cook Randy Perrine and Captain Neil Johnson. AB/Tankerman Wayne Henry Sea Hawk November 2007 Cargo Mate Ryan Emmons Sea Raven AB/Tankerman Andy Page Sea Raven Seafarers LOG 9 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24:September-07 10/25/2007 11:38 AM Page 10 At Sea and Ashore With the SIU Working aboard the Great Land in support of U.S. troops in Kuwait are (left) QMED Saleh Shammam, performing some welding on the ramp, and (below) AB Vasilijs Semesjuks. Members of the SIU attended a rally July 31—and held Maritime Port Council of Delaware Valley signs—to show support for Teamsters Local #929 in their drive to organize Preferred Freezer in Philadelphia. Chief Storekeeper Renee Clayton and Bosun Troy “Speedy” Mack await incoming stores on the USNS Gordon in Norfolk, Va. Showing off the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG to come aboard the newly re-flagged Maersk Montana in New York is AB Rudy Syarifudin. Stu Miller (left), captain aboard the USNS Gordon, and Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny swap sea stories about their favorite port of call: Valparaíso, Chile. Four Seafarers who were sworn in as full book members during the September membership meeting in Norfolk pose with VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (left) and SIU Safety Director Sam Spain (third from right). The new members are (from the left) Wiper Ruden Perez, QMED Michael Evans, Chief Cook Derrick Moore and SA Teresa Williams. SA James Sears participates in helo training aboard the PFC William B. Baugh. 10 Seafarers LOG Crew members aboard the Maersk Ohio pose for a quick photo during a meal aboard the newly re-flagged vessel, which made a stop in New York in early August. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung are among those being sworn in as vice presidents of the Texas AFL-CIO during their Aug. 4 convention in Corpus Christi. At right is the Houston SIU delegation to the convention (from the left) Aung, Assistant VP Jim McGee, Corgey and Patrolman Michael Russo. November 2007 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24:5140p0 10/25/2007 11:38 AM Page 11 NEW WIRELESS DISCOUNTS from UNION PLUS and AT&T! Savings and Solidarity Enjoy special discounts on wireless devices and save 10% on your monthly service charges through AT&T.* N ow SIU members can save 10% on any new or renewed service plan with AT&T. While you save, you’ll also be supporting the only wireless company that is “Proud to Be Union!” Choose AT&T for value and much more! •Fewest dropped calls of any wireless carrier. •Unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling to over 62 million AT&T customers. •Roll over your unused Anytime Minutes for up to 12 months on select plans. Save and support union workers. Along with saving money, you’ll also be supporting union workers and their families. AT&T respects the collective bargaining process. It is the only wireless company that is completely unionized. Some 40,000 AT&T Mobility employees are represented by the Communications Workers of America. SAVE % An ideal plan for every family! •Individual Plans Never pay domestic long distance or roaming charges! •Family Plans Share minutes between two lines for one low price. •Prepaid Plans Take advantage of local rates in a new, larger coverage area. •Data Plans Access your e-mail, corporate intranet and the internet. 3 Easy Steps will start your savings! 1. TAKE this ad to your local AT&T store. To find the location nearest you, visit att.com/find-a-store.** 2. SHOW union identification, such as your SIU Union Plus credit card, union membership book or paycheck or receipt showing union dues deduction. (Reference FAN #00113662) 3. SIGN UP for or renew a two-year service agreement. 10 *The equipment and service discounts described in this ad are NOT available with the iPhone and associated wireless service. **Union discount available ONLY at AT&T STORES, not through phone or any authorized AT&T dealer or kiosk. For more information about other benefits available to SIU members, visit www.UnionPlus.org/ATT Summer Fun Ad 05/07 SIUSIU AT&T 09/07 November 2007 Seafarers LOG 11 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24:5140p0 10/25/2007 2:14 PM Page 12 In and Around the Port of Wilmington Retirement Party for John Ivankovich Lots of fellow Seafarers came out to the union hall to help give a proper send-off to John Ivankovich, who retired after more than 20 years working in the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor as a cook utility and AB/deckhand at Crowley Marine Services. Included among those who came to wish him all the best were Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Captains John Zarroli, Homer Roberson, Hank Scott, Bruno Kalmeta, Mike Guillot, Greg Jarvis and Neal Doucet, Utility Engineers Craig Perry, John Tipich and Arsen Perhat and Deckhands Frank Gill, Mike Privette and Mike Restivo. W Om ha While Patty Young cuts the retirement cake, other guests sit around the table reminiscing. From the left are Mates Greg Jarvis and Benny Guillot, Capt. Mike Schmidt and John Ivankovich. Mate Benny Guillot (left) and Utility Engineer John Tipich helped Ivankovich celebrate his maritime career. Wishing his friend a happy retirement is AB/Deckhand Mike Restivo. Wilmington Port Agent John Cox congratulates John Ivankovich on a well-deserved retirement. Mate Neal Doucet and Capt. Hank Scott make their way to the party in an environmentally friendly way. Enjoying the camaraderie are Utility Engineers Arsen Perhat (left) and John Tipich. Capt. Mike Schmidt was one of the well-wishers at the retirement party. 12 Seafarers LOG November 2007 W m Ze th Lo �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24:5140p0 10/25/2007 12:28 PM Page 13 n, Calif. Seafarers always show up in full force at the Southern California Labor Day Parade, which was held this year on Sept. 3. ABOARD THE CAR CARRIER JEAN ANNE — on a recent visit to the 10th St. Terminal in San Diego Wilmington Patrolman/Safety Director Abdul Al Omari works on his reports at the Wilmington hall. ABOARD THE OVERSEAS HOUSTON Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (below right) meets with Recertified Bosun Lawrence H. Zepeda Sr. aboard the Overseas Houston when that vessel made a recent visit to the port of Long Beach. Repairing the crane aboard the Jean Anne is Electrician David Cutro. Bosun Dave Davenport operates the ramp controls. Electrician David Cutro GVA Mohamed Saleh and AB Julio Ortiz Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton is flanked by Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (left) and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone at a press conference at Woodside Natural Gas, Inc. of Santa Monica, Calif. Connaughton recently unveiled a tentative agreement with Woodside to register two new LNG vessels scheduled to service a proposed deepwater port 28 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. “The employment of American citizens aboard U.S.-flag LNG vessels serving the nation’s natural gas receiving facilities is in the best interests of the United States,” he said at the July 30 press conference. November 2007 AB Vince Ippolito Steward Sam Sinclair AB Billy Cooley helps load stores onto the car carrier. Seafarers LOG 13 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:43 AM Page 14 apply now for 2008 Scholarships available to SEAFARERS & their dependents DEADLINE = APRIL 15 P lease send me the 2008 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. 11/07 14 Seafarers LOG Each year the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan offers qualified Seafarers and their dependents a scholarship program to help ease the financial burden of college and vocational studies. This year, eight scholarships are being offered; three for Seafarers and five for spouses and dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 and is intended to help cover the costs of attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. The five scholarships for spouses and dependent children of Seafarers are worth $20,000 apiece. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to send for the 2008 SIU Scholarship Program booklet (see form on this page). It contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. The program books also are available at all SIU halls. NOW is the time to start the application process. April 15 is the deadline for the 2008 Scholarship Program—and you can’t be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application form. You have nothing to lose! November 2007 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:44 AM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea December 2007 & January 2008 Membership Meetings SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals 2 9 8 17 5 9 27 29 5 9 11 17 17 16 6 9 8 5 28 20 0 1 0 4 2 1 6 6 1 0 3 6 10 0 3 0 1 1 3 4 271 257 52 1 0 3 4 1 8 12 15 0 10 3 17 11 9 1 1 1 0 15 9 0 1 7 9 2 1 11 19 0 6 5 13 17 9 3 1 1 3 14 9 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 2 1 1 1 4 4 3 0 0 0 0 2 3 Totals 121 131 25 0 0 6 5 5 7 18 9 0 7 5 21 4 28 0 3 2 2 12 19 1 0 2 9 2 5 5 11 0 4 5 8 12 7 0 2 0 1 6 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 Totals Totals All Departments 0 0 6 9 0 9 25 29 0 11 7 37 5 19 5 1 5 1 16 21 206 0 4 6 8 5 3 15 15 4 8 3 14 6 6 4 13 8 2 19 10 153 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 1 1 1 2 6 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 26 0 0 3 5 0 6 13 11 1 6 8 14 12 12 4 1 4 2 11 11 124 0 2 4 7 2 3 11 15 1 1 4 8 10 5 0 1 2 1 14 6 97 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 16 1 0 3 6 2 9 12 19 0 4 2 17 6 14 2 0 0 1 12 18 128 1 1 0 2 2 4 4 9 0 3 1 6 14 3 1 0 1 0 4 3 153 87 9 59 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 2 5 2 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 3 2 6 4 3 24 17 0 4 9 28 11 10 0 10 2 0 17 13 5 2 2 7 2 11 7 11 0 1 4 13 18 7 2 26 1 3 7 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 3 0 12 11 0 4 3 21 8 8 0 6 1 0 9 7 19 166 140 12 564 641 226 470 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 6 6 1 13 24 4 10 74 55 1 19 28 72 22 30 3 3 11 5 68 49 4 10 8 25 7 20 50 42 10 12 21 39 21 23 9 5 15 12 50 31 2 2 0 8 4 2 6 7 1 1 3 8 8 3 7 0 0 1 7 6 91 498 414 76 0 0 1 4 0 3 3 7 0 3 2 4 4 3 0 2 1 0 8 3 2 0 3 13 2 11 24 28 1 17 4 28 10 13 0 1 3 1 29 15 2 1 7 9 2 4 17 27 1 13 6 13 20 13 4 2 2 3 23 14 0 0 0 3 2 2 4 4 1 1 1 6 11 3 0 0 1 0 5 9 48 205 183 53 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 4 0 1 1 8 1 6 1 0 2 0 4 3 2 0 5 9 4 9 32 21 0 11 9 26 12 47 1 6 5 3 29 35 1 0 3 18 1 9 9 12 1 8 9 14 15 7 0 2 1 1 13 11 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 2 0 3 2 0 1 1 0 0 2 3 Baltimore..............Thursday: December 6, January 10 Boston ..................Friday: December 7, January 11 Guam ....................Thursday: December 20, January 24 Honolulu...............Friday: December 14, January 18 Houston ................Monday: December 10, January 14 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: December 6, January 10 Joliet .....................Thursday: December 13, January 17 Mobile ..................Wednesday: December 12, January 16 New Orleans.........Tuesday: December 11, January 15 New York .............Tuesday: December 4, January 8 Norfolk .................Thursday: December 6, January 10 Oakland ................Thursday: December 13, January 17 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: December 5, January 9 Port Everglades ....Thursday: December 13, January 17 San Juan ...............Thursday: December 6, January 10 St. Louis ...............Friday: December 14, January 18 Tacoma .................Friday: December 21, January 25 Wilmington...........Monday: December 17 ...............................Tuesday: January 22* (*change created by Martin Luther King holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 39 266 135 20 0 1 1 0 0 6 1 3 0 2 0 2 7 3 3 23 0 0 2 4 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 2 5 3 0 1 4 12 2 8 0 1 2 0 10 2 3 3 4 7 2 9 41 34 1 5 12 49 21 20 0 9 6 0 32 24 8 1 2 15 2 18 10 23 2 3 8 23 27 16 0 11 3 3 22 12 97 58 0 53 282 209 406 106 178 1,022 1,014 358 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 2007 Piney Point ...........Monday: December 3, January 7 Algonac ................Friday: December 7, January 11 0 0 3 7 0 4 10 10 0 5 4 13 4 10 4 0 2 0 11 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac A1chorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 3 1 14 17 3 8 37 28 0 10 7 46 15 13 4 3 4 3 30 25 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Personals MANUEL OLVERA Wayne Korb would like to get in touch with Manuel Olvera or anyone who knows his whereabouts. The two men sailed together in 1956 aboard Waterman’s Citrus Packer. Please call Mr. Korb at (702) 386-2803. DANIEL (DANNY) BARRETT Ron Knight is trying to make contact with Danny Barrett or anyone who sailed with him. Call (301) 461-1803. EVER SAIL ON A NEW “MARINER CLASS” SHIP? I am doing background research for a possible book about the Maritime Commission-designed Mariner vessels. I’d like to hear your stories and sagas about these “new, state-of-the-art” ships of the early 1950s. My research includes just how different these ships were from the WWII era ships. The Schuyler Otis Bland was supposed to be the prototype ship of the future, but no sisters were ever built. Information on the Bland is real hard to find, so I’m looking for information about her, too, as part of my research. Then there was the Mariner C4-S-1a design, 35 ships designed and built by and for the Maritime Commission. I’d like to get your vessel’s name(s), voyage itineraries, your job(s), and how these new ships compared with the WWII C1s to C4s, Liberty ships, Victory ships, and even the Schuyler Otis Bland. Were they better or worse, how and why? What were your feelings about these ships? Got any good photos of the ships? When the ships were eventually purchased by the various steamship companies, what changes did they make to the ships in order to fit their respective needs? If you can help me out, please drop me a line. Capt. Charles Lund, MM&P (retired) 1620 N 203rd Pl. Shoreline, WA 98133-3309 Seafarers LOG 15 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24:5140p0 10/25/2007 12:35 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 Page 16 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU 401K PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU PENSION TRUST OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU 401K Plan, EIN 13-6592643, Plan No. 002, for period Jan. 1, 2006 through Dec. 31, 2006. 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). 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 period January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006. 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. Plan expenses were $360,067. These expenses included $360,067 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 657 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 $3,751,535 as of Dec. 31, 2006, compared to $3,432,409 as of Jan. 1, 2006. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $319,126. 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 $679,193 including employee contributions of $380,544 and earnings from investments of $298,649. 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 to, or call: Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plans, c/o Seafarers Benefit Funds, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.50 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, c/o Seafarers Benefit Funds, 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. Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $29,740,152. These expenses included $3,039,566 in administrative expenses and $26,700,586 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 7,436 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 $296,628,713 as of December 31, 2006, compared to $296,871,091 as of January 1, 2006. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $242,378. 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 total income of $29,497,774 including employer contributions of $563,898, realized gains of $2,486,059 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $26,023,493, and other income of $424,324. 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 Board of Trustees of NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, c/o Seafarers Benefit Funds, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $7.80 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. 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, c/o Seafarers Benefit Funds, 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. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner John W. Curlew of Sea Level, N.C. The picture was snapped sometime during a voyage aboard the SS Choctaw (Waterman Steamship Corp.) from October 1954 to August 1955. Curlew, who was bosun at the time, is at left with two other members of the deck department, refurbishing a deck railing. Brother Curlew joined the union in 1947. He completed the bosun recertification program in 1975 and last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Patriot in 1989. Brother Curlew retired in 1990 to the high mountain desert of Nevada. In a note accompanying the photo, Curlew said that after the death of his wife of 49 years, he left Carson City (4,680 feet above sea level) and moved to Snug Harbor (at sea level). “This is a great place for aged, decrepit and wornout seamen,” he wrote. “For economic reasons, Snug Harbor has been opened up to others besides seamen, but there are enough of us here to have a good gathering after supper and see who can come up with the biggest sea story. I have been here for more than a year, and I have not made it yet!” 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. November 2007 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24:September-07 10/26/2007 10:44 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 RICHARD BUCHANAN, 65, joined the union in 1977, initially sailing aboard the Long Lines. Brother Buchanan was a member of the deck department. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Buchanan was born in Illinois. His most recent voyage was aboard the Intrepid. Brother Buchanan makes his home in Santa Cruz, Calif. SALVATORE CICIULLA, 65, embarked on his SIU career in 1979, first working in the inland division aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. In 1995 and 2000, the deck department member attended classes at the Piney Point school. Brother Ciciulla’s most recent voyage was on the SL Pride. He was born in Italy and calls Melbourne, Fla. home. DONALD FARMER, 64, joined the SIU in 1964. Born in Georgia, he first sailed aboard the Penn Carrier. Brother Farmer enhanced his seafaring skills in 1974 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He shipped in the engine department. Brother Farmer most recently worked on the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. He is a resident of Albany, Ga. DAVID GANNOUN, 65, became a Seafarer in 1973. Brother Gannoun, a native of Honduras, first sailed on the Over Anchor as a member of the steward department. He attended courses at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. on three occasions to upgrade his skills. Before retiring, he worked aboard the USNS Capella. Brother Gannoun lives in Kenner, La. MONTE GRIMES JR., 55, began his seafaring career in 1971, first sailing on a Vivian Tankers Corp. vessel. He upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the deck department. Brother Grimes most recently shipped aboard the Lightning. He continues to reside in his native state of California. KAYED HRBY, 65, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Detroit, Mich. Brother Hrby first sailed aboard a vessel operated by November 2007 Isthmian Lines Inc. The deck department member upgraded his skills in 1978 at the Seafarersaffiliated school. Brother Hrby, who was born in Yemen, most recently sailed aboard the Overseas Juneau. He made his home in Bronx, N.Y. CHARLES LORE JR., 58, began sailing with the union in 1972. Brother Lore was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. He first sailed aboard the Summit as a member of the engine department. Brother Lore, who was born in New York, most recently worked aboard the Sam Houston. He makes his home in Buffalo, N.Y. EDWIN LUSK, 59, commenced his seafaring career in 1972. Brother Lusk’s first ship was the Jefferson Davis. He was born in Fayetteville, Tenn. and shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Lusk upgraded his skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Horizon Hunter. Brother Lusk calls Covington, La. home. ALI MOHSIN, 62, who was born in Arabia, began sailing with the SIU in 1968 aboard the Banner. Brother Mohsin was a member of the engine department. In 2000 and 2001, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Prior to retiring, Brother Mohsin worked on the Commitment. He is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. NELSON PATTERSON, 65, joined the union in 1970 in the port of Houston. Brother Patterson upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He began sailing aboard a Calmar Steamship Co. vessel, where he worked in the engine department. Brother Patterson, who was born in Texas, most recently worked aboard the Equality State. He makes his home in Livingston, Texas. EDISON RODRIGUEZ, 71, became an SIU member in 1986 in the port of New York. Brother Rodriguez’s first voyage was on the USNS Antares. He upgraded his seafar- ing skills on numerous occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Rodriguez was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He most recently sailed aboard the Green Lake. Brother Rodriguez lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. FRANCES WADSWORTH, 65, began her seafaring career in 1991 in Piney Point, Md. Sister Wadsworth’s first ship was the Louis J. Hauge; her last was the William Baugh. The steward department member was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Sister Wadsworth resides in Wilmington, N.C. INLAND DAVID DEL BUONO, 64, joined the SIU in 1977 in Puerto Rico. Boatman Del Buono sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. Born in New York, he worked in the engine department. Boatman Del Buono attended the Piney Point school in 1981, 1994 and again in 1998 to upgrade his seafaring skills. He is a resident of Baldwin Park, Calif. MANUEL FIGUEROA, 62, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1978. During his career, he worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels. Boatman Figueroa, who was born in Puerto Rico, sailed in the engine department. He took classes in 1984 at the Paul Hall Center to upgrade his seafaring skills. Boatman Figueroa makes his home in Catano, P.R. JAMES MUSICK, 65, began his SIU career in 1996 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Musick worked primarily aboard Crowley vessels. The New Jersey-born mariner was a member of the deck department. Boatman Musick settled in Mullica Hill, N.J. SVEN VILBORG, 57, started sailing with the SIU in 1975. Boatman Vilborg first sailed aboard a Whiteman Towing Co. vessel. He upgraded in 2003 at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Vilborg, who is a native of Sweden, most recently worked on a Crescent Towing of New Orleans vessel. He calls Bay Mintette, Ala. home. GREAT LAKES MOHAMED MOHSIN, 65, joined the union in 1969. Brother Mohsin worked primarily aboard American Steamship Co. vessels, including the American Sea Ocean and American Mariner. He was born in Arabia and shipped in the deck department. Brother Mohsin lives in Dearborn, Mich. EUGENE PIKE, 65, joined the union in 1967. Brother Pike first worked aboard Great Lakes Associates Inc. vessels as a member of the deck department. He was born in West Virginia. Brother Pike’s most recent voyage was aboard the JAW Iglehart. He resides in Bristol, Tenn. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1949 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 CS 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.” 1969 The steward department aboard the SIU-contracted Seatrain Ohio in November received a spontaneous citation from the ship’s officers for its “cooperative effort to please” during a recently completed voyage. “It is seldom that an entire department is as conscientious and hard-working as you men have been,” the letter states. “In the face of such obstacles as long stays in port, not once did the officers and crew lack a first-rate meal.” Praised for a “job well done” were Chief Steward Warren Messenger, Chief Cook Jose Torrefiel, 2nd Cook and Baker Richard Morgan and 3rd Cook Percy Brown as well as “the rest of the department for the courtesy extended us…. It is a pleasure to sail with men such as you, who take pride in your trade.” 1959 Rolling up a near-perfect record, the SIU Training School in New York has graduated 169 successful candidates for a lifeboat ticket out of 173 who have attended the school to date. The lifeboat trainees, after taking both classroom and boat instruction, have been whizzing through the Coast Guard examinations with ease. In addition to the 169 successful lifeboatmen, the training school has assisted 24 ordinaries who subsequently obtained their AB tickets, plus a number of wipers who have gone up to firemen. Ordinaries and wipers interested in enrolling in the school for upgrading, as well as men in any category who lack lifeboat tickets can enroll in the school by contacting the dispatch counter on the second deck in the New York hall. 1979 On Nov. 28, Seafarers crewed the El Paso LNG carrier Sonatrach in Savannah, Ga. Even though she’s the 11th LNG carrier to sail under the SIU banner, her crewing was a first for the union and for U.S. maritime. Until recently, the Sonatrach was operated by a Norwegian crew. Two other El Paso LNG vessels, the Consolidated and the Paul Kayser were also crewed by Norwegian seamen. SIU crews are scheduled to fly out to Dunkirk, France, where the ships are undergoing repairs, to fill the unlicensed jobs on those vessels early next year. By opting for a top-to-bottom crew of American seamen, El Paso has shot holes in the myth that Western European seamen are more capable than their American counterparts. This Month In SIU History Seafarers LOG 17 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24:September-07 10/26/2007 11:25 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA ALBERT BAZOR Pensioner Albert Bazor, 74, passed away March 3. Brother Bazor, who was born in Alabama, joined the SIU in 1963. He first sailed on the Santa Emilia as a member of the deck department. Brother Bazor’s most recent voyage was aboard the Chemical Trader. He retired in 1991 and lived in Tibbie, Ala. JAMES BRUCE Pensioner James Bruce, 83, passed away Feb. 19. Brother Bruce began his seafaring career in 1963, first sailing on a Destiny Carrier vessel. Brother Bruce was born in Galvez, La. and sailed as a member of the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Aurora. Brother Bruce went on pension in 1989. He called Baton Rouge, La. home. PAUL BUTTERWORTH Pensioner Paul Butterworth, 82, died Feb. 23. Brother Butterworth joined the union in 1967. The West Virginia native first shipped on a vessel operated by MooreMcCormack Lines. Brother Butterworth sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in 1995, he worked aboard the Ambassador. Brother Butterworth made his home in Savannah, Ga. CHARLES DAHLHAUS Pensioner Charles Dahlhaus, 69, passed away March 17. Brother Dahlhaus, who was born in New York, first sailed in 1961 on the Steel Worker. He shipped in the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Overseas Chicago. Brother Dahlhaus resided in Japan. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 2004. LEONARD DAVIDSON Pensioner Leonard Davidson, 82, died March 17. Brother Davidson joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The U.S. Army veteran, who was born in Tennessee, first sailed on the Brooklyn. He settled in Slidell, La. and became a pensioner in 1974. PATRICK DEVINE Pensioner Patrick Devine, 83, passed away March 6. Brother Devine joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. He briefly shipped in the inland division aboard a Blue Stack Towing Co. vessel before switching to the deep sea division. Brother 18 Seafarers LOG Devine was a native of Ireland and worked in the steward department. His most recent voyage was on the Tam Guilden. Brother Devine started receiving his retirement pay in 1983. He was a resident of New Hope, Pa. JOHN HARRIS Pensioner John Harris, 81, died March 16. Brother Harris embarked on his seafaring career in 1944 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Massillon Victory; his last was the Liberty Sun. Brother Harris was a member of the steward department. He was born in North Carolina and made his home in Virginia Beach, Va. Brother Harris retired in 1990. THOMAS KLINE Pensioner Thomas Kline, 79, passed away Feb. 18. A native of Charleston, S.C., Brother Kline joined the SIU in 1952. His first ship was the Cantigny. Brother Kline sailed in the deck department. He last sailed on the Overseas New Orleans. Brother Kline lived in Jacksonville, Fla. He went on pension in 1990. KOON LAU Pensioner Koon Lau, 87, died March 18. Brother Lau joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed aboard a States Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Lau, who was born in China, worked in the steward department. Before retiring in 1999, he shipped on the R.J. Pfeiffer. Brother Lau called San Francisco home. ROBERT MADDOX Pensioner Robert Maddox, 74, passed away March 29. Brother Maddox joined the SIU in 1979. He first sailed in the steward department aboard the Charleston. Brother Maddox, who was born in Knoxville, Tenn., last worked on the Overseas Boston. He settled in Graham, Wash. and began collecting his retirement stipends in 1998. GUSTAVE MALENSKY Pensioner Gustave Malensky, 78, died March 13. Brother Malensky became a Seafarer in 1956 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Direct. Brother Malensky, who was born in the Bronx, N.Y., worked in the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard the San Juan. Brother Malensky retired in 1991 and resided in New York. MARIO NOLASCO Pensioner Mario Nolasco, 85, passed away March 12. Born in the Philippines, Brother Nolasco joined the union in 1954. He first sailed on the Steel Artisan. A member of the engine department, Brother Nolasco last worked aboard the Santa Maria. He made his home in San Francisco and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1980. CHAN-FAT NEU Pensioner Chan-Fat Neu, 89, died Feb. 11. Brother Neu began his seafaring career in 1956 in the port of San Francisco. The deck department member, who was born in China, first sailed aboard the Choctaw. His last ship was the Freedom. Brother Neu went on pension in 1982. He called San Francisco home. OTIS PASCHAL Pensioner Otis Paschal, 86, passed away March 11. Brother Paschal joined the ranks of the SIU in 1958. He first worked on a vessel operated by Boston Towing Boat Co. Brother Paschal was a native of Georgia and sailed in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 1986, he worked on the Express. Brother Paschal made his home in Flushing, N.Y. KENNETH ROBERTS Pensioner Kenneth Roberts, 79, died March 8. Brother Roberts joined the SIU in 1949. He first sailed aboard a Sprogue Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Michigan, Brother Roberts shipped as a member of the steward department. His most recent voyage was on the Santa Mariana. Brother Roberts settled in Redding, Calif. and retired from the union in 1982. ANTONIO SGAGLIARDICH Pensioner Antonio Sgagliardich, 85, passed away March 15. Brother Sgagliardich became a union member in 1967 in the port of New York. The engine department member’s first ship was the Gateway City. Brother Sgagliardich was born in Croatia. His last voyage was aboard the Elizabeth. Brother Sgagliardich went on pension in 1989 and lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. ROLAND ST. MARIE Pensioner Roland St. Marie, 85, died March 8. Brother St. Marie joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. His first voyage was on the John Evans where he worked in the deck department. Brother St. Marie was born in Putnam, Conn. Before retiring in 1987, he sailed aboard the Leader. Brother St. Marie continued to reside in Connecticut. LLEWLLYN TROTT Pensioner Llewellyn Trott, 68, passed away March 10. Brother Trott, who was born in Bermuda, started sailing with the SIU in 1967. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Trott first worked on the Panama. His last voyage was aboard the Oakland. Brother Trott was a resident of Jamaica, N.Y. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1997. ROBERT ZURFLUH Pensioner Robert Zurfluh, 69, died June 2. Brother Zurfluh joined the SIU in 1960, first shipping on the Mt. Whitney. He was a native of Albany, Wis. Brother Zurfluh most recently sailed in the engine department of the Horizon Reliance. He called Seattle home and went on pension in 1998. INLAND CARMINO (CARMEN) MARANO Pensioner Carmen Marano, 84, passed away March 1. Boatman Marano embarked on his SIU career in 1963. He first sailed aboard an Erie Lackawanna Railroad Co. vessel. Boatman Marano was born in Hoboken, N.J. He last worked with Penn Central Transportation. Boatman Marano became a pensioner in 1982 and made his home in Waldwick, N.J. STEWART PARKS Pensioner Stewart Parks, 71, passed away Feb. 5. Boatman Parks embarked on his seafaring career in 1981. He first worked aboard a Bulk Fleet Marine Corp. vessel. Boatman Parks was born in Virginia and worked in the steward department. He most recently sailed on an Express Marine Inc. vessel. Boatman Parks became a pensioner in 2002. He had settled in Tangier, Va. WILLIAM PETERS Pensioner William Peters, 77, died Feb. 17. Boatman Peters, who was born in Tremont, Miss., joined the union in 1969. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Orgulf Transport Co. Boatman Peters began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1978. He made his home in Missouri. GREAT LAKES MOHAMED BAAGARI Pensioner Mohamed Baagari, 75, passed away Feb. 7. Brother Baagari became a seafarer in 1963. The steward department member was born in Yemen. Brother Baagari first sailed with Great Lakes Associates. His most recent voyage was on the Steel T. Crapo. Brother Baagari retired in 1996; he continued to reside in Yemen. JULIUS RUDAI Pensioner Julius Rudai, 87, died Feb. 19. Brother Rudai began his seafaring career in 1965, initially working aboard the Reiss Brothers. A native of Pennsylvania, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Rudai’s most recent voyage was on the St. Clair. He went on pension in 1984 and was a resident of Ohio. HAROLD WALKLEY Pensioner Harold Walkley, 75, died March 2. Brother Walkley joined the union in 1956. The engine department member shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Co. Brother Walkley resided in his native state of Michigan. He went on pension in 1993. 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 Acabeo, Rafael 96 Andujar, Felix 90 Bright, Roosevelt 84 Byrd, Colvin 77 Cobb, Rufus 82 Curley, Oswald 82 Denis, Marcial 93 Drayton, Ezekiah 81 Goebel, Henry 84 Green, Henderson, Jr. 79 Green, Melvin 81 Hernandez, Rafael 83 Ingham, Jack 76 Krider, James 73 Mead, Emerson 91 Molina, Henry 99 Mundo, Leocadio 82 Ortiz, Jaime 83 Pizarro, Antonio 83 Quinones, Angel 82 Roderick, Lester 86 Rose, Cecil 75 Taylor, Hubert 75 White, Charles 77 Wilcott, Alfred 78 Wilson, Miles 83 DOD Feb. 2 Feb. 20 Feb. 12 Feb. 21 Feb. 18 Feb. 24 Feb. 6 Feb. 18 Feb. 7 Feb. 23 Feb. 25 Feb. 28 Feb. 4 Feb. 18 Feb. 18 Feb. 15 Feb. 12 Feb. 23 Feb. 10 Feb. 18 Feb. 18 Feb. 2 Feb. 7 Feb. 1 Feb. 23 Feb. 28 November 2007 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24:September-07 10/26/2007 12:28 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. ALASKAN FRONTIER (Alaska Tanker Company), Sept. 13— Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Odilio G. Evora, Deck Delegate Ramon T. Guimba, Engine Delegate Robert G. Oliveto, Steward Delegate Justo D. Reyes. Chairman informed crew members of meeting between union and company officials being held in Piney Point, Md. at which he hoped AB work rules would be clarified. He thanked deck gang for good work and said he was looking forward to painting deck. Secretary addressed several food issues such as quality, quantity and budget. He reminded everyone that any issues related to food should be brought to steward’s attention directly. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of opportunities available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He also stressed importance of keeping all documents up to date. Treasurer stated approximately $3,000 in ship’s fund and told members to get captain’s permission before buying something for vessel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested clarification concerning extra day’s pay for completing tour of duty injuryfree. Recommendation made to change terminology in contract to reflect no differences in certain stain remover products. Crew suggested T-shirts and/or other products with ATC logo on them to be made available. Steward department was thanked for good chow. Smith machine is ready for use in gym, and X/M radio is coming soon. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 16—Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Deck Delegate Raymond P. Vicari, Steward Delegate Saleh M. Saleh. Chairman announced Sept. 22 payoff in Long Beach, Calif. He praised galley gang for great food and reminded everyone to keep laundry room door closed so there will be quiet for those trying to sleep. He led discussion about proper handling of trash when arriving in port. Secretary thanked crew for their help in keeping food service area clean. He asked departing Seafarers to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for a microwave in the galley and comfortable chairs (e.g., recliners) for all crew members’ rooms. GREEN POINT (Central Gulf Lines), Sept. 23—Chairman Melvin R. Nichols Jr., Secretary Ramon I. Tolosa, Educational Director Gregorio M. Saguran, Deck Delegate Daniel A. Donegan. Chairman requested boarding patrolman when ship arrives in Baltimore, Md. Green Point will be in port for four days. Treasurer reported that captain handles ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Questions were raised pertaining to vacation pay deductions, and suggestion was made to increase vacation days and institute cost of living raises. It was reported that crew members were having problems with e-mail; captain has been letting crew use his. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; Baltimore, Md. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), Sept. 7—Chairman Pablo O. Borja Jr., Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director James T. McParland, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Steward Delegate Regalado M. Bayan. Bosun thanked his department for hard work during voyage. He led discussion of importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) and how it benefits the membership. He asked members leaving vessel to clean rooms for replacements and check in with SIU patrolman or port agent. Secretary encouraged members to upgrade at Piney Point school and keep all documents current. Educational director advised Seafarers to keep dues paid up. Treasurer stated $389.52 in cook-out fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to President Michael Sacco and his staff for all the work they do for the membership. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), Sept. 16—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Michael P. Brown. Chairman announced Sept. 18 payoff upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He urged crew members to keep dues current and support SPAD. He also thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of upgrading and training offered at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 30— Chairman Carlton P. Hall, Secretary Larry Ewing, Educational Director Philip R. Ayotte. Chairman praised crew members for smooth, safe trip and reported Oct. 2 payoff to take place in Port Elizabeth, N.J. Secretary thanked everyone for great voyage. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to lower seatime requirements for benefit eligibility. Crew thanked steward department for very good food during voyage. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line Limited), Sept. 23—Chairman Brian P. Corbett, Secretary Fidelis N. Oliveira, Educational Director Louis A. Santiago. Chairman thanked everyone for their cooperation during the maiden voyage. He stated some bugs need to be worked out, but overall it was a nice, safe trip. Secretary Some of the crew members from the newly reflagged Maersk Montana pose for a picture when the U.S.-flag vessel was in New York last summer. Daniel G. Ramirez Jr., Steward Delegate Wilfred E. Lambey. Chairman thanked crew members for good trip and talked about importance of health benefits. This is a big topic for union members nationwide during contract negotiations. Secretary thanked mariners for helping keeping mess hall and lounge clean. He warned crew that flu season is coming and advised everyone to wash hands frequently. He also asked members to refrain from eating while standing in service line. Educational director encouraged crew to continue their Working on the Baugh LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), Sept. 30—Chairman Albert C. Williams, Secretary Nick Andrews, Deck Delegate Donald Stickens, Engine Delegate Alcido Lopes, Steward Delegate Cecilio Suarez. Chairman stressed the need to work together safely and to wear proper protective equipment. He stressed importance of maintaining accurate documentation to lessen chance of missing out on a job at the hall or aboard ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: New Orleans. Sailing aboard a Newly Reflagged Vessel November 2007 reported food situation should improve next trip as adequate stores have been ordered. Educational director advised crew to upgrade when they can at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. Concerns were raised about the laundry room and need for additional washers and dryers. Members also requested microwave in the crew mess hall as well as clarification on a number of issues. Next ports: New York; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C. AB John Roberts (left) does some painting on deck while Recertified Chief Steward takes part in helo training aboard the PFC William B. Baugh. OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (OSG Ship Management), Sept. 27 —Chairman Tony Beasley, Secretary Samuel Raine, Educational Director Anthony R. Hulsey, Deck Delegate Jefferson V. Julian, Engine Delegate Michael E. Iverson, Steward Delegate Nina McFall. Chairman stated washer and dryer are now working properly, thanks to repairs made by engine department. Educational director urged crew to check dates on all seafaring documents and renew, if necessary. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next port: Cherry Point, Wash. PUGET SOUND (OSG Ship Management), Sept. 30— Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary Wiley Owens, Educational Director Benjamin E. Mathews, Engine Delegate Jimmie Thomas, Steward Delegate Christina A. Mateer. Chairman announced Oct. 2 payoff in Los Angeles. He encouraged Seafarers to help fellow crew members aboard ship and share their knowledge about the union. Educational director advised seamen to check out upgrading courses available at Piney Point school and to keep track of expiration dates on all documents. Treasurer stated $1,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to have chairs in rooms fixed or replaced and purchase of shower mats for everyone. Suggestion made to install refrigerators in each room, which can be paid for with money from the ship’s fund. ST. LOUIS EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning Inc.) Sept. 16—Chairman Matthew T. Sagay, Secretary Christopher B. Amigable, Educational Director education at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. Members requested union representative be present at Sept. 30 payoff in Houston, Texas to resolve OT issue. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Miami, Fla.; Houston. USNS RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships Inc.) Sept. 28—Chairman Kyle W. Bailey, Secretary Fonda T. Biamonte, Educational Director Kelley Mayo. Bosun stated everybody did great job during inspections and audits. He also informed crew members about TWIC card. Secretary asked everyone to help keep all areas clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director reminded seafarers of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Communication pertaining to new medical benefits was read and posted. Steward department was thanked for job well done. Smoking policy was reviewed: NO smoking anywhere except designated area—and no lighters allowed. NATIONAL GLORY (Crowley Ship Management) Oct. 5— Chairman Donald Rezendes, Secretary John Rapoza, Steward Delegate Victor J. Wolfe. Chairman reported vessel was officially commissioned for U.S. trade Aug. 27. Captain to purchase television for crew lounge and reefers for crew mess. He also urged all members to read the Seafarers LOG to stay current on TWIC information. Treasurer stated $2,000 in entertainment fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in engine department. Recommendation made to receive monthly statement of earnings and to purchase numerous items for ship. Seafarers LOG 19 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24:September-07 10/26/2007 9:32 AM Page 20 Notice/Reminder Anthrax Vaccination Required for Jobs Aboard Some MSC Ships The deputy secretary of defense in October 2006 announced the resumption of the mandatory Anthrax Vaccination Immunization Program (AVIP) for designated military personnel, emergency-essential civilian personnel and contractor personnel performing essential services in certain geographic areas of the world. Two months later in December, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) received notification from the office of the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness that uniformed personnel as well as civilian and contract mariners under its command would be subject to the compulsory program. Specifically, according a Department of Defense Directive, civilian and contract mariners sailing aboard MSC ships in the Central Command area of responsibility or the Korean Peninsula for 15 or more consecutive days beginning in February and March would be required to resume anthrax immunizations, except as provided under applicable medical and administrative policies. Additionally, said MSC, “Any mariner not subject to the mandatory program who has received at least one dose of anthrax vaccine in the past will be allowed, if desired, to voluntarily complete the six-shot anthrax vaccination series and receive any boosters as required by the Food and Drug Administration-approved dosing schedule.” MSC further stated that, “Individuals will be notified by their chain of command if the shots are required. Navy medical personnel will give the vaccinations either aboard MSC ships, in MSC workplaces or at military treatment facilities.” According to DOD, anthrax is a deadly infection and the anthrax vaccine is an important force protection measure to combat it. In the fall of 2001, 22 cases of anthrax resulted from attacks with anthrax spores through the U.S. postal system. Five people died in these attacks. “The anthrax vaccine will protect our troops from another threat—a disease that will kill, caused by a bacteria—that already has been used as a weapon in America, and that terrorists openly discuss,” said Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. Critics have charged that anthrax vaccinations can cause infertility and auto-immune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus. Some service mem- bers have died after being vaccinated, but the Pentagon has said the deaths were not conclusively linked to the vaccine. The mandatory anthrax vaccination program began in 1998. Since that time, at least 1.2 million troops have been vaccinated against anthrax in six-shot regimens. Hundreds of service members had been punished or discharged for refusing them until U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan in December 2004 suspended the vaccinations after he found fault in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s process for approving the drug. In December 2005, the FDA gave final approval to the vaccine, clearing the way for the military to resume a mandatory program. Seafarers seeking more information on the inoculations should contact their port agents. Specific questions may be directed to Mr. Shelley Croyle, MSC medical administrator, at (202) 685-5706/5123. CIVMARS may call MSC’s CIVMAR support center at 1-877-562-7672. General information on the program and medical eligibility for receiving the vaccines is available on line at the following sites: www.anthrax.mil and www.vaccines.mil/anthrax. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR NMU PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually, includes important information about the funding level of the NMU Pension Plan, Plan # 001, Federal ID # 13-6592643. This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning Jan. 1, 2006 and ending Dec. 31, 2006 (2006). Plan’s Funding Level The plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the plan year was 128.2 percent. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefit payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the plan’s assets of Jan. 1, 2006 was $282,798,636. The total amount of benefit payments for the plan year was $25,069,537. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 11.3. This ratio suggests that the plan’s assets could provide for approximately 11 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the plan year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’S guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules, a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the 20 Seafarers LOG PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency. Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may write to Miriam Bove at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or call (718) 499-6600, ext. 242. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1-800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7272). 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 2007 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:42 AM 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. through January 2008. 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 Start Date of Course Date Completion Advanced Fire Fighting January 14 January 25 Basic Safety Training/STCW November 12 November 17 November 19 November 23 December 10 December 14 Medical Care Provider January 28 February 1 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* November 26 December 7 (*must have basic fire fighting) offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994- Academic Department Courses 0010. General education and college courses are available as needed. In Deck Upgrading Courses addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered Start Date of throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocation- Course Date Completion al course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Able Seaman January 28 February 22 Celestial Navigation November 26 December 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 14 January 25 A future edition of the Seafarers LOG Steward Upgrading Courses will contain a complete guide of all the Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week begin- upgrading courses available to ning Nov. 12, 2007. students in the year 2008. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Refrigerated Containers November 26 December 21 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE 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 ________________________________________________ November 2007 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. 11/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24:5140p0 10/26/2007 1:33 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 693 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 693. They include (in alphabetical order) John Albritton III, Christopher Baum, Maurice Beasley, Bryan Brady, Kenneth Bricker Jr., Matthew Brown, Ashanti Chavers, Bryan Clark, Bobby Dickson Jr., Andrew Gerrie, Alexander Grant, Anthony Hill, Omar Izquierdo, Nicholas Jones, Christopher Landry, Eileen Mendiola, Edward Newbegin, Steven Rappolee, Terry Taylor Jr., and Andrew Thompson II. (Note: not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Ben Cusic, is at far left. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 694 — Unlicensed apprentices from class 694 who completed the water survival course are (in alphabetical order) Jeffrey Bach, Stephen Banks, Fraya Brown, Brandy Griffin, Creg Gumanas, Veronica Hernandez, Ryan Hogan, Joel Jones, Terrell McMillian, José Orengo, Jason Redmond, and Daniel Thompson. (Note: not all are pictured.) Bridge Resource Management — Junior Engineer — On Sept. 7, the following students (in no particular order) completed the junior engineer course: Grady Mason Jr., David Kelch, Jeffery Parrish, Levy Calzado, Adam Begleiter, William Wakeman, Anthony Bartley, Daniel Amesbury, Hashiem Pittman, Aaron Wood, Cliff Taylor, Keith Kowaleski, Richard Wright, Jon Stratton, Charles Johnson, Ahmed Sharif, Nabil Ahmed, Eugene Earl, John Morrison Jr., Harold Gerber, Heather Bushey, Philandar Walton and Jimmy McCall. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. (Note: not all are pictured.) MTLX boatmen graduating from this class Aug. 22 are (in no particular order) Robert Hoffman, David Lane, August Cramer, John Nelson, Robert Mills, Randall Brinza, Douglas Crawford, Bruce Comiskey, William Lenfestey, Robert Albe, Robert Roberts, Kenneth Graybill III, William Davis Jr., George Sadler and Charlie Carlson. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is at far right in the back row. 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. Fast Rescue Boat — Under the instruction of Stan Beck (far right) are Crowley boatmen who completed the fast rescue boat class Aug. 24. They are (in no paricular order) Edward O’Connell, David Nimmer, Matthew Follilove, Ardale Crim and Leonard Brownless. Welding — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the welding course Aug. 24 are (in no particular order) Gene Butson, Glenn Cullifer, Warner James, Ron Embody and Lon Molnar (not pictured). Also not pictured is their instructor, Buzzy Andrews. 22 Seafarers LOG Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Two classes of Phase III apprentices (and four upgrading Seafarers) graduated Aug. 31 from tankerman assistant courses. They are (in no specific order) Seafarers Ron Embody, Gene Butson, Glenn Cullifer, Warner James and apprentices Wade McClennan, Drake Corpus, Thomas Jones, Bryan Boyle, Robert Raymond, Erik Brown, Rivera Encarnacion, David Bernstein, Josean Villarrubia, Joshua Zelinsky, Tommy Rodgers, Sean Sullivan, Steven Dalton, Thaddeus Kilgore, Terry Thomas, Moriah Collier, Andrew Sitterly Jr., Thomas Tebow, Chris Sheppard, John Fraley, Joey Roberts, Juan Ortega Jr., Joshua Montgomery, Donnetta McLee, Caprice Jennings, Prymus Buckholtz, Juanito Mauricio, John McCormick, DeMond Lindsey, David Pacheco and Danielle Smith. November 2007 �45140_p6,8,10_16,22_24x1:5140p0 10/30/2007 10:45 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT — Completing the FOWT course Sept. 7 are (in alphabetical order) Steven Allen, Michael Clark, Eugene Davis Jr., Richard Frederick, Rene Gil, Benjamin Grace, Camillo Love, Latisa MayChristopher, John McKay, Christopher Olsen, Antonio Owens, Jeremy Pace, Kenneth Sumner, Lee Weygandt and Djuan Wright. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is standing at left (with arms folded). (Note: not all are pictured.) Tankerman (PIC) Barge — Boatmen from Crowley and Allied Transportation completed this course Aug. 17. They are (in no specific order) Matthew Fullilove, Dadrian Hyman, Raymond Snow and Mark Stabler (note: not all are pictured). Posing with them are SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (far left), instructor Mitch Oakley (third from left) and Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo (second from right). Advanced Fire Fighting — Upgrading Seafarers as well as Crowley and G&H boatmen completed this course Aug. 24. They are (in no specific order) Christopher Vincenzo, Ronald Poole, Ronnie Jackson, Daniel Monjarres, Joseph Walker, Lawrence Soulier, William Rose, Mark Stabler, Freddy Hamilton Jr., Christina Costanzo, George Maloney, Roy Saldana Jr., Anthony Montgomery, John Niday IV, Jason Jones, George Bennett, John Harrison and Douglas McGuire. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at far right. (Note: not all are pictured.) Fast Rescue Boat — With Stan Beck (far right) as their instructor, the following six students (in no specific order) completed this course Aug. 31: Michael Willis, James Albert, Ato Aikins, Steven Corachan, Victor Antunez and James Larkin Jr. AB — With instructor Bernabe Pelingon (far right) are upgraders who completed the AB course Sept. 14. They are (in no specific order) Justin Beal, Philip Gallagher, Steven Szymanski, Clayton Lupton, Brandon Ballard, Gemini Tacang, Mark Randall, Malcolm Demery, Joe Nieves, Robert Vayko, James Wynegar III and Charles Herrera. STCW — NCL, Sept. 10: Alex Antao, Stanley Rodrigues, Michael Kaplan, Jose Gabasa Jr, Felix Bernardino Jr, Edwin Gonzales, Jimson Banay, Mharie Balahim, Arsenio Carreon Jr. and Diego Comesana. Safety Training at the Barbers Point Facility in Hawaii STCW — NCL, Sept. 3: Suresh Kumar Soungdararajan, Haresh Rankhambe, Sleeton Fernandes, Erepan Periera, Christian Cabrera, Rizaldy Bautista, Orlando Conde, Philip Gravoso, Arnold Bathan, Danilo Cabrera, Ronald Carlos, Marlon Casuyon, Evar Lucente, Benjamin Wong Jr, Rizaldy Espanol, Ramel Paras, Arman Santillan, Eric Sioco, Rody Nucup Hipolito and Saraya Forbes. November 2007 STCW — NCL, Sept. 3: Samuel Williams, Jonathan Cabatic, Rowen Tamayo, Moraliza Alanes, Zenaida Garcia, Felix Bartolome Jr, Jennifer Grace Cutillar, Onofre Doctolero, Noli Calzado, Toribio Domingo, Ida Bagus Made Suwastika, Ricky Valderrama, Ariel Diaz, Myles Walrick Charles, Christopher Monroy, David Santos, Noel Cesar, Braule Duhalyungsod, Melchor Cacho and Kenneth Santos. Seafarers LOG 23 �45140_p1_5,7,9,17_21,24:September-07 10/26/2007 1:14 PM Page 24 Volume 69, Number 11 November 2007 Summary Annual Reports NMU Vacation Plan — page 7 NMU 401K Plan and NMU Pension Trust of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan — page 16 NMU Pension Plan Notice — page 20 SIU Members, U.S. Marines Train Side-by-Side Aboard USNS Wright RRF Vessel Continues Busy Stretch Supporting Troops USNS Wright recently hosted United States Marines for multi-faceted training while the vesThesel SIU-crewed was docked in Baltimore. Seafarers and Marines trained side-by-side aboard the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ship, which is operated by SIU-contracted Crowley. It wasn’t the only time recently when Seafarers and members of the armed forces worked together aboard the Wright. Earlier this year, the ship activated for an undisclosed military support mission that proved successful. More recently, a trip to the aviation logistics support vessel in late September (when the photos accompanying this story were taken) found mariners and Marines in businesslike but good spirits, addressing the tasks at hand and seamlessly interacting. The Wright has a five-day activation period. It is 602 feet long and has a beam of 90 feet, 2 inches. The vessel can travel at 19 knots. RRF ships like the Wright help protect America’s national and economic security, whether they’re fully activated or in reduced operating status. Described by the U.S. Maritime Administration as “a key element of strategic sealift,” the RRF program has served the U.S. since 1976. Currently, it consists of 47 ships. RRF vessels continue to play key roles in Operations Enduring Bosun Tom Moore (right) and Sgt. Dennis Heil Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, 10 of the ships (includ- operate crane. ing the Wright) were activated to assist in recovery and relief missions following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. AB Greg White Above and at left: Electrician Gary Torres Hooking up cargo boxes Right: PFC Sean Attridge Chief Steward Robert Brown (left) serves lunch to LCPLs Johnny Holman and Cody Price. Chief Cook John Bukowsky, LCPL Johnny Holman � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS 401(K) PLAN ANNOUNCED FAMILY HEALTH CARE YEARLY PREMIUMS NOW AVERAGE MORE THAN $12,000 TWIC ENROLLMENT STARTS, BUT QUESTIONS REMAIN UNION TESTIFIES ON MANPOWER, TRAINING AND TRADE ISSUES OSG TANKER ORDER GROWS TO 12 SEAFARERS CREW UP NATIONAL GLORY CROWLEY, HORIZON LINES HONORED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE USNS SAFEGUARD JOINS SIU CIVMAR FLEET UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR SCRUTINIZES RUNAWAY-FLAT SHIPPING FEDERATION APPOINTS EXECUTIVE VP MOBILE PORT AGENT ED KELLY RETIRES GREAT LAKES CONTRACT RATIFIED ABOARD THE SS HAVERFORD VICTORY: WINTER OF ’45 IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC PAUL HALL CENTER’S MILESTONE YEAR ALSO INCLUDED 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF REVAMPED TRAINEE PROGRAM SIU MEMBERS, U.S. MARINES TRAIN SIDE-BY-SIDE ABOARD USNS WRIGHT 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 11/01/2007 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. 69, No. 11 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f41206b6295d1acc48d0055195ef2be6.pdf a4030be330dd53080ab91cb6ee22da42 PDF Text Text Volume 69, Number 12 December 2007 Season’s Greetings Beck Notice __________________________ Page 6 45524_Pg1.indd 1 Scholarship Information __________________________ Page 14 11/26/2007 11:44:55 PM �45524X2:September-07 11/28/2007 12:25 PM Page 2 President’s Report Members Tell It Like It Is If anyone wants to know what the SIU is all about, check out the comments in this month’s LOG from the newest class of recertified bosuns (page 7). There, you’ll read about how the union and our affiliated training center have helped people find direction and become highly productive workers in a vitally important field. You’ll read about how SIU members have been able to make a good living and provide for their families by taking advantage of opportunities available through the union and the Paul Hall Michael Sacco Center for Maritime Training and Education. Last month wasn’t the first time I’ve heard such comments from graduates of the various upgrading programs at Piney Point, but it nevertheless was heartwarming, especially at this time of year. We remain a family in the SIU—union brothers and sisters, united by common goals, including the promotion of America’s national and economic security. If anyone wants to know what the SIU is all about, read the words of Government Services Division member Billy Bushey on page 9. Brother Bushey understands how and why the SIU looks out for its members. He does a great job explaining it, and just in case anyone’s wondering, the article was totally his idea. If anyone wants to know what an SIU member is made of, take a look at the “Paint Tacoma” feature on pages 12-13. The union members, employees and friends who volunteered their time and labor to help others didn’t do so because they wanted recognition. But they deserve it, as do all other Seafarers who take part it charitable activities. As another year winds down, I’ve never been more proud of the SIU and its members—and I’ve never been more grateful for the unwavering support of rank-and-file Seafarers. Strong Turnout for Elections Union families came through with another strong turnout last month on Election Day. Even though these were so-called “off-year elections,” they nevertheless were very important to all working families across the country. The same will be true in 2008, a presidential election year. Once again, it’ll be up to us to help elect or re-elect pro-maritime, proworker candidates—and then to follow up by fully educating them about our issues. I often use this space to discuss politics, and that’s simply because grassroots political action remains crucial to Seafarers’ livelihoods. If you’re new to the SIU, you owe it to yourself to at least understand the basics of how our industry is regulated and how we’re affected by maritime and transportation laws along with government agencies. If you’ve been around, I’m sure you already know how much the U.S. Merchant Marine interacts with those agencies and how much we rely on laws like the Jones Act, cargo preference and the U.S. Maritime Security Program to help sustain America’s fourth arm of defense. In any case, we have no choice but to remain very active in politics, and we’ll do so in 2008 and the years that follow. Happy Holidays With the holidays upon us, on behalf of the union’s executive board, I offer heartfelt best wishes to all Seafarers, retirees and SIU family members for an enjoyable, safe holiday season. I especially want to extend warmest wishes to our SIU brothers and sisters who are spending the holidays at sea, delivering materiel for our armed forces and transporting commercial goods that help sustain America’s economy. It’s never fun being away from home at this time of year, but sometimes it goes with the territory in this industry. Thank you for your dedication and for a job well done. Last but not least, my thoughts and prayers go out to our troops who are deployed overseas. I wish you success in your missions and a safe return home. Volume 69, Number 12 December 2007 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; Staff Writer: Mark Bowman. Copyright © 2007 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD 2 Seafarers LOG PHC Advisory Board Focuses on Training Needs, Industry Trends MSC Approves Paul Hall Center’s Helo Course Members of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s (PHC) deep sea and inland advisory board recently worked through a packed agenda during its 38th annual meeting. Board members converged on the school’s Piney Point, Md.based campus from Oct. 24-25 to exchange ideas and discuss issues that will impact future training requirements in various segments of the maritime industry. They also focused on the possible techniques through which that training will be delivered in view of the fairly constant changes which are taking place in the industry with respect to regulations, laws and equipment. SIU President Michael Sacco welcomed the meeting participants and encouraged them to take advantage of the storehouse of information and opportunities that would be presented during the conference. He described the gathering as an opportunity for SIU-contracted companies to take a look at what the school currently is teaching, scrutinize curriculum contents and methods of presentation and then make recommendations on any needed changes that ultimately would translate into better service to the companies. “If you need a special program for your company to meet its requirements, let the school know,” he said. “The school will be able to sit down with you and work something out that will be fair and equitable to you and to the people who are on your boats.” Commenting on the constant changes to regulations that govern the maritime industry, Sacco emphasized the critical importance of knowing not only what these regulations are but also the ability for one to interpret them correctly. He noted that in addition to the board members, other meeting participants included representatives from the U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Military Sealift Command and U.S. Coast Guard. The SIU president also recognized the PHC staff and commended staff members for the job they have done over the years in helping fulfill the training needs of the maritime industry in general and the operators specifically. “There is a great staff here and Capt. David Stalfort NMC Commanding Officer Cole Cosgrove Crowley General Manager I’m proud of what this staff has done putting programs together to meet your needs and the industry’s needs,” he said. “They have done a wonderful job addressing the needs of operators while complying with the regulations of government agencies.” Focusing on the future, Sacco told those present that the SIU and its affiliated school would continue to be trailblazers and models for the maritime industry. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez discussed the meeting’s agenda and goals. He noted that the maritime industry as a whole is undergoing a period of change. To keep pace with that change, Tellez said, we have to be prepared to take bold actions based on sound and well thought out solutions. “Our industry is in transition,” he said. “And I think the theme of this meeting is how we as a group meet and deal with that transition.” John Mason, director, ASTI, and J.C. Wiegman, PHC director of training, jointly provided meeting participants with an update on the school. Several guest speakers addressed the board. Those making presentations in their respective areas were: Bill Eglinton, SIU advisor, “IMO and U.S. Coast Guard Advisory Committee Updates;” U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David Stalfort, “National Maritime Center Reorganization;” Kyrm Hickman, director of training, MSC, “MSC Courses: Helo Fire Fighting;” and Cole Cosgrove, general manager, Crowley, “TWIC Update.” SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and Bart Rogers, PHC manpower director, headed a panel discussion on “Seafarers Manpower Informa- tion Systems.” Meeting participants took part in three subcommittee workshops during which a series of ideas were exchanged, explored and recommended for further examination. These three workshops and their respective subcommittee facilitators were: Culinary Subcommittee—SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, and John Hetmanski and John Dobson, PHC Vocational Staff; Towboat Scholarship Subcommittee: Wiegman, David Shultz and Stacey Harris of the PHC Vocational Staff; and Engineering Subcommittee—Mason. In addition to SIU officials, advisory board meeting participants included representatives from some 35 SIU-contracted deep sea, Great Lakes and inland companies and the aforementioned agencies. In a related development, MSC approved the “Shipboard Helicopter Fire Fighting Team Member” course currently offered at the Paul Hall Center. It is believed that the school is the first private institution to receive MSC accreditation for helo fire fighting training. Kyrm Hickman presented the command’s official certificate of approval to Tellez and Wiegman during the advisory board meeting. The course, a one-day curriculum, is intended primarily for merchant mariners (including CIVMARS) sailing aboard military support ships—particularly vessels equipped with flight decks. Like most other courses at the Paul Hall Center, this one emphasizes hands-on training. It also features classroom instruction on a variety of topics including fire chemistry, flight quarters organization, personal protection equipment, helicopter types and firefighting tactics. The course also addresses practical exercises on combating engine fires, cargo fires and more. MSC Director of Training Kyrm Hickman (right) presents the certificate of approval for the Paul Hall Center’s helo fire fighting course. Pictured from left to right are Paul Hall Center Director of Training J.C. Wiegman, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and Hickman. December 2007 �45524:September-07 11/26/2007 11:10 PM Page 3 Union Urges Members to Apply for TWIC Adjustments Still Possible, but Deadline for Mariners Is Sept. 25, 2008 With the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program finally moving forward, the SIU is urging Seafarers to apply for the new card, which eventually will be required of all U.S. mariners who need unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. ports and vessels. As reported in last month’s LOG, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began issuing TWICs in midOctober. There is still concern not only in the maritime industry but also in Congress about various aspects of the program. However, with no immediate indication that—where mariners are concerned—the program either will be delayed, modified or even scrapped, the union has no choice other than to advise members to apply. Mariners will be required by the government to carry a TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008. That requirement comes from a federal law called the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Both as an individual organization and jointly with other unions, the SIU repeatedly has testified before Congress about the TWIC dating back to the summer of 2006, shortly after the government issued a notice of proposed rulemaking. From day one, the SIU has stated that it supports strong shipboard and port security—but that such measures must be fair to all concerned. The union also has been one of many to advocate simply adding a biometric identifier to the existing merchant mariner document/zcard and letting it serve as a TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan (Through March 2008. Visit www.tsa.gov/twic for the latest schedule.) Oct.-Dec. 2007 Wilmington, Delaware Corpus Christi, Texas Baton Rouge, Louisiana Tacoma, Washington Honolulu, Hawaii Oakland, California Beaumont, Texas Houston, Texas Providence, Rhode Island Chicago, Illinois Port Arthur, Texas Savannah, Georgia Baltimore/Dundalk, Maryland Minneapolis, Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Lake Charles, Louisiana Kahului Maui, Hawaii Boston, Massachusetts Charleston, South Carolina Cleveland, Ohio Detroit, Michigan Port Fourchon, Louisiana Brownsville, Texas Hilo, Hawaii Indiana Harbor, Indiana Mobile, Alabama Albany, New York Brunswick, Georgia Long Beach, California Los Angeles, California Milwaukee, Wisconsin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Seattle, Washington Tulsa, Oklahoma Joliet, Illinois Kansas City, Missouri Kauai, Hawaii New York/New Jersey #1 Peoria, Illinois Jan.-March 2008 American Samoa Anacortes, Washington Ashtabula, Ohio Bay City, Michigan Bourne, Massachusetts Buffalo, New York Calcite, Michigan Cincinnati, Ohio Duluth-Superior, Minnesota Escanaba, Michigan Everett, Washington Green Bay, Wisconsin Guam Huntington, West Va. International Falls, Minnesota Jacksonville, Florida Key West, Florida Port Everglades, Florida Portland, Oregon Richmond, California TWIC. Similar recommendations have been submitted by industry groups whose sole purpose is to advise the government on maritime issues. Congressional hear- St. Louisiana (La Place, Louisiana) Salisbury, Maryland Sandusky, Ohio Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan St. Ignace, Michigan St. Louis, Missouri Tampa, Florida Texas City, Texas Toledo, Ohio Traverse City, Michigan Vicksburg, Mississippi Victoria, Texas Wilmington, North Carolina La Plata, Maryland Lorain, Ohio Louisville, Kentucky Marine City, Michigan Marquette, Michigan Memphis, Tennessee Miami, Florida Morehead City, North Carolina Morgan City, Louisiana Muskegon, Michigan Nashville, Tennessee New Orleans, Louisiana New York/New Jersey #2 and #3 Newport News, Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Ontonagon, Michigan Oswego, New York Palm Beach, Florida Panama City, Florida Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Port Canaveral, Florida ings have taken place to examine the TWIC program’s shortcomings, and the GAO issued a critical report about those deficiencies. Despite those recommenda- Keel Laid for 7 T-AKE Ship th NASSCO Announces Other Milestones in Navy Program General Dynamics NASSCO last month reported milestones in its U.S. Navy T-AKE ship construction program—a package that means shipboard jobs for members of the SIU Government Services Division. The San Diego shipyard announced that the keel had been laid for the seventh dry cargoammunition ship in the program. Also, construction started on the eighth T-AKE ship. Both vessels are slated for delivery in 2009. They will be crewed by SIU CIVMARS, as are the existing T-AKE ships. “Laying the keel of T-AKE 7 and starting construction of TAKE 8 are the latest milestones in the successful Navy auxiliary ship program,” said Frederick J. Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO and himself a former U.S. Merchant Mariner. “These two events are evidence that the NASSCO team is building and delivering T-AKE ships efficiently. With one ship now tions and concerns, the program is unfolding largely without change, albeit after multiple delays and without complete answers about the card readers. For Seafarers, there is another key component to this situation: the related Merchant Mariner Qualification Credential (MMC). As reported numerous times, the MMC is intended as an eventual replacement for the current MMD/z-card and STCW certificate. The final rulemaking on the MMC isn’t expected to be published before summer 2008, and initial issuance of that credential will continue over five years. Therefore, until the proposed MMC regulation is finalized, Seafarers should continue to apply for z-cards/MMDs, licenses, CORs and STCW endorsements under the current regulations in 46 CFR parts 10 and 12. If the MMC proposed regulation is fully implemented, mariners would be able to apply for original, renewal, duplicate and raise-in-grade MMCs entirely by mail, without having to visit a Coast Guard regional examination center. Most or all of the information currently submitted in person at one of the 17 RECs already would have been submitted at one of the 130 or so TWIC enrollment centers when an individual applied for a TWIC, removing the need (though not eliminating the option) to apply for an MMC in person. Getting Started with TWIC Mariners are encouraged to call the TSA/TWIC customer service line at (866) 347-8942, and visit Schedule The TSA’s TWIC site includes a link to a PDF file—http:// www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/twicquarterlydeploymentschedule.pdf— with the latest rollout schedule. As of mid-November, the schedule through March 2008 was listed as indicated in the box at left. Check with the TSA through the TWIC customer service line or TWIC web site for exact locations. Please note that while the enrollment period for the TWIC is starting, program enforcement hasn’t begun. TWIC compliance dates will vary from port to port, and those dates haven’t been announced. There is a federal requirement to provide at least 90 days of advance notice before the TWIC regulations are enforced at a given port. More significantly for mariners, a valid MMD/z-card is considered as meeting any TWIC requirements until Sept. 25, 2008. In other words, up until that date, an MMD/z-card is just as good as a TWIC in the government’s eyes. deployed overseas and two other ships in service, the T-AKE class is already contributing to the Navy’s forward presence posture.” The keel of T-AKE 7 was laid on November 2, while construction of T-AKE 8 began on October 31. Also in late October, NASSCO launched the USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) and successfully completed sea trials for the USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4). Since June 2006, the yard has delivered three T-AKE ships to the Navy, and will soon deliver the Richard E. Byrd. The shipyard has contracts to build the first nine ships of the T-AKE class and recently reached an agreement to terms for ships 10 through 14. Designed by NASSCO, the TAKE class incorporates international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features, including an integrated electricdrive propulsion system, to minimize operating costs over its projected 40-year service life. The primary mission of T-AKE ships is to deliver as much as 10,000 tons of food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships at sea. In addition to the T-AKE program, the shipyard is building the first of nine product carriers for SIU-contracted U.S. Shipping Partners L.P. SIU Statement on Delta Queen T-AKE 6 (left) and T-AKE 5 are shown under construction at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego earlier this year. Please be advised the SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas Day holiday and Tuesday, Jan. 1 for the New Year’s Day holiday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. December 2007 the TSA’s TWIC web site, located at www.tsa.gov/twic. Step-by-step instructions are available on line and at all SIU halls. They also will be printed in next month’s LOG. The fee for a TWIC is $132.50, and the credential is valid for five years. Mariners with a valid z-card may pay a reduced fee of $105.25 because they have undergone a “comparable background check” as the one required for a TWIC. But it’s important to note that a new TWIC is valid only for five years from the date the background check was performed. In other words, if a mariner secured his z-card in December 2005 and then obtained a TWIC in December 2007 by paying the reduced fee, the TWIC would be valid only until December 2010. The Seafarers International Union recently has been subjected to erroneous attacks in certain newspapers and on the internet concerning renewal of a waiver for operation of the passenger boat Delta Queen. It’s time for us to refute those lies. First, it is ludicrous—and perhaps even slanderous—to suggest that the SIU or any other union either could or would guarantee congressional action on the proposed waiver. That accusation is flat-out false, contrary to what has appeared in print and on line. We indeed met with Majestic America Line to discuss the Delta Queen. However, our position simply was (and remains) that we make every effort to assist our contracted companies, though certainly not at the expense of safety. In this case, we believed we potentially—and we underscore potentially— could help present a persuasive argument concern- ing the waiver because the SIU has the only viable case for its continuation. This union has the only pool of unlicensed mariners with special training and a long history of meeting the needs specifically associated with the Delta Queen. Our role in helping safely operate the vessel is one reason why the waiver had been granted in years past. That is a far cry from guaranteeing anything. Additionally and again in contrast to public claims by the company, at no time did the SIU demand or even request recognition for employment aboard all of Majestic’s vessels. Our interest centered on the original three “Queens”—Delta, Mississippi and American—that the SIU had crewed for years. We have remained silent until now, even resisting the easy target that is Majestic’s recent safety record, but we cannot in good conscience allow the continued smearing of our names along with those of Senator Inouye and Congressman Oberstar. Seafarers LOG 3 �45524X2:September-07 11/28/2007 12:27 PM Page 4 SIU Crews Honored at AOTOS Event United Seamen’s Service also Recognizes 3 Company Officials Five SIU crews, top executives from three wSeafarers-contracted companies and a deck officer aboard a union-contracted vessel were honored Nov. 2 during the United Seamen’s Service (USS) 2007 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) ceremony in New York. Hundreds of industry leaders, including SIU President Michael Sacco, attended the outing that has been dubbed the maritime industry’s most prestigious honor. The event, which took the form of a dinner and dance, was held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. Receiving recognition with the 2007 AOTOS Mariners’ Plaque (USS Honored Seafarers Awards) were SIU crew members who on specific dates were aboard Horizon Lines’ Horizon Falcon, Overseas Shipholding’s Overseas Joyce, Interocean American Shipping’s Independence and Military Sealift Command’s USNS Antares and USNS Kanawha. The 2007 USS AOTOS Awards were bestowed on James S. Andrasick, president and CEO of Matson Navigation Company, Inc.; Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc.; and John F. Reinhart, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited. Third Mate Victor Manoli III from the SIU-crewed and E-Ships operated Maersk Maryland was the recipient of the AOTOS Mariner’s Rosette. U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton and Edward R. Morgan, USS president, presented the Mariners’ Plaques and Rosettes. The crews honored, the vessels on which they served and their respective contributions were as follows: Honored Seafarers The SIU crews from the Horizon Falcon, Overseas Joyce, Recipients of the United Seamen’s Service 2007 AOTOS Award are (from left) Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group; John F. Reinhart, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited; and James S. Andrasick, president and CEO of Matson Navigation Company. USNS Antares and USNS Kanawha were recognized for heroism during rescues at sea while those aboard the Independence garnered laurels for the professionalism, courage and teamwork they displayed while providing emergency medical care during a chaotic situation. The crew of the Horizon Falcon from July 12-13, 2007, braving 30-foot swells and 40 mile-per-hour winds, rescued two Chinese seafarers over a 24-hour period from the Panamanianflagged log carrier Hai Tong No. 7. The 420-foot log carrier with 22 crew members on board sank in the North Pacific Ocean due to a typhoon. After maneuvering the Falcon into safe recovery distance, the vessel captain dispatched a lifeboat and three crewmen into 18-20 foot swells to rescue one survivor. The survivor was plucked from the ocean successfully, but as the lifeboat was being recovered, it was knocked into a 45 degree angle, which damaged its motor. The crew and rescued mariner abandoned the lifeboat and climbed to safety up the 40-foot pilot ladder. A second survivor was rescued by another SIU-crew member—who, while harnessed to the pilot ladder, descended toward the water and attached a grappling hook to the mariner. Both the crew member and rescued mariner were winched to safety. The Falcon remained on the scene and continued search operations until it was relieved by a U.S. Coast Guard tender from Guam. Search operations were suspended on July 15 after 13 survivors of the 22-man crew had been rescued. The car carrier Overseas Joyce, while en route to Japan on Oct. 18, 2006, experienced treacherous weather conditions which forced the captain to divert toward Dutch Harbor, Alaska. At 6:45 a.m., a mayday distress call was received 3 Honored by New York Port Council The New York Maritime Port Council, part of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, recently conducted its annual awards dinner. The port council this year honored U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton, American Steamship Company President and CEO Jerry Welsch and American Maritime Officers President Tom Bethel for their respective contributions to the U.S.-flag maritime industry. The event took place Oct. 20 in New York City. Pictured from left to right are SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Welsch, Connaughton, Bethel, SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (who also serves as president of the port council) and Port Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Peter Busacca. 4 Seafarers LOG from the Ocean Challenger, a 58-foot fishing vessel that was located about one mile off the Joyce’s starboard bow and sinking. All hands were mustered to the Joyce’s deck, and the Coast Guard was contacted and apprised of the distressed vessel’s position. Because of the Overseas Joyce’s high sides, there was no possibility of launching a lifeboat. A Coast Guard helicopter, at the time located about one hour from the sinking vessel’s position, therefore was dispatched to lend assistance. Assuming the role of on-scene command, the Joyce made a series of racetrack turns around the site of the Challenger. Crew members maintained lookout and during one of these passes, spotted a man in the water holding on to a plastic barrel. The Joyce maneuvered into position, and the crew tossed two survival suits and a life ring into the water but the survivor appeared too weak to respond and was not seen again. Another man, who had donned one of the survival suits, was later spotted waving and clinging to a fishing buoy. The Joyce moved into a desirable location, and crew members dropped a life ring with a light and smoke canister to act as a marker. Once the helicopter arrived, the crew directed it to the distressed mariner. A Coast Guard diver successfully rescued this sole survivor. While berthed at the Port of Shuaybah, Kuwait on Oct. 24, 2006, the crew and officers of the Independence were confronted with an ominous situation. A forklift being operated by a local longshoreman fell into the cargo elevator opening, plunged 10 meters from 5 deck to 8 deck and struck two longshoremen on its way down. An officer who was a trained emergency medical technician (EMT) heard about the incident over the radio and responded to the scene. The EMT and another officer found a seriously injured man underneath the forklift on the 40-ton elevator. After making certain that the scene was safe, she crawled underneath the forklift and provided emergency medical care to the man. The other officer called for medical assistance and alerted the Independence crew to take appropriate actions to move the forklift off of the fallen longshoreman. The second injured longshoreman later was found by crew members with a nearly severed leg. He was administered emergency care and placed on backboards until U.S. Navy medical personnel arrived and took him to a hospital. Crew members aboard the USNS Antares, while located some 150 miles offshore near the Gulf of Mexico on May 14, received a distress call indicating that a mariner aboard the fishing boat Michelle Marie might have suffered a heart attack. The Antares’ captain notified the Coast Guard, which dispatched a helicopter and requested the USNS Antares stand by to assist if necessary. Upon its arrival, the helicopter hovered over the scene and lowered a rescue swimmer down toward the fishing vessel. During his descent, however, the swimmer struck the side of the fishing vessel and broke his arm, effectively halting operations. At that point, the SIU President Michael Sacco introduces John Reinhart. Antares came alongside the fishing vessel, and two of its crew members climbed down the ladder to place the distressed mariner in a Stokes Litter. He subsequently was hoisted aboard the Antares using a stores crane. Once aboard, the mariner— displaying symptoms of shock, extreme pain and dehydration—received first aid and was monitored in the ship’s hospital. He, along with the injured swimmer, later was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for treatment. Crew members aboard the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha on June 25 in the Arabian Sea were steaming toward the Suez Canal when the ship was directed by the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet Combined Task Force 150 to alter course. The Kanawha steamed 35 miles at full speed to reach the Korean-flagged merchant ship Jai Laxmai, which was in danger of sinking. It had a disabled diesel engine and was anchored by a weak mooring line in rough seas. No food or water was left aboard the vessel and it was unable to deploy its lifeboats. Once on location, the Kanawha crew launched the Continued on page 16 December 2007 �45524X2:September-07 11/28/2007 12:28 PM Page 5 Grassroots Efforts Rewarded on Election Day Union Volunteers Spread the Word about Pro-Worker Candidates Thousands of union volunteers earlier this year took to neighborhoods, worksites and phone banks in Virginia, Kentucky, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to talk with union family voters about hot political issues and off-year elections. The end results of those efforts reaped huge dividends for working families Nov. 6, according to the AFL-CIO, when labor-friendly candidates walked off with stunning off-year election victories in their respective state and municipal races. In the words of Dan Duncan, “We’re seeing presidential year turnout!” Duncan is president of the Northern Virginia Central Labor Council and executive director of the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. The union movement’s weekafter-week, get-out-the-vote effort in Virginia, Kentucky, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and elsewhere paid off big time for working families. AFL-CIO officials at all levels were not at a loss for words when it came to expressing their satisfaction with the developments. “Yesterday’s elections showed how energized working people are to change the course of our country,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney told reporters following the elections. “Working people are driving a major change in the political landscape that’s growing larger every day. “We’re on the cusp of a shift that could redefine American politics for decades to come,” the federation president continued. “Working people want real health care reform that covers every American. They want their freedom to form and join unions restored. They want to stop the hemorrhaging of good, middleclass supporting jobs out of the country, and they want a secure retirement.” In Kentucky, anti-worker incumbent Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) now is looking for a new job as Bluegrass State union members voted in former Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear. Beshear’s support for working family issues contrasts sharply with those of Fletcher, who cancelled collective bargaining rights for state workers, privatized the state’s Medicaid program and attacked workers’ wages. Union voters supported Beshear by a margin of 77 percent to 21 percent, according to an independent election night survey. Union household voters were estimated to be one in four voters at the polls. Fifty-eight percent of voters cited the economy, education or health care as their top reason for voting for Beshear. “Kentuckians were sick and tired of a governor who didn’t stand with them,” said Kentucky AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan. “From the beginning, Governor Fletcher stood in opposition to all working family priorities.” Following are some notable facts and figures about the Kentucky volunteer efforts of more than 7,000 union members who took part in the grassroots effort known as Labor 2007: Union members distributed more than 465,000 leaflets— including 65,000 on Election Day. In the “Final Four” days push to get out the vote, 2,100 union volunteers made 75,000 GOTV phone calls. Four hundred-forty union members knocked on the doors of more than 8,000 union homes on Nov. 3 alone. That’s in addition to the thousands of other union volunteers who walked the weekends leading up to the election or took part in the union movement’s Bluegrass Express bus tour that crisscrossed the state, with participants distributing 45,000 worksite fliers along the way. In Virginia, working family voters played an instrumental role in defeating four incumbent state senators and ending more than a decade of control of the state senate by the same party. “Working families roundly rejected the anti-worker policies pushed by the Republican-controlled state senate today and played a key role in creating a historical shift in Virginia,” said Virginia AFL-CIO President Jim Leaman. “The seismic shift in Virginia’s political landscape over the last several years is no fluke. Working men and women want better jobs, improved education, increased access to health care and protection of workers’ rights for all Virginians. Today, they turned their powerful frustration into an even more powerful political action.” AFL-CIO Political Director Karen Ackerman said the turnout by Virginia union volunteers who distributed leaflets at worksites, spent weekends going door to door to talk with union members and staffing phone banks was instrumental to winning the state senate back for working families and is vitally important going forward. In 2010, the Virginia legislature will draw up congressional redistricting plans. In New Jersey, not only did nearly 5,000 union members (including more than 1,100 on Nov. 3) take part in weekly laborto-labor neighborhood walks, thousands more staffed phone banks and made worksite visits. Fifty-one rank-and-file union members were on the ballot for state and local offices, and 33 won their elections. Iron Worker Steve Sweeney was reelected to his state senate seat, and six other union members won state assembly races. They are Wayne DeAngelo, Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 269; Joseph Eagan, IBEW Local 456; Tom Giblin, Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 68; John Amodeo, IUOE Local 825; Paul Moriarty, Screen Actors Guild/Radio and Television Artists (SAG/AFTRA); and Nelson Albano, Food and Commercial Workers Local (UFCW) 152. New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech said the efforts of more than 10,000 union volunteers since the summer “proved to be the decisive factor in the election of 33 labor candidates. The electoral success is vital to our ability to continue to advocate for proworking family policies at the local, county and state level,” Wowkanech said. In Pennsylvania, union volunteers from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Labor Federation/ Schuylkill Central Labor Council helped elect union members Frank McAndrew (Fraternal Order of Police) and Mantura Gallagher (NEA) to the Schuylkill County Commission. Union members also played a key role in putting working family candidates into the mayor’s offices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Union members in Ohio won dozens of local races, with Sheet Metal Worker (SMWIA) Tony Krasienko elected mayor of Lorain; UAW member John Hunter, mayor of Sheffield village; UAW member Mark Stoner, mayor of Northwood; and Graphic Communications (GCIU) member John Augnebrodge, mayor of Springboro. Elsewhere around the country, several important state initiatives were on the ballot. In Utah, voters overwhelming rejected a statewide school voucher program that would have drained money from public education. Oregon voters approved a measure to help save the state’s farms and forests and the jobs that depend on those natural resources. But a $12 million campaign by tobacco makers helped defeat a ballot measure to raise the tobacco tax to help pay for children’s health care. Labor-Sponsored Protests Urge Protection of Workers’ Rights A thousand union members and allies—including other workers, labor leaders and a large contingent of students from the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.—gathered in Washington, D.C., Nov. 15 for an AFL-CIO-sponsored rally and march calling attention to certain decisions by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The Paul Hall Center students bore the colors and served as marshals during the event. Braving freezing rain and declining temperatures, the protestors gathered at AFL-CIO headquarters and marched to the NLRB center of operations where they called for the board to be “closed for renovation” until the body becomes more balanced. In making their case, the activists pointed to a recent flood of antiworker decisions handed down by the NLRB in September as evidence of the current board’s continuing assault on workers, and said that the NLRB has abandoned its original mission to uphold workers’ rights. Members of the current NLRB have steamrolled the rights of American workers again and again, according to United Mine Workers of America International President Cecil Roberts. Roberts was one of five individuals who December 2007 addressed rally activists. The other speakers were Fred Azcarate, director, Voice@Work Campaign; Rev. Ron Stief, director of organizing, Faith in Public Life; Jonathan Upright, AT&T retail sales consultant, Communications Workers of America; and Jos Williams, president, Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO. “This agency is supposed to protect workers’ rights and enforce their freedom to improve their lives through unions,” Roberts said. “Instead, we have a board that has blatantly promoted a corporate agenda at every turn. I don’t know how they can sleep at night. Unions are this country’s most successful middle-class support program and it’s time for the attack on America’s workers to end.” In addition to the Washington event, protest actions also took place in more than 20 other locations around the country on the same day. Included were rallies in St. Louis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Denver, Tampa, Fla.; Albuquerque, N.M. and Nashville, Tenn. In Nashville, protestors dressed up as chickens for a “fox in the henhouse” themed event. In late September, according to the AFL-CIO, the NLRB issued more than 60 decisions, half of which had been pending for four or more years. Many of these decisions strip working people of fundamental workplace rights, the federation said. The latest set of decisions will make it harder for workers to form a union through majority sign-up—often the only real option workers have now in the broken system for forming unions and bargaining collectively. Under a new rule, if workers choose unions through majority sign-up, employers have to post a sign telling them that 30 percent can petition for an election to undo the recognition—even though a majority has chosen union representation. On the same day, the board ruled that the same election process is just too burdensome when workers are trying to get rid of their union and that their employer should be able to withdraw recognition from the union on the basis of a signed petition. “These new rules from the Labor Board undo everything we worked to achieve,” said Jonathan Upright, an AT&T retail sales consultant who recently formed a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in Winston-Salem, N.C., and whose employer posted such a sign notifying workers of how they can get rid of the new union. Demonstrators make their way to the National Labor Relations Board headquarters building in Washington, D.C. “The Labor Board is supposed to protect our freedom to form unions and bargain for a better life. This September, they stopped doing that and it’s just not right!” Federation officials pointed out that the decisions also make it harder for workers who are illegally fired to recover back pay. For instance, in one case, a company in Florida fired workers for supporting a union. The board refused them back pay because that would “reward idleness” since they weren’t out looking for a job soon enough after they’d been illegally fired. Collectively, the protestors said that the NLRB’s recent decisions continue and magnify trends that started in 2002. They said these decisions illustrate how badly broken the nation’s labor law system has become and further spotlight the need for the Employee Free Choice Act— labor law reform legislation supported by a majority in Congress, but stalled by a filibuster in the Senate. The board’s actions have become so egregious that the AFL-CIO last month took the unusual step of filing a complaint with the International Labor Organization (ILO), charging the NLRB with denying workers’ rights in violation of international labor standards. In discussing that action, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said America’s labor board has so failed our nation’s workers that we must now turn to the world’s international watchdogs to monitor and intervene. “The labor board is kryptonite for America’s workers,” the federation president said. “There is no historic precedent for such aggressive efforts by the board to curtail workers’ rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining.” Seafarers LOG 5 �45524:September-07 11/26/2007 11:10 PM Page 6 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN 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, 2006 to December 31, 2006. 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 $38,393,480. These expenses included $7,233,364 in administrative expenses and $31,160,116 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 17,411 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 $676,260,582 as of December 31, 2006 compared to $633,159,327 as of January 1, 2006. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $43,101,255. 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 $81,494,735, including employer contributions of $4,843,674, losses of $199,860 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $76,797,657. 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 Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.05 for the full 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. 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 (Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN, (Employer Identification No. 51-6097856, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. 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 $602,771. These expenses included $198,751 in administrative expenses and $404,020 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 837 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 $8,253,399 as of December 31, 2006 compared to $8,162,399 as of January 1, 2006. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $91,000. 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 $693,771, including gains of $64,608 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $628,605. 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 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, 2006 to December 31, 2006. 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 $1,793,559. These expenses included $554,358 in administrative expenses and $1,239,201 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 18,435 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 $49,919,701 as of December 31, 2006 compared to $37,297,661 as of January 1, 2006. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $12,622,040. 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 $10,306,170, including employer contributions of $5,993,296, employee contributions of $91,477, gains of $974,155 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $3,247,219. Minimum Funding Standards Enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. BECK NOTICE Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.10 for the full 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. 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 (Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. 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 $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of 6 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 or call the office of Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.95 for the full 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. 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 (Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG employment, in states which permit such arrangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. 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 2006 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 82.22 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $411.10 (four hundred eleven dollars and ten cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2008 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008 will have this calculation applied to their 2008 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2009, your objection must be received by December 1, 2008. 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 2006. 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 SecretaryTreasurer’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 2007 �45524:September-07 11/26/2007 11:10 PM Page 7 10 Bosuns Complete Recertification Course Seafarers Discuss Opportunities Available Through Union, School Ten Seafarers graduated Nov. 5 from the bosun recertification course at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The four-week course is considered the top curriculum available to deck department mariners at the Piney Point, Md. school. As is customary, each bosun addressed fellow members, unlicensed apprentices and SIU officials upon receiving a graduation certificate. Most talked about how the union and school have helped enable them to earn good livings and support their families. They noted that the recertification class will help them do a better job aboard ship. Finally, they encouraged the apprentices to stick with the program and take advantage of the opportunities available both through the SIU and the Paul Hall Center. Successfully completing the recertification course were (in the order in which they were introduced at the meeting) Thomas McGregor, who ships from the port of Tacoma, Wash.; Ion Irimia (New York); Charles James (Baltimore); Kennard Campbell (Mobile, Ala.); Ahmed Mihakel (Wilmington, Calif.); Darryl Smith (Tacoma); Maurice David Hetrick (Houston); Albert Brzezinski (Algonac); Winston Thompson (Tacoma and Houston); and Robert Vazquez (New York). The bosun recertification class emphasizes hands-on training and also includes classroom instruction. The course features training in security awareness, simulators, computers, first aid and CPR, fire fighting, STCW personal safety and survival, small arms and other components. Students reviewed international maritime conventions affecting their livelihoods, and also met with representatives from the union’s various departments as well as from the Seafarers Plans office. McGregor noted that his association with the school dates back to 1983, when he was part of the first trainee class to utilize the then-new training and recreation center. He described his most recent experience at the campus as “excellent,” and added, “I will now have better facts to answer questions aboard my ship.” Addressing the apprentices, McGregor stated, “Once you get out there (aboard ship), you’re going to get a reputation, like it or not, good or bad. People will either shake their heads or shake your hand. Make sure it’s the latter.” Irimia declared that, as SIU members, “we are in good hands. The SIU helps make your dreams come true.” He said the recertification class “was a very good experience. I especially learned more about communication and will share it with others on my ships. We all were treated very well and with great respect.” Turning to the trainees, he concluded, “When you have a The course includes training in fire fighting, small arms, water survival and more. December 2007 Recertified bosuns and SIU officials pose for the traditional post-graduation photo following last month’s membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. chance to learn, pay attention. This is a great school. You can go from the bottom to the top.” Touching on a theme mentioned by several of his classmates, James said that the union has helped enable him “to support my family. I credit the leadership of (SIU President) Mike Sacco, (Executive Vice President) Augie Tellez and the other officials. This union is very important to me.” James also thanked the Paul Hall Center instructors and encouraged the apprentices to “pay attention here and on the ships. Learn your trade—it’s a good trade.” Campbell said he signed on with the SIU during the Persian Gulf War, in 1991. Since then, “With the SIU’s support, I’ve earned a good wage so I can take care of my family.” Students brush up on donning safety gear. He urged the trainees to “show initiative, work hard and get along with your shipmates. Leave each job better than you found it.” Mihakel continued in that same vein, describing the SIU as “important” and “a big deal” specifically because it presented him “with the opportunity to earn a good living.” Speaking to the apprentices, he stated, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your brothers on the ship will teach you.” Smith called the class “an enlightening experience regarding the overall knowledge and camaraderie of fellow seamen. I thank all the membership that has helped me to understand how our union works hard to make a better life for us all.” He also advised the trainees to “stick with it, work hard and listen. You, too, can be up here one day as a recertified bosun or steward or whatever you want to achieve. It’s a damn good life.” Hetrick shared that he “stumbled into this (career) while looking for a better way of life, and I found it. The SIU has allowed me opportunities I never had anywhere else. I’ve sailed all over the world, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to do this.” Reflecting on the course, Hetrick cited small arms training as a highlight along with the overall interaction with instructors and staff members. He also recommended that his fellow members support SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund, because “that’s what keeps the jobs here.” Speaking to the apprentices, he advised, “Pay attention to your leaders out there and don’t get distracted when you’re doing a job.” Brzezinski praised multiple aspects of the school, from the instructors to the course content, and from the grounds to the menus. He said the class improved his understanding of the “big picture” in the maritime industry as well as his capacity to relay accurate information aboard ship. He called his first trip to Piney Point “a 10-star experience.” “The SIU has been good for me and my family,” Brzezinski added. “I’ve always had work, always had benefits…. The SIU leadership are the people who know the industry and look out for our jobs.” After describing SPAD as an important “tool to keep the U.S. flag flying” on the high seas, he told the trainees, “Set attainable goals. You can go as far as you desire. Ask questions, listen, work hard and give 100 percent to every job.” Thompson noted that he had served in the U.S. Marine Corps Continued on page 8 Seafarers LOG 7 �45524:September-07 11/26/2007 11:10 PM Page 8 10 Bosuns Complete Recertification Training Continued from page 7 partly to fulfill a lifelong desire for travel. However, “I wasn’t really happy until someone turned me on to the SIU. The union has been so important to me. It has enhanced my lifestyle, educated me and given me the chance to travel.” He then recited to the apprentices what he described as “the three Ls: you look, you listen and you will learn. When you work aboard that ship, that’s all you’ve got. That’s your family.” Wrapping up the graduation remarks, Vazquez said, “I have so much gratitude for the opportunities to enhance my skills and improve my lifestyle for my family. This is a very strong union, and my overall experience at the school was excellent. I encourage everybody to attend.” Vazquez said to the trainees, “Never waste an opportunity to learn. Always work hard and do your best.” He concluded, “Fair winds and following seas. I’ll see everybody out there.” Several bosuns cited small arms training as a course highlight. That component takes place at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, part of the Paul Hall Center. Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers in the Loop Attending monthly membership meetings is an important way in which Seafarers can keep track of all the news that affects their livelihoods. Held in each SIU hall around the country, the monthly membership meeting is a forum to keep members abreast of key union and maritime issues. Below is the schedule of meetings for 2008. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. Membership Meetings in 2008 Port Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 7 4 3 7 5 2 7 4 8 6 3 8 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 8 5 4 8 6 3 8 5 9 7 4 9 Wednesday after first Sunday 9 6 5 9 7 4 9 6 10 8 5 10 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 10 7 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 10 7 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 10 7 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 10 7 6 10 8 5 10 7 11 9 6 11 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 11 8 7 11 9 6 11 8 12 10 7 12 Boston Friday after first Sunday 11 8 7 11 9 6 11 8 12 10 7 12 Houston Monday after second Sunday 14 11 10 14 12 9 14 11 15 14* 10 15 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 15 12 11 15 13 10 15 12 16 14 12* 16 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 16 13 12 16 14 11 16 13 17 15 12 17 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 17 14 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 17 14 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 17 14 13 17 15 12 17 14 18 16 13 18 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 18 15 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 18 15 14 18 16 13 18 15 19 17 14 19 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 22* 19* 17 21 19 16 21 18 22 20 17 22 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 24 21 20 24 22 19 24 21 25 23 20 26* Friday after third Sunday 25 22 21 25 23 20 25 22 26 24 21 26 Philadelphia Tacoma September October November December *Houston change created by Columbus Day holiday; New Orleans change created by Veterans Day holiday; Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King’s birthday and Presidents’ Day holidays; Guam change created by Christmas Day holiday. 8 Seafarers LOG December 2007 �45524X2:September-07 11/28/2007 12:30 PM Page 9 CIVMAR Says SIU Membership Is ‘My Most Important Asset’ Bosun’s Mate Encourages Fellow Mariners to Join Editor’s note: This article was written by Bosun’s Mate Billy Bushey, a member of the SIU Government Services Division. It’s an interesting time to be a mariner in the Government Services Division and working for Military Sealift Fleet Support Command. The latest statistics show that the number of unlicensed mariners manning Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force ships continues to grow. What’s more, we have many more ships coming. Sub-tenders and even more of the new Lewis and Clark class TAKE multi-product UnRep ships on the horizon mean that our unit will grow to even greater numbers over the next few years. New ships, new employees, new missions and new technology don’t come without a few growing pains. That’s why I believe my most important asset in these times is my membership in the Seafarers International Union. During my eight years of service, I have both witnessed and participated in situations and events that have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that the SIU Government Services Division has one goal: Looking out for me! I’ve seen firsthand the assertive, aggressive representation, and oversight of my pay, working conditions, safety and dignity in the workplace. The union dues I pay are the most cost-effective insurance policy in my portfolio. After all, we are a bargaining New Seafarers 401(k) Plan on Schedule Former NMU Plan to Transfer Assets Mid-January The new Seafarers 401(k) Plan, secured as a result of the most recent standard freightship and tanker agreements, is on schedule to begin Jan. 1, 2008. As previously reported, this new benefit for eligible Seafarers does not involve employer contributions. Instead, it relies on voluntary contributions from individual participants via payroll deduction through their employer. Several employers already have agreed to implement this system. Seafarers should check with their port agents for up-todate information on participating employers. An introduction letter and “welcome kit” is slated to be mailed to prospective participants no later than mid-December. Also, the Seafarers Plans office last month provided an update on the existing Seafarers 401(k) Plan, which formerly was known as the NMU 401(k) Plan. That plan had been scheduled to roll over into the new one as of Jan. 1, 2008. Due to a slight delay in processing, the official transfer of those assets will take place Jan. 15, 2008. A letter to plan participants is scheduled to be mailed in early December. That letter notes that while the old plan is transitioning from ING to Mass Mutual, there will be a short period of time when account activity will be frozen. This is standard procedure, and it means that during the transitional period, account holders will be unable to exercise certain rights otherwise available under the plan. As the letter points out, accounts will continue to be invested, and contributions will continue to be allocated during this “blackout” period. However, individuals may not request withdrawals, make changes to investment selections or transfer monies until the move is completed and balances are reconciled. Again, this situation applies only to participants in the existing Seafarers 401(k) Plan which used to be called the NMU 401(k) Plan. Once the transition is complete, those participants will find an enhanced selection of mutual fund investment options along with state-of-the-art internet and interactive telephone systems allowing unlimited access to account information and the ability to carry out investment transactions. During the November membership meetings, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen noted that for 2008, Seafarers 401(k) participants may contribute up to $15,500 apiece ($20,500 for those age 50 or older) to their respective accounts. She also cited the following components as “just a few of the great benefits the plan will include”: Tax advantages—specifically, the opportunity to make contributions on a pre-tax basis, which “will reduce your current taxes and have your wealth accumulate on a tax-deferred basis.” Additionally, ROTH after-tax contributions are an option. Twenty different investment options from a wide variety of leading money managers, including Mass Mutual, American Funds, Baron, Oppenheimer, T. Rowe Price and others. Pre-designed asset allocation model portfolios with risk/return characteristics ranging from conservative to aggressive. Direct access to personalized investment guidance and comprehensive financial planning from the team of Smith Barney financial consultants via a toll-free SIU phone number. Additional information on the new Seafarers 401(k) Plan will be published in upcoming issues of the LOG and reported at the monthly membership meetings. December 2007 unit, tied to private sector practices. Many important issues and working conditions are negotiated by the union to protect all CIVMARS. As I write this piece for the Seafarers LOG, the SIU Government Services Division is wrapping up resolution of CIVMAR lodging while in the pool, training or hiring. More than two years of hard work has resulted in the implementation of a “TripleA 3-Diamond” standard for all shoreside mariner lodging and retroactive compensation of over $300,000 to affected mariners staying in the hotel between October 2006 and Jan. 17, 2007. Next in line are the T-ARS (Salvage ship) habitability issues, a continual review of safety and health issues, S+Q, premium pay for cooks when ships get augment personnel, penalty meal payments, and helping CIVMARS face disciplinary matters, just to name a few of the issues being addressed. None of this is free, or even cheap. When negotiation fails, research, communication, paperwork processing, arbitration costs and legal costs add up to significant outlays to obtain results. Costs for these efforts come out of dues. That’s why it is so important that we all carry our share of the weight necessary to keep our jobs safe and financially secure. MSFSC is a federal workplace and, therefore, an open shop. That means that even though we are all part of the bargaining unit and receive union protection, not all of us have chosen to pay dues. If you lived in a neighborhood with 500 families that had children in the local school, and 250 of those families announced that they were going to send their children to the school but not pay the taxes necessary to support it, how would you feel? The same analogy can be applied to our workplace. It’s not fair to benefit from the outcome without contributing to the effort. How do you feel when a brother or sister mariner spends a pay raise, benefits from new safety rules, working conditions or premium pay and hasn’t paid one nickel toward the cost of getting those benefits? In an upcoming issue of the LOG, I’ll dispel a number of “urban legends” about SIU mem- Bosun’s Mate Billy Bushey bership at MSFSC and explain in detail how our representation works from the deckplate to the courthouse steps. In the meantime, I’d like to ask every mariner in the unit to think long and hard about your membership and what it means. If you’re already carrying your share of the weight, good for you. If you’re not, please think about what’s fair and what’s right. Bosun’s Mate Billy Bushey is an eight-year veteran of MSFSC with 26 years of commercial, government and naval sea time. He has been chairman on 13 MSFSC vessels. He can be reached at either billybushey@yahoo.com or billbushey@gimail.af.mil NOTICE TO SIU CIVMAR MEMBERS SAILING ABOARD ACOE, MARAD, MSC AND NOAA VESSELS As a result of a rule adopted by the U.S. Department of Labor in June 2006, all unions that represent employees who work for the federal government (which includes CIVMARS) are now required to send out a notice to their government employee/members containing certain information. As you know, your union is constantly working to protect your safety, health and employment rights and there are many benefits and advantages for all CIVMARS who join the Seafarers International Union. The summary noted below is intended to make sure that all SIU members understand the rights and privileges of union membership and the responsibilities of the union officers they elect. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights—Union members have: equal rights to participate in union activities freedom of speech and assembly voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments protection of the right to sue safeguards against improper discipline Collective Bargaining Agreements—As an SIU member, you have the right to have input into collective bargaining negotiations. Members and certain nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Constitutions, Bylaws, and Reports—Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make these documents available to members and permit members to examine the records necessary to verify the financial reports for just cause. The documents are public information and copies of reports are available from OLMS and on the Internet at www.unionreports.dol.gov. Officer Elections—In accordance with the union’s constitution, union members have the right to: nominate candidates for office run for office cast a secret ballot 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—A union may not be placed in trusteeship by a parent body except for those reasons specified in the standards of conduct regulations. Protection for Exercising CSRA Rights—A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any CSRA right. Prohibition Against Violence—No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of his or her CSRA 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. The union must provide accounting and financial controls necessary to assure fiscal integrity. Prohibition of Conflicts of Interest—A union officer or employee may not (1) have any monetary or personal interest or (2) engage in any business or financial transaction that would conflict with his or her fiduciary obligation to the union. 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 that 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 retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years 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 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. The union also works to make sure that CIVMARS understand their shipboard rights and responsibilities and receive fair treatment from their agency. Additional benefits for union members include life insurance coverage which may be purchased for a nominal fee and access to many other benefits through the AFL-CIO’s Union Privilege program. For more information about how the SIU can better serve you please contact: Chet Wheeler 1121 7th Street Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 cwheeler@seafarers.org Kate Hunt 635 4th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 832-8767 khunt@seafarers.org Maurice Cokes 115 Third Street Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 rcokes@seafarers.org Seafarers LOG 9 �45524X:September-07 11/27/2007 11:35 AM Page 10 Sailing with the SIU AB Abdulsalam Ahmed works aboard Interocean American Shipping’s Great Land in support of U.S. troops in Kuwait. Left: Chief Carpenter Dennis V. Remetio (far right, standing) is proud of the teamwork of his carpentry department on board NCL America’s Pride of Aloha. Included on his team are Assistant Carpenters Julee Quiapos, Leopoldo Malolos, Brice Ilao, Leonard Ajoste, José Dizon, Jeffer Baguio, Brayon Drew and Luis Reyes. (Note: not all are pictured.) In photo below: Remetio and Quiapos redo some of the tiles in the Hukilau Café. Left: Steward department member Shantay Medley receives her full B book from Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski. Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski (left) and VP Joe Soresi (right) present Ben Stanley with his full B book. Brother Stanley works in the engine department. Capt. Jan Kummernes (left) receives a model of the motor vessel Honor, which was made by AB Robert V. Bakeman. Bakeman donated the model to the ship Aug. 17, 2007. He started working on the piece in his spare time at the beginning of the voyage, which began June 26. The Honor is operated for American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carriers by Interocean American Shipping. It is one of seven SIU-crewed car carriers in the Maritime Security Program fleet. ABOARD THE USNS GORDON These photos were taken last August when the USNS Gordon, a 3PSC vessel, was in Norfolk, Va. Right: Wiper Ruden Perez and SA Nenita Phillips Right: AB Jerry Stilman and Susan King, vice president, 3PSC. AB Tim Kacer 10 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Roslyn Johnson December 2007 �45524X2:September-07 11/28/2007 12:31 PM Page 11 LNG Safety Training Available at Paul Hall Center Local Company Cites Instructors, Curriculums as Positives SIU-contracted companies and Seafarers have a myriad of services, training courses and capabilities at their fingertips. One such benefit for mariners and the companies they work for is the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Fire fighting instruction and safety training at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and Paul Hall Center is worldrenowned. Training and Education, which offers the most U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses of any maritime school in the nation. A founding principle of the SIU and its affiliated school, located in Piney Point, Md., is to remain at the forefront of change and advancements in the maritime industry. With this in mind, the center offers state-of-the-art coursework and training in numerous maritime trades, one of which is in the growing field of liquefied natural gas (LNG)—its handling, safety and fire fighting. In these days of rising oil consumption, its surging prices and the search for alternative energy sources, the LNG industry is growing and LNG now accounts for one-fourth of the types of energy products being used in the world. Always working to stay a step ahead of industry trends and needs, the Paul Hall Center started LNG coursework decades ago and resumed it in 2005. One of the most comprehensive training courses available at the school is Safety Gear Donated to School Students at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are utilizing newly donated portable foam applicators during certain safety classes at the Piney Point, Md. school (photos above and below). The equipment was provided by IMSSCO Corporation, for whom retired SIU Assistant VP Don Anderson (standing in photo above) is a consultant. Aboard ship, the portable foam applicators (right) are a requirement of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty. Specifically, they’re required for machinery spaces containing oil-fired boilers and internal combustion machinery. More information about SOLAS may be found on line at http://www.imo.org/ Conventions/contents.asp?topic_id=257&doc_id=647. IMSSCO’s site is www.imssco.com. Tank Ship Familiarization/LNG. The course provides a basic knowledge of LNG tanker cargoes and operations as required by the Code of Federal Regulations (46 CFR 13.409). It leads to original endorsement as tankerman assistant (LG) and complies with the amended STCW convention. Topics include hazard communication, safety and fire fighting, cargo piping, valves and pumps, watchstanding, ship mooring, confined space entry, cargo characteristics, tankership characteristics, cargo containment systems and repair materials. Basic and advanced fire fighting are other comprehensive safety courses conducted at the school, and those classes often are tailored to an individual company’s specific needs. For instance, the school has developed training scenarios to include LNG flange fires and piping system isolation, among many others. Hands-on training for these classes is provided at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School—and the school stands ready to train companies and seafarers in the burgeoning field of LNG safety. “We have Coast Guard-qualified instructors at the ready,” said school instructor Joe Zienda. For example, students from nearby Dominion LNG, LP’s Cove Point, Md. LNG facility and terminal, have trained at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, part of the Paul Hall Center. According to Zienda, “We have an ongoing program to train Dominion’s folks about LNG in areas such as extinguishers, hand-lines, CPR, fire safety and more.” From the customer standpoint, Dominion Senior Safety Special- Part of the Paul Hall Center’s in-depth LNG coursework includes safety classes. Pictured is an LNG Tanker Control Console Simulator used in the training. Dominion’s LNG facility in Cove Point, Md. (pictured above) sends safety employees to the SIU’s affiliated school for specialized training. ist Terry Cox said, “The instructors’ experience as real fire fighters is a big reason we go to the fire school. We could have gone elsewhere but with the staff’s experience and training that is tailored to meet our needs, we determined that what [the Paul Hall Center] offered was the best way to go.” 2 More Apprentices Earn Diplomas Two more unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month earned high school diplomas through the school’s academic department. Receiving their respective certificates were (top photo, second from left) Sean D. Jones from Class No. 691 and (bottom, left) Caroline Thomas, Class No. 685. Jones is pictured with (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, VP Contracts George Tricker, President Michael Sacco and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Standing with Thomas is Peggy Densford from the school’s academic department. More than 2,000 students have earned GEDs through the Paul Hall Center. December 2007 Seafarers LOG 11 �45524:September-07 11/26/2007 11:10 PM Page 12 Seafarers Answer the C Members of the SIU Tacoma Vo nd SIU Team Enthusiastically Volunteers to Help Community W hen country or community calls, Seafarers have always answered. It was no surprise, then, that when the city of Tacoma, Wash. asked for help repairing and painting the exterior of homes of hundreds of elderly and special needs residents earlier this year, more than 30 recertified bosuns, stewards and other members and friends of the Seafarers International Union bonded together to answer the call. Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful is an annual program through which community members and local organizations pool their resources and volunteer manpower to help those who can’t help themselves. Through that program, 32 SIU members, employees, family members and friends in the Tacoma area washed, scraped, sanded, caulked and painted Beatrice Lindsey’s home, devoting more than 200 hours of volunteer manpower. Affectionately known as “Bea,” Mrs. Lindsey is an 84-year-old widow. According to program guidelines, for a homeowner to be selected to get his or her home painted, a group of at least 15 volunteers must be formed per home. Groups aren’t limited to just painting, however. When it came to the SIU’s Tacoma group, they went well beyond the call of duty. They started organizing in mid-July and finished the project in late August. “The exterior of the house was in poor shape,” recalled Tacoma SIU Port Agent and paint project team leader Joe Vincenzo. “The pigment had faded over the years. Cedar shakes were loose and needed to be nailed back in place. The entire house had to be pressure washed, wire brushed and primed in spots. The gables and fascia on the roof had to be secured with nails, primed and painted. The house also needed caulking and a fairly heavy coat of paint all around. We also prepped, primed and painted the garage. “As for me, I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer and to continue the work of the SIU through Patrolman Randall Kramer climbs to new heights to help. 12 Seafarers LOG 2 Cook Ismail Nasser GUDE Nagi Nagi SB Clark Williams AB Abdullatif Ahmed SA Abdufatah Abdulla GUDE Wilkin Hoehn CC Jamie Serrano DEU Henry Egaran Wiper Rudolf Jordan QMED John Day SA Khaled Mohamed Oiler Efren Bacomo BREC Richard Barnes OS Rick Jones Bosun Chris Tizon BREC Don Rezendes SREC Amanda Suncin CC Claudia Mauricio DEU Salah Muthana AB Gary Jennings DEU Larry Ronning Port Agent Joe Vincenzo “It was a great way to show SIU’s face in the community and help someone less fortunate.” – Recertified Bosun Richard Barnes “E ex ou wo to as re to Tacoma Patrolman Randall Kramer (foreground) and AB Abdullatif Ahmed repair some of the cedar shakes on Bea Lindsey’s home. community involvement,” added Vincenzo when asked why he volunteered to help a total stranger. “Organized labor and the SIU in particular have always reached out to communities through the United Way and other such organizations. Paint Tacoma was a wonderful opportunity in keeping with a very rich tradition.” “I was very excited when Joe came to the staff asking if we would be interested in doing community work,” said Port Secretary Brenda Flesner. Recertified Bosun Richard Barnes demonstrates his expert caulking technique. Port Secretary Brenda Flesner knows it takes a newly painted picket fence to make a house a home. December 2007 Fl th em th lif an he as th th ye on pa pa m th Be Be m m th wh ho pr ne cia or �45524:September-07 11/26/2007 11:10 PM Page 13 Call of Those in Need in Tacoma a Volunteer Team Safety Director Ryan Palmer Quinten Palmer, son of Ryan Palmer Patrolman Randall Kramer Stevie McCoy, friend of Randall Kramer Administrator Brenda Flesner Nico Delia, son of Brenda Donica Delia, daughter of Brenda Emilia Flesner, daughter of Brenda Administrator James Ott Kathy Jones—next door neighbor Recertified Bosun Don Rezendes knows how to handle a paintbrush. SIU Safety Director Ryan Palmer is ready at the trigger of his caulk gun. “Everyone in the office replied with extreme enthusiasm. I had never painted an outside of a home and thought what fun it would be to learn the procedures. We had to wait about a month before we were assigned to our ‘candidate,’ but I was ready to start the day Joe brought the idea to us. “I enjoy helping the community,” Flesner continued. “I am so blessed with the family I have, the job that has employed me for so many years, and all the ‘empty’ but fulfilling materials in my life. I feel I need to give something back, and teach my children the importance of helping others without strings attached.” Flesner mentioned another positive aspect to her family’s participation. “To this day, my children still speak of Bea and the fun they had painting. Even my threeyear-old painted, even though she got more on herself than the house. Every time we pass a house that is similar to the color we painted Bea’s, Emilia always says, ‘Look mama, it’s Bea’s house.’ The other great thing I got out of doing Paint Tacoma Beautiful is I have made a friend for life in Bea. I visit her frequently and enjoy all the moments and memories she shares with me. I hope we can do another project like this again.” So, what did Bea think about the people who worked to revive her 52-year-old home? “They were very fine people. I’m proud to know them and to have such great neighbors. Thanks to them all and especially Joe and Brenda. Brenda kept things organized and helped me through it. I December 2007 know they all were busy with their jobs and I’m so grateful they helped me.” “I was pleased when Joe asked if we would be interested in helping in a community project,” said SIU Tacoma Port Administrator Jim Ott. “I do community and charity work for my parish but had never participated in the Paint Tacoma Beautiful project. I was very excited when they assigned our house and the staff went ‘full speed ahead’ to organize what was needed for our project. I was quite surprised at the amount of work needed to get the work started.” Ott said that the planning included putting together supply lists and then ordering paint along with related items such as rollers, pans, drop cloths, rags, brushes, paint remover, a pressure washer and more. Following a meeting of Bea and a project representative (Tim Gappa), the SIU team surveyed the house one final time before beginning its work. “What was most rewarding for me was the companionship that developed between staff and members during this time,” added Ott, who took the photos accompanying this story. “Another highlight was Brenda’s three children Some of the members of the Tacoma team (front row, from left): Brenda Flesner, Jim Ott (back row) AB Abdullatif Ahmed, Tacoma Patrolman Randall Kramer, Ismail Nasser, Chief Steward Clark Williams, QMED John Day, SA Abdufatah Abdulla, GUDE Nagi Nagi and Tacoma Port Agent Joe Vincenzo. Program Technical Advisor Tim Gappa (left) and Joe Vincenzo discuss the way forward to repair and paint Bea Lindsey’s home. Efren Bacomo and Henry Egaran are old hats at making the old look new. “God, the union and the community have been very good to me. It’s an honor and privilege to give something back this way.” – Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin and (Safety Director) Ryan Palmer’s son helping with the project.” Chief Steward and volunteer Clark Williams summed up his feelings about the Tacoma project when he said, “I worked over four days over four weekends. I’d never done anything like this before but I always wanted to. It’s great to give something back to the community. The way it brought folks together, it was a great example of the brotherhood we really have here. When you do something like this for a person as special as Bea, it’s a joy. I’m going to try to make this a part of my vacation planning every year.” QMED John Day does some of the much-needed prep work before painting. Seafarers LOG 13 �45524X2:September-07 11/28/2007 12:32 PM Page 14 n o s a e S p i h s r Schola 2008 Start the application process today! S eafarers, their spouses and dependent children who plan to attend college next year have a benefit unique to them. For in addition to any other grants or stipends they may be awarded, they also are eligible to apply for one of eight scholarships from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Three of the scholarships are reserved for SIU members. One 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 first step in the application process is sending away for the Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. To receive a copy of this guide, fill out the coupon at the bottom of this page and return it to the address listed on the form. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should then check the eligibility information and, if they are eligible, should start collecting some of the other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15, 2008 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the requests are made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant’s character, personality and career goals. A photograph of the applicant as well as a certified copy of his or her birth certificate also need to be included. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all applicants and also checks the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2008 to ensure the results reach the committee in time to be evaluated. Those Seafarers and dependents who previously 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 reaching your goals. The Seafarers Scholarship Program can make a difference! P lease send me the 2008 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. 12/07 14 Seafarers LOG SIU Families Eligible for Union Plus Scholarship Program Since 1992, the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $2.4 million to students of working families who want to begin or continue their post-secondary education. More than 1,700 families have benefited from this commitment to higher education. The Union Plus Scholarship Program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation. The students selected for university, college, trade school or technical scholarships represent a wide sampling of backgrounds, union affiliations, goals and accomplishments. Eligibility for Scholarships: Because the SIU participates in Union Plus, current and retired SIU members, their spouses and their dependent children (including foster children, step children, and any other child for whom the individual member provides greater than 50 percent of his or her support) can apply for a Union Plus Scholarship. (Participating union members from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada are eligible.) Members do not have to purchase any Union Plus program product or participate in any Union Plus programs to apply for the scholarships, and scholarship awards are not based upon participation in a Union Plus program. The individual must be accepted into an accredited college or university, community college or recognized technical or trade school at the time the award is issued. Note: Graduate students are now eligible. Evaluation criteria: The scholarship program is open to students attending or planning to attend a college or university, a community college, or a technical college or trade school. Applicants for scholarships are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. Scholarship applications are judged by a committee of impartial postsecondary educators. Applications are first reviewed by a panel of independent career professionals. Semi-finalists are chosen based on a point scale, and their applications are then provided to judges for further review and selection of finalists and awards. Program judges include representatives from the American Association of Community Colleges, the United Negro College Fund, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Scholarship award amounts: The amount of the award ranges from $500-$4,000. This is a one-time cash award sent to individual winners for study beginning in the fall of the same year. How to apply: For information about obtaining the Union Plus Scholarship application, visit the Union Plus web site at www.unionprivilege.org/benefits/custom.cfm—and click the education services button. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2008. Selected scholarship recipients’ names will be announced May 31. Due to the high volume of applications, only winners receive notification. Deadline: All applications must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2008. December 2007 �45524X:September-07 11/27/2007 9:06 AM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea January & February 2008 Membership Meetings OCTOBER 16 — NOVEMBER 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals 4 5 6 17 4 5 31 20 4 15 8 23 18 16 4 13 6 4 27 19 2 1 1 7 3 3 9 2 0 2 1 2 6 1 1 0 0 1 9 7 290 249 58 Totals Totals Totals All Departments Piney Point ...........Monday: January 7, February 4 Algonac ................Friday: January 11, February 8 2 1 7 10 4 6 30 29 0 14 15 26 11 18 0 2 7 2 28 19 2 0 3 13 4 1 15 11 0 8 5 11 19 9 0 5 7 4 23 14 0 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 6 1 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 12 0 0 18 18 0 7 6 15 7 6 0 0 6 0 19 13 6 1 8 20 3 14 70 55 2 18 25 74 28 34 6 0 9 5 66 47 5 14 10 23 7 16 52 45 9 18 24 41 21 27 10 11 15 10 46 31 4 3 0 9 5 4 13 5 1 2 4 5 9 0 4 0 0 2 13 9 231 154 22 129 491 435 92 New York .............Tuesday: January 8, February 5 Norfolk .................Thursday: January 10, February 7 0 0 2 9 1 8 13 17 1 7 9 14 14 9 4 1 1 0 14 13 2 1 5 6 1 4 19 17 0 4 5 9 11 6 1 3 6 5 20 10 0 2 0 4 0 2 5 0 1 1 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 7 0 0 2 4 0 4 12 12 0 8 4 12 7 9 1 0 3 0 14 4 2 1 6 4 0 4 11 6 0 2 1 8 9 6 2 1 2 2 12 6 0 1 0 1 1 1 2 3 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 2 4 0 0 10 9 1 4 3 10 5 3 1 0 1 1 17 1 2 0 2 12 3 15 21 29 1 13 8 26 15 14 3 2 3 1 23 21 2 1 6 8 2 3 24 37 0 10 9 13 23 10 3 2 5 6 25 18 0 1 0 6 1 2 5 1 2 1 1 5 6 3 1 0 1 2 2 11 137 135 29 96 85 19 72 214 207 51 Baltimore..............Thursday: January 10, February 7 Boston ..................Friday: January 11, February 8 Guam ....................Thursday: January 24, February 21 Honolulu...............Friday: January 18, February 15 Houston ................Monday: January 14, February 11 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: January 10, February 7 Joliet .....................Thursday: January 17, February 14 Mobile ..................Wednesday: January 16, February 13 New Orleans.........Tuesday: January 15, February 12 Oakland ................Thursday: January 17, February 14 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: January 9, February 6 Port Everglades ....Thursday: January 17, February 14 San Juan ...............Thursday: January 10, February 7 St. Louis ...............Friday: January 18, February 15 Tacoma .................Friday: January 25, February 22 Wilmington...........Tuesday: January 22*, February 19* (*changes created by Martin Luther King’s birthday and Presidents’ Day holidays) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 5 4 9 20 15 2 5 5 19 13 24 2 2 1 2 19 21 1 0 0 7 1 6 8 7 0 5 1 2 15 4 3 1 4 1 8 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 4 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 170 80 13 Port Algonac A1chorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 4 1 4 8 4 7 35 33 1 14 17 41 16 24 4 0 8 2 36 31 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 0 4 2 6 13 9 2 3 5 14 7 24 0 1 3 1 7 9 2 0 1 8 0 3 6 6 0 3 3 8 11 2 1 1 1 0 4 6 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 0 6 6 6 0 1 2 6 4 8 1 0 1 0 3 5 2 0 7 8 5 12 35 25 0 11 8 30 17 41 2 6 2 4 30 35 0 0 0 13 1 10 13 13 0 8 6 6 17 9 2 2 4 2 15 8 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 110 66 10 53 280 129 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 6 6 3 0 1 2 8 0 3 0 0 0 0 5 2 1 2 4 7 3 7 18 14 1 3 6 28 11 12 2 19 2 4 18 15 4 0 0 5 1 12 3 21 0 2 3 9 14 8 1 28 1 0 8 8 0 0 1 0 0 3 3 1 0 0 1 3 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 1 4 3 2 4 6 7 1 2 2 10 7 6 0 10 1 1 10 3 0 0 0 2 0 5 2 5 0 1 1 2 7 3 0 17 0 1 4 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 5 8 3 0 1 4 15 1 6 0 0 1 0 7 2 4 4 3 9 3 11 51 28 0 5 15 55 24 21 2 17 4 3 32 28 10 1 2 13 2 20 7 28 2 4 8 25 28 19 1 22 4 1 20 15 37 177 128 22 80 53 0 53 319 232 634 641 228 459 385 104 254 1,038 1,090 393 *“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 2007 Coast Guard Email Lists Offer Updates On Mariner Licensing, Documentation The U.S. Coast Guard recently circulated the following announcement in a National Maritime Center newsletter and via e-mail. It is reprinted here with permission. Subscribe to Mariner Licensing and Documentation Information Updates To improve how information is distributed to the maritime community, the National Maritime Center and the Mariner Licensing and Documentation program now have a presence on the Coast Guard’s List Server (CGLS). To automatically receive up-to-date information via e-mail, simply subscribe to one or more of the available lists, and messages will be delivered to your e- mail inbox. Please share this with other contacts to spread word about this new service. To subscribe to a list, follow the instructions below: 1) Go to the CGLS web site at http://cgls.uscg.mil/groups.php?ID=10 2) Review the lists to find the information you would like to have sent to you. 3) Under each list are the Subscribe/Unsubscribe/Archive links. To subscribe, click that link and provide your e-mail address, name (optional), pick a password and confirm it in the window provided. Then hit the subscribe button, and you have subscribed to that topics e-mail list. As new or updated NMC/MLD information is generated, you will receive an e-mail with a brief description of the content and a link to the site where the content is located. There are 6 lists under Mariner Licensing and Documentation (MLD) program, as described below: National Maritime Center Updates Information concerning the National Maritime Center’s (NMC) operations, process improvements, and important information on merchant mariner credentials. NMC Performance Reports Information from the National Maritime Center on credential production performance statistics, including processing time, application inventory and customer satisfaction. These reports will communicate the results of improvements to credential production processes and customer services. MLD Program Policy Updates Information from the Mariner Licensing and Documentation program manager at Coast Guard headquarters on changes to regulations, Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) and other policy guidance. REC News/Announcements Announcements concerning Regional Examination Center (REC) locations, hours of operation, contact information and other pertinent REC operations information. Mariner Information/News Information for individual mariners seeking licenses and/or Merchant Mariner Documents, including changes to the credential application, medical physical and other forms, revisions to checklist, information packets, instruction guides, information for healthcare professionals, selected Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s), NMC Point of Contact (POCs) and other pertinent information. Coast Guard-Approved Courses Information on Coast Guard-approved training, courses, examinations, course audits and other pertinent information. If you have questions or need assistance with subscribing to a list, please contact LT Hilary Stickle at (304) 724-9557 or via e-mail at Hilary.Stickle@uscg.mil. Seafarers LOG 15 �45524X2:September-07 11/28/2007 12:33 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7 St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 th 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 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 Page 16 USS Recognizes SIU Crews, Company Officials Continued from page 4 vessel’s rigid-hull inflatable boats to aid in rescue operations. Braving 10foot waves and 27 knot winds, the Kanawha crew made two trips to transfer the stranded mariners from the Jai Laxmai to the Dupleix, a French warship that also assisted in the rescue. Sixteen distressed mariners were rescued. John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and recently retired president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, announced the AOTOS Award recipients and offered comments which delineated their respective accomplishments. “These three men represent the very best of the U.S.-flag industry,” he said of Andrasick, Arntzen and Reinhart. “Our recipients have been selected by those who 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.” James S. Andrasick Andrasick was named president and chief executive officer of Matson Navigation Company, Inc. on July 18, 2003. He joined Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., the parent company of Matson, in June 2000 as senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. On April 25, 2002, Andrasick was appointed to additional duties as president and chief executive officer of Matson on an interim basis. He is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he received a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Andrasick also holds a master’s degree in management science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Vice Admiral Vivien S. Crea, vice commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, presented Andrasick with his award. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, Matson Navigation is the principal carrier of containerized freight and automobiles between the West Coast and Hawaii, Guam and Mid-Pacific, and is the largest subsidiary of Honolulu-based Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. Morten Arntzen Arntzen was appointed president and chief executive officer of Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG) in January 2004. He has been an OSG Board member since 2004. Prior to joining OSG, Arntzen was chief executive officer of American Marine Advisors Inc., a U.S.-based merchant banking firm specializing in maritime industry merger and acquisition advisory work and corporate restructuring for a global client base. He holds a bachelor degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a master of international affairs degree from Columbia University. Arntzen received his award from The Honorable Sean Connaughton, U.S. maritime administrator. Overseas Shipholding Group bills itself as the only large tanker company with a significant presence in both the international flag and U.S.-flag markets. Additionally, the company has an established position in the Jones Act product tanker and crude tanker segments. John F. Reinhart Reinhart was named chief executive officer, Maersk Line, Limited on Aug. 1, 2000 and president in April 2004. He joined Maersk Inc. in 1991 in human resources. In 1992, Reinhart began his career in universal maritime services working his way up to president. He returned to Maersk in 1996 as a regional director and then as senior vice president. Reinhart received his B.A. in political science from Ohio University and completed the executive MBA program at the University of Michigan in 1997. SIU President Michael Sacco introduced Reinhart and presented him with his award. “Over the years, John has proven himself as someone who clearly recognizes that the continued revitalization of the U.S. Merchant Marine depends on cooperation throughout our industry,” Sacco told those in attendance about Reinhart. “John has built a great team at Maersk. The company has grown under his leadership, and they deserve credit for supporting our troops in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as do the other U.S.-flag companies being honored tonight.” Maersk Line, Limited operates 19 U.S.flag liner vessels that are enrolled in the Maritime Security Program. The company is a long-term trusted partner with the U.S. Department of Defense providing support services and operating 29 vessels under vessel management contracts. AOTOS Mariner’s Rosette Winner Third Mate Victor Manoli III, while aboard the SIU-crewed Maersk Maryland on Oct. 25, 2006 contained a potentially deadly fire aboard the vessel in the port of Gioia Tauro, Italy. Shortly after the vessel had tied up, the captain over the radio announced that there was a fire alarm on B deck. Manoli, who was coming from the stern, made his way to B deck with two SIU crew members. After finding smoke coming from one of the rooms, he radioed the deck and informed those on duty that he had found the source and that he and the other two crew members were going to enter the room. Armed with a dry chemical extinguisher, the trio opened the door. They could feel the heat from the blaze and heard popping noises. Manoli took one step into the door and discharged the extinguisher in the direction of the blaze. They then evacuated the room as smoke began to fill the passageway. Crew members then brought fire suits and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to the location, and Manoli donned an SCBA. While staying in radio contact with the bridge, he entered the space again to find even larger flames than before. This time he used the entire contents of the dry extinguisher and headed back out of the room. He then checked to see if he had enough air and went back inside with another extinguisher. Upon his return, the fire was headed up the bulkhead so he blasted the entire area until the fire was out. Senator Daniel K. Inouye was general chairman for this year’s event and sent a video message as well, congratulating the three AOTOS recipients and recognizing the mission of USS, which has been dedicated to meeting the needs of seafarers in foreign ports for 65 years. Captain Robert Hart, USN (ret.) and Samuel B. Nemirow served as National Committee co-chairmen. SIU President Sacco was dinner chairman. The USS continues to provide community services for the U.S. Merchant Marine, the American Armed Forces, and seafarers of the world. The USS, a nonprofit agency, was established in 1942. It operates centers in 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. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Trinidad Sanchez of Carolina, P.R. “It was taken ashore in Rio Haina, Santo Domingo in 1972 at the home of a friend,” he wrote in a note accompanying the photo. Sanchez (far left, back row) was sailing as an SA at the time. Also pictured are Wiper Frank Torres and Chief Cook Greg Johnson as well as the chief steward. All were crew members aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. 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. December 2007 �45524X:September-07 11/27/2007 11:42 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 DENNIS BROWN, 65, joined the union in 1969. He first sailed on the USNS Maury. Brother Brown was born in Long Beach, Calif. He shipped in the deck department. Brother Brown most recently worked aboard the Tacoma. He attended classes on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Brown makes his home in Everett, Wash. GARY DOYEN, 65, became an SIU member in 1967. Brother Doyen’s first trip to sea was on the Commander. The engine department member was born in California. In 1967 and 2000, Brother Doyen upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. His most recent voyage was aboard the Horizon Consumer. Brother Doyen lives in Bellflower, Calif. ERNEST DUHON JR., 61, joined the SIU in 1965. Brother Duhon first sailed on the Del Norte as a member of the deck department. He was a frequent upgrader at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Duhon was born in New Orleans. Prior to his retirement, he shipped aboard the Horizon Fairbanks. Brother Duhon calls Longview, Wash. home. WALTER FITZGERALD III, 65, began his seafaring career in 1966. Brother Fitzgerald first sailed aboard a Wall Street Traders vessel. He upgraded his skills in 1988 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Fitzgerald, who was born in Massachusetts, most recently sailed aboard the Carolina, where he worked in the engine department. He is a resident of Omaha, Ga. JIMMIE GRAYDON, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1964. Brother Graydon was born in Georgia and sailed in the engine department. He attended the Piney Point school on three occasions to upgrade his seafaring skills. Brother Graydon’s first ship was the Detroit; his last was the El Yunque. He resides in Jacksonville, Fla. JAMES JOWERS, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1986. Brother Jowers’ first voyage was on the USNS Desteiguer. A native of Texas, he shipped in the deck December 2007 department. Brother Jowers upgraded his skills in 1992, 1996 and 2000 at the Seafarersaffiliated school. He last sailed aboard the Seabulk Pride. Brother Jowers settled in Liberty Hill, Texas. LUIS LOPEZ, 51, embarked on his seafaring career in 1973. Brother Lopez first worked aboard the Bradford Island. He upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Lopez worked in the steward department, most recently aboard the Courage. He makes his home in Naguabo, P.R. JAMES McKNIGHT, 65, began sailing in 1969 on the Choctaw. Brother McKnight, who was born in Washington, worked in the steward department. In 1975 and 1978, he attended the Piney Point school to upgrade his seafaring skills. Brother McKnight’s most recent voyage was aboard the Horizon Tacoma. He makes his home in Stanwood, Wash. FADEL MOHAMED, 53, began his SIU career in 1979. Brother Mohamed’s first ship was the Cove Navigator. He upgraded his skills in 2000 at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Mohamed, who was born in Yemen, most recently sailed aboard the Comet as a member of the steward department. He calls Garden Grove, Calif. home. WILLIAM MUNIZ, 68, was born in Puerto Rico and joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of New York. His first voyage was on the Robin Hood, where he shipped in the steward department. Brother Muniz upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His last trip to sea was aboard the Atlantic. Brother Muniz is a resident of Hamilton, N.J. ALI MUTANIA, 65, joined the SIU in 1979. Brother Mutania’s first ship was the Westward Venture. He sailed as a member of both the engine and steward departments. Brother Mutania, who was born in Yemen, upgraded his skills on two occasions at the union-affiliated school. Brother Mutania’s most recent voyage was aboard the Midnight Sun. He resides in Oak Lawn, Ill. GENE POPE, 65, began his seafaring career in 1992 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Pope’s first ship was the USNS Titan. The steward department member, who was born in Georgia, attended classes on two occasions at the Piney Point training center. His last trip to sea was on the USNS Invincible. Brother Pope lives in Montgomery, Ala. JOSE RIVERA III, 67, joined the SIU in 1965. Brother Rivera first sailed aboard a United Shipping Company vessel. He attended the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions to improve his seafaring skills. Born in San Juan, P.R., Brother Rivera shipped in the steward department. He most recently worked aboard the Sirius. Brother Rivera is a resident of Houston. JOHN RYAN, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1967. Brother Ryan, who was born in New York, worked in the engine department. He first sailed aboard the Seatrain New York. Brother Ryan most recently worked on the San Juan. He calls Toms River, N.J. home. IVAN SALIS, 46, became an SIU member in 1980, first sailing aboard the LNG Virgo. Brother Salis upgraded frequently at the Piney Point school. The Louisiana native shipped in the steward department. Brother Salis last worked on the Cleveland. He makes his home in Callahan, Fla. INLAND JOHN COLOMBO, 55, joined the union in 1975, first working aboard a Whiteman Towing Company vessel. He was born in Louisiana. Before retiring, Boatman Colombo worked aboard a Crescent Towing & Salvage Company vessel. He lives in Pearl River, La. WALTER EVANS, 62, started his SIU career in 1992 in the port of Houston. Boatman Evans worked primarily aboard vessels operated Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 In a move to appease calls for increased wages for stewards aboard Liberty and Victory ships converted to troop carriers, the War Labor Board granted a nominal wage increase to some of the ratings in the steward classification. In a hearing with the WLB, Seafarers International Union representatives described working and living conditions for stewards and the fact that the WLB’s increase did nothing to raise wages to a fair and “livable” wage. After months of considerable discussions on SIU’s part, wages were increased an average of $12.50 a month and raises were made retroactive three months prior to this final agreement. By 1945 standards, this was a considerable increase that helped raise the standard of living for stewards. by Higman Barge Lines. He is a resident of Lexington, Texas. BILLY HINES, 62, joined the SIU in 1972. Boatman Hines first worked on the Dravo Gulf. In 1976, he attended the Paul Hall Center to upgrade his seafaring skills. Boatman Hines’ most recent voyage was aboard a National Marine Service vessel. He makes his home in Milton, Fla. RICHARD WARD, 62, became a union member in 1981. Boatman Ward worked primarily aboard Willis Inc. vessels. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. GREAT LAKES AHMED NASER, 60, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1972 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Naser upgraded at the unionaffiliated school in 2003. The steward department member, who was born in Saudi Arabia, first sailed on the Consumers Power. His last ship was his last the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Naser calls Dearborn, Mich. home. are essentially American businesses. In turn, that would mean their crews could be organized by the SIU and other maritime unions.” 1976 A Washington, D.C., research organization, the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, has just published an in-depth study of the nation’s transportation system, concluding that the private transportation sector can meet most, if not all, of the needs of DOD at a significant savings, and without impairing overall defense readiness. The study maintains that “the United States can no longer maintain parallel military transportation capabilities when the private sector can do the job.” This Month In SIU History 1958 A federal court judge refused to issue an injunction against SIU demonstrations against American owners of “runaway” tonnage. The action opened the doors for SIU to call for action of the National Labor Relations Board. Runaways are vessels flying foreign flags that were actually owned by American companies. According to the LOG, “Up until now, the runaways have been able to evade jurisdiction of U.S. labor law by claiming that they were actually foreign businesses. It is the opinion in the industry that the runaway operators would be very reluctant to go near the NLRB for the simple fact that it would acknowledge that they 1995 Representatives of Congress, American maritime labor, U.S. flag carriers, domestic shipyards and pro-national defense coalitions reaffirmed their total support of the nation’s cabotage laws when they introduced the formation of a group to keep the Jones Act and other cabotage laws in place. “The basic need for enacting the Jones Act— namely, national and economic security—is as valid today as it was 75 years ago,” said SIU President Michael Sacco in a meeting with members of Congress and industry representatives. “Simply put, this law has worked!” Sacco noted that because of the Jones Act, “120,000 American citizens—employed on the domestic waterways of the United States, in domestic shipyards, and in related industries —are able to earn a decent living.” Seafarers LOG 17 �45524X:September-07 11/27/2007 11:48 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA CHARLES CALLAHAN Pensioner Charles Callahan, 79, passed away April 13. Brother Callahan began his seafaring career in 1953. He was born in New York and sailed in the deck department. Brother Callahan first worked aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. His most recent voyage was on the Horizon Enterprise. Brother Callahan was a resident of Sun City, Ariz. He retired in 1992. HAROLD PITTILLO Pensioner Harold Pittillo, 74, passed away April 10. Brother Pittillo started sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed aboard a States Steamship Company vessel as a member of the steward department. Brother Pittillo was born in Texas. His most recent voyage was aboard the Manukai. Brother Pittillo settled in Oregon and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1997. HASAN RAHMAN JOSE CALO Pensioner Jose Calo, 71, died April 13. Brother Calo, who was born in Spain, joined the SIU in 1967. He first sailed aboard the Gateway as a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 2002, Brother Calo went to sea on the Houston. He made his home in the Bronx, N.Y. RICHARD DOUGLAS Brother Richard Douglas, 46, passed away April 20. He became a Seafarer in 1999 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Douglas first sailed aboard the USNS Invincible. The steward department member, who was born in Alabama, last worked on a Maersk Line Limited vessel. He continued to live in Alabama. ALBERTO FALCON Pensioner Alberto Falcon, 66, died April 27. Brother Falcon joined the SIU in 1960. His first ship was the Council; his last was the USNS Potomac. Brother Falcon sailed in the steward department. He resided in his native state of Texas and went on pension in 2005. ROSCOE HONEYCUTT Pensioner Roscoe Honeycutt, 79, passed away April 26. Brother Honeycutt began sailing with the Seafarers in 1956. His first voyage was aboard a vessel operated by Maritime Operations Inc. Brother Honeycutt was a member of the engine department. Born in Cabarrus County, N.C., he last worked aboard the Seabulk Power. Brother Honeycutt called Candor, N.C. home. He became a pensioner in 1989. WANDA KELLY Sister Wanda Kelly, 44, died April 16. Sister Kelly joined the SIU ranks in 2004 in the port of New Orleans. She first sailed aboard a Patriot Contract Services vessel. Sister Kelly, who was a native of Maben, Miss., most recently worked in the steward department on the USNS Altair. She was a resident of New Orleans. 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Hasan Rahman, 66, died Aug. 18. Brother Rahman donned the SIU colors in 1979 in the port of New York. The steward department member, who was born in Egypt, first sailed aboard the Puerto Rican. He most recently shipped on the USNS Bob Hope. Brother Rahman made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. He started collecting his pension in 2006. SAMUEL SOTOMAYOR Pensioner Samuel Sotomayor, 69, passed away April 16. Brother Sotomayor began his seafaring career in 1966. His first voyage was aboard the Fairland. Brother Sotomayor, who was born in Puerto Rico, worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 2002, he sailed on the Humacao. Brother Sotomayor made his home in Puerto Rico. JACK TAYLOR Pensioner Jack Taylor, 79, died April 17. Brother Taylor was born in Maryland. He joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Taylor’s first voyage was aboard the Alcoa Marketer. He sailed in the deck department, most recently on the Cape Orlando. He continued to live in Maryland. Towing Company vessel. Boatman Blackburn called Wilmington, N.C. home. JAMES HARDIN Boatman James Hardin, 55, passed away April 25. He donned the SIU colors in 1970 in the port of Houston. Boatman Hardin first sailed aboard a G&H Towing Company vessel and last worked on a Moran Towing Company vessel. Boatman Hardin resided in League City, Texas. ELWOOD KITTRELL Pensioner Elwood Kittrell, 79, died April 9. Boatman Kittrell joined the union in 1956. His first voyage was aboard the Coe Victory. Boatman Kittrell, who was an Alabama native, most recently sailed on a vessel operated by Crescent Towing of New Orleans. Boatman Kittrell lived in Mobile, Ala. EUGENE McCULLOUGH Pensioner Eugene McCullough, 78, passed away March 11. Boatman McCullough became an SIU member in 1961. He first shipped aboard a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Boatman McCullough was born in New Jersey. His most recent voyage was on a Turecamo Maritime vessel. In 1990, Boatman McCullough went on pension. He made his home in Philadelphia. WAYNE NICHOLAS Pensioner Wayne Nicholas, 62, died April 19. Born in Alabama, Boatman Nicholas began his seafaring career in 1962 in the port of Mobile. He sailed primarily on vessels operated by Gulf Atlantic Transport Corporation. Boatman Nicholas was a resident of his native state. He started receiving retirement stipends in 2006. NILES PETERSON Pensioner Niles Peterson, 66, passed away April 3. Boatman Peterson joined the SIU ranks in 1986. He shipped primarily aboard boats operated by Delta Queen Steamship Company. Boatman Peterson was born in New Orleans. He became a pensioner in 2004. Boatman Peterson made his home in Kerrville, Texas. PETER SCHAEFER JOSE VAZQUEZ Pensioner Jose Vazquez, 83, passed away April 14. Brother Vazquez joined the Seafarers in 1952. His first ship was the Wanda; his last was the Overseas Natalie. Brother Vazquez, who was born in Puerto Rico, sailed in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1984. Brother Vazquez was a resident of Puerto Rico. INLAND CLIFTON BLACKBURN Pensioner Clifton Blackburn, 84, died April 27. Boatman Blackburn embarked on his SIU career in 1962. He first sailed aboard a Stone Towing Line vessel. Boatman Blackburn was born in Sampson, N.C. Before retiring in 1985, he was employed aboard a Cape Fear Pensioner Peter Schaeffer, 80, died April 29. Boatman Schaeffer launched his seafaring career in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. He first shipped aboard a Taylor Marine Towing Company vessel. Boatman Schaefer, who was born in Pennsylvania, last worked on a Turecamo Maritime vessel. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1992. Boatman Schaefer called Bristol, Pa. home. IVAN STEFFEY Pensioner Ivan Steffey, 83, passed away April 10. Boatman Steffey was born in Virginia and joined the union in 1968. Boatman Steffey first worked aboard a Moran Towing of Virginia vessel. Before retiring in 1988, he sailed on Steuart Transportation Company vessels. Boatman Steffey resided in Virginia Beach, Va. MANEH AHMED Pensioner Maneh Ahmed, 78, passed away April 18. Brother Ahmed joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Fort Lauderdale. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Ahmed first sailed on an American Steamship Company vessel. Born in Arabia, his most recent voyage was on the St. Mary’s Challenger. Brother Ahmed retired in 1993. He was a resident of Yemen. GREAT LAKES HADDI AHMED ANTHONY MENKAVITCH Pensioner Haddi Ahmed, 72, died April 6. Brother Ahmed joined the SIU in 1969. The Arabian-born mariner shipped in the steward department, first working on a Tomlinson Fleet Corporation vessel. His most recent voyage was aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Ahmed went on pension in 2001. He lived in Yemen. Pensioner Anthony Menkavitch, 92, died March 16. Brother Menkavitch was born in Connecticut and joined the unon in 1951. The deck department member last sailed aboard the George Goble. He began receiving his pension in 1977. Brother Menkavitch made his home in Edwardsville, Pa. 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 Amin, Ishmael Atkins, Thomas Bastidas, Victor Boone, James Brittain, John Coleman, Mills Correya, Eduardo Cumbaa, Jean Figueroa, Alfredo Garner, Marian Greenidge, Nathanial Hall, Charles Harrison, Herman Holmes, Wilson Hughley, James Johnson, George Knighten, Christopher Lehman, Beatrice Lemus, Ponpilio Long, Felix Lueck, Oliver Macaya, Santos McAnelly, Robert Moreno, Rene Morris, Bobby Nieves, Victor Perez, Manuel Plummer, Raymond Rawls, Jean Rivera, Luis Rodriguez, Francisco Saybe, Peter Stukes, Clarence Thomsen, Vernon Trotta, Pasquale Trujillo, Basilio Valeriano, Alejandro Vaselakos, Peter Vazquez, Raul Velez, Jose Vizcaino, John Walker, Robert Wing, Issac AGE 83 84 84 82 79 89 92 78 78 81 93 78 80 59 80 78 83 93 92 82 83 90 86 79 69 85 83 75 79 89 72 78 78 82 94 77 85 90 78 86 90 84 90 DOD March 24 March 31 March 10 March 10 March 24 March 6 March 28 March 1 March 3 March 15 March 27 March 5 March 9 March 1 March 26 March 8 March 1 March 30 March 14 March 4 March 23 March 6 March 1 March 28 March 4 March 23 March 28 March 30 March 11 March 2 March 2 March 25 March 6 March 24 March 5 March 8 March 20 March 2 March 29 March 1 March 11 March 10 March 27 December 2007 �45524X:September-07 11/27/2007 9:06 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. AMERICAN SPIRIT (American Steamship Company), Oct. 16— Chairman James V. Darden, Secretary Joyce A. Sufak, Educational Director Michael L. Kruse. Chairman thanked crew for their cooperation in developing smooth and safe shipboard operations. He encouraged SIU members to upgrade seafaring skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and attend shoreside union meetings when not at sea. Secretary agreed that members worked well together and displayed great teamwork. Educational director urged mariners to keep all documents current. He reminded them that basic safety training and STCW courses have to be completed before fit-out 2008. It was noted that cold weather is approaching and everyone should take necessary precautions to work safely on deck. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested information pertaining to future 401(k) or retirement plans for Great Lakes members. Galley crew was given vote of thanks for outstanding food. BUFFALO (American Steamship Company), Oct. 4—Chairman John D. Cedeno Jr., Secretary Harry W. Peterson, Educational Director Kevin M. McArdell, Deck Delegate Alan Maury. Chairman discussed health care plan and Union Plus benefits. He advised members with further questions to contact their union hall. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Departing crew members were asked to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for reliefs. Mariners also were encouraged to renew MMDs and well as physicals and drug screens early. They also were encouraged to contribute to SPAD and MDL. Winter on the Great Lakes is a good time for members to upgrade at Piney Point due to layup of vessels. Next port: Waukegan, Mich. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 10—Chairman Edward J. O’Conner, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Engine Delegate Stephen J. Riccobene. Chairman announced Oct. 11 sanitary inspec- tion. Seafarers were reminded to return movies after use. There has been no word about replacement of DVD players. Secretary reported new microwave has been purchased for delivery in Houston Oct. 22. Educational director posted TWIC information in crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension benefits and lower retirement age. Bosun thanked crew for great trip. Next ports: Newark, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston. COURAGE (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 27—Chairman Laurentis D. Colbert, Secretary Susanne Cake, Educational Director Patrick D. Tucker, Engine Delegate Theodore Wallace, Steward Delegate Sherman Harper. Chairman discussed rules and regulations pertaining to holding union meetings. He thanked crew members for safe, smooth trip. Educational director encouraged all mariners to upgrade seafaring skills at the SIU-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read and discussed president’s report from the September 2007 Seafarers LOG. Next ports: New York; Baltimore; Charleston, S.C.; Brunswick, Ga. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), Oct. 14—Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate John R. Day. Chairman announced Oct. 15 payoff at sea. He noted new upholstery in crew mess and crew lounge and asked for help keeping it clean and ripfree. Secretary urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center when their schedules allow. Educational director reminded crew to check all document expiration dates and renew in plenty of time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean and in working order. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Anchorage, Alaska. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Oct. 25—Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Matthew R. Redlinger, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza, Steward Delegate Michael D. Miller. Bosun announced Oct. 27 payoff at sea before arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary thanked members for good housekeeping and reminded departing crew to leave fresh linen for next person. Educational director reminded everyone to keep documents current and renew early—up to six months in advance. He also stressed the importance of upgrading as often as possible to stay abreast of current requirements in the maritime industry, as well as to increase earning power. No beefs reported; OT problems discussed. Chief engineer stopped by and talked about changes made at most recent monthly safety meeting. Everybody aboard vessel thanked Chief Cook Miller for good chow during voyage. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Oct. 31—Chairman Anton T. Sulic, Secretary Richard W. Paulson, Educational Director David S. Goodpaster, Deck Delegate Feliciano M. Gimutao, Engine Delegate Ely R. Hermano. Chairman advised members to keep track of all documents and when they expire. He also stated that everyone should be helpful toward fellow shipmates. Secretary reminded crew to keep receipts from dues payments. Educational director spoke about upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point to better one’s skills. “Never settle for average; always look to be more productive in life.” Treasurer stated $650 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new chairs in galley, crew lounge and unlicensed rooms. New mattresses still are needed in rooms. Recommendations were made to improve pension plan benefits. Next ports: Los Angeles; Honolulu. HOUSTON (USS Transport), Oct. 21—Chairman Richard A. Szabo, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Deck Delegate Sunday Nwankwo, Engine Delegate Jeffery T. Fields, Steward Delegate Saleh M. Saleh. Chairman thanked Seafarers for working hard and in professional manner. He reported new gear working well on mooring lines. Secretary thanked everyone for their cooperation in keeping common areas clean. He reminded crew to clean lint trap in dryer when clothes are finished. Educational director urged members to upgrade often and read Seafarers LOG to stay abreast of latest information on TWIC. He also suggested that everyone should check expiration dates on all documents. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck and Three New Full Book Members Are Ready to Sail Congratulations to Oiler Richard Murray, Chief Cook Alphonzo Berry and Junior Engineer James Hudson. All three received their full books at the November membership meeting at the hall in Norfolk, Va. engine departments. Mariners discussed need for additional dryer for crew laundry. Suggestion made to increase steward department to include additional billet. Crew was asked to keep noise down in passageways, especially while others are sleeping. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. JOHN BOLAND (American Steamship Company), Oct. 21— Chairman Paul S. Gohs, Secretary Solomon B. Darku, Educational Director Donald R. Jaegle. Chairman read all information in ship’s packet and posted it in “Good Feeder” Watkins Arrives in Norfolk The USNS Watkins is known as a “good feeder,” thanks to Steward/Baker Mark Simpson and Chief Cook Frank Washington (in photo at right). Four of the recipients of the good food are (below) BREC James Walker, QMED Edwin Simene, CSKS Gary Bruber and SA Wayne Shindler. recreation room. Any crew members claiming unpaid first day’s wage should check discharge date in question and inform bosun of findings. Educational director advised members to obtain basic safety training as soon as possible. Two crew members who had already obtained that training informed others about the classes involved and accommodations available to upgraders. Treasurer stated $800 remaining in satellite TV fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report and vice president’s report were read and discussed. Crew members reminded to be careful when filing taxes. Vacation applications were distributed, and everyone was asked to help in training of new apprentice aboard ship. Deck department members were asked to blow out deck line to prevent freezing; gloves and helmet liners are available upon request. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 14—Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Engine Delegate Eddie Almodovar. Chairman announced Oct. 22 payoff in Newark, N.J. He thanked everyone for another safe voyage. Secretary reported that ship would be taking on 90-day stores in Portsmouth, Va. since it will not be returning to the States until Jan. 28. Educational director encouraged crew members to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $500 in ship’s fund from Maersk Line Limited for safety award. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding vacation and pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Newark; Portsmouth; Charleston, S.C. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 21—Chairman December 2007 Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores. Bosun reported good crew and safe trip. He announced Oct. 30 payoff in Newark, N.J. Educational director urged Seafarers to apply for TWIC card soon and upgrade at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. Treasurer stated $1,273 in ship’s movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion made for future contract negotiations to include an increase for engine department entry-level/wiper. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), Oct. 28—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Louins Johnson, Educational Director William P. Stone, Deck Delegate Virgilio E. Rosalas, Engine Delegate Edgar G. Pacana, Steward Delegate John A. Stephen. Chairman reminded crew members that one washer is for work clothes while the other is for good clothes. He asked them clean out lint traps after each use due to fire hazard. Secretary advised crew members to have cash on hand to pay dues when agent comes aboard. He also urged them to check expiration dates on z-cards and passports and apply for TWIC cards. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center to qualify for better jobs aboard vessel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to have satellite TV and refrigerators in all crew rooms. Thanks given to steward department for great menus and meals. Next port: Lakes Charles, La. USNS SAMUEL COBB (Ocean Ships), Oct. 6—Chairman Aristeo M. Padua, Secretary Cesar C. Dela Cruz, Educational Director Charles L. Jensen. Chairman and educational director expressed their gratitude to all departments for working well together. Crew discussed new gym equipment and the possibility of using the spare room for weight lifting and other fitness activities. They also expressed interest in having internet access. Secretary talked about completion of voyage with no reported injuries or illness aboard vessel. Treasurer stated $300 in ship’s fund. Educational director urged Seafarers to check out what the union-affiliated school has to offer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Houston. Seafarers LOG 19 �45524:September-07 11/26/2007 11:11 PM Page 20 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN 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, 2006 to December 31, 2006. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). 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, 2006 to December 31, 2006. 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 Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $65,464,095 as of December 31, 2006 compared to $22,124,202 as of January 1, 2006. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $43,339,893. 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. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $92,882,492. This income included employer contributions of $88,479,423, realized gains of $371,278 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $3,267,823. Plan expenses were $49,553,985. These expenses included $10,106,688 in administrative expenses and $39,447,297 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $17,901,704 as of December 31, 2006 compared to $18,293,835 as of January 1, 2006. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $392,131. 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 $58,135,971. This income included employer contributions of $55,598,540, realized gains of $1,001,868 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,426,387. Plan expenses were $61,235,484. These expenses included $6,491,216 in administrative expenses and $54,744,268 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information 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: You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; or telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.70 for the full 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. 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 (Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, DC 20210. 1. An accountant’s report; and 2. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Margaret Bowen, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; or telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.60 for the full 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. 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 (Plan Office, 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: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, 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 pur- 20 Seafarers LOG poses 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 LaborManagement 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 safe- guards 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 LM2/3/4) 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. December 2007 �45524:September-07 11/26/2007 11:11 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 few months of 2008. 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 Date Completion Basic Fire Fighting February 18 February 22 Advanced Fire Fighting January 14 January 25 Basic Safety Training/STCW December 10 December 14 February 25 February 29 March 24 March 28 January 28 February 1 Medical Care Provider General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Start Date of Course Date Completion Able Seaman January 21 March 3 February 15 March 28 April 14 April 18 January 7 February 1 The School Wants Your Input The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education wants to know what courses interest you and when you would like to see them scheduled, if possible. If you are a prospective student/upgrader, please complete this form and mail it to: Paul Hall Center, Attn: Admissions, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674—or email the information to vocational@seafarers.org. (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Celestial Navigation Date of Academic Department Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* Start Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 7 January 18 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman March 3 March 14 A complete course listing appears in the Paul Hall Center section of the web site www.seafarers.org and also is scheduled for publication in the January 2008 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Feedback from this informal survey will be used to help shape the school’s curriculums and schedules. Please keep in mind that not all suggestions may be acted upon. (STOS) Your Name: ________________________________________________________________ Steward Upgrading Courses Your Rating (if applicable): __________________________________________________ Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Your Contact Information (optional): ____________________________________________ Today’s Date: ______________________________________________________________ Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Dec. 10, 2007. Please list the courses you would most like to see the Paul Hall Center offer (either existing ones or new ones): __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Engine Upgrading Courses __________________________________________________________________________ Course Start Date Date of Completion FOWT February 25 March 21 Welding January 7 January 25 __________________________________________________________________________ If you have a preference as to when those classes would be offered, please note the date range or general time of year:__________________________________________________ Your feedback is appreciated. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (125) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. U.S. Citizen: 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 ________________________________________________ December 2007 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. 12/07 Seafarers LOG 21 �45524X:September-07 11/27/2007 9:07 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 695 — Graduating from the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 695. They include (in alphabetical order) Zoran Barich, Rasheen Breathwaite, Kevin Copeland, Michael Cruz, Shantaz Harper, Anthony Irizarry, Emmanuel Korsah, Theodore Lampke, Jose Layz, Demetrius Madison, William Redinger, Cieara Rogers, Darwin Rondon, George SantiagoCordero, Joangel Sierra, Chancellor Staley, David Upsher and Earl Wood. (Note: not all are pictured.) AB — With instructor Bernabe Pelingon (far right) are upgraders who completed the AB course Oct. 26. They are (in no specific order) Ernest Frank III, Sherwin Jones, Jarrell Vick, Daryl Spicer, William Cruz, Billy Hill Jr., James Luttrell Jr. and Desir Donald. (Note: not all are pictured.) Towboat Scholarship Program — These students recently completed a number of courses in the towboat scholarship program including GMDSS, Search and Rescue, Cargo Handling and Emergency Procedures. They are (in alphabetical order) Richard Axelsson, Denis Dubro, William Dunney, Russell Horton, Kenneth Johnson and Kervin Velazquez. (Note: not all are pictured.) Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — On Oct. 5, the following Phase III unlicensed apprentices (in alphabetical order) completed this course: Bryan Boyle, Erik Brown, Juan Castillo, Moriah Collier, Christian Cordova, Drake Corpus, German Cortes, Anthony DelloRusso, Jose Encarnacion, Ian Ferrer, John Fraley, Rupert Henry, Thomas Jones, Thaddeus Kilgore, Donnetta McLee, Reina Mendez, Joshua Montgomery, Christopher Sheppard, Danielle Smith, Thomas Tebow, Todd Williams, Kerry Wilson and Joshua Zelinsky. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is at far right. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Under the instruction of Bernabe Pelingon (far left) are Sept. 28 graduates of the lifeboatman/water survival course. They are (in alphabetical order) Mike Andrucovici, Anthony Clemons, Abdul Muhammad, Justino Sanchez and Jarrell Vick. Medical Care Provider — Upgrading Seafarers who took the week-long medical care provider class that ended Oct. 12 are (in no specific order) James Larkin Jr., Noland Earl, Karim Elgallad, Chris Kibodeaux, Wayne Henry, Philip Ayotte, Jordan Cuddy, Neil Warren, Jeffery Bull and Pete Gerber. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at far right. 22 Seafarers LOG Refrigeration Engineer — With Calvin Beal (center) as their instructor, Moses Mickens Jr. (left) and Donald Christian completed the refrigeration engineer course Nov. 9. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduating from the advanced fire fighting course Oct. 5 are (in no specific order) Harold Gerber, Noland Earl, Clifford Taylor, Karim Elgallad, David Campbell, Horace Rains, Michael Shappo, Neil Warren, Patrick David, Paul Voisin, Jimmy Willis Jr., Michael Willis and James Larkin Jr. (Note: not all are pictured.) December 2007 �45524X:September-07 11/27/2007 9:07 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Completing this course Oct. 5 are (in no specific order) Nathaniel Jennings, Anthony Wrencher, Sammuel Yazzie, Joseph Noach, Marco Galliano, Adam Hansen, Daniel Coffee, Donald Bernard Jr., Christopher Hunnings, Joe Mieluchowski, Brian Jones, Charles Buckley, Kenji Hoffman, Prashanta Barua, DeAnthony Owens, H. Cliff Page Jr. and James Singer. (Note: not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Chief Cook — Working their way up the culinary ladder are upgrading students who completed one of the class modules Oct. 11. From the left are Mark Newbold, Tanya Bradley, James Alibad, Domingo Barraga, Alex Cordero and Chef/Instructor John Dobson. Radar Observer — Successfully completing the radar observer course ending Oct. 18 are (in alphabetical order) Prashanta Barua, Timothy Fogg, Gerald Freeman, Frank Guido and Michael Willis. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far left. ARPA — With a radar course already behind them, these five students completed the Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) course Oct. 26. They are (from left) Kipling Wise II, Michael Willis, James Larkin Jr., Timothy Fogg and Frank Guido. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is third from left. Specially Trained OS — Upgrading STCW — NCL, Oct. 12: Ursula Baskett, Michael Beatty, Amanda Brill, John Cally, Donnel Cherry, Matthew Cross, Michelle Curry, Nichole DeRoche, Jessica Dunney, Kathleen Ford, Michael Gretch, RyAnn Hueners, Jeffrey Ingalls, John Jackson, Danyelle Jefferson, Roland Johnson and Ariana Jordan. Their instructor, Mike Daras, is at far left. STCW — Seafarers and Phase III unlicensed apprentices completed the STOS course Oct. 5. They are (in alphabetic order) upgraders Albert Beneman, Larry Bradley, Terry Hester and Wilfredo Lansangan, and apprentices David Bernstein, Bryan Brady, Prymus Buckholtz, Steven Dalton, DeMond Lindsey, Wade McClennan, John McCormick, Juan Ortega Jr., David Pacheco, Neiman Pettis, Robert Raymond, Joey Roberts, Tommy Rodgers, Terry Thomas and Josean Villanueva. NCL, Oct. 5: Phouvilay Louangaphay, Sherrard Lowe, Amarilys Machado, Amanda Mize, Eric Montalvo, Kathleen Nolis, Patrick O’Donnell, Jacqueline Obrofta, José Quinones Jr., José Ramos Rodriguez, Ramon Santos Berrios, Alexei Simonov, Dadrien Stiskal, Anthony Torres-Alvarado, Burton Trageser, Brandy Underwood, Angelica Vega Rodriguez and SIU upgrader Jerry Willis. December 2007 STCW — NCL, Oct. 12: Magdala Laguerre, Molly Lamb, Stephanie Layou, Katelyn Marshall, Tony Menges, Jeffery Moore, Deborah Morgan, Michael Murn, Kimber Murray, José Pacheco Martinez, Ronald Peebles, Lance Post, Thomas Robinson Jr., Steven Severs, Ashley Stammer, Joshua Thompson, Erin Trainor, Daniel Wilson, Euron Wright and Kelley Zogopoulos. Seafarers LOG 23 �45524X:September-07 11/27/2007 9:07 AM Page 24 Volume 69, Number 12 December 2007 Summary Annual Reports Seafarers Pension Trust, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and MCS Supplementary Pension Plan — page 6 Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and Seafarers Vacation Plan — page 20 CONTRIBUTE TO SPAD The Seafarers Political Action Donation helps us help you! ATTENTION, SEAFARERS: Check upcoming editions of the LOG for information on new T-shirts sporting the SPAD artwork shown on this page. The shirts will be available for a limited time to individuals who contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation fund. Seafarers International Union/SPAD 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 www.seafarers.org � 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 2007 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PHC ADVISORY BOARD FOCUSES ON TRAINING NEEDS, INDUSTRY TRENDS UNION URGES MEMBERS TO APPLY FOR TWIC KEEL LAID FOR 7TH T-AKE SHIP SIU STATEMENT ON DELTA QUEEN SIU CREWS HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT GRASSROOTS EFFORTS REWARDED ON ELECTION DAY LABOR-SPONSORED PROTESTS URGE PROTECTION OF WORKERS’ RIGHTS CIVMAR SAYS SIU MEMBERSHIP IS ‘MY MOST IMPORTANT ASSET’ NEW SEAFARERS 401(K) PLAN ON SCHEDULE LNG SAFETY TRAINING AVAILABLE AT PAUL HALL CENTER SEAFARERS ANSWER THE CALL OF THOSE IN NEED IN TACOMA 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 12/01/2007 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. 69, No. 12 2007 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/dae75d241c663a5cd179a1b5bd2b2956.pdf fb8025326f47070940f289fdc2914c30 PDF Text Text 45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 2:54 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 1 January 2008 New Tanker Delivered Aker Philadelphia Shipyard in midNovember delivered the Seafarers-contracted tanker Overseas Los Angeles (right), the third vessel in a series of new builds operated by OSG in the Jones Act trade. Later that month, Aker American Shipping announced its entry into an “option agreement” with the union-contracted shipyard to construct as many as 13 additional product tankers. The agreement means that the company aims to expand its fleet from 12 to 25 new tankers. Page 3. Overseas Los Angeles Joins SIU-Crewed Fleet; Agreement Signed for up to 13 More Vessels Paul Hall Center Course Guide Seafarers Deliver ‘MRAPs’ For U. S. Troops in Iraq The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers thorough instruction for mariners whether they’re just entering the industry or upgrading their skills, including license programs. The school also features academic support including GED and college degree programs. Pictured below are students in a few of the dozens of classes offered at the Piney Point, Md. campus. Detailed course descriptions and dates are included in an eight-page section beginning on page 9. Fulfilling their ongoing mission as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense, Seafarers aboard the Alliance New York (above) and Great Land, respectively, recently helped deliver cargoes of MineResistant, Ambush-Protected Vehicles (MRAPs) to American troops in Iraq. The vehicles are part of a new program designed to better protect our soldiers. Pages 2, 24. Membership Services Office Opens Page 2 SIU’s Year in Review Page 5 �45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 3:01 PM Page 2 New SIU Department is ‘One-Stop Shop’ for Help President’s Report Membership Assistance is Just a Phone Call Away at 1-800-252-4674 Many Gains in 2007 By the time most Seafarers read this article, the New Year will have arrived, undoubtedly bringing with it the usual assortment of resolutions and personal goals for the next 12 months. It goes without saying that I wish all the best to our members and retirees and their families in 2008 and the years that follow. Professionally, this is the time of year when most organizations take stock of Michael Sacco their activities from the previous 12 months, as well as look ahead. For the SIU, while we’re a multi-faceted union, our first measure of success is protecting members’ job security and gaining new shipboard employment opportunities for the present and future. On that front, I’m happy to report good news in 2007. Among other gains, we saw significant progress in the new tanker construction projects in Philadelphia and San Diego. We welcomed new work in the Government Services Division, including aboard ammunition ships. We climbed the gangways when new tonnage arrived in the private sector, whether the ships were replacement vessels or outright additions. This was true not only in the deep-sea fleet but also the coastal and inland trades, where our members gained employment on new, state-ofthe-art ATBs and tugs. If you’ve read the LOG or attended membership meetings during the past year, you know that Seafarers continued delivering the goods in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Those stories may almost seem routine by now, but if so, that’s a credit to the men and women of the SIU who have been so reliable from the first moments of OIF and OEF. My hat is off to them, and I also appreciate the numerous military officers and government representatives who’ve gone out of their way to publicly acknowledge the fine work of Seafarers around the world. Similarly, it was hard to miss the fact that the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last year celebrated its 40th anniversary. Without trying to recap all of the history in this limited space, I must say the school remains a source of pride and a true leader in the maritime industry. I’m sure that its namesake, the SIU’s second president, is looking down at the Piney Point campus, nodding in approval – and probably chomping down on a cigar, too. As mentioned, not all of our activities are specific to maritime. We are part of not only the overall labor movement, both domestically and internationally, but also members of our communities as a whole. That’s why we continue working closely with the International Transport Workers’ Federation and its other affiliates. It’s why we continue throwing our efforts behind grassroots activities that will benefit not only Seafarers but all working families. In particular, we will not give up the fight for affordable health care for every American. And, we will not be discouraged at temporary setbacks involving the Employee Free Choice Act – badly needed legislation that would restore fairness to the process of workers’ choosing whether or not to form a union. This is just a sampling of what we accomplished in 2007 and what we’re still working on as the calendar turns to 2008. I remain confident in our future, grateful for your support, and enthusiastic about promoting our membership at every opportunity. Volume 70, Number 1 January 2008 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 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG As the SIU continues striving to provide enhanced services for Seafarers, effective Jan. 1, 2008, headquarters has established a new department known as the “Membership Assistance Program” (MAP). MAP aims to aid members on all Seafarers Plans matters in one centralized area. The department will be responsible for coordinating membership information such as addresses, beneficiaries, etc. MAP will also send information regarding benefits to members when they become eligible as well as requesting documents that may be missing (birth or marriage certificates, for example). These packages will include a welcome letter, summary plan description booklets, enrollment forms, beneficiary cards and more. The department will also direct calls from its toll-free number – 1-800-252-4674 – to other appropriate headquarters departments if necessary. In Seafarers may utilize a new toll-free number – 1-800-252-4674 – for assistance from union headquarters, which is based in Camp Springs, Md. essence, MAP will become a one-stop shop for most member needs related to the union and Seafarers Plans. MAP will offer a Spanishspeaking coordinator to assist Latin American members and their dependents. It will also be responsible for coordinating assistance with the claims department, pension and other departments. Again, MAP can be reached at 1-800-252-4674. Members and port personnel are encouraged to contact the department when they need information regarding benefits. Global Labor Leaders Stress Freedom to Join Unions Labor leaders from the U.S. and around the world told members of Congress Dec. 11 at a special congressional forum on Capitol Hill that restoring workers’ freedom to form and join unions in the U.S. is critical to workers’ rights around the world. The forum concluded an historic two-day conference, “Going Global: Organizing, Recognition and Union Rights,” which was sponsored by the Council of Global Unions (CGU) and hosted by the AFL-CIO at the National Labor College. “In an age of rampant global corporate outlaws, the world’s workers must forge new alliances to defend their democratic freedom to come together in unions to improve their lives,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said. “When workers are free to exercise their right to bargain collectively, everyone benefits. Wages increase, inequality decreases, and democracy is strengthened. And when workers’ freedom to form unions is thwarted, standards of living plummet.” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who opened the congressional forum, said workers’ freedom to join unions is a basic right that must be protected. Pelosi said global cooperation among workers and trade unions is key to bol- stering the middle class worldwide. “This historic conference is essential to protecting and strengthening the rights of workers as the world grows increasingly interdependent and national boundaries become less relevant,” Pelosi said. “Out of this forum will come the ideas and solutions that will help win collective bargaining rights and other labor protections that are essential to building vital democracies and strong middle-class communities throughout the world.” Global labor leaders echoed that theme and said when workers are truly able to exercise their freedom to join unions and bargain collectively, everyone benefits, not just the rich. “We reject an economic model that impoverishes workers while the very few get wealthy,” said Sharan Burrow, president of the International Trade Union Confederation, which represents 168 million workers worldwide. Trade union leaders discussed why respect for freedom of association and collective bargaining is crucial to the survival of human rights and democracy around the world. They urged for the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act in the United States because it is vital to the effort to achieve full organizing and bargaining rights in their own countries and with multinational companies. “Today, collective bargaining rights have expanded throughout much of the world,” said Communications Workers of America President Larry Cohen. “In the United States, however, we’re going in the wrong direction. Labor law here is broken, to the point that bargaining and organizing rights in the United States are inferior to virtually every other democracy, including newly emerging democracies like South Africa, Taiwan and Brazil.” Two panels composed of labor officials and workers presented testimony to members of Congress outlining the various hurdles workers face when trying to form and join unions and bargain collectively. Senator Edward Kennedy, presiding over the first panel, “U.S. Crisis in Collective Bargaining,” focused on the badly broken labor law system in the U.S. The second panel, chaired by Rep. George Miller, “Global Organizing and Bargaining Rights,” focused on the importance of labor law reform in the U.S. to workers’ rights worldwide. Seafarers Deliver for U.S. Troops SIU members aboard Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc.’s (TOTE) SS Great Land recently delivered more than 100 Mine-Resistant, AmbushProtected (MRAP) vehicles from Port Charleston, S.C., to our troops in Iraq. MRAPs provide better protection for our military forces than the humvees currently in use. The delivery comes after one made by SIU members aboard the Alliance New York (see back page) but is the largest to date. The U.S.-flagged SS Great Land delivered the goods under the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). SIU members on board included: Bosun Marco Galliano, ABs John Ellias, Steven Roquemore, Mott Arnold, Todd Homer and Danny Davis, QMED Barry Knowles, GUDEs Ronald Williams and Apolonio Cruz, OMUs Hector Frederick, Legarrius Jones and Manuel M a r t i n e z, Steward/Baker Antoinette Amato, Chief Cook Dionesio Moreira-Martinez and SAs Juan Martinez and Mike Bubaker. January 2008 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:40 PM Page 3 Agreement Signed for up to 13 More Tankers Seafarers-Contracted Overseas Los Angeles Delivered by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard In a potentially huge development for the Jones Act fleet, Aker American Shipping ASA in late November announced it has entered into an “option agreement” with union-contracted Aker Philadelphia Shipyard to build up to 13 product tankers at a total contract value of $1.3 billion. With this agreement, Aker American Shipping stated that the company aims to expand its fleet from 12 to 25 state-of-the-art vessels. Aker American Shipping’s fleet comprises 10 product tankers and two shuttle tankers, all of which are chartered to SIUcontracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) under bareboat charter agreements. OSG has already time-chartered 11 of these vessels to oil companies and refineries in the U.S. The new agreement with Aker Philadelphia Shipyard allows for a fleet expansion by an additional 13 vessels, for delivery between July 2011 and July 2015. There was no immediate word concerning charters for those vessels. However, according to the company, the ships “are of the robust, double-hull Veteran MT-46 Jones Act product tanker design; they can be easily modified to allow for deployment as shuttle tankers or chemical carriers.” That wasn’t the only big news recently announced about the tanker programs. On Nov. 16, the third tanker built at the Philadelphia Shipyard – the Overseas Los Angeles – was delivered. The occasion marked the first time in the yard’s history that three vessels were delivered in the same year. Following very successful sea trials and final testing and commissioning, the ship joins two sis- ter vessels in the Jones Act trades that were built at the same yard: the Overseas Houston and Overseas Long Beach. Each of the ships is 600 feet long and capable of carrying 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. Each vessel weighs approximately 46,000 deadweight tons. Aker American Shipping President and CEO Dave Meehan stated, “This vessel is powerful evidence of the value of series construction. Built in a shorter period of time and delivered with zero outstanding inspection comments, this vessel will serve its crew and charterers well.” Three additional tankers are currently under construction at the yard, with the next vessel scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2008. In all, nine further tankers are slated to be delivered by the yard through 2011. Tanker construction is ongoing at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, where the fourth vessel in the Veteran Class series (above) now has its rudder and propeller attached, with the deckhouse also set in place. Seventy Reap Gains After Two Months of Negotiations Bisso Crews Approve Contract Extension Nine tankers are on order for SIU-contracted U.S Shipping Partners. Shown above is an artist’s conception of one of the new ships. NASSCO Lays Keel of 1st Product Tanker for U.S. Shipping Partners A keel-laying ceremony took place Dec. 11 at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, signaling progress on the first ship in a new class of Seafarers-contracted product carriers (PC-1). The double-hulled vessel is being built for U.S. Shipping Partners and is scheduled to be delivered in early 2009. It is one of nine such tankers scheduled to be constructed at NASSCO. The build program itself includes options for five additional ships. Each PC-1 ship will be 600 feet long, displace about 49,000 deadweight tons and have a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels. The ships are based on a design of DSEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering of Okpo, Korea. NASSCO began construction of the first tanker in the series in August. U.S. Shipping Partners previously announced that the ship will be named Golden State, the state nickname of California. General Dynamics NASSCO employs more than 4,600 people and is the only major ship construction yard on the West Coast of the United States. In addition to the PC-1 program, the San Diego shipyard has contracts to build nine T-AKE class dry cargoammunition ships for the U.S. Navy (vessels that will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division), and an agreement to build up to five additional ships. U.S. Shipping Partners’ current fleet includes the ITF Baltimore, ITB Groton, ITB Jacksonville, ITB Mobile, ITB New York, ITB Philadelphia, SS Chemical Pioneer, MV Houston, MV Charleston, MV Sea Venture and ATB Freeport. January 2008 SIU boatmen employed at E.N. Bisso in New Orleans recently approved a contract extension featuring significant gains. The contract covers approximately 70 members who sail as deckhands and engineers. Bisso operates 14 boats in the New Orleans area – mostly involved in ship docking along with some offshore work. What became an extension lasting through November 2010 at first was only supposed to be a wage reopener. However, as negotiations progressed over a period of about two months, both parties agreed to expand their scope. In the end, rank-andfile members overwhelmingly approved an extension calling for an across-the-board daily wage increase (retroactive to September 2007) including a boost to entry-level pay; a bonus for employees with at least 90 days of service at Bisso; an increase in the company’s matching contributions to the 401(k) plan; improvements to pension benefits; maintenance of Core Plus health benefits; and company reimbursement of up to $100 per year for safety shoes. Representing the SIU during negotiations were Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Deckhand Delegate Matt Marchand and Engineer Delegate Robert Jordan. Voting took place aboard Bisso boats from mid- to lateOctober. The votes were nearly unanimous in favor of the contract extension. (The pact originally had been scheduled to expire in 2009.) Corgey noted, “Consistent with industry trends, the union and the company successfully negotiated a competitive compensation package that will help enable Bisso to attract and retain qualified personnel and provide a good standard of living Pictured aboard the Vera Bisso are (from left) Engineer Delegate Robert Jordan, Deckhand Delegate Matt Marchand and fellow SIU Boatmen Jared Boteler, Thad Hukins, Jeremy Smith, Chris Lambert, Mark Mayeaux and Ramon McDonald. for our members. The credit goes to the members at Bisso who showed a lot of union solidarity and brotherhood, and also to Bisso management for bargaining in good faith that allowed us to arrive at this fair agreement.” Among those approving the pact are (from left) Benjamin Snyder, Benjamin Shipp, Brandon Chauvin, Robert Jordan, Antoine Wesley, Shane Brulte and Matt Marchand. Standing in front of the Gladys B are Matt Marchand, Ricky Lacour, Dwaine Valois, Seth Mayhall, Dustin Jeansonne, Dickie Valois and Robert Jordan. Seafarers LOG 3 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:40 PM Page 4 TSA Issues Guidance For TWIC The following information, available on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) web site, covers the steps necessary to acquire a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This information has been sent to all SIU halls and will be repeated (in various forms) in upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. As reported numerous times, the deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a TWIC is Sept. 25, 2008. Therefore, the union urges Seafarers to apply for the new card, which eventually will be required of all U.S. mariners who need unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. ports and vessels. The requirement comes from a federal law called the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Seafarers should check with their port agents and/or utilize the TSA contact information that follows for the latest information on the TWIC program, including the “TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan,” which is a list of cities where TWIC enrollment centers are or will be located. Updates also regularly appear on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” section). The program itself is very much a work in progress, so periodic if not regular updates are anticipated. Seafarers are advised that although pre-enrollment for the TWIC is optional, both the agency and the first individual SIU members who have applied for the card strongly recommend it. To pre-enroll, individuals must first register for an ID starting at https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWI CWebApp/ MERCHANT MARINERS Will these rules affect all Merchant Mariners? Yes. All credentialed U.S. merchant mariners must obtain a TWIC. This includes all persons holding a Coast Guard-issued merchant mariner’s license, merchant mariner’s document (MMD), Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate, or certificate of registry (COR). With the implementation of TWIC, the Coast Guard MMD would primarily serve as proof of the bearer’s professional qualifications. The Coast Guard has drafted a supplementary proposed rule (published in the same Federal Register edition as the TWIC final rule) that proposes to combine the elements of all four current merchant mariner professional credentials into one certificate called the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). The Coast Guard and TSA are streamlining the process for the two credentials to reduce costs, duplication of effort, and processing time for mariners. If the MMC proposed rulemaking is finalized as currently written, the Coast Guard would begin issuing the MMC in September of 2008 and would phase in the replacement of mariner’s current credentials over a period of five years. Mariners would be issued their credential in the form of an MMC at the time they renew their current credential, or when applying for a new credential. The proposed rulemaking would not affect the validity of a mariner’s current credential. ENROLLMENT TSA states that applicants must apply at a TWIC enrollment center and that TSA will be expanding the number of centers and also providing 4 Seafarers LOG mobile enrollment centers. The enrollment process consists of the following components: optional pre-enrollment, in-person enrollment, security threat assessment and notification of the results, and issuance of the TWIC to the applicant. Applicants may pre-enroll online to enter all of the biographic information required for the threat assessment and make an appointment at the enrollment center to complete the process (although appointments are not required). Then, applicants must visit the enrollment center where they will pay the enrollment fee, complete a TWIC Application Disclosure Form, provide biographic information and a complete set of fingerprints, and sit for a digital photograph. The applicant must bring identity verification documents to enrollment and in the case of aliens, immigration documents that verify their immigration status, so that the documents can be scanned into the electronic enrollment record. (DOT) medical card Civil marriage certificate MML (Merchant Mariner License) bearing an official raised seal, or a certified copy What is the purpose of the TWIC Disclosure Form? The form, available in PDF format at: http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/twic _applicant_disclosure_form_2212. pdf provides additional information to the applicant on the security threat assessment process, as well as a notice on privacy and paperwork reduction. The applicant is also required to review and certify statements pertaining to eligibility for a TWIC, military service, and, once a TWIC is issued to the applicant, their responsibility to disclose information to TSA that would disqualify them from holding a TWIC. The applicant signs and dates the form, and if required, the helper/translator will also sign the form and provide contact information. Applicants are encouraged to review the TWIC Disclosure Form in order to familiarize themselves with chased pre-paid debit cards. For companies choosing to use the pre-paid option, the website is http://www.twiccard.com. In all cases, payment will be made at the enrollment center at the beginning of the enrollment process. What is the pre-paid debit card for the TWIC Program? This method of payment is a prepaid Visa® card and is intended for employers who wish to purchase TWICs for their employees. They may be purchased in bulk and are redeemable at any TWIC enrollment center. The website for additional information or purchasing them is at http://www.twiccard.com. What is the fee for a replacement card? The card replacement fee (for lost, stolen, or damaged TWICs) is $60. SECURITY ASSESSMENT What does the security threat assessment consist of? What documentation is required for The assessment includes checks a TWIC? against criminal history records, terApplicants must provide the rorist watch lists, and appropriate documents immigration status. If no in order to verify their adverse information is identity. They must disclosed, TSA typically provide one document The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a completes a security from list A, or two from threat assessment in less list B, one of which web site –https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/ than ten days. However, must be a government- AboutTWIC.do – explaining the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Program and enrollment processing time increasissued photo ID: process. es for an applicant with a criminal history or other List A FOR MORE INFORMATION disqualifying informaUnexpired passOn the web: www.tsa.gov/twic tion, and is further port By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC lengthened if the appliUnexpired Per- (1-866-347-8942) cant initiates an appeal manent Resident card By email: credentialing@dhs.gov or waiver. This security or Unexpired Alien threat assessment is the Registration Receipt same for those applying Card with photograph it, and to complete and bring it with for, transferring, or renewing a HAZUnexpired foreign passport with them to the enrollment center. MAT endorsement (HME) on their one of the following: PRE-ENROLLMENT state-issued commercial drivers ✰ I-551 Stamp; TSA says there is a pre-enroll- licenses (CDL). ✰ Attached INS Form I-94 indicating unexpired employment autho- ment process that might help speed rization; up the process of receiving a TWIC Will the results of my threat assess✰ Unexpired Employment Auth- card at its web site: https://twicpro- ment be shared with my employer? If TSA determines that an appliorization Document (I-766); gram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/ cant poses an imminent threat to ✰ Unexpired Employment AuthCOSTS AND PAYMENT transportation or national security, orization Card (INS-688B); ✰ Or with one of the following The fee for a TWIC will be TSA may notify the applicant’s Unexpired Visas: E-1, E-2, E-3, H- $132.50 and it is valid for five years. employer. Generally, TSA will not 1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1, TN, M-1, C- Workers with current, comparable provide the reasons for a disqualifica1/D, B1/OCS background checks may pay a tion to an employer. However, if TSA Free and Secure Trade (FAST) reduced fee of $105.25. If workers has reliable information concerning Card are eligible to pay the lower price, an imminent threat posed by an appliMerchant Mariner Document their TWIC will expire 5 years from cant and providing limited threat (MMD) the date of the comparable credential information to an employer, facility, (additional information is provided in vessel owner, or Coast Guard Captain List B (need two and one must be a the next question). The cost of a of the Port would minimize the risk, government-issued photo ID) replacement TWIC, if the original is then TSA would provide such information. U.S. Certificate of Citizenship lost, stolen or damaged is $60. (N-560, 561) U.S. Certificate of Naturali- If I have a comparable assessment, What if I have already completed a zation (N-550 or 570) how can I determine which fee is comparable threat assessment? A reduced fee of $105.25 will be Driver’s license or ID card more economical — the reduced fee made available for applicants who issued by a State or outlying pos- or the full, 5 year fee? session of the United States According to the TSA, it is most will not require the security threat Original or certified copy of beneficial for applicants who will use assessment. The reduced fee is availbirth certificate issued by a State, a comparable security threat assess- able for the following: applicants who hold a valid county, municipal authority, or out- ment and pay the reduced fee to do so Materials lying possession of the United within 12 months of receiving the Hazardous States bearing an official seal comparable threat assessment. After Endorsement (HME) issued after Voter’s registration card 12 months, it is more cost effective to May 31, 2005, applicants who hold a valid U.S. military ID card or U.S. pay the full fee for TSA to complete retired military ID the security threat assessment and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) U.S. military dependent’s card issue a TWIC with an expiration date card, applicants who hold a MerchConsular Report of Birth 5 years from the date of issuance. ant Mariner Document (MMD) Abroad issued after February 3, 2003, or Expired U.S. passport What are the methods of payment? applicants who hold a MerchNative American tribal docuPayment must be made with credment it card (Visa or MasterCard only), ant Marine License (MML) issued U.S. Social Security card money order, or certified/cashier’s after January 13, 2006. For those applicants seeking to U.S. Citizen card I-197 check. Checks should be made U.S. Military discharge papers payable to Lockheed Martin. An pay the reduced fee, they must preDD-214 additional option has been provided sent their HME, FAST card, MMD, Department of Transportation through the use of company pur- or MML (meeting the requirements Online TWIC Enrollment Guidelines outlined above) at the time of enrollment. WAIVERS AND APPEALS Is there going to be an appeals and waivers process? Yes. Applicants who are denied a TWIC will be notified of the reason for denial and instructed on how to apply for an appeal or waiver. All applicants have the opportunity to appeal a disqualification, and may apply to TSA for a waiver if disqualified for certain crimes, or if they are aliens in Temporary Protected Status. Applicants who seek a waiver and are denied may seek review by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Also, applicants who are disqualified due to intelligence-related issues and are denied an appeal or a waiver may seek ALJ review. How long does someone have to file an appeal or waiver? The applicant has 60 days from the time they receive a Final Determination of Threat Assessment to provide the required information to TSA for consideration. If someone is denied, can they access secure areas of a port pending the appeal/waiver process or do they have to wait for its completion? Access to these areas will depend on the owner/operator security plan and their escorting procedures, as well as the enforcement and compliance date for that particular USCG Captain of the Port zone. CARD ISSUANCE How will the cards be issued? The applicant will be notified by email or phone, as specified during enrollment, when his/her credential is available at the enrollment center. The applicant must return to the same enrollment center to pick up his/her TWIC. How long is the TWIC card good for? TWICs remain valid for five years, unless the expiration date was based on a comparable credential (FAST card, Merchant Mariner Document or Hazmat Endorsement). The expiration date is displayed on the face of the credential and TWIC holders will be responsible for renewal. For applicants who pay the reduced fee, the expiration date of their TWIC will be 5 years from the date listed on the credential associated with the comparable security threat assessment. How will I be notified to get a TWIC? Facility and vessel owners/operators are required to inform employees of their responsibility to possess a TWIC and what parts of the facility and vessel will require a TWIC for unescorted access. The intent of this requirement is for owners/operators to determine which of their employees will need a TWIC and inform those employees in enough time for them to comply with the requirements. Owners/operators are also encouraged, but not required, to provide this same information to personnel who are not facility or vessel employees, e.g. contractors, truck drivers. Coast Guard Captains of the Port will also be working with the local Area Maritime Security Committees to communicate enrollment center locations and scheduling, as well as TWIC requirements and compliance dates. January 2008 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:40 PM Page 5 2007 Year in Review Union Makes Great Strides Toward ‘Brighter Future’ Armed with the principles of the “Mapping Out a Brighter Future” motto that was unveiled during the Seafarers International Union of North America’s convention (an event that took place last September), the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU made great strides in 2007 to help ensure a brighter future for its members and the wellbeing of our country and industry. Brighter Future for Members, Families Throughout the year, the SIU stood arm in arm with the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department and the rest of the federation when calling for improved health and wellness for mariners, other union members and indeed all Americans. Health care is a hot-button issue and promises to be for some time to come. Seeing SIU members involved in rallies, and get-out-the-vote, email and letter-writing campaigns calling for improved and affordable health care for Americans were not uncommon sights. The SIU not only participated in this national mobilization for better and affordable health care, but also made moves in 2007 for the membership by switching its service provider for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) to CIGNA HealthCare. The move broadened the size of the health care network and the agreement set lower deductibles for participants and their families. The SIU also took a noteworthy step forward in helping members secure their economic futures by introducing a 401(k) savings plan that allows members to contribute before-tax income into a number of investment plans tailored to their needs. In an annual benefit aimed at improving educational opportunities for members and their families, in May, six dependents of Seafarers were chosen to receive a combined total of $120,000 in scholarships through the SHBP. The recipients have aspirations to also help brighten futures by taking classwork to eventually learn to cure diseases, for example, and help make the world a better place. More U.S.-Flagged Ships = More Jobs for U.S. Seafarers A key reference point for the “brighter future map” is this simple equation: U.S. flags equal U.S. jobs. It’s been a driving force behind the SIU’s efforts for decades, noted SIU President Michael Sacco. Last year was no exception, and the results weren’t hard to spot. Among other gains and improvements, the newer Washington Express joined the Maritime Security Program fleet, replacing the older Liberator. The third and fourth T-AKE ships (the USNS Alan Shepard and USNS Richard E. Byrd) were launched, signaling new ship- SIUNA President Michael Sacco (right) listens as U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, addressing the SIUNA convention, discusses challenges facing the maritime industry. board employment opportunities for members of the SIU Government Services Division. SIU members manned new “duck boats” as part of New York Splash Tours. Overseas Shipholding Group took delivery of the first three tankers in the new Veteran Class series: the Overseas Houston, Overseas Long Beach and Overseas Los Angeles. OSG also ordered ATBs and additional tankers for the Jones Act fleet. The tankers are being built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. SIU-contracted Horizons Lines added five new ships in 2007. The MSP fleet continued to grow as the containership Yorktown Express was ushered in. Express Marine added the SIUmanned tugboat Duty into service. Crowley welcomed the ATBs Gulf Reliance and Resolve into its fleet. SIU-member CIVMARS boarded the Military Sealift Command’s USNS Safeguard. Seafarers also crewed up Crowley Ship Management’s National Glory. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. The hearing was about trends and innovations in mariner education and to assess how growing workforce shortages will affect the maritime industry as trade increases. Standing at bat for the SIU was its Executive Vice President Augie Tellez who told the panel that shipboard manpower must be addressed in the context of national security; that sealift lessons learned after the Persian Gulf War mandated the need for a strong Ready Reserve Force; and that the SIU, its contracted operators and affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education have strongly contributed to the nation’s pool of skilled and loyal U.S. citizen seafarers. Additionally, the union missed no opportunities to weigh in on the Continued on Page 21 Political Action Whether helping gather support for maritime staples such as the Jones Act, Seafarers continued delivering the goods for U.S. troops in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Above, the SIU-crewed USNS Charlton loads a Bradley fighting vehicle in Savannah, Ga. January 2008 cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program, or promoting general labor issues such as the right to form a union, the SIU stayed typically active in 2007 when it came to grassroots action as well as taking their points directly to lawmakers. When the SIU – along with other unions affiliated with the MTD – weighed in with a resolution of support for the Employee Free Choice Act, it helped bolster the cause in Congress. In 2007, favorable momentum for the bill mushroomed, and the legislation passed in the House. In the Senate, it got tied up in end-of-the-year filibusters in which numerous pieces of national legislation didn’t stand a chance of being voted on, including the Belated Thank You legislation that the House approved. It’s predicted that Congress has not seen the last of these pieces of legislation, however. The SIU’s expertise was called on in an October hearing before the House The Overseas Long Beach was one of many new vessels joining the Seafarers-contracted fleet in 2007. It’s also part of an ongoing series of new builds at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, a union facility. Seafarers LOG 5 �45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 3:05 PM Page 6 Piney Point Port Agent Edd Morris Retires Members of the bosun recertification class who graduated in August visited SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. In photo above, they are pictured with SIU President Michael Sacco (eighth from left) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (far right). Two Classes of Bosuns Complete Recertification The Seafarers International Union over the years consistently has provided unlicensed mariners with the opportunities and skills necessary to achieve success and provide for their loved ones. Eighteen bosuns took full advantage of this offering recently and parlayed it into milestones in their respective careers. Each earned prominence as a recertified bosun. The mariners, who comprised two different classes, received their graduation certificates in August, and December respectively, following their completion of the bosun recertification course—the highest level of vocational education available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to members of the deck department. The SIU-affiliated school is located in Piney Point, Md. During the month-long course, the 18 Seafarers learned more about the industry in which they work. By their own enthusiastic acknowledgements, each now is better equipped to assume leadership roles by taking this knowledge back to their shipmates at the hiring halls and aboard individual vessels. Those completing the class in August, and their respective home ports were: Bosuns Conrad H. Burke (New York); Riccardo Ciolino (Boston, Mass.); Roberto A. Contreras (New York); Philip Corl (Wilmington, Calif.); Richard Dobbyn (Boston); Basil D’Souza (New York); Rudolph Fraser (New York); Elkanah B. Ladia (Jacksonville, Fla.); Wilfred P. Maurice (New York); and Cecil Yearwood (New York). The December group consisted of Bosuns Egidio Ferreira (Boston); Keller Gilyard (Jacksonville); Abdul Hassan (New York); Raphael James (New York); Matthew Sagay (Houston); David Shaw (Wilmington); Roy Tyler (Jacksonville) and Samuel Uyatede (Houston). Besides making complimentary remarks about the instruction they received, the new recertified bosuns had high praise for the training center’s staff and facilities. Collectively, they lauded the SIU leadership for the fashion in which it is conducting the business of the union and keeping the best interests of its rank-and-file members on the front burner. Each of the graduates also offered words of encouragement to unlicensed apprentices and upgraders who are attending the school. They urged the apprentices to work hard, pay attention and to be good shipmates when they go to their first vessel. Upgraders were advised to continue taking advantage of their opportunities to enhance their skills at the school and to freely share their knowledge with others. The bosun recertification course blends hands-on training and classroom instruction. It also includes meetings with representatives from the Seafarers Plans and various SIU departments. Topics include fire fighting and other safety training; sealift operations; the amended STCW convention; small arms; computer skills; water survival; other international maritime conventions and more. Eight bosuns graduated from the bosun recertification class in December. In photo above, they are congratulated on their achievement by SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (left), SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (fourth from left), SIU President Sacco (eighth from left), SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (fourth from right) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (second from right). 6 Seafarers LOG Thailand. The travel alone might have Longtime union official Edward W. been considered arduous, but it was “Edd” Morris, who most recently nothing compared to the regular threat served as the SIU port agent in Piney stemming from the fact that when Point, Md., retired late last year folMorris serviced ships – no matter how lowing a career that began aboard discreetly – people knew or at least deep-sea ships in 1960 and saw him suspected he was carrying money to first come ashore in 1965. the crews. It would be an exaggeration to say “What people don’t realize is that Morris, 67, saw it all in the SIU – but there were individuals out there waitnot by much. He started shipping during to rob and kill us,” Morris mattering what he described as “lean times,” of-factly stated. “We had many issues took part in a number of key beefs we dealt with (usually centering on including the Robin Line organizing workers’ rights) that didn’t become campaign, and survived harrowing public knowledge.” experiences while working for the Nevertheless, his only real regret is union overseas from the late 1960s to having missed many family events mid-70s. But he also witnessed a because of travel for both the SIU and revival of sorts in U.S.-flag shipping, ITF. He often was gone for days or and in particular played his role with steadfast reliability as the SIU continu- weeks at a time, but, much like the members whom he ultimately served, ally adapted to changing times. Through it all, Morris always took a he accepted it as part of the job. Of course, part of the reason he freno-nonsense, thorough approach to his quently travelled is his makeup: detailjob, whether focusing on rank-and-file oriented, conscientious, and willing to SIU members or assisting in cases sacrifice for the good of rank-and-file involving the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated. “What I enjoyed the most was being able to provide sensible counsel to members in trouble,” he recalled. “This job gave me an opportunity to help people have a better life. I think that’s what attracted a lot of us to this work – it gives us a significant chance to help others.” “Edd has been one of the most ded- Piney Point Port Agent Edd Morris (center) is congratulated on icated and loyal his retirement by (from left) Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, SIU President Michael Sacco, Norfolk Port union officials I’ve Agent Georg Kenny, VP Contracts George Tricker, Executive VP ever worked with,” stated SIU President Augie Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. The photo was taken at the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Michael Sacco. “He Md. absolutely will be missed, but I wish members and the union as a whole. him nothing but the best in a long and Morris’ positions with the SIU healthy retirement.” included work as a representative in SIU Secretary-Treasurer David New York during the mid-1970s; San Heindel said Morris had an eye for Francisco port agent from 1977-80; detail and “you always knew his appliJacksonville, Fla., port agent from cation of the contract was followed to 1980-84; various posts at the unionthe letter. He always gave his best and affiliated Paul Hall Center, including he did a great job.” port agent, from 1984-89 and again The son of a union ship-fitter, from 2001-07; and headquarters repreMorris was born in Dearborn, Mich. sentative from 1990-93. He went through the union’s old Considering his usually serious Andrew Furuseth Training School demeanor, it may surprise some that (forerunner to today’s Paul Hall Center) and sailed in the engine depart- Morris unofficially modified his first ment, with the exception of one stint in name (often affectionately pronounced by others as “E-double-D”) largely on the deck department aboard a Great a whim. He was at the San Francisco Lakes ship. hall in the 1960s when a secretary “At that time, it was a difficult “who thought it was cute” wrote his industry to get into,” he noted. “New name with an extra consonant. people – C-cards – had to stand out in “I said ‘Why not?’ and went with it the street. Jobs that were available to as a penname,” Morris remembered. C-cards were put out at different times More typically, during one of his of day, posted on a telephone pole. It last membership meetings as an active was kind of a weird time.” employee, he offered this advice to He started working for the union in Seafarers: “Have faith and trust in your 1965 in New York, and later served as union officials when things get tough the SIU representative in Yokohama, and tight. They are constantly working Japan – a position with no shortage of for your best interests, and sometimes challenges. Morris cites his good foryou have to be patient before certain tune in that he met his future wife information comes out. while working overseas from 1968-75, “Also it’s important to support but the job during those days left him SPAD. All union homes live and die constantly on the go, meeting with Seafarers in Singapore, the Philippines, with the stroke of a (legislative) pen. That’s a fact and we all know it.” Vietnam, Hong Kong, Manila and January 2008 �45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 3:16 PM Page 7 Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums is presented with a birthday cake (a few days ahead of his actual birth date) by Recertified Steward Louella Sproul (right) and Tracey Moore, secretary at the Oakland hall. San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona and San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White. Sgt. Major Dennis Dineen (USMC, Ret); Leonard Stefanelli, VP of NorthCal and member of Cow Palace board of directors; Lt. Col. Keith Canevaro, 23rd Marine Regiment; and Joey Alioto, owner of Alioto’s Restaurant. Oakland Hall Hosts Successful Thanksgiving Feast String of Well-Attended West Coast Region Events Continues Holiday tradition is alive and well at the SIU hall in Oakland, Calif., which recently hosted its 17th annual preThanksgiving feast. The event took place Nov. 20 (two days before the holiday) and attracted more than 200 guests, including a customary array of Seafarers, retirees, members of Congress, the mayor, military personnel from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Coast Guard, and other visitors from the trade union movement, local government and business community. This marked the second time the gathering has taken place at the union hall on 7th Street – a facility in which the union set up shop in the summer of 2007. Previously, it had been conducted at the old hall in San Francisco. Although the yearly get-together has become a labor of love for SIU Assistant Vice President West Coast Nick Celona, who again worked closely with the committee that organized the event, the SIU official noted that for many guests, it also has evolved into a “can’t miss” day. “It’s really gratifying to see so many people enjoying the celebration and getting into the Thanksgiving spirit,” Celona stated. “The positive feedback each year is amazing.” He added, “In particular, I want to thank all of the SIU members who stepped forward and donated their time and energy for this occasion. They did an incredible job, just as they’ve always done for this event, and they deserve tons of credit.” Also helping ensure that the traditional and plentiful Thanksgiving fare was wellreceived were Alioto’s Restaurant on Fishermen’s Wharf, and Scott’s Seafood from Jack London Square. Among the attendees were U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee and Jerry McNerney, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, Superior Court Judge Ernest Goldsmith, San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Craig Bone. Representatives from the 23rd Marine Regiment presented the colors. Officials and members from a wide range of unions also participated, including the Sheet Metal Workers, Carpenters, Fire Fighters, Police Officers Association, Laborers, IBEW, Plumbers, Sugar Workers, Theatrical Stage Employees, MM&P, AMO, MEBA, MFOW and Machinists. Representatives from the California Labor Federation, the Alameda County Central Labor Council and a number of union-contracted companies also took part in the festivities. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, SIU Asst. VP Celona and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone Superior Court Goldsmith Asst. VP Nick Celona is proud to have in attendance his wife, Denise, and mother, Grace. Bosun George Pino January 2008 California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski Judge Ernest Congressman Jerry McNerney and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone USCG Rear Admiral Craig Bone and Oakland Councilwoman Nancy Nadel Members of the 23rd Marine Regiment present the colors. Seafarers and guests enjoy the food and the company. Seafarers LOG 7 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 PM Page 8 With Seafarers Aboard the Liberty Glory These photos of Seafarers aboard the Liberty Glory were taken during a recent voyage to South Africa and Mozambique. Thanks to Third Mate Kevin Corwin for submitting them. General Utility Deck /Engine Ramon Sanchez (above, left) and Unlicensed Apprentice Fadel Mohamed are pictured in the machine shop. 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. GSU Teodoro Flores helps keep the galley clean. 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: AB Thomas Walker puts the finishing touches on a davit. 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. AB Nelson Sambula paints the ship’s rail. Recertified Bosun Victor Beata touches up paint on a hatch coaming. Seafarers Scholarship Program Booklet Request Form Please send me the 2008 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. 1/08 8 Seafarers LOG 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 2008 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 PM Page 9 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 at least 18 years old, holding a U.S. Merchant Marine Document, passing a physical exam, and English language proficiency. Paul Hall Center Course Guide for 2008 In 2007, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education appropriately observed its 40th anniversary through various ceremonies, articles and keepsakes. Consistent with its proud tradition, however, the SIUaffiliated school spent far more time enhancing its curriculums than reflecting on the past. In particular, the school upgraded its facilities to include three auxiliary bridges with z-drive and conventional controls. The Paul Hall Center also upgraded the auxiliary bridges from single-channel visuals to threechannel visuals using plasma screens. The main and auxiliary bridges were further modernized with Transas 4000 software and new radars and radar emulators. Based in Piney Point, Md., the center also installed a liquefied gas cargo simulator offering comprehensive training in LG familiarization, LG specialization and LG safety. Looking ahead to 2008, the school remains focused on continuing to deliver the world’s best-trained mariners. The Paul Hall Center offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved classes, most of which empha- DECK DEPT. Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman Applicants completing our 4-week 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 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 sizes hands-on training. Once again in keeping with a tradition built throughout four decades, the school offers everything from entry-level programs to upgrading classes to license preparation to academic support and more. Students also may receive college credit recommendations for successfully completing certain sanctioned courses. 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. An overview of many of the courses available at Piney Point is contained in this eight-page section and also appears on the web site www.seafarers.org, in the Paul Hall Center section. Students should note that courses and class dates 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 B-VIII/ 2, Part 3-1 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 BVIII/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) 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. 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 up-todate class listings. Schedules also are available on the web site, and additional course descriptions may be posted, too. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 150 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 printed in bold. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075, or call (301) 994-0010. 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 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-1-1A; OICNW-1-1B; OICNW-11C; 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 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 infor- January 2008 mation 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 and Coastal Navigation training for license preparation; USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Electronic Navigation Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Electronic Navigation course will satisfy the Electronic Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-4A; OICNW1-4B;OICNW-1-4C; and OICNW-1-4D. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Fast Rescue Boats Applicants completing our 30-hour Fast Rescue Boats 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. 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 Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 9 �45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 3:26 PM Page 10 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. Prerequisites: 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 Course Guide Continued from Page 9 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. Prerequisite: 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 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 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 Magnetic and Gyro Compasses Any applicant who has successfully completed our 20-hour Magnetic and Gyro Compasses course will satisfy the Compass—Magnetic and Gyro training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on ves- 10 Seafarers LOG Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (Including Sea Service) sels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of assessments OICNW-1-5A; OICNW-15B; OICNW-1-5C; OICNW-1-5D; and OICNW-1-5E from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Basic Meteorology Any applicant who has successfully completed our 40-hour Meteorology (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Meteorology training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of OICNW1-7A; OICNW-1-7B; and OICNW-1-7C from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service 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-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.) Prerequisite: 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-32D; OICNW-3-2E; OICNW-3-2F; OICNW- 3-2G; OICNW-3-2H; OICNW3-2I; OICNW-3-2J; OICNW-3-2K; 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. Prerequisite: 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 Applicants completing our entire 16week 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 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, 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, sitecontrol and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory protection, and monitoring equipment and new technoloContinued on next page January 2008 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 PM Course Guide Continued from Page 10 gy. Prerequisite: 24or 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 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). 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. Page 11 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 Search and Rescue (Operational Level) Any applicant who has successfully completed our 16-hour Search & Rescue (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Search & Rescue training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service 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, 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. 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 TankermanAssistant 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. Prerequisite: Fire Fighting January 2008 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 boil-off heater. Prerequisite: 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 Apprentice Mate (Steersman) The Paul Hall Center’s 103-hour Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course is a self-certifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on uninspected towing vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal and Great Lakes; — OR—(2) the examination requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i) for original issuance or 46 CFR 10. 209(c)(iii) for renewal of a license as Master of Towing Vessels (Near Coastal and Great Lakes) provided that they also provide evidence of service in the towing industry before May 21, 2001, AND that the requirements of 46 CFR 10.464(h) are also met. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected towing vessel; be aware of Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 11 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 PM Page 12 Course Guide Continued from Page 11 obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Successful students will be issued a certificate of completion for an Apprentice Mate (Steersman), Near Coastal course. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation OR equivalent course OR experience as determined by the instructor; valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Master 100 Tons The Paul Hall Center’s 90-hour Master 100 Tons, Near Coastal course is a selfcertifying course for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on passenger vessels sailing under U.S. flag or registered/documented under any political subdivision in the United States. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR 10.206(i) for original license, 46 CFR 10.209(c)(iii) for renewal, and 46 CFR 209(f) for reissue. Students who present our certificate of training at a regional exam center within 1 year of the completion of training will satisfy the exam requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(i)for reissuance of a license. After obtaining the requisite sea service and fulfilling other U.S. Coast Guard requirements pertaining to this license, successful students will be able to take responsibility for the safety of an inspected passenger vessel of 100 tons and its passengers; be aware of obligations under Coast Guard regulations concerning safety and protection of passengers, crew, and the marine environment; and, be able to take the practical measures necessary to meet those obligations. Students successfully completing the course will be issued a certificate for successful completion for a Master 100 Ton, Near Coastal license. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCG- approved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5; Fundamentals of Navigation, valid Radar Observer Unlimited certificate; Able Seaman endorsement (any) Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation course will satisfy the Terrestrial Navigation and Coastal Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table AII/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-2A; OICNW-1-2B; OICNW-1-2C; OICNW-12D; OICNW-1-3A; OICNW-1-3B; and OICNW-1-3C. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Emergency Procedures (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 21-hour Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level course is designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flagged vessels. This stand-alone course is a component of the Paul Hall Center’s Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) Program. The functional elements of this course specifically meet Function 1: Navigation at the Operational Level; Competence 1.4 Respond to Emergencies; and Knowledge, Understanding, and Proficiency 1.4.1 Precautions for Protection and Safety of Passengers of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) OICNW Model Course No. 7.03 and the requirements of USCG Policy Letter 01-02. No OICNW assessments will be conducted in this course. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training Emergency Procedures at the Operational Level. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s Basic Cargo Handling and Stowage course is a 40-hour course for students who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels as required by STCW 1995, as amended, and are licensed or intending to be licensed personnel. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to use cargo plans and tables or diagrams of stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given description of cargo and other weights. They will also be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within permitted limits by the use of stress data or calculation equipment, or software. They 12 Seafarers LOG will understand safety precaution used prior to entering enclosed or potentially contaminated spaces. Students should be able to supervise the preparation and dunnaging of holds and the operation of ships’ cargo gear and will be aware of the importance of adequately securing cargo to prevent damage to the ship or cargo. Trainees will identify dangerous goods and know that they are stowed and separated according to requirements of the IMDG Code. They will also know the hazards related to some bulk cargoes and the precautions to take during their loading, carriage, and discharge. Trainees will also have a basic knowledge of the piping and pumping arrangements of oil tankers. This course specifically addresses “Function: Cargo handling and stowage at the operational level” and “Competence: Monitor the loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and the unloading of cargoes” and “Knowledge Understanding and Proficiency: Cargo handling, stowage, and securing” found in Table AII/1 of the STCW Code, amended 1995. This is accomplished through classroom lecture and practical exercises. Students successfully completing this course will be awarded a Paul Hall Center Basic Cargo and Stowage at the Operational Level course certificate. Prior to the scheduled class convening date, each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Possess a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD); provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 13.125; speak, read and understand the English language in accordance with 46 CFR 13.111; provide documented proof of fulfilling USCG approved sea time requirements, completion of Basic Stability course Basic Shiphandling and Steering Control Systems Any applicant who has successfully completed the 40-hour Basic Shiphandling & Steering Control Systems (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Basic Shiphandling & Steering Control Systems training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). The practical assessments in this class will be accepted as the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-6A; OICNW-1-6B; OICNW-5-1A; OICNW-51B; and OICNW-5-1C. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service Basic Stability (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Basic Stability at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. It takes into account STCW Code, Table AII/1, “Function: Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the operational level,” and “Competence: Maintain seaworthiness of the ship,” and “Knowledge, understanding and proficiency, ship stability.” Upon successful completion of the course, students will have knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names of the various parts. They will be able to use tables and diagrams of ship stability and trim data to calculate the ship’s initial stability, drafts, and trim for any given disposition of cargo and other weights. Students will be able to determine whether stresses on the ship are within the permitted limits by use of stress data. They will understand the fundamental actions to take in the event of partial loss of intact buoyancy. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Basic Stability at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Students will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course, U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Ship Construction (Operational Level) The Paul Hall Center’s 40-hour Ship Construction at the Operational Level course is intended to provide training at the basic level for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.flag vessels whose responsibilities include maintaining the seaworthiness of the ship. It takes into account STCW Code Table AII/1: Function: controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at Continued on next page January 2008 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 PM Course Guide Continued from Page 12 the operational level; Ship construction. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have general knowledge of the principal structural members of a ship and the proper names for the various parts. At course completion, successful students will receive a Paul Hall Center certificate of completion in Ship Construction at the Operational Level. This course is open to watchkeeping officers, seamen who are training to become watchkeeping officers, and those who are responsible for loading cargoes. Trainees will be expected to use simple graphs and basic arithmetical skills and must meet the following requirements: USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course; U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; read, speak and understand the English language at a level sufficient to perform job duties; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.05-7 Watchkeeping (Operational Level) Any applicant who has successfully completed our 80-hour Watchkeeping (Operational Level) course will satisfy the Watchkeeping training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC); AND the Page 13 Bridge Resource Management training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. The practical assessments conducted in this course will be accepted as the equivalent of assessments OICNW-21A; OICNW-2-1B, OICNW-2-1C, OICNW-2-1D, OICNW-2-1E, OICNW2-1F, OICNW-2-2A, OICNW-2-2B, OICNW-2-2C, OICNW-2-2D, OICNW2-2E, OICNW-2-2F, OICNW-2-3A, OICNW-2-3B, OICNW-2-3C, OICNW2-3D, OICNW-2-3E, OICNW-2-3F, OICNW-2-3G, AND OICNW-2-3H from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present completed “Control Sheets” for these assessments in application for STCW certification. Prerequisite: AB with one year of sea service ENGINE DEPT. 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. COAST GUARD STCW CERTIFICATION COURSES Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations 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 examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either our 63hour 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. The objective of this course is 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 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 entry-level 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 JUNIOR ENGINEER PROGRAM Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Continued on next page ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT The Academic Department has a long history of providing support and services to students at the Paul Hall Center. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to all students. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411. General Education Program The GED program is open to all mariners who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school for many years has successfully prepared mariners to pass the test. For many students, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a 12-week residency is required.) Adult Basic Education The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the January 2008 T’ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgrader courses or may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. Basic Vocational Support Program The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathematic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the student with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the class- es have begun. These courses are ideal for those students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Program The Paul Hall Center is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition the center offers general education courses required for an associate’s degree. The school currently offers Associate of Applied Science degree programs in nautical science technology (deck department students) or marine engineering technology (engine department students). Both degrees offer concentrations in either the deep sea or inland sections of the maritime industry. There also is a certificate program in maritime technology with concentrations in nautical science or marine engineering. All programs are designed to provide the opportunity for mariners to earn a college degree or certificate in their occupational areas and provide a solid academic foundation in general education subjects. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. Seafarers LOG 13 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 PM Page 14 Course Guide Continued from Page 13 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, Junior Engineer, and Deck Engineer 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), QMED-Oiler/Motor, Total USCGapproved 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 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 Junior Engineer training program, and USCG Junior 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 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. Prerequisite: 6 months QMED Pumpman The Paul Hall Center’s Pumpman course is a 70-hour, 10-day course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Sec. 12.15-9 (c) for Pumpman. The objective of the Pumpman course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to operate, maintain, and repair the equipment associated with the handling of liquid cargo onboard a tankship. Topics covered in the Pumpman course are Inert Gas Systems, Crude Oil Washing (COW) Systems, Vapor Recovery, and two days of assessment in the Cargo Simulator. On successful completion of this course, students will be awarded a Paul Hall Center certificate Each student must meet the following entrance requirements: Paul Hall Center Apprentice Program Phases I, II, and III, including Tanker Familiarization Dangerous Liquids (DL) training, Paul Hall Center FOWT Program, QMED Any Rating, Paul Hall Center QMED Junior Engineer Program Students taking training prior to April 4, 1997 or who did not have access to the Paul Hall Center UA program must satisfy the following requirements: STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training, successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Tanker Familiarization DL course, successful completion of the Paul Hall Center FOWT program (non-rated applicants), USCG-approved sea time and 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 Students entering the industry before August 1, 1998 must hold either the USCG Fireman/WT or Oiler rating endorsements (rated applicants) Marine Refrigeration Technician The Paul Hall Center’s Marine Refrigeration Technician course is a 6week (210-hour) course designed for mariners who are employed, or may be employed, on U.S.-flag vessels. Training meets or exceeds requirements of 46 CFR Section 12.15-9 (b) for Refrigeration Engineer. The objective of the Marine Refrigeration Technician course is to provide engine department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on ship’s stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo refrigeration, ventilation and dehumidification equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers, and ice machines. An introduction to refrigerated container units will also be presented. Successful candidates will earn a Paul Hall Center certificate of training. Each candidate must meet the following entrance requirements: Successfully completed a USCGapproved STCW Basic Safety Training course; possess current U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) or USCG license; speak and understand verbal orders in English; six months at sea as a Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) Junior Engineer and possess the Electrician’s endorsement or the Refrigerating Engineer’s endorsement; provide documented proof of fulfilling the physical examination requirements in accordance with 46 CFR 12.15-5 ENGINEERING SPECIALTY COURSES Diesel Engine Technology This 4-week course, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists of classroom instruction and handson 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-, mediumand 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 Operations This 6-week 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. Prerequisites: 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 QMEDAny 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, 14 Seafarers LOG 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, welding, and cutting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites STEWARD DEPT. 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. 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 stand-alone modules totaling 12 weeks. This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. The objective of the Certified Chief Cook Course (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 Continued on next page January 2008 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 PM Page 15 Course Guide Continued from Page 14 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 a 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 CLASSES 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 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 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 princi- January 2008 ples 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 Safety- Elementary 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. Prerequisite: 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;—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. 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 CRUISE SHIPS 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 the establishing and maintaining effective com- munications. 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 lifesaving devices. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Seafarers LOG 15 �45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 3:32 PM Page 16 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 2008. All programs are geared to improving 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 February 25 March 21 April 21 May 16 June 16 July 11 January 7 January 25 February 4 February 22 March 3 March 21 April 7 April 25 Welding Safety Specialty Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date of Course Date Completion Able Seaman January 21 February 15 March 3 March 28 April 14 May 8 May 26 June 20 April 14 April 18 June 16 June 20 Celestial Navigation January 7 February 1 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 7 January 18 February 18 February 29 March 31 April 11 May 12 May 23 March 3 March 14 April 28 May 9 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ Yes No Completion Basic Fire Fighting March 17 March 21 April 14 April 18 June 16 June 20 January 14 January 25 March 10 March 21 June 30 July 11 February 25 February 29 (AB) March 24 March 28 (FOWT) April 7 April 11 (AB) May 12 May 16 (AB) January 28 February 1 March 24 March 28 Medical Care Provider General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twentyfive (150) 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. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. U.S. Citizen: Date Academic Department Courses UPGRADING APPLICATION Lakes Member Course Basic Safety Training/STCW Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every Monday beginning January 14. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start January 7. Deep Sea Member Date of Advanced Fire Fighting Steward Upgrading Courses Telephone _________________________ Start 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 ________________________________________________ 16 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. 1/08 January 2008 �45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 4:09 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 CARMINE BOVA, JR., 53, was born in Massachusetts. Brother Bova joined the union in 1971 while in the port of New York. He initially shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel as a member of the deck department. Brother Bova upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His final voyage was on the Seabulk Energy. Brother Bova is a resident of Jupiter, Fla. DAVID CORDERO, 59, embarked on his seafaring career in 1969. Brother Cordero’s earliest journey was aboard the Jacksonville. He was born in Puerto Rico and sailed in the deck department. Brother Cordero attended classes at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. His last trip to sea was on the Quality. Brother Cordero lives in Isabela, P.R. JOHN EMRICH, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1968. Brother Emrich first shipped aboard the Buck Monitor. The deck department member was born in Illinois. Brother Emrich enhanced his skills on three occasions at the SIU-affiliated school. He most recently worked on the Horizon Consumer. Brother Emrich makes his home in Long Beach, Calif. ANGEL ROMAN, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of New York. Brother Roman’s maiden voyage was aboard the Sea San Juan. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Roman’s final expedition was aboard the Achiever on which he sailed in the deck department. He resides in New York. SUZANNE SANTORA, 65, became an SIU member in 1998 in the port of Baltimore. Sister Santora originally shipped in the steward department of the Charles L. Brown. She enhanced her seafaring abili- Completes Two College Courses ties often at the Piney Point School. Sister Santora was born in Washington, DC. Her concluding journey was aboard the USNS Seay. Sister Santora calls Greenbelt, Md. home. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST IVAN ZULUAGE, 65, was born in South America. Brother Zuluage joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1979 in the port of San Francisco. He upgraded on two occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school. Brother Zuluage first went to sea on the Over Anchor. His most recent voyage was aboard the Manoa. Brother Zuluage lives in Medellin, Colombia. INL AND JAMES ZENOS, 59, initiated his seafaring profession in 1973. Boatman Zenos’ earliest excursion was on the Seabulk Tanker. In 1996, the deck department member enhanced his skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Zenos last shipped with Moran Towing of Texas. He is a resident of Port Arthur, Texas. Seafarer Brandon Maeda submitted this photo of himself (left) and fellow SIU members Dorothy Barnes and Michael Gramer aboard the old cruise ship Constitution in 1982. All three of them went on to complete steward recertification at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Maeda said of his time aboard the “Connie” and sister ship Independence, “Those were the good, fun days.” If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1941 In an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board on the ships owned and operated by Robin Line (Sea Shipping Company), the SIU was the winner by an overwhelming majority. Of the 210 men who were eligible to vote, 201 actually voted, with 199 voting in favor of the SIU. There was one crew member who voted against the union and one whose ballot was declared void. This election was a direct result of the contracts being negotiated by the SIU. 1962 The first agreement of its kind in the maritime industry recently assured that a supply of fresh milk we be available for every working seaman. Development of a new process that allows dairymen to superheat milk and ultra-pasteurize it so that it can be stored in cans without refrigeration has made it possible to have a supply of canned fresh milk aboard ship at all times. Use of the new canned fresh milk is designed to do away with the problem of purchasing and handling milk in different foreign ports where facilities, supplies and quality are limited. In the future, the SIU Feeding Plan will ensure that milk is available aboard all contracted ships. This Month In SIU History Hard work and studying has paid off for Upgrader Vadym Gutara, above center, who recently completed a pair of courses—Political Science 101 and Math 102—as part of his academic requirements to enter into an associate’s degree program. With Gutara are Peggy Densford , academic instructor, and Rick Prucha, computer instructor. Gutara now has completed four college-level courses at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. January 2008 1950 The Atlantic and Gulf District of the Seafarers International Union became the first seamen’s organization on the East and Gulf coasts to win a company-financed welfare plan for its members in an agreement signed with nine steamship companies. Although Seafarers will not contribute to the welfare fund, the agreement calls for joint administration by a committee representing the union and the operators. Under terms of the contract, each operator will contribute into a common fund of 25 cents per day for each man employed aboard its vessels. 1973 One of the first U.S. ships bringing American grain to the Soviet Union will sail back with Russian oil – reportedly the first Soviet oil to be imported by the United States since the end of World War II. The Overseas Aleutian, manned by members of the Seafarers International Union and now unloading grain at the Black Sea port of Odessa, will pick up 35,000 tons of No. 2 heating oil for its return voyage, Soviet maritime sources said. The oil was bought to ease an expected shortage of heating oil this winter in the American northeast. Seafarers LOG 17 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JOHN ALTSTATT Pensioner John Altstatt, 83, passed away May 28. Brother Altstatt embarked on his seafaring career in 1943 while in the port of New York. He was born in Oklahoma and sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Altstatt initially shipped aboard a Cabin Tanker vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1979, he worked for Michigan Tankers Inc. Brother Altstatt made his home in Beggs, Okla. LEONARD BAILEY Pensioner Leonard Bailey, 81, died June 16. Brother Bailey joined the union in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. His maiden voyage was on an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. Brother Bailey last sailed aboard the Del Oro. The deck department member was born in Mississippi. Brother Bailey became a pensioner in 1984 and settled in Perkinston, Miss. BROOK BOWERS Brother Brook Bowers, 35, passed away June 6. He began sailing with the SIU in 1999 aboard the SPC 5 Eric G. Gibson. Brother Bowers was a native of Memphis, Tenn. His final expedition was on the ITB Mobile. Brother Bowers worked in the engine department. He called Fairhope, Ala., home. RICHARD CHARRION Pensioner Richard Charrion, 80, died June 15. Brother Charrion started his SIU profession in 1947, originally sailing aboard the Choctaw. He was born in Ohio and shipped in the deck department. Brother Charrion’s concluding journey was on the Mariner. He lived in Auburn, Wash., and went on pension in 1991. VINCENT CHAVEZ Pensioner Vincent Chavez, 86, passed away May 5. He became a Seafarer in 1944 while in the port of New York. Brother Chavez’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Del Norte. He was a member of the steward department. Born in the Philippines, Brother Chavez last sailed on the Cape Edmont. He resided in Covington, Wash., and began collecting his retirement pay in 1985. WILLIAM DAWSON Pensioner William Dawson, 75, died June 16. He donned the SIU colors in 1953 in the port of New York. 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Dawson was initially employed aboard a vessel operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Company. He worked in the deck department. Brother Dawson’s final voyage was on the Cape Rise. He was a resident of Norfolk, Va. Brother Dawson retired in 1992. LUIS ESCOBAR Brother Luis Escobar, 54, passed away July 19. He joined the SIU ranks in 1989. Brother Escobar first shipped aboard the Independence as a member of the steward department. His most recent trip to sea was on the Brenton Reef. Brother Escobar made his home in Ruskin, Fla. EDWARD FORE Brother Edward Fore, 53, died June 21. He became a Seafarer in 2000 while in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Fore was born in Dillion, S.C. He initially sailed with American Overseas Marine in the engine department. Brother Fore’s concluding expedition was aboard the Freedom. He called Gresham, S.C., home. STANLEY KRIEG Pensioner Stanley Krieg, 80, passed away June 4. Brother Krieg launched his SIU career in 1955, originally sailing from the port of Seattle. The Minnesota native worked in the deck department. Brother Krieg’s first ship was the John B. Waterman; his last the Horizon Tacoma. He went on pension in 1989 and settled in the state of Washington. LEONARD LELONEK Pensioner Leonard Lelonek, 79, died May 25. Brother Lelonek initiated his seafaring profession in 1960. He was born in New York and sailed in the steward department. Brother Lelonek’s maiden voyage was on the Del Aires. Before his retirement in 1997, he shipped aboard the Endurance. Brother Lelonek lived in Gardnerville, Nev. WILLIAM OBER Pensioner William Ober, 80, passed away June 30. Brother Ober donned the SIU colors in 1965. His earliest trip to sea was on a Hudson Waterways Corporation vessel. Brother Ober was born in Baltimore. His last excursion was aboard the Tacoma. Brother Ober became a pensioner in 1988 and resided in Mountlake Terrace, Wash. LUIS RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Luis Rodriguez, 84, died May 16. Brother Rodriguez joined the union in 1951 in the port of New York. His first expedition was on the Dorothy. Brother Rodriguez was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. His final ship was the San Pedro. Brother Rodriguez started receiving his retirement compensation in 1984. He continued to be a resident of Puerto Rico. ADOLFO SCHULTZE Pensioner Adolfo Schultze, 75, passed away May 15. Brother Schultze embarked on his seafaring career in 1991, his initial trip to sea being aboard the Senator. Born in Argentina, he worked as a member of the engine department. Brother Schultze’s concluding voyage was on the Commitment. He became a pensioner in 2004 and settled in Miami Beach, Fla. GENE SIVLEY Pensioner Gene Sivley, 70, died June 1. Brother Sivley began sailing with the SIU in 1967. His earliest journey was aboard the Over Anchor. Brother Sivley was born in Alabama and shipped in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 2001, he was employed on the Horizon Reliance. Brother Sivley called Seattle home. JIM SPENCER Pensioner Jim Spencer, 82, passed away June 2. Brother Spencer was born in North Carolina. He joined the Seafarers in 1947 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Spencer originally sailed with Doric Shipping Trade Corporation as a member of the deck department. His last excursion was aboard the Overseas Valdez. Brother Spencer retired in 1987 and made his home in Asheboro, N.C. ALVARO VEGA Pensioner Alvaro Vega, 90, died May 26. Brother Vega became an SIU member in 1941 in the port of New York. The Puerto Rico born mariner first sailed on the Suzanne. Brother Vega worked in the engine department. His concluding voyage was aboard the New Orleans. Brother Vega went on pension in 1974 and lived in Temple Terrace, Fla. INLAND JOHN BURNELL Pensioner John Burnell, 83, passed away May 3. Boatman Burnell started his seafaring profession in 1962. He shipped primarily on vessels operated by Moran Towing of Texas. Boatman Burnell was born in Chalmette, La. In 1987, he began collecting his retirement stipends. Boatman Burnell was a resident of Grove, Texas. JOHN CIESIELSKI Pensioner John Ciesielski, 90, died May 21. Boatman Ciesielski first went to sea in 1956 while in the port of Baltimore. He initially sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland. Boatman Ciesielski was a Baltimore native. His ending journey was aboard a Charles H. Harper & Associates vessel. Boatman Ciesielski became a retiree in 1979. He resided in Hilldale, W.Va. FRANK GIBSON Pensioner Frank Gibson, 86, passed away June 13. Boatman Gibson launched his SIU career in 1965 in the port of New Orleans. For the duration of his employment, he worked aboard Dixie Carriers vessels. Boatman Gibson retired in 1992 and made his home in Louisiana. ROBERT LEIJA Boatman Robert Leija, 46, died June 17. He joined the union in 1997 while in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Leija originally shipped with Moran Towing of Texas as a member of the deck department. He was born in Houston but called Pasadena, Texas home. Boatman Leija most recently sailed on a Penn Maritime Inc. vessel. JOHN RIDLEY Pensioner John Ridley, 62, passed away June 26. Boatman Ridley became an SIU member in 1987. He was born in New Orleans and shipped in the steward department. During his SIU career, Boatman Ridley primarily worked aboard vessels operated by Red Circle Transport Company. He went on pension in 2006 and continued to live in Louisiana. RONALD WILLIAMS Pensioner Ronald Williams, 68, died June 21. Boatman Williams began sailing with Seafarers in 1972. His earliest trip to sea was on a Dravo Basic Materials company vessel. Boatman Williams was born in Anson, Texas. His final journey was with Higman Barge Lines Inc. Boatman Williams became a pensioner in 2001 and settled in Kountze, Texas. GREAT LAKES SHELDON GILBERT Pensioner Sheldon Gilbert, 79, passed away June 14. He embarked on his SIU profession in 1960 while in Detroit, Mich. Brother Gilbert was initially employed with Michigan Interstate Railway as a member of the deck department. The Michigan native last worked aboard the Indiana Harbor. Brother Gilbert was a resident of Mt. Morris Township, Mich. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1991. DONALD JAEGLE SR. Pensioner Donald Jaegle Sr., 81, died Aug. 24. Brother Jaegle joined the Seafarers in 1962. He was born in Toledo, Ohio. Brother Jaegle worked with Great Lakes Towing Company for the duration of his career. He retired in 1987 and made his home in Northwood, Ohio. CARL MARCIN Pensioner Carl Marcin, 77, passed away May 24. Brother Marcin donned the SIU colors in 1970. His first ship was the William Reiss; his last was the Kinsman Independent. Brother Marcin was born in Detroit, Mich. and sailed in the deck department. He went on pension in 1994 and called New York 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 Age DOD Actipis, Dionysios Alicia, Jose Arauz, Jaime Arizmendi, Perfecto Ayala, Pedro Balsano, Joseph Belmosa, Victor Benjamin, Herbert Berry, Donald Bonnell, Hugh Brinson, Billy Broussard, Frank Camacho, Cecilio Carlson, Alexander Christopher, Leroy Chung, Lai Cintron, Juan Da Silva, Lawrence Duckett, Thomas Duhon, Emery Flores, Genaro Gold, Manny Gordon, Franklin Head, Joseph Heard, Robert Heng, Loy 85 83 79 91 80 91 71 75 67 79 76 83 79 85 78 97 79 82 87 83 88 93 92 81 73 92 May 15 April 6 April 21 April 18 April 3 May 18 April 16 May 17 April 23 April 9 April 18 April 30 May 13 May 11 May 14 April 13 April 28 May 27 April 6 May 11 May 17 May 22 April 22 April 25 April 25 May 2 January 2008 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 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 (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 4—Chairman Teodulfo A. Alanano, Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Steward Delegate John G. Reid. Chairman announced payoff Nov. 8 and explained TWIC enrollment. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for great meals. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Houston, and Norfolk, Va. HONOR (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 13—Chairman Stig F. Sasse Jr., Secretary Exxl C. Ronquillo. Chairman advised members to read the Seafarers LOG to stay informed on TWIC information and changes to medical benefits. He also encouraged crew to donate to SPAD to better their future. Secretary thanked everyone for helping straighten up before meals and urged them to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like new TV & DVD player because the one they have now is broken. It was noted that everyone passed sanitary room inspections. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., and Houston. GREEN LAKE (Central Gulf Lines), Oct. 14—Chairman David C. Shaw, Secretary MaryAnn Sims, Educational Director Claytain Carr, Engine Delegate Steven J. Benavides. Chairman reported good crew and thanked them for being respectful of one another. Secretary addressed an issue involving stores and shipboard food lockers. He stated that if the situation doesn’t change, boxes and food lockers will have to be locked. Educational director informed Seafarers that brochures & applications were available for upgrading at the Piney Point School. He suggested they take advantage of the opportunities that are offered to them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested a coffee machine in crew messhall. Steward department was praised for great food and service. Next ports: Portland, Ore., Benita, Calif., and Long Beach, Calif. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), Oct. 27—Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Raymond P. Vicari. Bosun reminded crew to leave keys for the next person when departing vessel. He reiterated the proper waste disposal process and discussed safety procedures. Steward department was praised for a job well done. Secretary asked Seafarers to leave clean bedding for incoming crew members. Educational director urged mariners to check out educational opportunities available at the maritime training center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations were made regarding medical plan. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), Oct. 30—Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Mark Davis. Chairman stated payoff to take place in Tampa, Fla., on Nov. 1. Secretary asked all in attendance not to use galley as a passageway. He also urged them to take advantage of opportunities available at the Piney Point School. Educational director stressed the importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Treasurer reported $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to reduce time required to qualify for benefits and to start a 401K plan. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for keeping house clean. Next port: Tampa, Fla. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 31—Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Daniel Herrera, Educational Director Joseph A. Letang, Deck Delegate Cleveland N. West. Chairman thanked all departments for working well together and announced payoff Nov. 1 in Jacksonville, Fla. He also reminded crewmembers to get their TWIC cards soon. Secretary urged members to start renewal process of necessary seafaring documents early. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance seafaring abilities when they have a chance at the union- He Exclaimed As He Sailed Out of Sight… . Recertified Bosun Tim Burke helped promote Christmas cheer aboard the Indiana Harbor when he made this recent appearance as Santa. Whether at the helm (above, left photo) or in the engine room, Santa, er, Brother Burke helped maintain safe operations and a bright outlook on the holidays. Unnamed sources tell the LOG that the real Santa had been scheduled to show up, but he couldn’t access the ship without a TWIC. January 2008 affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report was read and discussed. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., and San Juan, PR. MIDNIGHT SUN (Interocean American Shipping), Oct. 25— Chairman Fadel N. Saleh, Secretary Mark S. Scardino, Educational Director Christopher W. Cunningham, Deck Delegate Bakr M. Elbana, Engine Delegate Ahmed O. Sharif, Steward Delegate Nasser H. Ahmed. Bosun reminded crew to dress appropriately for changing weather and watch for ice on deck. Educational director urged members to contribute to SPAD and upgrade skills often at the SIU-affiliated school. Treasurer noted $1,600 in ship’s fund; recommendation was made to purchase a radio for crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to increase pension benefits. Request was made for a new washer and dryer in crew laundry. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Next ports: Anchorage, Alaska, and Tacoma, Wash. ST. LOUIS EXPRESS (Marine Transport Lines), Oct. 21— Chairman Matthew T. Sagay, Secretary Christopher B. Amigable, Educational Director Daniel G. Ramirez Jr. Chairman reported payoff to take place in Houston on Oct. 31 and that patrolman would be coming aboard. He reminded Seafarers to check-off with patrolman before departing vessel. Secretary thanked fellow crew members for helping keep messhall and lounge clean. He asked them to leave fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director encouraged mariners to take the time to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. In addition to donating to SPAD he also suggested they check document expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were asked to keep music and T.V. volume turned down. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Miami, Fla., and Houston. Servicing Ships in Diego Garcia SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus recently serviced a number of Seafarers-crewed vessels in Diego Garcia. These two photos were taken during those travels late last year. Among other topics, the officials and crew members discussed workplace safety, new shipboard job opportunities, and the many ways that federal, state and local politics affects Seafarers’ livelihoods. The top photo was taken aboard the PFC Dewayne T. Williams (Turkus is third from left, seated, while Marrone is fourth from left). The other photo was snapped aboard the MV Franklin J. Philips which, like the Williams, is a prepositioning ship. Stanley A. Gurney, Secretary Frank J. Starling, Engine Delegate Jamal A. Ricks, Steward Delegate Lloyd R. Lawrence. Bosun urged all mariners to enhance seafaring abilities in Piney Point to increase pay potential. Secretary reported new towels and mattresses have been ordered for crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Signs were posted in passageways to remind crew to keep noise down while others are sleeping. Suggestions were made pertaining to medical benefits. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line Limited), Nov. 21—Chairman Edward J. O’Connor, Secretary Stanley J. Krystosiak, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Engine Delegate Natividad Martinez, Steward Delegate Robert P. Wagner. Chairman expressed his gratitude to crew members for a smooth, safe voyage and informed them that captain’s sanitary inspection would take place prior to arrival in Port Elizabeth, N.J. He also announced payoff on Nov. 25 in Port Elizabeth. Crew was asked to ensure all reliefs coming aboard have fresh linen and soap in their rooms. Secretary warned seamen to be careful when using soap as it is very concentrated. He thanked crew members for help keeping ship clean. Educational director advised all mariners to stay current on TWIC information since they will be a requirement in mid2008. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations were made to increase pension benefits, reduce seatime requirements and lower retirement age. It was stated that a new freezer was needed on crew side of messhall and new microwaves should arrive in Houston. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., and Houston. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), Nov. 4—Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary Alexander Banky III, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez. Chairman stated payoff would take place in Jacksonville, Fla. on Nov. 9. He reminded crewmembers that the Seafarers LOG was the official communication from the union. He advised them to read it and stay informed. Secretary asked Seafarers to keep trash separated. Educational director urged all mariners to check document expiration dates and upgrade whenever possible. Treasurer reported $3,930 in ship’s fund; $500 of that was donated to the family of Apprentice Earl Wood to help pay for his funeral arrangements. Brother Wood died Oct. 23 from natural causes. No beefs or disputed OT reported. FREEDOM (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 9—Chairman INTEGRITY (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 4—Chairman Carl H. Pedersen, Secretary Thomas E. Kleine, Steward Delegate Jorge Bernardez. Chairman discussed the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and provided members with contact information if they wanted further information. Educational director urged crew to check out Piney Point facilities to see what they have to offer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members suggested having a computer available in all union halls (like in Houston) so members can check most recent contract information before joining the vessel. Request was made for new fitness equipment and to have the basketball hoop replaced. Next ports: Port Elizabeth, N.J., Baltimore and Charleston, S.C. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line Limited), Nov. 4—Chairman Cecil M. Yearwood, Secretary Fidelis Oliveira, Educational Director Louis A. Santiago. Bosun reported that all departments are working well together and in a safe manner. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Seafarers-affiliated school whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from headquarters was read, discussed and posted for everyone to see. Request was made for a microwave in crew messhall and for a radio in crew lounge. Crew talked about contract changes and current vacation agreement. Seafarers LOG 19 �45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 3:38 PM Page 20 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Unions Rally for Tobacco Workers NOVEMBER 16 — DECEMBER 15, 2007 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals The photos above were taken in late October during a rally in Winston-Salem, N.C., supporting tobacco farm workers and their efforts to win justice on the job. Unions participating in the demonstration included the Seafarers, Bakery Workers, Machinists, Letter Carriers, Mine Workers, Postal Workers, Auto Workers, Steelworkers and Teamsters along with state and local labor organizations. More information about both the rally and the campaign may be found on the AFL-CIO web site at: http://blog.aflcio.org/2007/10/30/nc-tobacco-farm-workers-march-on-rjreynolds-for-a-voice-at-work/ Totals February & March 2008 Membership Meetings 275 4 5 6 17 3 5 30 20 4 12 8 23 18 16 4 13 6 4 25 19 242 2 1 1 6 3 3 8 2 0 2 1 2 6 0 1 0 0 1 8 6 53 Piney Point ...........Monday: February 4, March 3 Algonac ................Friday: February 8, March 7 Baltimore..............Thursday: February 7, March 6 Boston ..................Friday: February 8, March 7 Guam ....................Thursday: February 21, March 20 Honolulu...............Friday: February 15, March 14 Houston ................Monday: February 11, March 10 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: February 7, March 6 Joliet .....................Thursday: February 14, March 13 Mobile ..................Wednesday: February 13, March 12 New Orleans.........Tuesday: February 12, March 11 New York .............Tuesday: February 5, March 4 Norfolk .................Thursday: February 7, March 6 Oakland ................Thursday: February 14, March 13 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: February 6, March 5 Port Everglades ....Thursday: February 14, March 13 San Juan ...............Thursday: February 7, March 6 St. Louis ...............Friday: February 15, March 14 Tacoma .................Friday: February 22, March 21 Wilmington.............Tuesday: February 19,* Monday: March 17 (*change created by Presidents’ Day holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 20 Seafarers LOG Totals 0 0 2 8 1 7 12 16 1 7 8 13 14 8 4 1 1 0 13 13 129 2 1 5 6 1 3 19 17 0 3 4 8 10 6 1 2 6 5 20 9 128 0 2 0 4 0 2 5 0 1 1 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 7 29 Totals Totals All Departments 2 1 7 10 3 2 23 24 0 11 15 22 11 13 0 1 6 2 26 14 193 2 0 3 12 4 1 13 11 0 7 4 11 16 7 0 5 7 3 18 14 138 0 0 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 3 0 0 0 1 2 18 0 3 0 7 0 4 25 18 1 3 12 24 9 19 3 1 5 6 24 15 5 1 8 15 2 15 62 52 1 15 21 63 24 29 5 1 9 4 60 41 4 12 10 21 5 12 44 36 7 13 17 32 23 24 8 10 13 7 41 27 2 2 0 7 5 3 11 4 1 2 3 4 10 0 2 0 0 2 9 7 179 433 366 74 0 0 2 4 0 3 10 11 0 7 2 12 4 5 1 0 3 0 10 4 78 2 1 6 4 0 2 10 5 0 2 1 8 7 5 2 1 1 1 10 5 73 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 3 2 0 4 15 9 0 2 4 9 8 4 1 0 1 0 15 6 1 0 2 9 2 14 21 23 1 12 7 19 18 11 3 2 2 1 25 17 1 1 5 8 2 4 21 29 0 7 7 11 18 8 2 1 7 7 24 10 0 1 0 5 1 2 4 2 2 1 1 5 3 4 1 0 0 2 2 8 15 83 190 173 44 0 0 0 6 0 6 16 9 0 3 1 9 9 11 0 0 0 0 12 11 0 0 5 7 5 10 31 22 0 11 7 25 17 30 2 4 2 3 29 31 0 0 0 10 1 10 11 10 0 5 5 5 16 9 2 2 4 2 12 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 5 4 8 18 15 2 5 5 19 12 23 2 2 1 2 18 19 162 1 0 0 6 1 6 8 6 0 5 1 2 14 4 3 1 4 0 8 6 76 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 12 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 4 1 4 8 2 6 34 31 1 13 16 39 15 22 4 0 8 2 36 29 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 0 4 2 5 9 8 2 3 4 13 5 20 0 1 3 1 7 9 96 2 0 1 8 0 2 6 6 0 3 1 8 8 2 1 1 1 0 4 5 59 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 9 93 241 111 14 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 6 6 3 0 1 2 8 0 3 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 2 3 6 3 6 17 14 1 3 6 26 10 12 2 18 2 4 17 15 3 0 0 5 0 12 2 18 0 2 3 8 14 7 1 28 1 0 6 7 0 0 1 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 1 3 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 4 3 1 4 5 6 1 2 2 10 7 6 0 10 1 1 9 3 0 0 0 2 0 3 2 5 0 1 1 2 6 2 0 17 0 1 1 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 5 7 2 0 1 3 10 1 4 0 0 0 0 5 0 4 3 1 7 3 6 42 20 0 4 13 43 17 15 2 14 3 3 26 22 7 1 2 9 1 19 6 22 0 2 6 18 18 12 1 20 2 1 10 11 35 168 117 20 76 46 0 38 248 168 601 614 211 387 346 88 355 902 898 300 *“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 2008 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:41 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 January 2008 Page 21 Future Looks Bright For Union, Paul Hall Center Continued from Page 5 Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. The SIU submitted numerous comments concerning TWIC to Congress, the Department of Transportation, the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration. Initially, the union questioned the need for a new credential program for mariners when, with a few modifications, the current background check and credentialing processes could be used. Some of the current TWIC issues the SIU is watching include whether implementation deadlines can be reached, problems that are cropping up with the biometric card readers and delays that might exist at enrollment centers. There are other components of the program that the SIU is tracking and time will tell. In the meantime, Seafarers are reminded that U.S. mariners will be required to carry a TWIC by September 25, 2008. Until that date, a valid zcard/merchant mariner document meets the TWIC program requirements where mariners are concerned. Highly Trained, Skilled & Loyal Fourth Arm of Defense Seafarers have a long and proud tradition of delivering the goods for those defending our nation. As the war in Iraq continued in 2007, SIU members contin- ued to support the troops on commercial and Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force ships. From prepositioning supplies to delivering ammo, fuel, food and armored vehicles along with whatever else was needed. School’s 40th Anniversary Many of the mariners sailing aboard those military support vessels (along with other ships from throughout the Seafarerscrewed fleet) have received training and upgraded their skills at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Last year, the school celebrated its 40th anniversary, commemorating the historic occasion in several different ways. Once a bare-bones facility, the Paul Hall Center now offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. It also is the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the U.S. Highlighting the center’s ever-expanding training capabilities in 2007, the school upgraded its state-of-the-art facilities to include three auxiliary bridges with z-drive and conventional controls. It also moved from single-channel visuals to three-channel visuals using plasma screens. Additionally, the center upgraded main and auxiliary bridges to Transas 4000 software and upgraded radars and radar emulators. The center stayed on the cutting edge of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry by installing an LG cargo simulator. Developed by Transas, a highly regarded company, the simulator offers comprehensive training in LG familiarization, LG specialization and LG safety. Proving itself once again as the “go to place” for expert training, the U.S. Military Sealift Command formally approved the center’s shipboard helicopter fire fighting team member course. It is believed that the school is the first private institution to receive MSC accreditation for helo fire fighting training. The class is a one-day curriculum intended primarily for merchant mariners (including CIVMARS) sailing aboard military support ships – particularly vessels equipped with flight decks. Like most other Paul Hall Center courses, this one emphasizes hands-on training. It also includes classroom instruction. The year included many other mileposts for Seafarers, including ratification of new contracts that increase wages and maintain benefits; the aforementioned SIUNA convention, during which guest speakers from Congress, the administration, the military and the domestic and international labor movements expressed strong support for SIUNA unions and the American-flag fleet; and rescues at sea in which SIU members exhibited the finest traditions of the “Brotherhood of the Sea.” Important Notice Regarding the NMU Pension Plan Merger of the NMU Pension Plan Into the Seafarers Pension Plan As you probably know, the National Maritime Union of America, (AFL-CIO) (“NMU”) merged into the Seafarers International Union AGLIWD/NMU, AFL-CIO (“SIU”) on June 4, 2001. Since that time, efforts have been made to logically consolidate the various pension and benefit funds that were sponsored by the NMU into their counterpart plans sponsored by the SIU. We are pleased to inform you that in the near future, the NMU Pension Plan will merge into the Seafarers Pension Plan (SPP). In order to facilitate the merger of the NMU Pension Plan into the SPP, it is necessary to freeze the benefits provided by the NMU Plan as of December 31, 2007. All individuals who are active participants in the NMU Plan on December 31, 2007 will begin accruing benefits in the Seafarers Pension Plan (the “SPP”) on January 1, 2008. This notice affects all current active participants in the NMU Plan. Future benefit accruals of all participants in the NMU Pension Plan (the “NMU Plan”) will cease effective December 31, 2007. Transfer of Responsibilities On January 1, 2008, the covered employees of those employers that had participated in the NMU Pension Plan will be transferred to the SPP. As of January 1, 2008, the Board of Trustees of the SPP, not the Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension Fund, will have the full responsibility over the NMU Plan. Guaranteed Benefit Accruals Under the NMU Plan As of December 31, 2007, the NMU Pension Plan provides a regular pension benefit equal to: (A) twenty-two dollars ($22) per month per Pension Credit, if at least five (5) of the last twelve (12) Pension Credits earned by the Participant were earned in a Category I Rating, or (B) eighteen dollars ($18) per month per Pension Credit if a Participant does not meet the requirement of paragraph (A) if at least five (5) of the last twelve (12) Pension Credits earned by the Participant were not earned in a Category I Rating. The NMU Plan provides an additional lump sum pension benefit to a Participant who retires with at least twenty-one (21) Pension Credits. The amount of the lump sum benefit is seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) for each of the Participant’s twenty-first (21st) through thirtieth (30th) Pension Credit if the Regular Pension is based on paragraph (A), above, or four hundred dollars ($400) for each of the Participant’s twenty-first (21st) through thirtieth (30th) Pension Credit if based on paragraph (B), above. Please refer to the Summary Plan Description for the NMU Plan for details regarding Category Ratings, how the Pension Credits are earned, and the definition of “Covered Employment.”. Under the NMU Plan amendment described in this notice, any hours of work in Covered Employment that you perform after December 31, 2007 will not count in calculating the amount of your NMU Pension benefit. Further, any compensation you earn after December 31, 2007 will not count for benefit calculation purposes under the NMU Plan. This amendment means that you will not earn any additional Pension Credits under the NMU Plan after December 31, 2007. If you terminated Covered Employment earlier than December 31, 2007, your accrual of benefits under the NMU Plan would have already ceased as of that earlier date. Only Future Benefits Are Affected Please note that the NMU Plan change described above only affects future benefit accruals for NMU Plan participants. It will not affect any benefits that you have already earned. In addition, retirement benefits currently payable to retirees will not be affected by the freezing of benefit accruals inthe NMU Plan. Participation and Start of Benefit Accruals Under the Seafarers Pension Plan Beginning January 1, 2008, if you work in a position covered by a collective bargaining agreement between your employer and the SIU, and you are not already a participant in the SPP, you will then become one. What this means is that any hour of work that you perform in Covered Employment after December 31, 2007 will count toward a pension benefit under the SPP. Based on recommendations from the Actuaries of the Plan, the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Pension Plan will be providing you additional information regarding your future accruals under the SPP. The Summary Plan Description of the SPP contains all the information that you need regarding the pension benefits provided under the SPP, and how they are earned. A copy of this Summary Plan Description will be provided to you by the SPP Plan Office, if you have not already received one. Applying for Benefits Whether you are applying for your pension benefit earned under the NMU Plan or your benefit earned under the SPP, or both benefits, you will be required to apply to the Seafarers Pension Plan, and all benefits to which you are entitled will be payable by the Seafarers Pension Plan. The Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Pension Plan reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to amend, modify or terminate the plan of benefits (including with respect to benefit levels and eligibility requirements), at any time and for any reason, consistent with the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement. Any such change to the SPP can only affect future benefit accruals. It will not affect any benefits that you have already earned under the NMU Plan or the SPP. Benefits already earned cannot be decreased. Should you have any questions concerning any of the information provided in this notice, you may write to the Administrator, Miriam Bove, at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or call 718-499-6600, ext. 242. Sincerely, BOARD OF TRUSTEES NMU Pension Plan This Notice describes changes to the NMU Pension Plan, which will take effect on January 1, 2008. This summary is intended to satisfy the requirements for the issuance of a Summary of Material Modification (“SMM”) under Sections 102(a) and 104(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (a federal law known as “ERISA”). The notice is also provided to you pursuant to Section 4980F of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 204(h) of ERISA. You should take the time to read this notice carefully and keep it with your copy of the Summary Plan Description (“SPD”). If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact the NMU Fund Office at 635 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232, or by phone at (718) 499-6600 before January 1, 2008, or the Seafarers Pension Plan Office, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, or by phone at (301) 899-0675 as of January 1, 2008. This SMM and 204(h) notice is intended to provide you with an easy-to-understand description of certain changes to the NMU Plan. While every effort has been made to make this description as complete and as accurate as possible, this SMM/204(h) notice, of course, cannot contain a full restatement of the terms and provisions of the NMU Plan. If any conflict should arise between this summary and the NMU Plan, or if any point is not discussed in this notice or is only partially discussed, the terms of the NMU Plan will govern in all cases. The Board of Trustees (or its duly authorized designee) reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to amend, modify or terminate the NMU Plan, or any benefits provided under the NMU Plan, in whole or in part, at any time and for any reason, in accordance with the applicable amendment procedures. Only the Board of Trustees (or its duly authorized designee) has the exclusive right and power, in its sole and absolute discretion, to interpret the terms of the NMU Plan and decide all matters, legal and/or factual, arising thereunder. Seafarers LOG 21 �45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 3:39 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT — Completing the FOWT course Nov. 2 were (above, in no specific order) Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 696 — Unlicensed apprentices from class 696 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were Jonathan Bennett, Chad Bruch, Jonathan Diaz, Lamar Doctor, Thomas Halliburton, Hector Hernandez-Martinez, Damonte Jones, Darrel Link, Joshua Luna, Michael Maldonado, Aman Mohamed, Fadel Mohamed, Derrick Moore, Michele Pauldo, Marcos Ramos, William Sabo, George Santiago-Cordero, Caleb Swanson, and Brian Sylvester. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Ameon Fuller, Seth Burton, Marcus Brown, Fayed Ahmed, Todd Williams, Anthony Dello Russo, Francis Brown, Victor Rios, Christopher McAfee, Joseph Jacobs, Lawrence Todd Jr., Jessie Parente, Aristeo Aquino, WInston Rankin, Scott Thomas and James Burton. Tim Achorn, their instructor, is at far right. Advanced Fire Fighting — These Crowley boatmen on Nov. 2 graduated from the advanced fire fighting course. Members of the class (above, in no specific order) were Kenneth Graybill, Paul McCool, Leo Venegas, Anthony DeCiccio, Marc Tomuschat, William Jackson and Willie Allen. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at left. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Marine Electrician — On Nov. 16, the following individuals (in no specific order) completed this course: Andrew Linares, David Watkins, Christopher Eason, Randy Slue, Erik Nappier, Jess Cooper, Terrell Alston, Jerome Dooms and Andrew Van Bourg. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far left. Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot Fast Rescue Boat — Under the instruction of Stan Beck (far left) are Crowley Boatmen who completed the Nov. 2 fast rescue boat class. They are (in alphabetical order) Robert Bergmann, Mark Gaskill, Kenneth Kuehne, Amr Sonbol and Arthur Stewart. attend should inform the admissions department immediately so that arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) —Two classes of Phase III apprentices graduated Oct. 26 from the tankerman assistant course. Those graduating (above, in no specific order) were Edwin Arroyo, Caroline Thomas, Tashara Newston, Terry Taylor, Kenneth Bricker, Cortney Williams, Andrew Geerie, Byran Clark, Riley LeBlanc, David Newsome, Delbra Leslie, Jon Larrinaga, Casey Shannon, Daniel Giles, Weston Hines, Blaine Musk, Amer Saleh, Shawn Pantschyschak, Zachary Miano, Ben Gonzales, Dominic Tuccio, James Petite, Ladarus Clark, DeAndre Whitley, Sean Jones, Jay Aki, Maurice Beasely, Lamar Walton, Sean Keaton, Ruben Haynes, Elmer Pansho, Destinie LeBlanc, Henry Sheppard, Omar Izguierdo, Andrew Cooper, Leroy Sierra and Cheryl Gutkowski. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is not pictured. 22 Seafarers LOG Welding — Graduating from the welding course Nov. 15 (above, in no specific order) were Furman Watson, Franklin Rodgers, Philandae Walton, Heather Bushey, David Brewster, Richard Brewster, Richard Wright and Dario Dizon. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is sixth from the left in the back. January 2008 �45525_P01_24X:January 08 12/27/2007 3:41 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW — SIU, Nov. 2: Michael Acarello, Mohammed Ali, Abdulwahed Alsharey, William Belcher, Paul Hackney, James Hudson, William Jackson, Rickey Mason, Philip Parisi, Emilio Placides, Adrian Schubert, Daryl Spicer, Gerald Toledo, Jarrell Vick, Henry Wilmarth, Salim Yahya and Carlos Zelaya. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is not pictured. Advanced Fire Fighting—Eight G&H Towing boatmen completed the advanced fire fighting course Nov. 9. Graduating from the class (above, in no specific order) were Keith Gunning, Clinton Schussler, Blake Morgan, Luther Sarvis III, Jeffery Lobaugh, Charles Walker, Charles Hadley and Michael Batten. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left. Computer Classes A number of students recently completed various classes in the computer lab at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training & Education in Piney Point, Md. Their photos, names and descriptions of the training they received follow. Gerald Freeman (left) and Mariah Marton (right) proudly show off the certificates they earned upon their completion of computer training. Both took and passed classes in Excel 2002 for Windows XP and the Windows XP Operating System. With them is, Rick Prucha, their instructor Helo Fire Fighting — Unlicensed apprentices from Class 699 completed training in the helo fire fighting class on Oct. 24. Graduating from the course (in no specific order) were Jack Forde, Pamela Wilson, Daniel Cortez, Louise Digman, Joshua Johnson, Michael Anderson Jr., Algernon Ramseur, Meghan Blocker, Tonya Gist, RIchard Villafane, Chirstopher Shivalier, William Chamberlain, Austen Hess, Hubert Dennis, Matthew Martinson. Their instructors, Tom Cessna and Joseph Zienda, are not pictured. Harold Gerber (left) poses with Instructor Prucha after receiving a pair of certificates for his completion of training in Excel 2002 for Windows XP and the Windows XP Operating System. Noland Earl is proud of the training he received in the Windows XP Operating System. In photo at right, he joins Instructor Prucha while displaying the certificate he earned for his achievement. Bridge Team Training — The above Crowley boatmen completed the Nov. 2 class. Pictured (in alphabetical order) are: Jeremy Abel, Joel Anderson, Dominic Bailey, Darren Bates, John Bertrand, Robert Bouton, Bradley Burkart, Johnny Carraway, Michael Donahue, William Harvell, Robert Joiner, William Palmer, Dale Rausch, Sherman Sakatani, Christopher Valley and Bruce Walsh. Their instructor, Jamie Mixon, is second from the right in the back row. Pictured third from the right, back row, is John Quagliano, Crowley representative. Be advised that SIU Headquarters and all SIU Hiring Halls will be closed Monday, Feb. 18 for the observance of Presidents’ Day (unless an emergency arises). Instructor Rick Prucha, center in photo at left, poses with Meili Seegers, left, and Robert Englehart, right, shortly after the two completed a recent computer class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Both earned cerficiates of achievement for their completion of a class in Excel 2002 for Windows XP. Normal business hours will resume the following workday. January 2008 Seafarers LOG 23 �45525_P01_24:January 08 12/21/2007 12:42 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 1 January 2008 SIU SCHOLARSHIPS Seafarers Scholarship Program Booklet Request Form — Page 8 Seafarers Deliver Life-Saving Equipment to Troops in Iraq SIU Members Swing into Action as Nation’s Fourth Arm of Defense It’s no secret that warfare of the 21st Century is increasingly brutal, and personnel protection technology in a combat theater has to adapt and improvise. That’s why the Department of Defense, U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps developed the Mine-Resistant, AmbushProtected Vehicle (MRAP) to better shield military personnel in Iraq from today’s maiming weaponry such as improvised exploding devices and mines. According to the Army, the vehicles have raised, V-shaped underbellies that deflect the force of improvised explosive devices and other blasts from below better than other vehicles in use. When an order of these lifesaving vehicles was ready to be delivered en masse, the Department of Defense recently turned to reliable mariners who have supported our troops for nearly 70 years – SIU members. Called “humvees on steroids” by some, 48 MRAPs were recently transported for the first time to Kuwait for use in Iraq aboard SIU-contracted Liberty Maritime Corporation’s M/V Alliance New York. Since MRAPs are just being deployed, this was the first delivery of many to our troops in combat. The Alliance New York is a new generation single-screw rollon/roll-off PC/TC carrier capable of transporting 6,000 cars, heavy vehicles, road trailers, trucks, buses and rolling cargoes for worldwide services. The Alliance New York flies the American Flag under the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The MSP has been a key element of America’s economic and defense security since its enactment in 1996. The program – extended for another 10 years and expanded from 47 to 60 ships commencing in late 2005 – provides for U.S.-flag commercial vessels, particularly containerships and roll-on/roll-off vessels, which are available to the Department of Defense in times of war or national emergency. The Alliance New York is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. To show support to military members deployed in the combat theater, Liberty Maritime and the SIU crew served breakfast during the discharge and cooked up a Thanksgiving meal with delicacies such as turkey, ham, seafood and all the trimmings. More than 100 individuals attended this special celebration. “The reception was a big success with military personnel and crew,” said Captain Costas R. Balomenos. Seafarers sailing aboard the Alliance New York during this recent voyage included Bosun Thomas Grosskurth, ABs Gregory Peters, Antonio Centeno, Anthony Heinoldt, Jon Silveira and Christopher Brady, GUDEs Denis Cossio and Edwin Sebastian, Chief Steward John Walsh III, Chief Cook Breon Lucas, GSU Jermaine Williams and Unlicensed Apprentices Kabir Garcia and Robert Day Jr. The first MRAP to be delivered rolls down the stern ramp of the SIU-crewed Alliance New York. Seafarers are ready to welcome troops to the crew mess for a delicious meal. The three photos directly above show some of the MRAPs transported aboard the Alliance New York. Crew members display a sign noting the delivery’s historic nature. U.S. Army General Luis R. Visot (fourth from right) is pictured with troops and civilian shipboard personnel on the Seafarers-contracted vessel. The driver is in place and ready to move the first MRAP ashore. � 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 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW SIU DEPARTMENT IS ‘ONE-STOP SHOP’ FOR HELP GLOBAL LABOR LEADERS STRESS FREEDOM TO JOIN UNIONS AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR UP TO 13 MORE TANKERS BISSO CREWS APPROVE CONTRACT EXTENSION NASSCO LAYS KEEL OF 1ST PRODUCT TANKER FOR U.S. SHIPPING PARTNERS TSA ISSUES GUIDANCE FOR TWIC UNION MAKES GREAT STRIDES TOWARD ‘BRIGHTER FUTURE’ PINEY POINT AGENT EDD MORRIS RETIRES OAKLAND HALL HOSTS SUCCESSFUL THANKSGIVING FEAST SEAFARERS DELIVER LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT TO TROOPS IN IRAQ 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 01/01/2008 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. 70, No. 1 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f072b433e515fb4da33ab4a2a59b3092.pdf 59ab19b15d9742b03809930cd501a1cb PDF Text Text 46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 2 February 2008 Rescue at Sea USNS Arctic CIVMARS Help Save 7 Members of the SIU Government Services Division sailing aboard the USNS Arctic recently helped rescue seven foreign mariners who had been drifting in a raft for two days in the central Arabian Gulf. From left, one of the USNS Arctic’s MH-60S helicopters safely lifts one of the stranded mariners; the USNS Arctic sails through rough seas, as pictured from aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Harry S Truman; and some of the survivors are welcomed aboard ship. Page 2. (U.S. Navy Photos) H o s p i t a l S h i p U S N S C o m fo r t Returns After Successful Mission Seafarers Deliver More MRAPs For U.S. Troops SIU members continued their mission as part of America’s fourth arm of defense when the Seafarers-crewed USNS Pililaau recently delivered the largest load of life-saving “MRAP” vehicles to date to U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. One of the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles is pictured driving up the Pililaau’s stern ramp in Charleston, S.C. Page 8. SIU CIVMARS aboard the USNS Comfort last year helped complete a successful fourth-month humanitarian mission that saw the hospital ship deliver much-needed care in Latin America and the Caribbean. Above, OS Bobby D’Angelo power washes the vessel’s deck. More photos and a recap of the mission appear on page 24. Byrd Joins Gov’t Services Fleet List of TWIC Enrollment Centers Page 3 Page 4 Tax Tips Pages 12-13 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 2 President’s Report U.S. Shipbuilding Remains Vital Every industry sees its share of ups and downs, and American commercial shipbuilding is no exception. As we move further into the New Year, I’m happy to note that things are on an upswing at several domestic yards. Challenges always remain, but the tanker construction programs in Philadelphia and San Diego, along with ATBs being delivered from other yards, clearly are positive developments for our industry and our nation. It seems to me the value in maintaining a strong commercial shipbuilding capability is, at the very Michael Sacco least, good common sense. Doing so maintains family-wage jobs and protects U.S. national and economic security by helping prevent too much reliance on other countries. The rationale in some ways is the same as what we know to be true of the U.S. Merchant Marine: As a nation, we simply cannot afford to be without the reliable manpower or the industrial capabilities found in the maritime industry – particularly in the post-9/11 world. Naturally, this belief isn’t confined to the commercial side. Since our country’s earliest days, naval power has been a key part of a strong defense strategy. We’ve heard the idea summarized time and time again. “America is a maritime nation.” “America is an island nation.” However it’s expressed, the bottom line is the same: Important strategic interests will be put at risk if U.S. naval power is allowed to fall below a certain level. Undoubtedly with that in mind, years ago, Congress and the Reagan administration undertook a buildup for the U.S. Navy. By 1987, the fleet reached slightly more than 560 vessels. In that year alone, 17 replacement vessels were built. But ever since then, the annual build rate has declined sharply. For instance, in 2006, only four new vessels were built. Not surprisingly, the U.S. Navy has fallen below 300 vessels. Unless some corrective action is taken soon, the United States fleet will soon fall below 200 vessels. As Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.), a former secretary of the Navy and Marine officer, put it last month, “Simply stated, we are decommissioning Navy ships faster than we are building them. It’s imperative that we reverse this steady slide in shipbuilding.” The decline of the U.S. Navy is not happening in a vacuum. Again to cite just one example for comparison’s sake, China has been investing heavily in its naval fleet. In certain areas, most notably submarines, it already has overtaken the U.S. The technological advantage that the U.S. once enjoyed is steadily shrinking, too. For years, the SIU – often working through the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department – has fought this trend. In addition to the obvious strategic benefits, increased naval construction in U.S. shipyards generates hundreds of thousands middle-class jobs for American workers. These jobs in turn generate badly needed tax revenues and benefits that some U.S. workers would not otherwise enjoy. There is a core of lawmakers in both the House and Senate who recognize the danger of allowing the U.S. Navy to fall below a certain fleet level. A “Sense of the Congress” resolution was introduced in the 109th Congress calling for a 375-vessel naval fleet. Also in the 109th Congress, the Chief of Naval Operations unveiled a plan to stabilize the fleet at a 313-vessel level. Last year in the first session of the 110th Congress, the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee took the lead on this matter. It issued a report stressing that U.S. shipbuilding is “desperately in need of stability.” The subcommittee concluded that the only way to achieve that is by increasing production. While Congress failed to make headway on many funding bills last year, one that it did pass (H.R. 3222), approved $16 billion for the procurement of nine naval vessels. That is five above the administration’s original budget request. The additional ships include an amphibious transport dock ship, three combat force logistics ships and enough money to begin work on a second attack class submarine. This is an important step in the right direction, and I applaud Congress for increasing the build rate. It’s a movement that must continue in the years ahead, because maintaining both a viable naval and commercial shipbuilding capacity clearly is in the best interests of our great nation. Volume 70, Number 2 February 2008 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 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The USNS Arctic’s two MH-60S helicopters deploy for the rescue mission. CIVMARS Rescue UAE Mariners SIU CIVMARS aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T AOE 8) helped rescue seven United Arab Emirates mariners adrift in a raft for two days in the central Arabian Gulf. The rescue took place Dec. 23. While conducting replenishment at sea with the Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), the Arctic received a bridge-to-bridge radio call from the British-flagged cargo vessel MV British Courage requesting assistance rescuing the stranded mariners, who were floating approximately three miles ahead of the Truman. The ships performed an emergency breakaway, and the Arctic dispatched two MH-60S helicopters to the scene. The Arctic put one rescue swimmer in the water who recovered the four Pakistanis and three Indian mariners. The helicopter crews took the mariners to the Truman for medical treatment, food and water. All were in good condition. The mariners had been transporting cargo from Dubai when their boat sailed into rough seas and broke its keel. When the vessel started taking on too much water to remain afloat, the mariners abandoned ship into a life raft where they remained for two days before the rescue. Members Show Strong Interest In New Seafarers 401(k) Plan Membership response to the new Seafarers 401(k) Plan has been plentiful and positive, according to Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. “We have received encouraging feedback from eligible members and we are optimistic that a large cross-section of the membership will participate in the Seafarers 401(k) Plan and enjoy all the benefits it offers,” Bowen noted. Based on initial feedback, the Seafarers Plans in conjunction with the SIU team of financial advisors at Smith Barney put together a summary of some of the most frequently asked questions about the new plan, as follows: What is the contribution limit for 2008? The contribution limit for 2008 is $15,500 (or $20,500 if you are 50 or older). You may make your contributions as traditional pre-tax contributions, Roth after-tax contributions or a combination of both. However, the total amount of contributions (pre-tax + Roth) can not exceed the dollar limits referenced in this paragraph. What is the difference between a traditional 401(k) contribution and a Roth 401(k) contribution? A traditional 401(k) contribution reduces your current income for tax purposes (“pre-tax”). Your contributions and investment earnings grow tax deferred. In the future, when you receive distributions from the Plan, those distributions will be taxable as ordinary income. A Roth contribution does not reduce your current income for tax purposes (“after-tax”). Your contributions and investment earnings grow tax deferred. In the future, when you receive “qualified” distributions from the Plan (meaning you are at least 59 ½ years old and commenced Roth 401(k) participation at least 5 years earlier), your distributions will be received free of federal income tax. If you think your tax bracket in retirement may be higher than your tax bracket while you’re working, you may be a good candidate to make Roth 401(k) contributions. Who is eligible for the Plan and what is the process for enrolling in the Plan? You are eligible to participate if you are working under the standard freightship or standard tanker agreements as well as many other SIU contracts. (Please check with your port agent to see if your company participates.) As contracts are renegotiated in 2008, additional SIU members will become eligible to participate. Everyone who is eligible should have received an enrollment kit. The kit includes a DVD introducing the Seafarers 401(k) Plan, which we encourage everyone to watch. Also in the kit are the enrollment forms. There are three simple forms you must complete. ■ Enrollment Form - This form asks for your personal information such as name, address and date of birth. This is also the form where you specify the percentage of your pay you wish to contribute pre-tax, and / or the percentage you wish to make as an after-tax Roth contribution. Please note that any time you change employers, you must complete a new enrollment form. ■ Investment Election Form - You may put together your own portfolio by picking a combination of funds from the 20 available investment options. Or, you may simply choose from one of four risk-based model portfolios (conservative, moderate, moderate aggressive or aggressive). ■ Beneficiary Election Form - Note that if you are married and wish to designate someone other than your spouse as beneficiary, your spouse must consent in writing, and that consent must be notarized. Once you have completed and signed these forms, please return them to your ship’s captain. The captain will then forward the forms to your employer’s HR department for further processing. Also please note that the aforementioned forms (and other information) are available in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section of the SIU web site, www.seafarers.org. How can I get additional investment guidance and/or financial planning assistance? Call Smith Barney at 800-421-5127. Larry Goldstock, vice president and financial planning specialist at Smith Barney, described the Seafarers 401(k) Plan as “a potentially great way to accumulate a portion of the personal savings that may be needed to fund a financially secure retirement. Our approach to investing is based on our time-tested way of doing business. We offer our clients intelligent counsel based on our research, intellect and hard work. It’s an approach that has helped our clients work toward their financial goals since Smith Barney was established over a century ago.” February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 3 4th ‘Lewis and Clark’ Ship Delivered to MSC USNS Byrd to Join Gov’t Services Fleet The U.S. Military Sealift Command last month accepted delivery of the dry/cargo ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd in San Diego. The ship, to be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, was built by General Dynamics NASSCO. The USNS Byrd, designated T-AKE 4, is the fourth in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships which deliver ammunition, provisions, stores, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s underway carrier and expeditionary strike groups, allowing them to stay at sea for extended periods of time. MSC took delivery of the vessel on Jan. 8. The agency noted that the T-AKEs will replace some of the older vessels in the Kilauea and Sirius classes, respectively. The former are ammunition ships while the latter are combat stores vessels. MSC further reported that the USNS Byrd was scheduled for a short “shakedown cruise” in late January, during which crew members were to test “a range of shipboard operations including a mock ammunition transfer that will use shipboard cranes to lift dummy ordnance onto Byrd’s deck from barges. This is the first such test ever done aboard a TAKE.” The 689-foot USNS Byrd is expected to deploy on its first operational mission this summer. The first ship of the class, the USNS Lewis and Clark, recently completed a deployment in the Persian Gulf. The USNS Lewis and Clark was replaced in theater by the second ship of the class, the USNS Sacagawea. NTSB: 1st-Tripper Was on Watch When Majestic Boat Grounded The Associated Press has reported that the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary report on the May 14, 2007 grounding of Majestic America Line’s sternwheeler riverboat, the Empress of the North, off the coast of Alaska shows there was a new employee – who had received no training aboard the vessel and was unfamiliar with the waters being traversed – on watch at the time the ship hit a submerged portion of a charted rock. The ship grounded 25 miles southwest of Juneau when it was on its second day of a seven-day cruise, forcing the evacuation of 206 passengers. After the grounding, the vessel apparently drifted into the vicinity of Hanus Reef. Some passengers had minor injuries. While the NTSB preliminary report drew no conclusions, it cited that Marino Cattiotti was assigned a four-hour watch from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. because another navigator fell ill. According to the AP, Cattiotti told NTSB investigators that he recently graduated from the California Maritime Academy and was unfamiliar with the waters, received no training on that ship and had not participated in any drills aboard the vessel. The AP reported that the NTSB interviewed six instructors of Cattiotti’s where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation. The instructors reportedly told the NTSB they believe “in general, placing a recent graduate of the school with no watch experience outside of a training environment, at night, in pilotage waters, in an unfamiliar vessel, without additional preparation and/or supervision, was imprudent.” It could be months before the NTSB releases a full final report, but it has made available a few more details about the grounding when it stated that the crew was apparently trying to complete a turn, and failed, when the ship “raked across a rocky shoal.” The NTSB is expected to report later as to why the event occurred. According to Seattle Times, the Majestic America Line ship has run into trouble since its launch in 2003. Here are the details the paper cites: — Oct. 22, 2003: Hits a navigation lock at the Ice Harbor dam on the Snake River near Pasco. The lock was closed to all traffic for two days and remained closed to recreational boats for about five weeks, when it was repaired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. — Nov. 27, 2003: Develops steering problems on the Columbia River near The Dalles, Ore., and runs aground. A passenger and two crew members suffer minor injuries. The ship works free on its own power and ties up at a barge dock. — Feb. 25, 2006: Fails a sanitation test by inspectors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — Mid-March, 2006: 26 passengers and seven crew members get sick with vomiting and diarrhea during a five-day Columbia River cruise. — March 24, 2006: Runs aground on a sandbar near Washougal, Wash., as it tries to avoid a barge. Nearly 200 passengers are evacuated. Crews pump 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel from the vessel to make it easier to refloat, and two tug boats free it. — May 14, 2007: Begins taking on water after it runs aground off the Alaska coast, forcing the evacuation of more than 200 passengers before it is able to move again with a Coast Guard escort. February 2008 The USNS Byrd is designed to support U.S. Navy missions. NASSCO Starts Construction on 2nd Tanker for U.S. Shipping Partners Construction on the second ship in a new class of Seafarers-contracted product carriers (PC-1) began Jan. 22 at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The double-hulled vessel is being built for U.S. Shipping Partners and is scheduled to be delivered in early 2009. It is one of nine such tankers scheduled to be constructed at NASSCO. The build program itself includes options for five additional ships. Each PC-1 ship will be 600 feet long, displace about 49,000 deadweight tons and have a cargo capacity of 331,000 barrels. The ships are based on a design of DSEC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering of Okpo, Korea. As reported earlier in the LOG, NASSCO began construction of the first tanker in the series in August. U.S. Shipping Partners previously announced that the ship will be named Golden State, the state nickname of California. General Dynamics NASSCO employs more than 4,600 people and is the only major ship construction yard on the West Coast of the United States. In addition to the PC-1 program, the San Diego shipyard has contracts to build nine T-AKE class dry cargo-ammunition ships for the U.S. Navy (vessels that will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division), and an agreement to build up to five additional ships. U.S. Shipping Partners’ current fleet includes the ITF Baltimore, ITB Groton, ITB Jacksonville, ITB Mobile, ITB New York, ITB Philadelphia, SS Chemical Pioneer, MV Houston, MV Charleston, MV Sea Venture and ATB Freeport. Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Reports Continued Progress For SIU-Contracted Tanker Program In early January, steel cutting began on the next tanker being built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard (Hull 011). The first three vessels in the initial series of 12 double-hulled, environmentally friendly tankers were delivered last year, and start of production on Hull 011 brings the number of ships currently under construction at the yard to four. The ship is scheduled for completion in 2009. According to the shipyard, consistent with the build method for all vessels in the Veteran class series, the first steel plates cut for this ship will The Overseas Houston is the first in a series of SIUcontracted tankers being built in Philadelphia. The vessel is one of three such ships already in operation. be used in construction of the engine room of the 46,000 deadweight ton (dwt) product tanker. Upon completion, the initial 12 tankers will be owned by Aker American Shipping and bareboat chartered to SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc (OSG). As previously reported, Aker American Shipping in late November announced it has entered into an “option agreement” with the shipyard to build up to 13 more product tankers at a total contract value of $1.3 billion. With this agreement, Aker American Shipping stated that the company aims to expand its fleet from 12 to 25 state-of-the-art vessels. APL Balboa Re-Flagging Means More SIU Jobs SIU mariners will soon crew the APL Balboa, a containership that is being reflagged into APL Maritime Ltd.’s U.S.-registered fleet. The Balboa has been operating in APL Maritime’s international fleet under Singapore registery but will now fly the U.S. flag. The 397-foot ship is scheduled to operate in a commercial feeder service in the Arabian Gulf. The re-flagging of the Balboa represents new U.S. tonnage and U.S. jobs available to SIU members. The move follows 2007 trends of adding new tonnage under the U.S. flag by companies such as APL Maritime and Maersk. Seafarers LOG 3 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 4 Mariners Need TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008 The following information, available on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) web site, covers the steps necessary to acquire a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This information has been sent to all SIU halls and will be repeated (in various forms) in upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. The deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a TWIC is Sept. 25, 2008. Therefore, the union urges Seafarers to apply for the new card, which eventually will be required of all U.S. mariners who need unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. ports and vessels. Seafarers should check with their port agents and/or utilize the TSA contact information that follows for the latest information on the TWIC program, including the “TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan,” which is a list of cities where TWIC enrollment centers are or will be located. Updates also regularly appear on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” section). Regular updates are anticipated. Seafarers are advised that although preenrollment for the TWIC is optional, both the agency and the first individual SIU members who have applied for the card strongly recommend it. To pre-enroll, individuals must first register for an ID starting at https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/ FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov ENROLLMENT TSA states that applicants must apply at a TWIC enrollment center and that TSA will be expanding the number of centers and also providing mobile enrollment centers. The enrollment process consists of the following components: optional pre-enrollment, in-person enrollment, security threat assessment and notification of the results, and issuance of the TWIC to the applicant. Applicants may pre-enroll online to enter all of the biographic information required for the threat assessment and make an appointment at the enrollment center to complete the process (although appointments are not required). Then, applicants must visit the enrollment center where they will pay the enrollment fee, complete a TWIC Application Disclosure Form, provide biographic information and a complete set of fingerprints, and sit for a digital photograph. The applicant must bring identity verification documents to enrollment and in the case of aliens, immigration documents that verify their immigration status, so that the documents can be scanned into the electronic enrollment record. What documentation is required? Applicants must provide the appropriate TWIC Enrollment Centers The following is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-January, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address:http://www.tsa.gov/what_we _do/layers/twic/twic_faqs.shtm When visiting that link, scroll down for the current list of enrollment centers. As they become available, additional addresses will be published in the LOG and faxed to the union halls. The TSA is expected to announce the locations of many more enrollment centers in the weeks and months ahead. To open a copy of the “TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan” – in PDF format – go to: http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/twicquarterlydeploymentschedule_1_11_08.pdf Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 California Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Road Oakland, CA 94607-1010 1830 Embarcadero Avenue Suite 104 Oakland, CA 94606-5230 301 E. Ocean Boulevard Suite 500 Long Beach, CA 90802 1931 N. Gaffey Street Suite B San Pedro, CA 90731-1265 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 4 Seafarers LOG Florida 955 Tallyrand Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32206-6049 707 Mullet Road Suites 117/118 Port Canaveral, FL 32920-4519 975 North America Way Miami, FL 33132-2004 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Georgia Power Plant McManus 1 Crispen Island Drive Brunswick, GA 31523 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, HI 96720-4601 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 970 Kele Street Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois 8741 South Greenwood Dixon Building Chicago, IL 60619-7061 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 111 W. Washington Street Suite 346 East Peoria, IL 61611-2532 documents in order to verify their identity. A complete list of such documents was published in the January LOG and is available at www.tsa.gov/twic. A valid merchant mariner document meets the requirement. COSTS AND PAYMENT The fee for a TWIC will be $132.50 and it is valid for five years. Workers with current, comparable background checks may pay a reduced fee of $105.25. If workers are eligible to pay the lower price, their TWIC will expire 5 years from the date of the comparable credential. The cost of a replacement TWIC, if the original is lost, stolen or damaged is $60. What are the methods of payment? Payment must be made with credit card (Visa or MasterCard only), money order, or certified/cashier’s check. Checks should be made payable to Lockheed Martin. An additional option has been provided through the use of company purchased pre-paid debit cards. For companies choosing to use the prepaid option, the website is http://www.twiccard.com. In all cases, payment will be made at the enrollment center at the beginning of the enrollment process. What is the fee for a replacement card? The card replacement fee (for lost, stolen, or damaged TWICs) is $60. SECURITY ASSESSMENT What does this assessment consist of? The assessment includes checks against criminal history records, terrorist watch lists, and immigration status. If no adverse information is disclosed, TSA typically completes a security threat assessment in less than ten days. However, processing time increases for an applicant with a criminal history or other disqualifying information, and is further lengthened if the applicant initiates an appeal or waiver. This security threat assessment is the same for those applying for, transferring, or renewing a HAZMAT endorsement (HME) on their state-issued commercial drivers licenses (CDL). WAIVERS AND APPEALS Is there going to be an appeals and waivers process? Yes. Applicants who are denied a TWIC will be notified of the reason for denial and instructed on how to apply for an appeal or waiver. All applicants have the opportunity to appeal a disqualification, and may apply to TSA for a waiver if disqualified for certain crimes, or if they are aliens in Temporary Protected Status. Applicants who seek a waiver and are denied may seek review by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Indiana 200 Russell Street Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 New Jersey Northern New Jersey / Bergen County 89 Leuning Street, Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 076061345 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 James Drive East Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 213 W. Main Street Suite 204C Salisbury, MD 21801-4871 Massachusetts 28 Damrell St. Suite 104 Boston, MA 02127-2775 300 Tremont Street Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 Michigan Delray Mechanical 667 S. Post Street Detroit, MI 48209-3053 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 2680 Grand Island Boulevard Suite 1 Grand Island, NY 14072 North Carolina Suite 102 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403-4761 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway A Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 Ohio 3100 E45th Street Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 916 River Street Ontonagon, MI 49953-1622 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 800 East Ellis Road Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Minnesota 34 13th Avenue, NE Minneapolis, MN 55413-1002 Oregon 621 SW Morrison Street Portland, OR 97205 2161 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55114-1300 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth, MN 55802 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 3214 2nd Avenue East International Falls, MN 566498955 701 North Point Drive Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue, Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5155 IH-10 South Beaumont, TX 77705-4213 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin Houston, TX 77029-3003 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 301 Highway 146 N. Texas City, TX 77590-6630 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd, Huntington WV 25702 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 425 South Military Avenue Green Bay, WI 54303-2271 February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 5 Legislation Establishes Marine Highway Program On Dec. 19, President Bush signed into law the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which contains provisions establishing a formal marine highway program within the federal government. Under the new law, marine highway or “short sea” transportation refers to the carriage by vessel of cargo in containers, loaded on the vessel by cranes or by means of wheeled technology. Of particular significance to the SIU and the rest of the maritime community are provisions contained in the bill promoting short sea shipping initiatives as an instrument to alleviate landbased cargo and passenger transport congestion. Specifically, the Department of Transportation is charged with the development of a short sea transportation program and the designation of selected projects to document the potential advantages of utilizing marine highway alternatives. Such projects would include the use of short sea shipping routes to accommodate federally owned or generated cargo movements and programs to further cooperation between local, state, regional and federal transportation entities to foster marine highway operations. Additionally, operators would be able to access the Capital Construction Fund for financing the construction of vessels to be deployed in contiguous short sea shipping ventures. The union believes that the outlook for marine highway or short sea shipping is very positive and deserves the attention of the maritime and environmental communities. According to a governmentissued news release, a report on the marine highway transportation program must be submitted to Congress within one year. “It will include a description of the activities conducted under the program, and any recommendations for further legislative or administrative action that are considered appropriate.” U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton, testifying last year before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, pointed out, “By 2020, every major U.S. container port is expected to double the volume of cargo it must process, with East Coast ports tripling in volume and some West Coast ports quadrupling in volume. The United States is expected to import 30 million containers in 2010 and 40 million in 2020. The domestic tonnage of freight carried by all U.S. systems will increase by 67 percent, while international trade is expected to at least double. Presently, this domestic freight is carried almost exclusively by road or rail – coastal shipping handles only two percent of our domestic freight, even though coastal counties hold more than half of the nation’s population…. “Clearly, the nation’s marine highway can help mitigate this congestion,” he continued. “The world’s waterways are an infinite system, and our marine highways have infinite capacity. Unlike rail and roads, there are no fixed infrastructure costs to develop transportation routes, and ships can carry more cargo per dollar than any other method of transport. The full scope of America’s marine highway – a system that includes not only our coastal waters, but our inland waterway system and the Great Lakes – is enormous and if properly utilized and integrated, can help us expand our way out of the crises before us.” Sean Connaughton U.S. Maritime Administrator Administration Report ITF Week of Action a Success Efforts Bring Results for Crews in India, Sri Lanka Cites Vital Role of U.S. Merchant Marine In a report examining many aspects of the nation’s marine transportation system, the United States Maritime Administration (MarAd) strongly credits the U.S. Merchant Marine as an integral part of national security. The agency published the 47page report in late 2007. It is titled, “The Maritime Administration and the U.S. Marine Transportation System: A Vision for the 21st Century.” Besides recognizing mariners for their historic reliability and present-day importance, the report looks at maritime and the economy; the nation’s port system and marine highways; public-private partnerships in the industry; workforce development; environmental issues; the Ready Reserve Force; and successful laws and programs including cargo preference, the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), and more. Where mariners are concerned, the agency notes, “The U.S. Merchant Marine has been an integral part of America’s defense establishment since the founding of the nation…. Since then, time and again the men, women and vessels of the merchant marine have supported America’s armed forces in periods of war and national emergency. Thousands of American mariners have died, been wounded or taken prisoner during those conflicts…. “Those who would do great harm to the United States, its people and interests pose a real danger. Safeguarding freedom and security involves a global commitment. The U.S. Merchant Marine has had and will continue to take a leading February 2008 role in that struggle in times of peace as well as war and national emergency.” The report goes on to point out that U.S. national defense has relied heavily on the U.S. commercial sector for more than two centuries, and continues doing so today. “This includes using ships as naval auxiliaries, vessels to transport military personnel and supplies and trained seafarers for naval service. “...The United States simply cannot respond to conflicts or emergencies overseas without sealift. It is figuratively and literally a lifeline to U.S. armed forces and their missions.” ---MarAd Report, 2007 For the maritime transportation system today, defense mobilization still equates to having a strong industrial base as well as sufficient U.S. commercial ships and civilian crews available to meet defense sealift requirements…. The United States simply cannot respond to conflicts or emergencies overseas without sealift. It is figuratively and literally a lifeline to U.S. armed forces and their missions. This is being proven once again during the current Global War on Terrorism…. “It is also essential that the active commercial U.S.-flag fleet and its intermodal systems are available to serve the United States’ military and economic needs.” The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in early January took a week-long action against the so-called flagof-convenience (FOC) system in Indian and Sri Lankan ports. During the successful week of action, more than 100 inspections were carried out on board FOC vessels, also known as runaway-flag ships. The inspections were instrumental in yielding concrete results including the securing of more than $1 million in back pay claims and signing new ITF agreements, which help ensure fair wages and working conditions for mariners. The federation’s efforts weren’t confined to a single week. After the mobilization’s scheduled conclusion, the ITF team in Chennai stayed on board the Panamanianflagged Global Flora in an attempt to persuade its Japanese owners to sign an ITF agreement with the Japanese Seafarers’ Union (JSU). Members of the dockers union in Chennai are also standing firm in the face of the managers’ delaying tactics; they are determined to secure the Filipino seafarers on board a respectable wage. The action continued at press time for the LOG. In Mumbai, the ITF inspector on board the Maltese-flagged, Norwegian-owned and Korean-managed Samho Jewelry discovered that the Croatian, Russian, Polish and Burmese crew members were being paid less than the minimum ITF wage rates. However, following the action, the owner agreed to sign an ITF agreement with the Korean Seafarers’ Union; the agreement will cover not only mariners on board the Samho Jewelry, but also those on another of its vessels, the Samho Heron. Prospects of an ITF agreement for mariners on the Panamanian-flagged Rabbana also seem bright, the federation reported. Inspections of the Panamanian-flagged, Sri Lankan-owned Windsor Ruby, which also took place in Mumbai, revealed that crew members were being paid much less than stipulated by the ITF agreement that the owners had signed. The Sri Lankan mariners had been afraid to speak out, but the ITF inspectors’ prompt action led to an agreement by the owner to settle their back pay claim for two months’ wages, amounting to around $24,000. Mahendra Sharma, deputy regional secretary of the ITF Asia Pacific regional office, said the week of action “was a resounding success and we are very happy with the out- comes. Apart from signing new agreements and claiming back pay wages, action by ITF inspectors has led to the signing of ITF agreements by unions in the beneficial ownership countries. Certainly credit is due for this to dockers’ and seafarers’ unions in India and Sri Lanka.” The ITF is a global federation of 681 transport trade unions (including the SIU) which collectively represent 4.5 million workers in 148 countries. SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel is first vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. A runaway-flag or FOC ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. According to the ITF, “FOCs provide a means of avoiding labor regulation in the country of ownership, and become a vehicle 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 has therefore been obliged to take on internationally the role traditionally exercised by national trade unions – to organize and negotiate on behalf of FOC crews. For 50 years the ITF, through its affiliated seafarers’ and dockers’ unions, has been waging a vigorous campaign against shipowners who abandon the flag of their own country in search of the cheapest possible crews and the lowest possible training and safety standards for their ships.” The federation further notes that while the political component of the FOC campaign “has not so far succeeded in preventing a constant growth in ships using FOC registers, the industrial campaign has succeeded 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, irrespective of nationality or trade union membership, throughout the world. Every year millions of dollars are recovered by the ITF and its affiliated unions in back pay and in compensation for death or injury on behalf of seafarers who have nowhere else to turn.” Compliance with ITF-recognized agreements is monitored by a network of more than 100 ITF inspectors in ports throughout the world. The contracts themselves stem from policies developed by ITF maritime affiliates over many years. Those policies seek to establish minimum acceptable standards applicable to seafarers serving on FOC vessels. Seafarers LOG 5 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 6 Deck department members (left to right) OS Philip Forman, OS Anthony Clemons, AB Miles Janecka, AB Christopher Johnson and Bosun Adrian Jones Pictured from left to right are QMED Antuan Barnes, QMED Jim Barker, Electrician Ralph Garner and Wiper George Lavender. The USNS Pomeroy arrives at Gwangyang, South Korea. USNS Pomeroy is MSC’s ‘New Kid on the Block’ in Pacific Captain Commends Crew for Hard Work, Safe Operations Editor’s note: USNS Pomeroy Captain Mike F. Finnigan wrote the following story and submitted the accompanying photos. The vessel, operated by Maersk Line Limited, is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship, abbreviated as LMSR. The USNS Pomeroy has just started its new deployment with the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three in the Guam/Saipan operations area. At the start of the deployment the Pomeroy completed its load-out in Charleston, S.C., and made stops in Busan and Gwangyang, South Korea in addition to Sasebo, Japan. The USNS Pomeroy completed one lift for MSC and the United States Marine Corps by repositioning cargo from Gwangyang to Okinawa at the start of the new deployment. We are the new kids on the block and we are looking forward to joining the rest of the MPSRON 3 Squadron, who have been on station for many years. The squadron is made up of 10 vessels total: the MV PFC James Anderson Jr., MV 1ST LT Alex Bonnyman, MV MAJ Bernard F. Fisher, MV CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr., SS Cape Jacob, USNS 1ST LT Jack Lummus, USNS 1ST LT Harry L. Martin, SS MAJ Stephen W. Pless, USNS PFC Ralph E. Pomeroy, and VADM K.R. Wheeler. The crew of the USNS Pomeroy had the chance to meet the commodore of MPSRON 3, Captain Ulysses O. Zalamea, and the staff of MPSRON 3 while in Korea. This was a great opportunity for the commodore to come aboard and meet the crew on a routine workday. I want to thank the crew for their hard work getting the vessel ready for deployment. The vessel also just completed its U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection and ABS Annual Inspections while in Korea. The AMO officers and the SIU mariners and the MPSRON 3 staff take pride in their job each and every day to make sure the vessel is “mission ready.” You can see a direct result of all the training the crew attends at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center and the AMO Star Center by the condition of the vessel. I would like to relay to all the training instructors that all their hard work and training efforts do pay off, and the crew AB King Scott shares many of the skills they learned from you all each day. The vessel also works with a strong safety culture instilled in each crew member. Maersk Line Limited’s “Safety Boot Camp” program with the SIU and Continued on next page Storekeeper Chris Maye Steward department members SA Paul Patrick, SA Paul San Nicholas, SA Simplicia Twohie, Chief Steward Milton Sivells, SA Jacqueline Sivells and SA Recuerdo Inciong. 6 Seafarers LOG The USNS Pomeroy approaches the docks in Gwangyang, South Korea. February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 7 Cargo is loaded in Gwangyang. OS Anthony Clemons, AB Oliver Daily, QMED James Barker, Bosun Adrian Jones. QMED Antuan Barnes (left), Electrician Ralph Garner QMED James Barker takes a meal break. OS Philip Forman (Left) and AB Miles Janecka prep lifeboats for U.S. Coast Guard inspection. AB William Fielding (left) and a member of Securewest Security try to stay warm. Pomeroy Begins Deployment in Guam Continued from Page 6 the AMO gives the crew a chance to talk directly with senior management of Maersk Line Limited and to understand their goals toward safe operating procedures for the crew and the environment. Chief Mate William McClusky, 1st Asst. Engineer Kevin Murphy, Bosun Adrian Jones, Storekeeper Chris Maye and Chief Steward Milton Sivells along with their departments stepped up to help out with the cargo lift. With the additional 30 Super Cargo aboard the crew stayed busy with 73 (people) aboard. The ability of the vessel to help support Military Sealift Command on a short-notice cargo lift shows the determination of the crew to keep the vessel mission ready at all times. The USNS Pomeroy was on a Persian Gulf run to Kuwait for the last few years and knows that the vessel can be called upon or called forward at any time. The USNS Pomeroy crew enjoyed the stay in Korea. There is a large amount of history between the USNS Pomeroy and the Korean Peninsula. Ralph Pomeroy is a Medal of Honor recipient of the Korean War. His Medal Of Honor Citation can be found at www.msc.navy.mil The USNS Pomeroy keeps information aboard the ship about the Korean War history and a copy of the last letter that Ralph Pomeroy sent to his family dated 14 October 1952, the day before he was killed in action, along with various pictures. Pomeroy was killed while defending his company from North Korean forces. Fighting off charge after charge and mortar attack, PFC Pomeroy died after the battle turned to hand-tohand combat. Chief Steward Milton Sivells and SA Simplicia Twohie help throw a barbeque for U.S. Marines aboard the USNS Pomeroy. Chief Cook Toni Johnson helps dish up Thanksgiving dinner. February 2008 The SIU-crewed LMSR loads a military vehicle in Gwangyang for repositioning. Seafarers LOG 7 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 8 SIU-Crewed USNS Pililaau Completes Largest Delivery of Life-Saving MRAPs Seafarers continued their mission as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense when the SIU-crewed USNS Pililaau recently delivered the largest load of life-saving “MRAP” vehicles to date to U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Operated by American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the Pililaau in mid-December loaded more than 200 mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles in Charleston, S.C. and then safely transported them. Previously, other SIU-crewed ships including the Alliance New York and the SS Great Land delivered other cargoes of MRAPs to U.S. troops overseas. MRAPs are designed to protect occupants against armor-piercing roadside bombs. “Our ultimate mission is always to support the war fighter, and we take that very seriously,” said Navy Captain George Galyo, commander of MSC’s Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic, and operational commander for the recent Pililaau load. “We are going to ensure that this vital equipment is under way on time in the most efficient manner possible.” The agency described the 950-foot Pililaau – a roll-on/roll-off ship – as “ideally suited” to carry the heavily armored vehicles. The vessel has 380,000 square feet of cargo capacity – accessible by ramps between each deck that allow the MRAPs to be driven aboard. “Pililaau was designed for just such a task,” said Tom D’Agostino, director of ship operations at the Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic office in Charleston. “In one load, the Pililaau can carry what could take a month to deliver by air. Pililaau helps us put these critically needed vehicles in the war fighters’ hands at the right place, at the right time, for the right price.” Advancing Your Career Via the Paul Hall Center The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and state-of-theart equipment and facilities. The school offers courses for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments. Below is a quick look at one of those classes. For more information about the center and its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; call (301) 994-0010; or visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. Course dates are listed on page 20 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. Engine Department Course Spotlight by acquiring their rating Fireman, Oiler and is the entry point for and Watertender transitioning military (FOWT) veterans. The U.S. Coast Guard-approved Fireman, Oiler and Watertender (FOWT) program 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 course completes the unlicensed apprenticeship program for engineering students These two images show the new mineresistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles inside and out. SIU-crewed ships recently delivered several cargoes of MRAPs for American troops overseas. The Department of Defense, U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps developed the “humvees on steroids” to better shield military personnel in Iraq from today’s maiming weaponry such as improvised exploding devices and mines. According to the Army, the vehicles have raised, V-shaped underbellies that deflect the force of improvised explosive devices and other blasts from below better than other vehicles in use. (U.S. Navy Photos) 8 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). The program makes extensive use of computerized simulators. 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. Honoring Newly Retired Captain Unlicensed Apprentice Baum Earns Diploma SIU Captain William F. Carter (seated in photo) retired from Express Marine, Inc. in early November. He received a Chelsea ship’s clock with a brass plate expressing the company’s gratitude for his many years of service. Dick Walling (left), owner of Express Marine, presented the clock to Brother Carter, who for the last five years commanded the tug Consort, operating in the northeast. Christopher L. Baum (second from left), a member of Unlicensed Apprentice Class No. 693, recently earned his high school diploma through the program run by the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Presenting him with the diploma and congratulating him at the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. are (from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and VP Contracts George Tricker. Seafarers LOG February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 9 Human resources personnel from Maersk Line Limited were among the special guests who attended the December 21 Christmas luncheon in the port of Norfolk, Va. Pictured above (from left) are Robert Lambourne, dispatcher; Jeff Londonsky, port captain; and HR Director Dennis Houghton (fourth from left). Joining them are Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny (third from left) and SIU VP Government Services Division Kermett Mangram. Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny welcomes Ed Hanvey to the holiday festivities in the port of Norfolk. Hanvey is vice president of labor relations for Maersk Line Limited. Holidays With Seafarers Officials, Members, VIPs Gather for Christmas Luncheon at Port of Norfolk Maurice Cokes (left), SIU Government Services representative, poses with STOS Cliff Page prior to the start of the Christmas luncheon. VP Government Services Division Kermett Mangram, center, chats with Recertified Bosun Tony Maben (left) and ABG Donald Hood prior to the start of the luncheon. GUDE Harold Langley (above) and Sam Glickman (below) partake of the main course while other SIU members and guests make their way through the serving line (photo below at left). Langley sails aboard the USNS Regulus while Glickman is a longtime friend and neighbor to employees at the port of Norfolk. Compliments to the Chef A great time was had by all who attended the annual Christmas luncheon at the port of Norfolk. In photo above (from left), ABGs John Carr and Dino Marchions and CME Butch Vane (right) are all smiles after consuming a delicious meal complete with all of the trimmings. With them is Marchions’ mother, Dorothy (third from left). In photo at right, SA Michelle Woodley poses with VP Government Services Division Kermett Mangram. February 2008 The Christmas luncheon was a huge success thanks largely to the efforts of SB Army Joe Leake who took the lead in catering the event. Leake serves as steward baker aboard the SIU-crewed Maersk Rhode Island. Seafarers LOG 9 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:56 PM Page 10 Holidays With Seafarers Port of Jacksonville Hosts Annual Thanksgiving/Christmas Event More than 300 people—SIU members, their families, retirees and guests—turned out for the Nov. 17 Thanksgiving/Christmas luncheon at the Port of Jacksonville, Fla. In photo above, guests make their way through the serving line which boasted a wide variety of food items. Chief Steward May Sims (photo at far right) was one of several SIU members who volunteered their time and skills in preparing food for the event. Port of Jacksonville maintenance man Tommy Vain (left) makes his selections from the serving line while GUDE Wade Johnson and his family (above) take a pause from their meal. Enjoying one anothers’ company as well as a great meal (photo at right, from left) are ABs Curtis Dunlap, Damon Anderson, Janaro Jackson and Roosevelt Clark. A wonderful time was had by everyone in these four photos (starting at lower left) who participated in the Thanksgiving/Christmas event at the Port of Jacksonville. Shown in the photos (clockwise, left to right) are QMEDS Rene Vazquez and Jose Vazquez; Jacksonville Safety Director Karl Leiter, Jacksonville Executive Assistant Karen Shuford and Carmen Troche. In the next photo are Laura, Kathleen, Pam and Donna from the union doctor’s office. In photo above, 3rd Cook Jamie Cayonte (left) entertains her friends. Pensioner George Vorise and his daughter Deme Vorise share a joyous moment (photo at right) prior to their meal. 10 Seafarers LOG February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 11 Holidays With Seafarers Annual Christmas Dinner Attracts Huge Turnout at Port of Houston More than 125 Seafarers, retirees and members of their families on Dec. 20 converged on the union hall in the Port of Houston for the annual Christmas dinner. In photo at left, Houston Patrolman Mike Russo and Pedro Castillo comply with a guest’s entree selections on the serving line. Prior to assembling and opening up the serving line Stewards Randy Stephens, Castillo and Fernando Guity were hard at work in the union hall’s galley area (photo at right) whipping up dishes. The trio, each member a specialist in their own right, relied on their collective experiences and expertise to craft an exceptional menu. The serving lines were filled with enthusiastic guests. In photo at left, Bosun John Cain lends his assistance in order to speed the serving process along. More Photos from the Port of Jacksonville Thanksgiving/Christmas Event Enjoying the food and good company at the Jacksonville event (clockwise from photo at left) are Chief Cook Tracey Newsome, AB Curtis Dunlap, OMU Nat Lapp and their friend; (above) AB Matt Arnold and his daughter, AB Jay Thomas and Recertified Steward Theodore Quammie; Wilmer Leiter and his friend; Jacksonville Patrolman Ashley Johnson and (photo at immediate right) Pensioner Leon Butler (center) and his wife, Elizabeth, and Karen Shuford, port of Jacksonville executive secretary. In addition to those pictured on this page and Page 10, a large contingent of guests from Coastal Maritime and Crowley also attended. February 2008 Seafarers LOG 11 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 12 WHAT’S NEW FOR 2007? Following are some of the changes that will take effect in 2007, along with changes that remain in effect from 2006 from the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the 2005 Energy Tax Incentive Act, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, and other tax law changes. While the vast majority of taxpayers can file as usual, about 13.5 million taxpayers who file any of five tax forms affected by recent tax law changes related to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) will have to wait until Feb. 11, 2008, to file their returns. The affected forms are: Form 8863 (Education Credits), Form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits), Schedule 2 of the Form 1040A (Child and Dependent Care Expenses for Form 1040A filers), Form 8396 (Mortgage interest credit) and Form 8859 (District of Columbia First Time Home Buyer Credit). Standard Mileage Rates - The 2007 rate for business use of your vehicle is 48.5 cents a mile. The 2007 rate for use of your vehicle to get medical care or to move is 20 cents a mile. The 2007 rate for charitable services is 14 cents a mile. Exemption - The amount you can deduct for each exemption has increased from $3,300 in 2006 to $3,400 in 2007. 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 phase-out begins depends on your filing status. For 2007, the phase-out begins at: $234,600 for married people filing jointly and qualified widow(er) with dependent children, $195,500 for a head of household, $156,400 for single taxpayers; and $117,300 for married persons filing separately. Direct deposit of refunds - If you choose direct deposit of your refund, you may be able to split the refund into two or three accounts. Kiddie Tax - The limit on the so-called kiddie tax remains unchanged at $850 in 2007, but the cutoff age was raised from 14 to 18, effective in 2006. This means children under age 18 will pay no income tax on the first $850 of unearned income, such as capital gains or interest from a savings account, and will be taxed at their own rate (most likely 10%) on the next $850 (5% for long-term capital gains). Unearned income over $1,700 is taxed at the parents’ rate. Children 18 and older continue to pay tax at their own rate. For tax year 2008, the kiddie tax will apply not only to children under the age of 18 at the close of the tax year but to any children who continue to qualify to be claimed as a dependent and who are not contributing more than 50 % of their own support. Tax Credit for Hybrid Vehicles - In 2007, a credit is available for hybrid vehicles. The credit has two components—one based on the vehicle’s fuel economy and the other based on the estimated lifetime fuel savings. But you have to act fast. This credit will be phased out once the combined total of qualifying vehicles exceeds 60,000—regardless of model—sold after 2005 by the manufacturer for use in the US. Charitable Contributions - Beginning August 17, 2006, any donations of clothing and household items won’t be deductible unless the donated items are in good used or better condition. This means that the IRS may deny a deduction for any item that has minimal monetary value. However, this rule does not apply to a contribution of any single item for which a deduction of more than $500 is claimed and for which you include a qualified appraisal and Form 8283 with your tax return. Beginning in 2007, you may no longer deduct contributions made in cash or by check unless you can produce a bank record or a receipt, letter, or other written communication from the charitable organization. This should include the organization’s name and address, the date and location of the gift, and a description of property. This requirement applies to all “cash” contributions, regardless of the amount of the donation. Earned Income Credit (EIC) - The EIC is a credit for certain people who work. The credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax. You may be able to take the EIC if: A child lived with you and you earned less than $37,783 ($39,783 if married filing jointly), or A child did not live with you and you earned less than $12,590 ($14,590 if married filing jointly). The maximum investment income you can have and still get the credit has increased to $2,900. Uniform Definition of a Qualifying Child - In 2005, to simplify the tax law, the definition of a ‘qualified child’ changed for taxpayers who claim a child as a dependent, elects Head of Household status, or takes the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child or Dependent Care Credit. To meet this new definition, the person needs to be your child, sibling (or descendent of either), adopted or foster child. The child must be under either (1) age 19; (2) under age 24 if a student, or (3) any age if permanently and totally disabled. Also, the child must be either a citizen, resident or national of the United States and must have the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of the year. The child must not provide more than onehalf of his/her own support for the year. Foster Child - New rules apply to determine who is a foster child and when a foster child can be used to claim certain benefits. To claim a foster child as a qualifying child for any tax benefits, the child must be placed with a taxpayer by an authorized placement agency or by judgment, decree or other 12 Seafarers LOG order of any court of competent jurisdiction. A foster child no longer qualifies a taxpayer to use qualifying widow(er) filing status. Tuition and Fees Deductions - Taxpayers who choose to claim the tuition and fees deduction must fill out and attach new Form 8917. The resulting deduction is reported on Form 1040 Line 34 or Form 1040A Line 19. Note that many who qualify for the tuition and fees deduction may reap greater tax savings by instead claiming the Hope credit or the lifetime learning credit for a particular student. Residential and Non-Business Energy Efficient Property Credit - Credits are available on Form 5695 for any of the following improvements to your main home located in the United States in 2007 if they are new and meet certain requirements for energy efficiency. Examples include insulation material and metal roofs with pigmented coatings to reduce heat gain or loss, exterior windows and doors, and certain electric heat pump water heaters, electric heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, central air conditioners, and natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters. Six-Month Automatic Extensions - Individuals will be able to file Form 4868 to get an automatic six-month extension of time to file. Also, almost all states have indicated they are following the IRS’s lead. Donations of Automobiles - There is a limit on the charitable contribution of used motor vehicles (with a claimed value in excess of $500) to the gross sales price received by the charity for the subsequent sale of the donated vehicle, rather than the fair market value. A charitable organization must provide the donor with Form 1098-C. 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 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 2007 return. 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. Mortgage Insurance Premiums May Be Deductible Many homeowners are paying mortgage insurance premiums which are now deductible as part of the mortgage interest deduction. This deduction begins at the start of 2007 and expires at the end of 2010. Mortgage insurance provided by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, the Rural Housing Administration, and private mortgage insurance companies all qualify for the deduction. Debt Forgiveness - Taxpayers can exclude up to $2 million of debt forgiven on their principal residence. The limit is $1 million for a married person filing a separate return. This provision applies to debt forgiven in 2007, 2008 or 2009. Debt reduced through mortgage restructuring, as well as mortgage debt forgiven in connection with a foreclosure qualifies for this relief. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) - is a parallel tax calculation method. Unlike the regular tax computation, the AMT disregards certain deductions, adds in certain income, and has a higher exemption amount. For 2007, the AMT exemption amount increased slightly: $44,350 for single filers, $66,250 for married people filing jointly and for qualifying widows or widowers, and $33,125 for married people filing separately. By comparison, the 2006 exemption amount for single filers was $42,500. The AMT exemption amounts are scheduled to decrease in 2008. Starting in 2007, taxpayers may receive a refundable credit for any used prior year minimum tax credit that has been carried forward from year 2003 or earlier. Additionally, new laws allow taxpayers to use most refundable personal credits to offset AMT liability. These include the dependent care, HOPE and Lifetime Learning education credits and the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer’s credit. Taxpayers should get out any carryover worksheets they have or AMT tax forms from earlier years in order to prepare their 2007 returns. TAX TIPS FOR As the LOG went to press, Congress was working on other tax law changes which may im return. Also, you may be mailing your return to a different address this year because the lope with your tax package, please use it. Otherwise, see Where HOW TO PREPARE A TAX RETURN Step 1. Get all records together. Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. Itemized deductions and tax credits. Medical and dental payment records. Real estate and personal property tax receipts. Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 titled “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. 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 1-800-2729829 or 1-888-729-1040 or visit web sites 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 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 74b, 74c and 74d on their Form 1040. Line 74b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 74c indicates the type of account, and line 74d 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, visit the IRS web site at: www.irs.gov. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption— for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $3,400 per person. In 2007, 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 2007, 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 workrelated 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 auto- STANDARD DEDUCTION This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($1,050 for a married person or “spouse” or $1,300 for an unmarried person). Note that the personal exemption deduction is $3,400. Filing Status Standard Deduction Single . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,350 Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,700 Married filing separate return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,350 Head of household . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,850 February 2008 mob dard al co of t stan mile adde mile info oper inclu licen ciati I or th ing shou keep expe relat emp D Wh port the the outs the gene $58 com inclu if di they any T (Joh whe a fu rate whe the as a $3 a rate area exte dedu L 2007 ited $15 inco ing E able avai have adju tax have eligi tion ages prov inco fyin max Taxp $12 $42 inco qual cred $37 child the inco refu Taxp sche for t D Num Soc Indi depe thei Adm Adm usua rece C ers w a U paye tion are e amo child whe com filer �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 13 R MARINERS may impact your 2007 income taxes. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your e the IRS has changed the filing location for several areas. If you received an enveWhere Do You File? on the back cover of the instructions. mobile 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 48.5 cents per mile. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only workrelated 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 $52 per day in the continental U.S. and $58 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $45. In some locations it is $58, 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 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 $3 a day (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 2007, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $156,400 of federal adjusted gross income (or $78,200 if married and filing separately). 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 2007, 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 $12,590 and no qualifying children— $428 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $33,241 and with 1 qualifying child—$2,853 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $37,783 and with 2 or more qualifying children—$4,716 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 a SSN for their dependent by filing Form SS-5 with their local Social Security Administration office or calling the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive a SSN. Child Tax Credit: In 2007, 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 February 2008 $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 $1,650 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after Jan. 1, 2007, 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 phase-out of the credits begins for single taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $47,000, and completely phase out when modified AGI reaches $57,000. For joint filers, the phase-out range is $94,000 to $114,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. In 2007, 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: 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. Traditional IRAs- The contribution limit to a traditional IRA in 2007 is $4,000. If a taxpayer reaches age 50 before 2007, the most that can be contributed will be $5,000. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range increased to $52,000-$62,000 for single, head of household, and $83,000-$103,000 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying widow(er). Also, solely for the purpose of figuring the $100,000 modified AGI limit on eligibility to make qualified rollover distributions from a Traditional IRA to Roth IRA, minimum required distributions from IRAs and other qualified plans received in tax year beginning with 2006 are excluded from modified AGI. Roth IRAs - The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $4,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $99,000 and $114,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $156,000 and $166,000, 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. OTHER TAX INFORMATION 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. WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP 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 2006, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer’s property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: 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 selfemployed 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. WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: Benefits from government welfare programs. Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and 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 OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME Should Seafarers find themselves overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayerrelated 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. extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home. Certain amounts received as a scholarship. FILING AN EXTENSION Taxpayers can get an automatic 6month extension if, no later than April 16, 2007, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. WHERE IS MY REFUND? In 2004, the IRS launched a new program that allows taxpayers to trace their refunds online. If taxpayer(s) have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the web site at www.irs.gov. To get the refund status, taxpayers will need to provide the information from their tax returns. You should know your Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Num ber), Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er) and the Refund amount. (It is important to enter the refund amount exactly as it is shown on your return.) WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX 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. WHERE TO GET INFORMATION 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 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 on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, check the status of your 2005 refund, send the IRS comments or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. 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. Seafarers LOG 13 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 14 Sailing with the SIU At Sea Aboard the Horizon Anchorage The photos appearing on this page were taken aboard the H/L Anchorage during a voyage which took place late last fall. Steward Baker Amanda Suncin cleans up a grill in Anchorage’s galley. AB Basil “Red” Stolen stands a wheel watch. ABs Jon Washburn and Shawn Strand paint side of H/L Anchorage’s house while at sea. QMED John Day (right), who also is the Anchorage’s engine delegate assists DEU Abdullah Ali in completing some documents. Chief Cook Pat Durnin prepares an entree for the dinner meal. SA Rene Caballero is hard at work in the galley of the H/L Anchorage. 14 Seafarers LOG February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Welcome Ashore DECEMBER 16, 2007 — JANUARY 15, 2008 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Newly retired Seafarers Sal Ciciulla (top photo, center) and Stanley “Butch” Vane (below, left) recently picked up their first pension checks. Congratulating Ciciulla (who sailed as a recertified bosun) at the hall in Jacksonville, Fla. are SIU Assistant VP Contracts Archie Ware and Karen Shuford, executive assistant. Presenting a check to Vane (a crane maintenance electrician for 29 years) at the hall in Norfolk, Va. is Port Agent Georg Kenny. Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals March & April 2008 Membership Meetings Piney Point ...........Monday: March 3, April 7 Algonac ................Friday: March 7, April 11 Baltimore..............Thursday: March 6, April 10 Boston ..................Friday: March 7, April 11 Guam ....................Thursday: March 20, April 24 Honolulu...............Friday: March 14, April 18 Houston ................Monday: March 10, April 14 Totals Jacksonville ..........Thursday: March 6, April 10 Joliet .....................Thursday: March 13, April 17 DECK DEPARTMENT 2 0 1 3 5 1 3 8 1 1 1 2 5 4 2 0 1 0 4 1 2 2 2 8 1 3 29 30 0 7 7 24 10 20 7 1 6 2 14 13 2 3 5 4 3 5 22 14 3 5 6 18 15 13 4 11 7 6 26 11 0 0 1 1 1 1 4 7 0 0 1 2 3 3 0 0 2 0 4 4 0 0 6 2 0 1 16 21 0 3 1 16 7 10 3 0 3 2 10 18 3 0 8 19 2 15 77 54 3 24 31 93 26 40 7 0 18 2 59 61 7 3 10 20 9 9 43 40 4 18 14 45 29 24 5 7 16 10 47 37 3 2 1 6 6 2 5 7 1 4 4 4 5 4 3 0 0 0 6 5 280 246 46 188 183 34 119 542 397 68 0 0 3 14 0 10 13 15 1 9 4 13 6 8 2 2 6 0 16 8 3 1 6 3 4 2 1 22 1 4 2 14 18 10 1 1 2 3 16 13 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 2 0 4 2 1 0 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 3 5 2 10 11 18 1 6 5 9 7 5 2 1 2 0 11 9 3 0 3 2 1 4 8 16 1 2 1 7 15 8 5 1 4 3 11 6 0 1 0 2 0 2 3 0 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 5 3 0 3 3 9 1 2 0 3 5 2 3 0 5 1 4 7 0 0 6 16 1 17 27 24 0 13 13 33 13 17 6 2 9 1 21 16 3 3 5 10 5 3 10 31 2 8 4 16 16 11 1 2 5 5 30 18 0 0 1 1 1 3 3 1 1 1 0 3 4 2 0 0 0 2 4 7 130 127 21 107 101 18 56 235 188 34 1 0 2 4 1 7 17 15 0 3 3 23 7 21 2 1 2 1 11 18 2 0 0 7 0 2 8 7 0 4 1 8 13 3 3 0 2 1 2 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 139 70 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Mobile ..................Wednesday: March 12, April 16 New Orleans.........Tuesday: March 11, April 15 New York .............Tuesday: March 4, April 8 Norfolk .................Thursday: March 6, April 10 Oakland ................Thursday: March 13, April 17 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: March 5, April 9 Port Everglades ....Thursday: March 13, April 17 San Juan ...............Thursday: March 6, April 10 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington St. Louis ...............Friday: March 14, April 18 Totals Tacoma .................Friday: March 21, April 25 Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 2 8 7 6 7 26 25 2 6 8 28 20 15 3 12 10 8 34 17 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs 0 1 4 15 0 5 36 31 2 13 18 43 16 25 6 0 9 2 23 31 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 4 1 7 15 14 0 1 0 6 10 14 1 4 1 1 10 13 0 1 0 8 2 1 6 5 0 0 4 4 7 2 3 0 1 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 3 0 1 4 9 0 2 1 5 4 4 0 1 0 1 7 9 1 0 4 9 2 12 35 27 0 7 14 45 15 41 5 2 3 1 28 43 2 1 0 9 1 10 11 14 0 6 6 10 21 5 1 1 3 1 9 10 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 1 1 5 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 103 51 6 53 294 121 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 1 0 1 3 7 2 4 0 0 1 0 3 1 1 4 1 3 5 2 20 20 0 6 3 21 14 14 0 3 1 1 11 12 1 0 1 3 0 8 6 8 1 1 3 11 6 7 0 21 0 1 7 8 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 14 14 0 5 2 15 9 8 0 6 1 1 8 13 0 0 0 1 0 3 7 3 0 0 1 1 4 4 0 28 0 0 7 3 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 10 3 0 2 5 13 2 7 0 0 1 0 8 2 4 4 1 9 7 10 33 38 0 10 9 53 28 23 1 8 3 3 23 19 4 0 1 11 2 18 14 25 1 3 7 24 30 13 1 27 1 1 14 14 29 142 93 10 99 62 0 58 286 211 578 585 168 408 434 120 228 1,129 992 331 Wilmington.............Monday: March 17, April 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. February 2008 *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **“Registered on Beach” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Seafarers LOG 15 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Page 16 Two Seafarers Memorialized During Shipboard Ceremonies Two Seafarers were commemorated by their respective shipmates last year during ceremonies aboard the Horizon Producer and Horizon Hawaii. On Oct. 24, mariners on the Producer paid their respects to the late Unlicensed Apprentice Earl R. Wood Jr., who died of natural causes a day earlier at age 35. The crew mustered on the stern, where Bill Boyce, the ship’s master, led a ceremony that included bringing the American flag to half-mast followed by an opening prayer, the reading of Psalm 93, an additional prayer, the “sentence of committal,” a moment of reflection and the sounding of the ship’s whistle for 20 seconds. The vessel was off the west coast of India. On Dec. 1, with the Hawaii en route from Jacksonville, Fla. to San Juan, Puerto Rico (approximately 39 miles north of Abaco Island, Bahamas), Capt. David D. DeCastro led a service for the late deck department SIU retiree James Millard Cheshire, who passed away Oct. 13 at age 84. Following the ceremony, Brother Cheshire’s ashes were committed to the sea in accordance with his wishes. Shipmates memorialize Earl R. Wood Jr. during a ceremony aboard the Horizon Producer. 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) 499-6600 Mariners aboard the Horizon Hawaii honor James Millard Cheshire and, in accordance with the late Seafarer’s wishes, commit his ashes to the sea (photo at left). PICS-FROM-THE-PAST NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mrs. Aaron Higham of Kemah, Texas submitted these photos of her husband, Chief Steward A.J. Higham (right in both photos). The top photo shows Higham and two of his mates aboard a Bloomfield ship during the 40s. In photo at right, Higham poses with the late SIU President Paul Hall. The two were great friends, Mrs. Higham said. 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. 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 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 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 JOSE ANDICOECHEA, 64, joined the SIU in 1971. Brother Andicoechea was born in Spain. During his seafaring career he primarily sailed aboard vessels operated by A&S Transportation including the Dina Marie. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Andicoechea calls North Arlington, N.J. home. LARRY BROOKS, 65, was born in Utah. Brother Brooks became an SIU member in 1971. He initially shipped in the steward department on the Santa Magdalena. In 2000 and 2001, Brother Brooks attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He most recently worked aboard the Horizon Consumer. Brother Brooks is a resident of Sacramento, Calif. VICENTE CUEVA JR., 66, embarked on his seafaring profession in 1995. Brother Cueva’s maiden voyage was on the Independence. The engine department member was born in the Philippines. Brother Cueva upgraded his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in 2000 and 2001. His concluding journey was aboard the Buenos Aires. Brother Cueva lives in Roselle Park, N.J. DAVID CUNNINGHAM, 56, first went to sea in 1978 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Cunningham originally sailed aboard the Santa Magdalena. He visited the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. on numerous occasions to enhance his seafaring abilities. Brother Cunningham was born in Massachusetts and worked in the steward department. His final excursion was on the Horizon Producer. Brother Cunningham makes his home in Sacramento, Calif. ERNEST DOOMS, 59, joined the SIU ranks in 1966. Brother Dooms initially shipped aboard the Sabine as a member of the February 2008 steward department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. Brother Dooms is an Alabama native. His concluding journey was on the Florida. Brother Dooms resides in Houston. ANASTASIOS DRAGAZIS, 65, first donned the SIU colors in 1970. Brother Dragazis’ maiden voyage was aboard the Fairland. He was born in Greece and sailed in the deck department. Brother Dragazis last shipped on the Adventurer. In 1971 and 1984, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center to enhance his skills. Brother Dragazis calls Brooklyn, N.Y. home. CHARLES DUCHARME, 65, launched his seafaring career in 1998 in Norfolk, Va. Brother Ducharme’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the USNS Gordon. He was born in Massachusetts. Brother Ducharme shipped in both the steward and deck departments. His most recent expedition was on the USNS Watson. Brother Ducharme is a resident of Morehead City, N.C. DAVID GORDIUS, 60, became a Seafarer in 1980. Brother Gordius was originally employed aboard the St. Louis. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Gordius upgraded on three occasions at the SIU-affiliated school. His last journey was on the Horizon Consumer. Brother Gordius lives in Sea Level, N.C. AGUILIO LLORENTE, 75, began sailing with the SIU in 1989. Brother Llorente initially worked in the inland division aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville vessel. The Cuban- born mariner enhanced his skills often at the union-affiliated school. He sailed in the deck and engine departments. Brother Llorente’s concluding trip to sea was on the El Morro. He makes his home in Tampa. Fla. FRITZ MCDUFFIE, 55, embarked on his seafaring career in 1970 while in the port of New York. Brother McDuffie’s maiden voyage was aboard the Arizpa. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded frequently at the Piney Point training center. Brother McDuffie was born in Alabama. His last ship was the Maj. Stephen W. Pless. Brother McDuffie resides in Madisonville, Texas. STANLEY VANE, 49, hails from Baltimore, Md. Brother Vane joined the SIU ranks in 1978 while on one of his many trips to the Piney Point school. The engine department member originally sailed on the Monticello. His final excursion was aboard the Portsmouth. Brother Vane makes his home in Virginia Beach, Va. ADOLPHUS YOUNG, 73, first donned the SIU colors in 1976. Brother Young initially shipped on a Waterman Steamship Corporation vessel as a member of the steward department. He was born in Texas and attended classes on three occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Young most recently worked aboard the Paul Buck. He calls Oakland, Calif., home. INLAND LARRY BOUDOIN, 60, was born in Mississippi. Boatman Boudoin started sailing with the Seafarers in 1984 on a National Marine Service vessel. Boatman Boudoin enhanced his seafaring abilities in 1967 and 1997 at the Piney Point School. He last worked on a vessel operated by Maritrans Operating Company. Boatman Boudoin settled in Harrisonburg, La. RONALD CENTANNI, 62, joined the union in 1997 in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Centanni primarily worked aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. He upgraded numerous times at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1965 At a joint demonstration in San Juan, the SIU strongly protested attempts by the government and certain industry leaders on the island to allow foreign-flag vessels to enter the Puerto Rico trade. The SIU warned that the introduction of foreign-flag shipping into the island trade could result in the unemployment of 20,000 seamen. In response to the demonstration, Adm. John Harllee, chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, promised a “confident, determined and aggressive effort” to aid in the solving of the Puerto Rico freight rates controversy. He said that such a solution should be found without having to resort to the use of foreign-flag vessels in Puerto Rican trade. Centanni shipped in the deck department. He continues to live in his native state of Louisiana. RICHARD DONLEVY, 67, became an SIU member in 1972. Boatman Donlevy’s earliest trip to sea was with Inter Cities Navigation Corporation. In 2001 he took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school. Boatman Donlevy was born in Wisconsin. He most recently sailed aboard a Maritrans Operating Company vessel. Boatman Donlevy is a resident of Sun City Center, Fla. GREAT LAKES GERALD TIMM, 65, launched his seafaring profession in 1978 while in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother Timm is a Michigan native. He first shipped on the Lewis G. Harriman as a member of the engine department. Brother Timm’s final journey was aboard the E.M. Ford. He lives in Hillman, Mich. sary to operate the vessels at maximum safety and efficiency levels, the vocational staff at the unionaffiliated Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point has developed a comprehensive LNG/LPG course of study. 1993 Marked by state-of-the-art equipment, spacious design and opportunities for more individual instruction, the new steward department lab at the Paul Hall Center opened. The lab, which represents the continuing effort to fine-tune the SIU’s shipboard feeding programs, covers 5,300 square feet and features a dining room, an amphitheater-like demonstration room, a classroom and an eight-station lab. This Month In SIU History 1974 Seafarers will crew up the SIUcontracted liquid natural gas carrier Kentown—making it the first time SIU members will be manning one of those high-technology vessels. Orders for an additional 20 LNGs are expected to be placed within the next five years. To provide the SIU crew members who will be manning these ships with the technical knowledge neces- 2000 By overwhelming majorities, SIU members and members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) approved a referendum to proceed with merging the two unions. SIU members approved the resolution with 86 percent voting in favor of full merger talks to bring NMU into the SIU. In a similar action, 93 percent of NMU members voting approved the same resolution. SIU members said they approve full merger because they see such unification as strengthening all concerned. Seafarers LOG 17 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA RANULFO ALVAREZ Pensioner Ranulfo Alvarez, 84, died Aug. 23. Brother Alvarez joined the union in 1959 while in the port of Baltimore. His first trip to sea was aboard the Mankato Victory. Brother Alvarez sailed as a member of both the engine and deck departments. He was born in Argentina. Brother Alvarez’s final voyage was with Tyco’s Long Lines. He retired in 1987 and lived in Dundalk, Md. FRANCISCO ARAL Brother Francisco Aral, 61, passed away July 4. He started shipping with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1989 initially from the port of San Francisco. Brother Aral was born in the Philippines and worked in the steward department. His most recent excursion was aboard the Mahimahi. Brother Aral made his home in Wilmington, Calif. JAMES CARTER JR. Pensioner James Carter, 83, died Aug. 17. Brother Carter became an SIU member in 1953. He originally sailed on a Seatrade Corporation vessel in the steward department. Brother Carter was an Alabama native. His concluding journey was aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak. Brother Carter began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1990. He was a resident of Mobile, Ala. JOHN CHERMESINO Pensioner John Chermesino, 78, passed away July 14. Brother Chermesino embarked on his seafaring career in 1952. He initially sailed on the tanker Four Lakes. Brother Chermesino was born in Boston. His last ship was the Falcon Champion. Brother Chermesino went on pension in 1990. He called Suffolk, Mass., home. JIMMIE DUFORE Pensioner Jimmie Dufore, 70, died July 7. Brother Dufore launched his SIU profession in 1961. He was born in Louisiana and worked in the deck department. Brother Dufore first went to sea aboard the Trent; his last ship was the Ultrasea. He became a pensioner in 1991 and resided in Summit, Miss. ISSAC FLETCHER Pensioner Issac Fletcher, 79, passed away Aug. 26. Brother Fletcher joined the SIU ranks in 1966. His maiden voyage was on the 18 Seafarers LOG American Victory. Brother Fletcher was born in Kentucky. The steward department member most recently sailed aboard the Marilyn. Brother Fletcher began his retirement in 1994 and settled in Wilmer, Ala. THEODORE GRAHAM Pensioner Theodore Graham, 84, died July 28. Brother Graham started sailing with the union in 1979 while in the port of Seattle. He shipped primarily with American Ship Management. His initial trip to sea was on the President Wilson. Brother Graham was born in Houston and worked in the steward department. He retired in 1987 and lived in Seattle. WILLIAM HATCHEL Pensioner William Hatchel, 69, passed away Aug. 3. Brother Hatchel, who was born in Starks, La., began his SIU profession in 1961. His first voyage was aboard the Michael where he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Hatchel’s last excursion was on the Horizon Tacoma. He became a pensioner in 1999. Brother Hatchel was a resident of Merryville, La. RAYMOND ITEN Pensioner Raymond Iten, 83, died July 2. Brother Iten joined the MC&S in 1972 while in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member sailed with American Ship Management Company during his seafaring career. Brother Iten’s first vessel was the President Madison; his last was the President Adams. He was born in Lake Stevens, Wash. Brother Iten went on pension in 1988 and called Kent, Wash., home. GARLAND JACKSON Pensioner Garland Jackson, 79, passed away Aug. 23. Brother Jackson was born in Texas. He initiated his seafaring profession in 1961. Brother Jackson originally sailed aboard the Cleveland as a member of the steward department. His final journey was on the Ewa. Brother Jackson retired in 1989 and resided in San Jose, Calif. ROLAN LAGAAC Brother Rolan Lagaac, 29, died Aug. 19. He first donned the SIU colors in 2005. Brother Lagaac shipped aboard the Pride of America. He worked as a member of the engine department. Brother Lagaac was born in the Philippines but made his home in Sugarland, Texas. KENNETH LINAH Pensioner Kenneth Linah, 68, passed away Aug. 24. Brother Linah embarked on his seafaring career in 1969. His maiden voyage was on the Avenger. Brother Linah was a New York native and sailed in engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1995, he shipped aboard the Quality. Brother Linah lived in Kathleen, Fla. Brother Dan Manthei, 50, died Aug. 9. He joined the SIU ranks in 1990. Brother Manthei initially sailed on the Cape Edmont. The engine department member was born in Wisconsin. Brother Manthei’s most recent expedition was aboard the Maersk Nevada. He settled in Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers in 1946. The deck department member originally sailed with Colonial Steamship Company. Brother Smith was born in Texas. His final trip to sea was on the Manhattan. Brother Smith lived Poynot, Texas. JERRY MCLEAN HERBERT THROWER Pensioner Jerry McLean, 65, passed away July 7. Brother McLean started shipping with the Seafarers in 1962. His earliest trip to sea was on the Del Sud. Brother McLean was last employed aboard the Overseas New Orleans. He sailed in the deck department. Brother McLean resided in his native state of Tennessee. He became a pensioner in 1998. Pensioner Herbert Thrower, 63, passed away July 28. Brother Thrower initiated his SIU career in 1966 while in the port of New York. His first ship was the Montpelier Victory; his last was the Elizabeth. Brother Thrower was a member of the deck department. He was born in Alabama but made his home in Chesapeake, Va. Brother Thrower began his retirement in 2001. DAN MANTHEI JAMES MORGAN Pensioner James Morgan, 80, died Aug. 12. Brother Morgan was born in Louisiana. He began his SIU profession in 1947 while in the port of New York. Brother Morgan mainly sailed in the steward department on vessels operated by CSX Lines. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986. Brother Morgan was a resident of New Orleans. FRANK O’KOORIAN Pensioner Frank O’Koorian, 83, passed away Aug. 11. Brother O’Koorian joined the union in 1951. He originally sailed with Sprague Steamship Company. Brother O’Koorian was born in New Jersey and shipped in the steward department. His final trip to sea was on the Tamara Guilden. Brother O’Koorian went on pension in 1982 and continued to make his home in his native state. GREGORY RICE Brother Gregory Rice, 51, died Aug. 9. He became an SIU member in 1981. Brother Rice’s maiden voyage was aboard the Button Guinnett. He was born in Inglewood, Calif. Brother Rice most recently sailed on the Capt. Steven L. Bennett. He settled in Honolulu. WAN SALIM Brother Wan Salim, 54, passed away July 24. Born in Indonesia, Brother Salim first donned the SIU colors in 1999 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He initially shipped aboard the USNS Petersburg. Brother Salim worked in the deck department. His concluding journey was aboard the Jean Anne. Brother Salim called Buena Park, Calif., home. WILLIAM SMITH Pensioner William Smith, 84, died Aug. 10. Brother Smith joined the FAIA TUILEFANO Pensioner Faia Tuilefano, 75, died July 10. Brother Tuilefano started sailing with the union in 1972 from the port of San Francisco. He shipped primarily with American Ship Management as a member of the steward department. Brother Tuilefano was born in American Samoa. In 1993, he retired and settled in Daly City, Calif. INLAND ROBERT MACHLINSKI Pensioner Robert Machlinski, 73, passed away June 1. Boatman Machlinski launched his seafaring profession in 1956 in the port of Baltimore, Md. While employed with the SIU he sailed in the deck department, mostly on McAllister Towing of Baltimore vessels. Boatman Machlinski was a resident of his native state of Maryland. MURPHY MARTIN Pensioner Murphy Martin, 80, died Aug. 1. Born in Raceland, La., Boatman Martin joined the Seafarers in 1962. A member of the engine department, he spent his entire career working aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing of Texas. Boatman Martin began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1988 and resided in Bridge City, La. LEON PULLEY Pensioner Leon Pulley, 68, died July 27. Born in Philadelphia, Boatman Pulley joined the union in 1964. He originally worked with P.F. Martin Co., in the deck department. Boatman Pulley’s concluding expedition was on the American Mariner. He went on pension in 2004 and resided in Oregon. PAUL STANLEY Boatman Paul Stanley, 76, died Aug. 21. A native of Louisiana, he donned the SIU colors in 1958 and sailed in both the Deep Sea and Inland Divisions. Boatman Stanley shipped in the deck department and initially sailed aboard the CSX operated Fairchild. He was last employed on vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. Boatman Stanley made his home in Sacramento. GREAT LAKES ALI SALEH Pensioner Ali Saleh, 82, passed away July 15. Brother Saleh embarked on his SIU career in 1960 while in the port of Detroit, Mich. The engine department member was born in Yemen. Before his retirement in 1990, Brother Saleh shipped aboard the H. Lee White. He called Radaa, Albaida 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 Afanador, Juan Aponte, Miguel Bottge, Edward Brown, Lee Cruz, Antone Eglecias, Iluminada Este, Clifton Field, Warner Fontinelli, Franklin Gordon, Shermon Hagan, Ben Hernandez, Juan Hyde, Davis Kelly, Victor Lopez, Edward Madar, Paul Mahoney, Charles Malveira, Joseph Mangham, Jack Manley, Edward Matos, Ramon Mejia, Augustine Melnick, Frank Moring, William Neu, James Norman, Alex Picazo, Paul Pitcox, Harvey Ponder, George Ramos, Rafael Reed, Simmie Reese, Karl Reyes, Severo Richardson, Samuel Robertson, Harold Sanders, James Schultz, Adolfo Serrano, Ismael Snyder, Francis Solis, Vincente Sullivan, William Toro, Ramon Torres, Tomas Ventura, Louis Viera, Genaro Vigee, Wallace Ware, Jack Warycha, Theodore Webb, Austin Webster, Andrew, Jr. Woodall, George Woodson, Ocie Zuegg, Joseph Age 91 63 79 78 86 93 92 86 83 82 81 83 87 89 84 86 87 76 79 93 93 83 89 80 79 70 81 74 64 83 94 76 75 81 90 79 75 82 78 72 91 90 85 89 88 77 75 85 83 59 81 83 80 DOD June 14 June 15 June 17 June 9 June 24 June 1 June 29 June 3 June 14 June 13 June 8 May 17 April 8 June 28 May 4 April 14 May 22 May 18 June 3 April 9 May 23 June 10 May 15 June 9 April 17 June 7 April 12 April 12 April 28 May 7 April 19 May 16 April 6 April 29 June 15 April 9 May 15 April 17 May 15 June 14 May 16 June 1 May 7 May 7 May 14 April 23 June 19 April 27 April 8 June 1 April 10 June 20 April 13 SIU Headquarters and all SIU Hiring Halls will be closed Monday, Feb. 18 for the observance of Presidents’ Day. Normal Business hours will resume the following day. February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 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. EL MORRO (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 28 – Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Daniel Herrera, Educational Director Joseph A. Letang, Engine Delegate Marcus A. Pittman. Chairman reminded crew members that new eligibility rules become effective Jan. 1, along with the new 401(k) plan. Secretary stated all departments were doing an excellent job and that the ship looks great; keep up the good work. Educational director advised mariners to take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to change retirement plan qualifications. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. GREAT LAND (Interocean American Shipping), Nov. 18 – Chairman Francis C. Adams, Secretary Johnnie B. McGill Jr., Deck Delegate Ferdinand Lugo, Steward Delegate Mike A. Bubaker. Chairman thanked all SIU crew members for a safe trip and for working well together. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at the union-affiliated school. No beefs; disputed OT reported in the deck department. President’s report from the Seafarers LOG was read and posted. Next port: Houston. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), Nov. 25 – Chairman Eric J. Perez, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Keith I. Bitran, Deck Delegate Edgardo Martinez, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefant, Steward Delegate Richard Jones. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla., on Nov. 30. Union officials will be coming aboard, so have union books and dues payments ready. He congratulated crew on passing Coast Guard and ABS inspections. Secretary expressed gratitude to the deck department for their help on the BBQ. He wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Vote of thanks was given to Chief Cook Jones for great meals, especially Thanksgiving dinner. Educational director urged members to check out what the Piney Point school offers. He also reminded them to keep track of all documents and when they expire. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members sent out a special holiday greeting to Brother Carlos Sanchez, beloved cook and steward. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R., and Port Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), Nov. 28 – Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Timothy L. Smith, Engine Delegate Willy P. Smith. Chairman reported payoff would take place upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash., on Nov. 28; patrolman will also be present to take care of any beefs. Educational director urged members to take advantage of upgrading and training offered in Piney Point. He also suggested they contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). No disputed OT; beefs reported in the deck department. Steward department was thanked for keeping ship clean and for a great Thanksgiving dinner. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HOUSTON (USS Transport), Nov. 25 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Engine Delegate Jeffery Fields. Chairman stated he was very pleased with crew and the amount of work that was accomplished during voyage. Secretary thanked Seafarers for their efforts in keeping laundry room and lounge clean. Educational director informed crew members that TWIC information was available in the Seafarers LOG and on the SIU web site. Members were also encouraged to keep track of document expiration dates. Deck delegate thanked deck gang for turning in overtime sheets in a timely manner. Steward delegate reminded mariners that clean linen is available upon request. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read letter from headquarters going over the importance of shipboard meetings. Copies of TWIC information received from Ft. Lauderdale patrolman were passed out. Crew discussed possibility of getting a TV for crew messhall for watching safety videos instead of members trying to pack into crew lounge. It was also reported that a dryer had been ordered for crew laundry and some showers needed to be caulked. Steward department was thanked for a great holiday menu. Next port: Richmond, Calif. ENERGY ENTERPRISE (Central Gulf Lines), Dec. 26 – Chairman Egidio J. Ferreira, Secretary Francisco L. Delgado, Educational Director Jonathan C. Wagner, Steward Delegate Fernando F. Lopes. Chairman read president’s report from the Seafarers LOG. He stressed the need to work together as one union, not against each other. “We are all SIU now – there is no more NMU and SIU.” Educational director advised mariners to enhance seafaring abilities whenever possible at the SIU-affiliated school. No disputed OT; beefs reported in the deck department. Crew thanked steward department for a wonderful Christmas spread. Members expressed the need for new mattresses, pillows and linens. Next ports: Brayton Port, Mass., and Baltimore, Md. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), Dec. 13 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Vicki L. Haggerty, Educational Director Dave D. Higdon, Deck Delegate Justin S. Beal, Engine Delegate Robert J. Haggerty, Engine Delegate Johnny Carson. Chairman went over ship’s itinerary and reminded everyone departing vessel to leave rooms clean for next mariner. Secretary reported that new juice machine had been installed in the pantry. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center so they could qualify for better jobs aboard vessels. Treasurer noted $4,100 in ship’s fund. No beefs; disputed OT ...and the Sealand Charger This snapshot was taken aboard the Sealand Charger in early December in Wilmington, Calif. Seafarers sailing aboard the vessel at that time included Bosun Salvadore Lagare, ABs Dennis Hurley, Jose Tagle and William Foley, Deck Maintenances Philemon Quitoriano and Rodolfo Antonio, Chief Electrician Randy Clark, QMED Rickey Pettaway, Wiper H. Asumari, Chief Steward Raymond Garcia, Chief Cook Curtis William and GSU Saleh Saleh. February 2008 Sailing Aboard the Sealand Atlantic The three photos above were taken aboard the Sealand Atlantic during a voyage in November. Pictured in the top photo (from left) are DEU John Cooper, AB Corey Stanton and AB Mike Borders. Pictured directly above are (left photo) AB Carey Hatch and Bosun John Grosskurth. reported in deck department. ABG Tim Fogg reminded everyone to contribute to SPAD, especially during an election year. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), Dec. 23 – Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Travis R. Jefferson, Educational Director Greg Alvarez, Steward Delegate Ruben Q. Fiel. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash., on Dec. 28. Secretary discussed TWIC information and reminded mariners they had until September 25, 2008 to get one. Educational director spoke about upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point to better one’s skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for excellent BBQ and food. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PHILADELPHIA EXPRESS (Crowley Lines), Dec. 9 – Chairman Willie M. Marsh Jr., Secretary James H. Narcisse, Educational Director Quincy Wilson, Deck Delegate Wilfred H. Luckie, Engine Delegate Phillip Niles, Steward Delegate Jessie Jones. Chairman thanked crew for a safe trip. Educational director talked about TWIC card. He urged mariners to read the 5, check the SIU web site or see patrolman for more information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. AB Celso Castro was commended for his actions that helped maintain safety aboard the vessel. Next port: Houston. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 7 – Chairman William M. Richards Jr., Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Engine Delegate David Terry Jr. Chairman reported a smooth, safe voyage. Secretary thanked all departments for helping keep ship clean. He also reminded everyone that the pre-hiring physical given by the company is good for a year. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were advised to read the Seafarers LOG to stay abreast of the latest information on TWIC. Seafarers departing vessel were asked to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. USNS YANO (American Overseas Marine), Dec. 9 – Chairman John A. Mendez, Secretary Lauren J. Oram, Educational Director Jon I. Hemba. Chairman discussed the union’s position promoting use of American crews on LNG ships. Educational director urged mariners to check expiration dates on z-cards and passports and apply for TWIC cards. Treasurer reported $1,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members talked about concerns with medical benefits. Request was made for internet access. Thanks to galley gang for great food. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., and Philadelphia, Pa. Share your ideas for news and feature items for publication in the Seafarers LOG by calling (301) 899-0675. Simply ask the operator for the Communications Department. E-mailed items may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org Seafarers LOG 19 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 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. New Year’s Resolution: Buy American On Thanksgiving Day, after feasting on that old bird with all the trimmings, I got to thinking of all the things that we as Americans can be thankful for. Unfortunately, there are concerns, too. Think of the recent Christmas season when all those foreign-made lights were burning here in the United States and our citizens were opening foreign-made presents that were bought at all the malls throughout America. To me, that represents the loss of jobs which will never return to America. There are very few blue-collar workers left in our country. They are no-collar workers because they’ve lost their shirt to cheap foreign labor. Brothers and sisters, the solution is to just stop buying those foreign products. The children in America are the only future that America has. Why buy defective toys for them made in China? Think about it. Retiree Edwin S. Harris St. Petersburg, Florida Thanks to Port Agent On behalf of the crew and myself, we would like to thank SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox for promptly addressing a critical issue on the MV Jean Anne. The rapid response by the union continues to show the members the true embodiment of what a union should be. That is, an organization to protect workers and our rights. Again, thanks for “standing up” with us and for us. Steward/Baker Samuel Sinclair Aboard the MV Jean Anne Sharing WWII Memories During the latter part of World War II, I was serving as an oiler on the Liberty ship SS Russell A. Alger in Belgium. Shortly after lunch one day, some of the gun crew were attending to duties in the vicinity of the 20 MMs on the flying bridge. A plane appeared from the west, flying low and strafing. Our gun crew immediately manned the 20s and shot down the plane, which turned out to be a Messerschmitt 109. All the ships in the area manned all guns. At this time, a plane appeared from the east at high altitude and diving at the ships. A terrific barrage went up and the plane was shot down. However, it turned out to be a British Spitfire! No one claimed the Spitfire, although the nottoo-bright pilot was not hurt. Before the day was done, our stack was painted with a GUNNER logo, swastika and ME 109. I’m not saying the eagle was large, but if we had shot down another plane, we would have needed another stack! Two of our crew members thought our stack would bring retaliation against us, but pride overcame sheepishness, and our stack remained as the gun crew had designed it. Eli Rantanes Clinton, Ohio (The writer sailed at various times with the MFOW, MEBA and AMO) Tribute to ‘Uncle Richard’ And to all U.S. Mariners I would like to share a letter I received from our nephew, Bill Woodcock, a former Marine. It is a “Tribute to Uncle Richard,” but it could apply to all merchant mariners who have done much to keep our country safe and free – with little recognition for their efforts. “Uncle Richard” is James Richard Boone, an SIU retiree who passed away Nov. 17, 2007. You probably called him by his first name: Jim, Jimmy or Boonie, but his family called him Richard. We all miss him very much. Mrs. Betty Boone Parkville, Maryland Editor’s note: The tribute written by Mr. Woodcock follows. Brother Boone first shipped in 1945, at age 16 – he had dropped out of school to join the war effort. He was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., where he also earned his GED. A member of the engine department, he came ashore in 1984 due to health issues. My Tribute to Uncle Richard I was 19 years old and was fortunate to be introduced to the Brockmeyer/Boone family. This was due to my beautiful wife, Kathleen, and again I was blessed to become part of such good people. My best memory is more of a personal story. I find this event highly ironic. It is a good demonstration of Richard as a person. He had always “watched my back,” but this time he really was there for me and many other Marines. It was 1969. I was in Danang, Vietnam. We were responsible for the security of Danang Air Base and the bomb dump which housed all our bombs – mainly 500 lb. and 2,000 lb. bombs. Unfortunately, someone started a fire in this bomb dump. Danang Air Base was always a major target for the NVA and Viet Cong. The air base housed A-4s, F4s, A-6A Intruders, OV-10s, and spy-photo planes. The Marble Mountain helo base also was in this area. We lost every one of our bombs. They exploded for days. There was shrapnel flying all over the Danang area for miles. Shockwaves were visible in the sky, which look like ocean waves. Everyone had to stay outside – any type of enclosure would start your ears bleeding. We had a lot of “walking wounded.” The Danang area and airbase were evacuated with the exception of a few outfits. My outfit was one of the Marine outfits to stay to hold down the fort. The 2,000 lb. bombs would build up a slow cloud of black smoke for approximately 15 minutes and then they would explode like an atomic bomb. The grounds would shake for minutes. We were being overrun in several directions. Without our bombs for aircraft, we were in serious trouble. The enemy had overrun Freedom Hill, which was only a couple miles from the airbase. A U.S. Merchant Marine ship pulled into the Danang Harbor, which looked like the Fourth of July because of the bombs exploding. This ship was loaded with new bombs, which were unloaded and taken directly to the waiting fighter/bomb aircraft. We caught the enemy in the open and took care of business. Without this merchant marine ship and Uncle Richard in the harbor, there would have been many more names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Without the bombs, we would have been completely overrun. Thank you, Uncle Richard and your fellow U.S. Merchant Mariners from me and many other Marines! I would venture to say we have many Americans who have never heard of the merchant marine, much less what they contribute. I admire these men, including Uncle Richard. If you do not believe in faith and/or a guardian angel, this is a living testimony to a man we all love. Newly Retired Port Agent Offers more Credit, Thanks I would like to add a few thoughts to my retirement article that appeared in the January edition of the LOG. In particular, I emphasize my special admiration for SIU President Mike Sacco and the late SIU Executive Vice President Joey Sacco, as they reversed the death spiral that the American shipping industry was plagued with at the time they were selected and elected as president and executive VP. There could not have been a more critical moment for them to apply their skill and contacts and to market their vision of the solution. Without any doubt, this transformed the economic health and safety of the nation. They certainly saved my family’s future. I also still value the guidance received by the Brooklyn headquarters officials of the 1960s, especially the mentoring by George Ripoll. George was always devoted to perfection and is a unique person of great intensity. I appreciated the various roles that came my way. I’ll miss working at the craft and miss the dedicated people of Mike Sacco’s capable team – a group which certainly includes Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Dave has done a terrific job for the SIU affiliates and members, as well as the leadership among the world’s transportation unions. He has reinforced the solidarity that the SIU has worldwide and can pick up the phone at any moment and get things done immediately, almost anywhere in the world. We have really great people in the SIU and I am so very proud of them and our members and our contracted companies. We have a winning team, as Mike likes to say, and all of you make me feel so very proud to have been associated with you. Edd Morris Piney Point, Maryland 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. The annual financial committee will be elected during the March 3 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2007 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 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 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:57 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Course Welding 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 2008. All programs are geared to improving 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 March 3 April 14 May 26 March 28 May 9 June 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (must have radar unlimited) April 14 June 16 April 18 June 20 Celestial Navigation June 2 June 27 GMDSS April 21 May 2 Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 18 March 31 May 12 February 29 April 11 May 23 Radar March 31 June 2 April 11 June 13 Radar Renewal (one day) April 21, June 23 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman March 3 April 28 March 14 May 9 May 12 October 14 June 2 November 3 Bosun Recertification Course Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) March 3 March 28 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops March 24 May 19 April 18 June 13 FOWT February 25 April 21 June 16 March 21 May 16 July 11 Marine Electrician March 3 March 17 March 31 March 21 April 4 May 23 Pumpman April 7 April 18 Machinist UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ Date of Completion March 3 April 7 May 5 June 2 March 21 April 25 May 23 June 20 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) March 10 May 5 June 30 March 21 May 16 July 11 Basic Fire Fighting March 17 April 14 June 16 March 21 April 18 June 20 Basic Safety Training/STCW February 25 March 24 April 7 May 12 May 26 June 30 February 29 March 28 April 11 May 16 May 30 July 4 Fast Rescue Boat May 12 June 16 May 16 June 20 Government Vessels (Week 1) February 18 March 31 May 19 June 23 February 22 April 4 May 23 June 27 Medical Care Provider March 24 May 19 March 28 May 23 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) March 24 (must have basic firefighting) June 2 April 4 June 13 Tankerman (PIC) Barge (must have basic firefighting) April 25 April 21 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes most recently began February 4. Steward Recertification Course March 17 August 18 April 7 September 8 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and fifty (150) 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 2008 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. 2/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:58 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Welding – Six boatmen from Crowley Maritime completed the welding class Dec. 7. Those completing the class (above, in no particular order) were Joseph Korpalski, Jordan Rapp, Nicholas Piccinich, Ryan Hayes, John Harvey and Wes Farley. Buzzy Andrews, left, was the class instructor. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Unlicensed apprentices from Classes 696 and 697 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above in alphabetical order) were: Jose Alcaide, George Box, Jacqueline Calhoun, Aaron Chiusano, Brooke English, Sean Fitzgerald, Jason Fountaine, Gordon Glover, Gabriel Izquierdo-Arais, Jahmal Jones, Ryan Kinser, Cory Leonard, Eddie Major Jr., Reynaldo Maldonado, Roderick McClary, Denise Mendoza, Christopher Mercado, Patrick Milton, Steven Myrick, Leslie Pratts, Steven Pyle, Scott Rosseel, Frank Smith, Anthony Snoeyenbos, William Walker, Christopher White and Jacob Zitnick. (Note: Not all are pictured.) AB – Nine mariners on Dec. 7 received certificates for their completion of the AB course. Completing the class (above, in no specific order) were Awal Syiafullah, David Weeks, Peter Dudoit III, Hussein Mohsen, Ryan McElroy, Brian Awde, Jason Devine, Clarence Lee Jr., and Christopher Hunnings. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is standing at far left. Tankerman Assistant – Eighteen mariners on Dec. 7 graduated from the tankerman assistant course. Those completing the course (above, in no specific order) were John Favero, Ronald Wilson, Quentin Scott, Marian Martin, Noland Earl, John O’Shaughnessy, Adrian Schubert, Shastri Mullahoo, Fontanos Ellison, Omar Aswad, Dan Marcus, Simon Jason, Louis Holder Jr., Rupert Henry, Roberto Avila, Robinson Eromosele, Papa Yankeh and Dario Dizon. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is at far right. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations – The following individuals (above, in no specific order) on Nov. 30 completed the basic auxiliary plant operations course: Montree Nakwichet, Daniel Coffey, Forfirio Amaya, Azad Davani, Andrew Cooper, David Newsome, Zachary Miano, Sean Keaton, Deandre Whitley, Ruben Haynes, Donnetta McLee, Shawn Pantschyschak, Riley LaBlanc, Cheryl Gutkowski, Kenneth Bricker, Bryan Clark, Edwin Arroyo, David Turley, Tashara Newton, Terry Taylor, Omar Izquierdo, Jon Larrinaga, Casey Shannon, Henry Sheppard and Leroy Sierra. (Note: Not all graduates, or their instructor, John Wiegman Jr. are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG Welding – These Crowley boatmen graduated from the welding fundamentals course Dec. 14. Members of the class (above, in no specific order) were Paul Hart Jr., Scott Smith, David Christinzio, Samuel Birth and Bill Murray. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is second from the left. Advanced Refer Container Maintenance – On Dec. 21, the following individuals (above, in no specific order) graduated from the advanced refer container maintenance course: Calvin Beal, Herman Castro and Donald Christian. Beal, left, is a new member of the Paul Hall Center’s vocational staff. Jay Henderson, second from left, was the class instructor. February 2008 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:58 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW – SIU, STCW – NCL, Dec. 7: William Adams, Eric Arellano, Nicole Backus, John Dec. 14: Damian Allen, Gerald Beaubien, Fontanos Ellison, Robinson Eromosele, John Favero, William Goeltz, Zachariah Greenwood, Martin Hochstafl, Jeffrey Lalande, Charles Lamb, Edward Leonard, Dan Marcus, John O’Shaughnessy, Charles Richardson, Steve Schwedland, Thomas Tucker, Ronald Vandercook, Edward Villanda, Ronald Wilson and Papa Yankeh. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW – NCL, Dec. 7: Melissa Oliver, Laura Post, Lauren Reese, Susan Regdos, Alfredo Resto Camacho, Elizabeth Rishmawy, Antonio Rivera, Carlos Rizo, Jose Rosa Solis, David Roy, Dalmo Santos Jr., Jose Seda Rodriguez, Jennifer Slade, Scott Smathers, Ashley Speller, Maxim Staroselsky, Erika Suarez Cuadrado, Theodore Talbot Jr., Orlando Torres, Shawn Watkins-Hall, Amanda White, Damian Wilkerson, Steven Winters, Steven Wintersteen and Orlando Zelayandia Jr. STCW – NCL, Dec. 7: Jeffrey Daymont, Carlos Deliz Quintana, Shane Denbo, Drew DeVine, Amada Dizon, Timothy Eng, David Fernandez, Gloria Hatcher Steele, Galvin Huss, Sherina Jefferson, Reginald Jenkins Jr., Racheal Knight, Daniel Lee, Vincent Liberto, Fabrice Lopez, Nicholas Madsen, Angelica Maldonado Castro, Juan Maisonet Santana, Philip McCoy Jr., Tahir Merchoud, Monte Moss, Thomas Mullen, Sean Myers and Tracey Naulty. (Note: Not all graduates are pictured.) Balicki, Isaiah Barbour, Lorelei Barger, Kathleen Bennett, Emily Beyers, Rakesh Bhai, Timothy Boettcher, Jeffrey Boscoe, Benita Bradford, Jon Brandstaetter, William Brown Jr., Nicholas Brunette, Jeffery Buresch, Amber Calderilla, Margaret Carlson, Santiago Canales Castaneda, Cassandra Clark, Jamie Clarke, Michael Coleman, Vega Concepcion and Kevin Dao. BST/STCW – Completing the BST class Dec. 15 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii (above, in no particular order) were: Taylor Stibbard, Catherine Foy, Sarah Zirkle, Loretta Darnell, Ladonna Gray, Courtney Gentile, Jennifer Aberle, Zachary Hansen, Quinn Niesing, Jesse Baxley, Jeanette Baxley, Jeremy Straley, Jessica Straley, Michael Casacci, Daniel Lyles, Mark Schustrin, Brandon Weiss and Brandon Gaylord. BST/STCW – These individuals completed the BST class Dec. 15 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii. They are (in no specific order) Jose Laguidano, Arnold Marquez, Jason Leonardo, Jerome Barrera, Arnel Garcia, Jesus Boncoy, Sammy Sarmiento, Manny Lising, Errol Evardone, Noel Miones, Jeron Osorio, Romarioa Esguerre, Michael Acosta, Roy Soque, Michael Tolentino, Bryan Deutsch, Arnold Umaii and Epie Benitez. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Computer Class Graduates Earn Certificates Posing with Instructor Rick Prucha (left in photos at left, right in photo at right and center in photo at far right) are students who recently completed computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. Displaying their certificates of achievement, from left, are Sandra Garcia, Ernest Frank III, and Tereza Padelopoulou. February 2008 Seafarers LOG 23 �46675_P01_24x:January 08 1/29/2008 6:58 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 2 February 2008 SIU Holiday Photos Seafarers Hosted Events For Members, Retirees and Guests During the Holidays — Pages 9 -11 Seafarers Provide Comfort and Joy Before Holidays Goodwill Abounds Throughout Hospital Ship’s 4-Month Humanitarian Mission CIVMARS spent four months before the end of 2007 aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort providing humanitarian assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean. Crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division, the Comfort departed from Norfolk, Va., on June 15 and returned to its home in Baltimore, Md., on October 19. The Comfort’s crew of CIVMARS, uniformed and civilian medical personnel, and operations and support workers teamed up to provide medical assistance and relief to more than 98,000 people in 12 countries. According to MSC, as part of the Comfort’s goodwill and humanitarian mission, crew members helped make it possible for the medical personnel to provide “extensive” care including performance of more than 1,000 surgeries, issuance of 24,000 pairs of eyeglasses and 32,000 immunizations, and distribution of 122,000 pharmaceuticals – all in parts of the world that truly need the assistance. Crew members also reached out by refurbishing hospitals, providing new playground equipment, repairing plumbing in bathrooms and patching up more than 20 schools and medical facilities. They also found time to make balloon animals for sick kids in hospitals. Electronic Technician Alan Horowitz Bosun Gerald Butch (photo at left) displays a life ring he painted, while Engine Utility Michael Forner (above) takes readings in engine room. Supply Clerk Lucio Salvador Cook-Baker Stanley Drew mans the serving line for Navy personnel. Unlicensed Junior Engineer Sean Larouche reads the Seafarers LOG. A banner thanks Comfort crew members for the recent mission. � 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 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CIVMARS RESCUE UAE MARINERS MEMBERS SHOW STRONG INTEREST IN NEW SEAFARERS 401(K) PLAN 4TH ‘LEWIS AND CLARK’ SHIP DELIVERED TO MSC NASSCO STARTS CONSTRUCTION ON 2ND TANKER FOR U.S. SHIPPING PARTNERS NTSB: 1ST-TRIPPER WAS ON WATCH WHEN MAJESTIC BOAT GROUNDED AKER PHILADELPHIA SHIPYARD REPORTS CONTINUED PROGRESS FOR SIU-CONTRACTED TANKER PROGRAM APL BALBOA RE-FLAGGING MEANS MORE SIU JOBS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHES MARINE HIGHWAY PROGRAM ITF WEEK OF ACTION A SUCCESS ADMINISTRATION REPORT CITES VITAL ROLE OF U.S. MERCHANT MARINE SIU-CREWED USNS PILILAAU COMPLETES LARGEST DELIVERY OF LIFE-SAVING MRAPS TWO SEAFARERS MEMORIALIZED DURING SHIPBOARD CEREMONIES SEAFARERS PROVIDE COMFORT AND JOY BEFORE HOLIDAYS 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 02/01/2008 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. 70, No. 2 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/dff8b41c901f530a1b80185ecaceac7e.pdf 63ec953b65fc878655b88a73fde0c5aa PDF Text Text 46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:30 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 3 March 2008 MSP Gains Newer Tonnage As SIU Fleet Grows by 2 Alliance Norfolk, Alliance St. Louis Raise America’s Stars and Stripes The SIU-contracted fleet recently grew by two ships as Maersk Line, Limited added the Alliance St. Louis (above, left) and Alliance Norfolk (above, right) to its group of vessels enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Two other SIUcontracted Maersk ships (the Maersk Nebraska and Maersk Nevada) rotated out of the MSP fleet, but they remain in the company’s commercial service and still are crewed by Seafarers. The Alliance Norfolk and Alliance St. Louis are car carriers. At left, the Norwegian flag is taken down from the Alliance St. Louis and replaced by the Stars and Stripes while the vessel was in Baltimore. Page 3. Always Ready to Deliver Seafarers Continue Embracing Role as Nation’s ‘Fourth Arm of Defense’ Delivering the goods for U.S. troops wherever and whenever needed remains a vital part of the jobs performed by SIU members. So say Seafarers themselves, including Recertified Bosun Rick James (right in photo below) and AB Mrimri Farah, pictured in late January aboard the Cape Washington. Seafarers aboard the USNS Mendonca (left) and Cape Wrath also recently discussed their commitment to supporting our troops. Pages 10-11. Union Membership Increases PHC Distance Learning Page 2 Page 6 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:33 AM Page 2 Union Membership Increases President’s Report Protecting Workers’ Freedom Statistics don’t always tell the whole story, but the recently released numbers on union membership in the U.S. are encouraging. The labor movement made big gains in 2007, attracting more than 300,000 new members. As reported elsewhere on this page, that’s the biggest increase going all the way back to 1979. All things considered, I think this is great news not just for unions but for all working families. The growth also is a tribute both to the value of union representation and the resilience of workers and organizers taking part in the campaigns. Michael Sacco It’s easy to see the advantages of joining a union. As Seafarers know, union members have a real voice in the workplace. They have the protection of a collective bargaining agreement. Year after year, government data shows that union members are far more likely to earn more money and have better benefits than unrepresented workers. Meanwhile, private studies consistently show that most people across the country support unions. They also reflect the fact that the majority of unrepresented workers say they would join a union if presented with the opportunity. Unfortunately, in far too many cases, workers don’t really get a fair shot at exercising their right to join a union. That’s why the AFL-CIO (to which the SIU is affiliated) has pushed so hard for the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – legislation that would restore fairness to the National Labor Relations Board process. The spin from anti-worker factions is that the EFCA somehow would deprive employees of their rights when it came time to vote on whether or not to join a union. Brothers and sisters, talk about a smokescreen. The truth is that in most modern-day organizing campaigns, workers – and unions – already are fighting an uphill battle all the way. Not because unions don’t have a lot to offer, but rather because the employers pull out all the stops to keep the union out, often including breaking the law. This isn’t news to anyone who’s been involved in a tough campaign in recent years, but it may surprise others. Companies routinely harass and intimidate pro-union workers during the weeks leading up to a vote. In many documented cases, pro-union workers are unjustly fired. Businesses often spend more to hire union-busting attorneys to cloud the real issues and confuse workers about unions than it would take to pay a fair wage with good benefits. Even if a majority of workers votes for representation, some companies stall and stall during negotiations for a first contract, while at the same time still attempting to disregard the workers’ choice by getting rid of the union. How can they get away with those actions? The enforcement of certain labor laws protecting workers in organizing drives is weak or nonexistent. Appeals processes take too long. Even for the most enthusiastic union advocate, it can be a very tough fight. I think it’s un-American to treat workers that way. Employees deserve the chance to freely exercise their right to join (or not join) a union. The law already says so, but reality says something different. The SIU remains committed along with our fellow unions throughout the AFL-CIO in supporting the Employee Free Choice Act. There is solid backing for the legislation in both houses of Congress. There is legitimate hope that this bill will become law. When it does, the yearly report on union membership will be even better than the current one. And that’ll be good news not just for unions, but for all workers. Middle-class families are finding it harder and harder to maintain their living standards, much less get ahead. Workers’ wages are stagnating or falling. Economic inequality in this country is rising to alarming levels. And health insurance and retirement security are increasingly beyond the reach of middle-class families. Our country cannot afford to continue on this course. At the same time, every day more people are coming to understand that the ability of workers to form and join unions is what laid the foundation for the explosive growth of the American middle class in the post-World War II period. Every day, more people appreciate the role of collective bargaining in promoting broadly shared economic growth and prosperity, higher wages, better jobs, better and more extensive health care coverage, retirement security, and dignity and respect for workers on the job. Volume 70, Number 3 March 2008 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 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Union membership in the United States increased by 311,000 to 15.7 million in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – marking the largest single-year increase in union membership since 1979. Overall union density increased slightly from 12.0 percent to 12.1 percent last year, reversing a trend of decline in recent years. “Today’s numbers show working people are pushing to form and join unions in order to improve their lives, despite record levels of resistance from employers,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said when the government data became available in late January. “They know that a union card is the single best ticket into the middle class, especially in today’s economy.” Private sector union membership grew by 133,000 and density grew to 7.5 percent in 2007, the first time private sector density grew since 1979. In construction alone, more than 96,000 members were added last year, bumping union density in that industry to 13.9 percent from 13.0 percent in 2006. The largest increase in union membership was in health services, where unions added 142,000 members, a 0.9 percent increase in density from 2006 to 7.9 percent. Union membership among women grew again in 2007, continuing a trend in recent years. More than 201,000 women joined unions in 2007, nearly twice the number of men. Women now account for 44 percent of all union members, a new high. The advantages of having a union on the job were clear in 2007, according to the labor federation. Last year, median weekly pay for union members was $863 while those who were not represented by unions had median weekly earnings of $663. “Our unions have been working hard over the last 10 years to build their strategic capacity to help workers join unions, even in this hostile legal environment where workers’ right to organize has been all but eliminated,” Sweeney added. “The fact that our unions have been able to grow despite a slowing economy and a decline in the public sector is a good sign. As we’ve built political support and held elected officials who oppose workers’ rights accountable, more working people have been able to exercise their choice to join unions.” There have been a number of important victories for workers who wanted a union on the job. Those victories include 40,000 childcare workers in Michigan joining the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the United Auto Workers (UAW). More than 40,000 communications workers joined the Communications Workers of America in the last two years, including more than 20,000 at Cingular (now AT&T Wireless). Last year, 50,000 childcare workers in New York joined AFSCME and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). In addition, 6,000 casino dealers in New Jersey and Connecticut joined the UAW and 3,000 administrative staff from Rutgers University joined the AFT and Communications Workers of America. The manufacturing sector continues to be hard hit due to an overall decline caused in part by trade deals like NAFTA that have shipped millions of American jobs overseas. Manufacturing employment dropped by 287,000 and union membership dropped by 93,000. Union density in manufacturing declined from 11.7 percent to 11.3 percent. The growth in union membership comes at a time when workers say they want and need unions more than ever. More than half of all workers – 60 million – say they would join a union tomorrow if given the chance, according to independent research by Peter Hart Research Associates. “It’s no accident that the vast majority of workers who formed unions last year did so outside the broken National Labor Relations Board process,” Sweeney said. “All workers deserve a free and fair chance to form a union. It’s time for Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act to reform our nation’s broken labor laws and help rebuild our ailing middle class.” Under NLRB Direction, Majestic Posts Non-Interference Notice In an agreement sanctioned by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Majestic America Line in late 2007 was compelled to post a notice to employees aboard the formerly SIU-contracted passenger riverboat American Queen promising that the company wouldn’t interfere with crew members’ rights to choose union representation. In other words, under a government-supervised settlement, the company said it would follow the law. Majestic also agreed to reinstate a former employee who had been unjustly fired because of pro-union activities. The NLRB signed off on the agreement Nov. 7, 2007. It read in part, “The Charged Party will post immediately in conspicuous places in and about its vessel, including all places where notices to employees are customarily posted, and maintain for 60 consecutive days from the date of the posting, copies of the attached Notice (and versions in other languages as deemed appropriate by the Regional Director) made a part hereof, said notices to be signed by a responsible official of the Charged Party and the date of actual posting to be shown thereon.” The bulk of the notice itself read as follows. The name of a Majestic employee whom the union assisted in safeguarding his workplace rights appeared in the original notice but is omitted here as a courtesy: NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES - FEDERAL LAW GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO: ■ Form, join or assist a union; ■ Choose representatives to bargain with us on your behalf; ■ Act together with other employees for your benefit and protection; ■ Choose not to engage in any of these protected activities. (Editor’s note: The company agreed to the following items, which appear in the notice.) WE WILL NOT interfere with, restrain or coerce you in regards to the exercise of these rights, more specifically WE WILL NOT discharge or otherwise discriminate against you for supporting or engaging in activities on behalf of the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO (Union) or any other labor organization. WE WILL NOT in any like or related manner interfere with, restrain, or coerce you in the exercise of your rights as guaranteed by Section 7 of the Act. WE WILL offer full re-employment to [name of employee] in his former position without prejudice to his seniority or any other rights previously enjoyed. WE WILL pay [name of employee] wages and other benefits he may have lost because we discharged him. WE WILL, within 14 days from the date of the Settlement Agreement, remove from our files any reference to the discharge of [name of employee] in March 2007, and WE WILL within three days of the removal, notify [name] in writing that this has been done and that WE WILL not use the discharge against him in any way. March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:34 AM Page 3 The Alliance Norfolk (above) and sister ship Alliance St. Louis signify more jobs for the SIU and greater RO/RO capability available to the U.S. Department of Defense. Seafarers Crew Up 2 New Maersk Ships RO/ROs Alliance Norfolk, Alliance St. Louis Join MSP Fleet Call it a win-win development. The SIU recently added two vessels to its fleet, while the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) gained newer tonnage. Beginning in late January, Seafarers crewed up the car carriers Alliance Norfolk (in New York) and Alliance St. Louis (in Baltimore). Both vessels now are operated by SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. The ships initially had sailed for Hoegh Autoliners under the Norwegian flag, but now sail under the Stars and Stripes. The Alliance Norfolk (built in 2007) and Alliance St. Louis (2005) are basically identical, each measuring approximately 650 long with a beam of about 104 feet. They were constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). They replaced the containerships Maersk Nevada and Maersk Nebraska (both built in 1985) in the MSP fleet, but those vessels remain in the company’s commercial service, normally transporting grain. Ed Hanley, Maersk Line, Limited vice president of labor relations, commended SIU members for “displaying outstanding professionalism and teamwork during the reflaggings. Their dedication to duty and ‘can do’ attitude overcame the many obstacles associated with taking over new vessels, which allowed for a smooth integration under the U.S. flag. The company and U.S. Coast Guard officials on site were impressed with the readiness of the crew and their emphasis on safety and security.” 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.” The MSP was established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996. The program helps maintain a pool of well-trained American seafarers who are available to crew the ships of both the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift fleet as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war. Bipartisan support from Congress as well as the administrations of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton crafted and guided the original legislation to its ultimate passage in 1996. That measure provided funding for 47 militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels over a 10-year period. In return, the companies participating in the program made sure their intermodal facilities were available to the U.S. armed forces in time of war or national emergency. Because the MSP proved its value during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, efforts were launched in 2002 to extend and expand the MSP before its expiration in 2005. A year later, Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed legislation to enhance the MSP with 10 more years and 13 more vessels. During those grassroots efforts to secure a new MSP, a report by the highly respected National Defense Transportation Association stated that the United States military would be that the MSP has become a pillar of the nation’s strategic sealift and global response capability, providing mariners, vessels and intermodal systems to support the military in such missions as Iraq and Afghanistan. The Alliance St. Louis reflagged under the Stars and Stripes Feb. 4 in Baltimore. Chief Cook Vincent Chavez prepares a meal aboard the Alliance St. Louis. Some of the folks on hand for the reflagging of the Alliance St. Louis included (not in order) AB Celestino Daluz, Oiler Eli Young, AB Joseph Ayeo, Oiler Andy Iliscupidez, DMAC Malachi Tannis, Outgoing Bosun Richardo C. Ballelos Jr., Incoming Bosun Roy Tyler, Steward Rudolph Daniels, Maersk General Manager Carol Berger, Maersk General Manager James Denoncourt and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. March 2008 unable to deploy and sustain its forces worldwide without using privately owned, U.S.-flagged commercial vessels. The study by the Maritime Policy Working Group of the NDTA’s Military Sealift Committee demonstrated Crew members safely and busily continue readying the Alliance St. Louis for its first official voyage under the American flag. Seafarers LOG 3 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:31 PM Page 4 Defense Bill Provision Signals CIVMAR Win Mariners Retain Rights as Saga Concludes SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (second from right) represents the union during a recent ceremony honoring the Horizon Falcon. Also pictured at the ceremony are (from left) Capt. Eric Wallischeck of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Wally Becker, senior vessel superintendent at Horizon Lines; and Capt. Tim Brown, president of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots. Wallischeck is presenting the American Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy. SIU-Crewed Horizon Falcon Honored For ‘Brave Actions’ in 2007 Rescue In recognition of their efforts during an at-sea res- ed the vessel through rough seas filled with floating cue that took place last year, crew members and offi- logs to attempt to locate and rescue survivors. A cers from the Seafarers-contracted Horizon Falcon lifeboat with four mariners aboard was dispatched were honored Jan. 26 at a luncheon hosted by the U.S. despite high winds and 24-foot swells. One Chinese Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. survivor was pulled from the water, but as the lifeboat SIU members sailing aboard the Horizon Falcon was being recovered by the Horizon Falcon, a large during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Steven swell nearly swamped the craft while damaging its Bush, ABs Ahmed Almuflihi, John Dacuag, motor. The lifeboat was ordered abandoned, but its Jennifer Souci, Stanley Parker, Jack Kem, Earl crew and the survivor climbed to safety up the conSparkes and Jerry Gonzaga, Electrician Ursel tainership’s 40-foot pilot ladder. Barber, QMEDs Husain Ali and Gustavo Osorio, A second Chinese seaman was spotted in the water Recertified Steward Philip Lau and SA Milagros near the containership. AB Dacuag harnessed himself Clark. to the pilot ladder and, using a grappling hook, The captain and crew received the American snagged and rescued the man. Merchant Marine Seamanship Trophy for their skillThe Horizon Falcon, by now joined by a Navy P3 ful action in rescuing two mariners from stormy seas. Orion aircraft and another merchant ship, continued “Captain Tom McDorr and the crew of Horizon the search for survivors, but no others were located. Falcon, owned by Horizon Lines, Inc., displayed The containership was eventually directed to resume superior seamanship its voyage. The rescued last year when they Chinese seamen were saved the lives of two delivered to Yantian, Chinese sailors whose where representatives vessel sank in the North of the Chinese governPacific,” the academy ment expressed their noted when announcing thanks to the captain the award. and crew of the On July 12, 2007, the Horizon ship. containership Horizon “The determined Falcon was en route efforts and the profesfrom Guam to Yantian, sional and brave China when it received actions of the captain The Horizon Falcon a message from the U.S. and crew of Horizon Coast Guard to divert Falcon, under most difcourse and come to the aid of a vessel, the bulk carri- ficult conditions, undoubtedly prevented the further er Hai Tong No. 7 carrying a cargo of logs. loss of human life in the sinking of Hai Tong No. 7,” The storm surge of Typhoon Man-Yi had caused the academy noted. the Hai Tong No. 7’s cargo to shift. The vessel The trophy itself, an ornate sterling silver cup, is on foundered and its Chinese crew had already been in permanent display at the American Merchant Marine the water for two days before any ship reached the Museum on the academy’s Long Island campus. scene. Recipients are presented with a plaque representing The Horizon Falcon arrived first. McDorr navigat- the trophy. Following a successful four-year effort by dozens of unions and supporters, members of the SIU Government Services Division are among the workers buoyed by the late-January signing of a Defense bill that includes provisions protecting their rights to union representation. The legislation signed by President Bush exempts blue-collar Defense Department employees from the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) and also calls for certain protections for workers who operate under the NSPS. CIVMARS and other bluecollar DOD workers will keep their collective bargaining rights as well as retain rights to appeal major disciplinary actions. The same holds true for privately employed civilian mariners sailing aboard U.S. Military Sealift Command and U.S. Maritime Administration vessels (though it wasn’t certain those mariners eventually would have ended up in the NSPS). “There are not many wins in our history bigger than this “. . . I am proud that I one,” said John Gage, presi- fought against the National dent of the American Security Personnel System in Federation of Government 2003, and that I was part of Employees. The NSPS applies to the leadership of the House approximately 110,000 Armed Services Committee in Defense employees who 2007 that wrote the language aren’t covered by collective to restore the rights of so bargaining agreements. many Americans.” U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrom---U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie bie noted, “After four years of lawsuits and back and forth federal court decisions, Congress has finally restored the basic rights of hard-working government employees to bargain collectively over the terms and conditions of their work, and to have in place an independent appeals process to handle disciplinary actions. The new law exempts bluecollar Defense employees from the NSPS, and ensures that employees who are in the NSPS and perform at satisfactory levels receive annual raises and locality adjustments and have an opportunity to earn performance-based raises and bonuses. “This language in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, now Public Law 110-181, affirms the existence of the social contract between employer and employee; affirms the value and dignity of an honest day’s work; and affirms this nation’s core belief in fundamental justice. I am proud that I fought against the National Security Personnel System in 2003, and that I was part of the leadership of the House Armed Services Committee in 2007 that wrote the language to restore the rights of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie so many Americans.” Coast Guard Says No Injuries, No Pollution In McCarthy Mishap No injuries and no pollution were very good words to hear from the U.S. Coast Guard about the stern submergence of the M/V Walter J. McCarthy Jr. in Superior, Wis., on January 14. The 1,000-foot McCarthy struck a submerged object while backing into winter dockage when the object punctured the stern, causing flooding in the engine rooms. The vessel’s stern settled to the bottom at 20 feet of water, covering the ship’s four diesel engines. According to the Coast Guard, the 4 Seafarers LOG crew closed the two engine rooms’ watertight doors and evacuated the flooding areas. That same week, workers pumped water from the ship’s ballast tanks that brought the ship’s stern up in the water, leaving five feet of water in the engine rooms. Workers then installed a coffer dam over the hole in the ship’s bottom, and oil and water were pumped into trucks on the dock to be taken away and treated. According to American Steamship Company, both engine rooms have been steam cleaned at press time and engines are being evaluated for repairs. The company also stated that the holes are sealed, which helps ensure there will be no pollution and that repairs can be made inside while also alleviating the need for drydock. Company officials said repairs could take months, especially given the freezing temperatures at the site. “It’s a very unfortunate event, but things like this happen. When vessels make dock, this is the most hazardous part of their journey,” Adolph Ojard, the executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, told an NBC television affiliate in Duluth. Lt. Aaron Gross, Coast Guard chief of port operations for the Marine Safety Unit in Duluth, told reporters the object that punctured the McCarthy’s hull could have been ice or a concrete piling. The McCarthy transports coal from Superior to Detroit Edison’s St. Claire and Monroe, Mich., power plants. March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:32 PM Page 5 TWIC Hearing Reveals Mixed Results Enrollment Continues for Federally Mandated Credential Displaying posters that are part of the joint effort are (from left) ITF General Secretary David Cockroft, ISF Secretary Natalie Shaw, ISF/ICS Secretary General Tony Mason and ITF Seafarers’ Section Secretary Jon Whitlow. The photo was taken Feb. 1 at a news conference in London. International Groups Announce Joint Effort to Protect Mariners The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Shipping Federation (ISF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have joined forces in a new initiative to help protect seafarers involved in maritime accidents. The three organizations, which represent maritime employers and trade unions worldwide, announced Feb. 1 in London that they have united to support and promote the IMO and ILO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers In The Event Of A Maritime Accident. As part of the campaign the three organizations are distributing posters (supported by web sites and leaflets) worldwide to show seafarers how the guidelines can help protect them. They are also encouraging their members - national shipowners’ associations belonging to the ISF and ICS, and seafarers’ unions affiliated to the ITF - to approach their governments in order to promote the guidelines and to monitor how effectively they are being implemented. ISF/ICS Secretary General Tony Mason explained, “As responsible employers, we believe its is very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the fair treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are indeed implemented in practice by governments. Seafarers must be treated with dignity and respect, and given access to independent legal representation in situations where they may be interviewed or held following an accident at sea.” ITF General Secretary David Cockroft remarked, “The knee-jerk scapegoating of seafarers following accidents at sea is a growing concern to us all. In recent years the response of too many national authorities has been to reach for the handcuffs first and find out what actually happened last. “Incidents like these prove how vital the guidelines are. I’m proud to say that the ITF and ISF in their capacity as ILO ‘social partners,’ with support from ICS and other industry organizations, helped to develop these guidelines, which were the product of tripartite negotiations with governments prior to their agreement by IMO and ILO.” Speaking at a press conference to launch the joint effort, the two men displayed the “Maritime Accidents. Seafarers – Be Aware!” posters that the organizations are distributing for use on ships, in seafarers’ missions and in other locations around the world. These can also be downloaded from either www.marisec.org/fairtreatment or www.itfglobal.org/fairtreatment, where the IMO/ILO Guidelines also appear in full. Meanwhile the three organizations sent a letter to the secretary-general of the IMO and the director-general of the ILO that reads in part, “As you are both well aware, the treatment by national authorities of seafarers unfortunate enough to be involved in maritime casualties or pollution incidents is an extremely important issue for the shipping industry, especially in the light of recent high profile cases around the world, where masters and crews have been detained by investigating authorities, apparently without adherence to proper due legal process. It was, of course, such incidents that led to the adoption by governments of the IMO/ILO Fair Treatment Guidelines, in order to address the key responsibilities of detaining states as well as those of the vessel’s flag state and the seafarers’ country of residence. “It is therefore very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are implemented by governments, and we are now actively promoting the IMO/ILO Guidelines throughout the industry…. We are sure that IMO and ILO will welcome this campaign by the industry’s social partners and our objective of ensuring that these important IMO/ILO Guidelines are indeed implemented in practice.” The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on Jan. 23 conducted a review hearing on enrollment progress of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program. During the hearing, committee chairman Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) pointed out that as of January 11, 49 of 147 planned TWIC enrollment centers had been opened and that approximately 109,000 preenrollments had been initiated. Additionally, almost 50,000 enrollments had been completed and roughly 12,000 TWIC cards had been distributed to workers in the maritime community. Rep. Cummings and chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), whose committee oversees Cummings’, expressed concerns about the process. “For example,” explained Rep. Cummings, “TSA [Transportation Security Administration] originally estimated that 750,000 individuals in the maritime community would enroll in the TWIC program but now estimates that at least one million individuals will need TWIC cards.” Rep. Cummings also commented that extensive wait times have been experienced by some who are picking up and activating their TWIC cards. He did mention that the contracted company running the program, Lockheed Martin, allows individuals to make appointments to pick up cards and to complete the enrollment process. Rep. Oberstar stated, “I am concerned about mariners who live in remote areas will have to drive hundreds of miles – twice – once to apply for a TWIC card and again to pick it up.” “According to reports from the first 90 days of TWIC enrollment,” said Rep. Cummings, “workers enrolling in the program have experienced severe deficiencies in customer service, ranging from dysfunctional computers and loss of worker data to delays of up to five hours. One station expected to serve over 30,000 people was staffed with only one employee, while another station closed for the day when its printer ran out of toner. “Additionally, while a deadline for enrollment has been established for mariners, the Coast Guard has yet to announce the dates when ports must begin using the credentials. There has also been no clearly established outline distinguishing which maritime vessels must install the machine to read the TWIC cards or set deadlines for land facilities to install the readers,” Rep. Cummings continued. It is unclear whether Lockheed Martin will be able to deliver reliably functioning TWIC readers to all designated locations by the Sept. 25, 2008 TWIC enrollment deadline for mariners. Rep. Oberstar said, “Until TWIC Elijah Cummings card reader technology is available and the rule is pro- Chairman, House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime mulgated, the TWIC will be Transportation used as a flash pass. Although this offers some layer of security, the card is not worker is less than 11 minutes. Concerning the TWIC card serving the intended service.” During the testimony stage readers, Fanguy stated that the of the hearing, representatives TSA has begun a pilot test profrom the Coast Guard, TSA, gram to determine the effecLockheed Martin and the tiveness of the readers and the Maryland Department of biometric data embedded on Transportation addressed some TWIC cards. During his testimony, Coast of these concerns and provided more insight into TWIC Guard Director of Inspections and Compliance Rear Admiral progress. John Porcari, Maryland’s Brian Salerno underscored the secretary of transportation, progress made on TWIC that noted, “There have been some Fanguy mentioned. Admiral instances of enrollees having to Salerno emphasized the Coast make multiple visits to the Guard’s efforts in soliciting Baltimore enrollment site comments from various parts of because of TSA computers the industry and agency offices. Focusing on the TWIC cards being down and because of information previously submit- and the readers, the admiral ted for enrollment being lost on said, “The Coast Guard is in the TSA servers. Slow enrollment process of procuring handheld can be attributed to any number biometric readers which will of issues: cost of the card; pay- enable verification of identity ment arrangements by public and validity of credentials durand private institutions; and ing our vessel and facility reluctance of individuals inspections and spot checks. because of concerns about dis- We are also on track to develop qualifying background crite- the system necessary to allow newly hired employees to work ria.” TSA’s TWIC Program while they await issuance of Director Maurine Fanguy said TWIC.” A major concern in the that enrollment centers have opened on schedule. She industry and Congress is a declared that the average TWIC surge in enrollments that can enrollment time for a port occur as the Sept. 25, 2008 TWIC deadline approaches. Lockheed Martin Transportation and Security Solutions business unit President Judith Marks addressed the concern of the committee with the company’s plan. “We will focus first and foremost on use of mobile enrollment work stations that can be taken directly to stakeholder facilities. This provides an additional level of convenience for the individual workers … by minimizing lines at fixed facilities and easing the burden on major employers. In addition to use of mobile units, we have developed a national surge plan that will allow for U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (second from left), chairman of the House rapid expansion of capacity at Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, is pictured during a any of the 147 port locations.” hearing. March 2008 Seafarers LOG 5 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:36 AM Page 6 Advancing Your Career Via the Paul Hall Center The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The school offers courses for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments. Below is a quick look at one of those classes. For more information about the center and its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; call (301) 9940010; or visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. Course dates are listed on page 17 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. Steward Department Course Spotlight Galley Operations -The course consists of two 2-week modules (totaling four 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 unlicensed apprentice program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’ sea time as an SA. A student at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md., glances at the Paul Hall Center’s initial online course offerings. PHC Offers Online Courses A long-planned program to benefit employees working under SIU agreements and the union’s contracted operating companies is coming to a computer near you. The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is offering web-based “distance learning” for mariners. The program comes after a recommendation of the center’s Deep Sea and Inland Advisory Board and is currently in its infancy but initially offers online courses for: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection; and Shipboard Water Sanitation. Internet-based online training provides mariners the opportunity to receive recommended or required professional training while serving at sea aboard a vessel, while ashore at home, or during any other time when they are away from the ship. All that is required is a personal computer, or laptop with internet capability. The training is designed to be self-paced. The courses are kept as brief as possible so that they can be completed within one or two sittings. A reasonable deadline has been estab- lished for overall course completion. “Distance learning is the wave of the future because it is convenient for students,” explained Paul Hall Center instructor Dale Rausch. He mentioned that those taking the courses can start coursework, walk away and resume use later. These initial courses are designed by Paul Hall Center instructors and tailored to address the annual refresher training of vessel safety management systems and prepare students for resident coursework at the center. The center is approaching operators for suggestions on other online courses to make available. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application found on page 17 of this issue of the LOG and mail it to: Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via e-mail, so be sure to write your e-mail address on the form in the space provided. In addition, be sure to include the word “online” when listing the course(s) you desire on the application. SIU-affiliated School Earns County’s ‘Gold Star’ Center Gains Recognition for Superior Compliance to Food Safety Standards The St. Mary’s County (Md.) Health Department recently praised the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education because of the school’s “superior compliance to food safety standards among food establishments” in the county. The school received a certificate as part of a new program launched by the county to spotlight excellence in food service. “Gold Star” certificates were presented to the Paul Hall Center and to other facilities “who met the challenge of achieving superior standards for the 2007 calendar year,” according to the department. Based on data from the county, it’s clear that the certificates were awarded only to those facilities that truly demonstrate excellence. Approximately 50 food establishments received the recognition – which equates to only about 12 percent of the more than 400 places that were eligible. Located in Piney Point, Md., the Paul Hall Center offers entry training and numerous upgrading classes for merchant mariners. While vocational training is the school’s main focus, food service also is vitally important on a campus which typically houses hundreds of students at any given time, not to mention the instructors and staff. In fact, in some cases the training and food service are intertwined – several of the schools curriculums cover steward department functions. “This award reflects the hard work of 6 Seafarers LOG the trainees involved in daily sanitation classes and practices throughout their first month at the school,” noted Paul Hall Center Executive Chef John Hetmanski. “Of course, it also reflects well on our steward department upgraders. The chief cook program, for instance, is a practical application of these sanitation principles.” Hetmanski added, “In the bigger picture, it’s important to note that Paul Hall Center students transfer the food sanitation principles to the ships as they go to sea.” Daryl Calvano, Environmental Health Division director at the health department, commented, “The Gold Star program recognizes the conscientious efforts of food establishments, and alerts the public to restaurants that have demonstrated exceptional attention to public health safety and sanitation. We are really pleased by the leadership of these establishments who stepped up and met the standards during the inspection period. These establishments deserve to be recognized as having achieved the ‘high honor roll’ for sanitation.” Alan Shick, food program supervisor for the county, said the program came about as a direct result of public interest. “Public inquiries about our inspection work in food services have become much more numerous in the past few years,” he stated. “Both the food establishment and the public win when high standards are achieved, rewarded and made known.” The requirements to earn the Gold Star include no critical violations and no “temperature violations” cited during an inspection. All violations noted by an inspector must be corrected with 30 days (verified by follow-up inspection), and there must be no confirmed unsafe food handling complaints. At least one food service worker must have completed a recognized and approved food service sanitation and safety class with the last two years. Steward department courses available at the Paul Hall Center include galley operations, certified chief cook, advanced galley operations, certified chief steward and steward recertification. Paul Hall Center Executive Chef John Hetmanski (center) displays the school’s award following a presentation by (left) Dr. William B. Icenhower, St. Mary’s County (Md.) health officer, and Daryl Calvano, director of the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s Environmental Health Services Division. March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:32 PM Page 7 Vessel Master, Crew Praise Efforts of SIU Steward Recertified Steward Hugh E. “Bucky” Wildermuth epitomizes the true meaning of what it is to be a good shipmate, according to those with whom he sails. Not only does he perform all of his assigned tasks in a safe and timely fashion, he also goes above and beyond the call of duty in the process they point out. Wildermuth consistently has demonstrated this brand of dedication since he donned the SIU colors back in 1991. And, not surprisingly, his extra efforts have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, Wildermuth has been the recipient of accolades from his fellow unlicensed crew members, officers whom he has sailed under for the past decade as well as company officials who operate the vessels on which he has worked. The Indiana-born steward’s positive actions really hit the mark in early January however when he parlayed them into being nominated to receive a cash award. Wildermuth currently sails aboard the Maersk Virginia, one of four SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) Panamax G-Class vessels which are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program providing liner service between the U.S. East Coast and ports in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. During a voyage late last year, the Virginia’s oven went on the blink while underway and was of no use to Wildermuth or his fellow steward department shipmates. “On most ships, this would mean deep-fried or boiled food [for the crew] until the oven was repaired,” wrote Shaun Hughes, master of the Virginia, in correspondence to MLL officials about Wildermuth’s dedication. “…Bucky has taken up the slack by using the barbecue to prepare an assortment of foods like roasts, turkey, enchiladas, lasagna, biscuits, cookies and many other items. This sometimes means standing outside in cold wind to get a meal prepared. Not usual for a ship’s steward.” Apparently, the elements were no match for Wildermuth’s sense of devotion to duty and responsibility to his fellow crew members. Not only did he prepare meals under less than ideal conditions, he also made Christmas extra special for his shipmates. “On Christmas morning, every crew member had a stocking on his door filled with candies, gloves, socks and other items which Bucky has shopped for in port on his own time,” Captain Hughes wrote. The captain also pointed out that Wildermuth regularly prepares favorite meals as well as birthday cakes for his shipmates. On every trip to sea aboard the Virginia, “Bucky strips and Recertified Steward Hugh E. Wildermuth, left, chats with Chief Cook Richard Worobey aboard the SIU-crewed Maersk Virginia. The vessel recently tied up in the Port of New York. waxes the decks and ladders in the accommodation during the middle of the night, so as not to be a disruption,” Captain Hughes said. “He does it out of pride in his work.” Captain Hughes said he could go on and on about the praises Wildermuth has received for his hard work and dedication, but he feared he might fail to mention some since they are so numerous. “To those of us who work with him, he simply represents what a good shipmate is and what quality is al about,” the captain concluded. Seafarers Rally With South Jersey Health Care Nurses SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, second from right in bottom right photo; Port of Philadelphia Patrolman Robert Wisler, left in same same photo; Port of Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, seventh from right in same photo behind woman wearing dark shirt, and Port of New York Patrolman Joe Baselice, not pictured, joined rankand-file Seafarers Nov. 14 who stood in solidarity with the Registered Nurses of South Jersey Healthcare (SJH) during a rally. Some 50 Seafarers turned out for the event, which organizers billed as an effort to draw attention to the unfair fashion in which the SJH registered nurses had been treated by company administrators and the board of directors during the quest to obtain their first ever labor contract. That effort started nearly two years ago on July 26, 2006 when the group voted for union representation. As it turned out, the rally achieved its purpose and then some. During the proceedings, it was announced that the nurses’ negotiators some 23 hours earlier had reached a tentative agreement for the health care professionals’ first labor accord. The nurses are affiliated with the Health Professionals and Allied Employees, AFT/AFL-CIO. March 2008 Seafarers LOG 7 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:32 PM Page 8 Mariners Need TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008 The following information, available on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) web site, covers the steps necessary to acquire a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This information has been sent to all SIU halls and will be repeated in upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. The deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a TWIC is Sept. 25, 2008. Therefore, the union urges Seafarers to apply for the new card, which eventually will be required of all U.S. mariners who need unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. ports and vessels. The requirement comes from a federal law called the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Seafarers should check with their port agents and/or utilize the TSA con- TWIC Enrollment Centers This is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-February, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http://www.tsa.gov/twic When visiting that site, there are different ways to access the most recently updated list of enrollment centers. There is a link near the top of the home page; there’s also one within the TWIC “FAQ.” As they become available, additional addresses will be published in the LOG and faxed to the union halls. The TSA is expected to announce the locations of many more enrollment centers in the weeks and months ahead. Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 California Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Road Oakland, CA 94607-1010 1830 Embarcadero Avenue Suite 104 Oakland, CA 94606-5230 301 E. Ocean Boulevard, Suite 500 Long Beach, CA 90802 1931 N. Gaffey Street, Suite B San Pedro, CA 90731-1265 13201 San Pablo Ave., Suite 300 Richmond, CA 94806 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 Florida 955 Tallyrand Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32206-6049 707 Mullet Road, Suites 117/118 Port Canaveral, FL 32920-4519 975 North America Way Miami, FL 33132-2004 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 8 Seafarers LOG tact information that follows for the latest information on the TWIC program, including the “TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan,” which is a list of cities where TWIC enrollment centers are or will be located. Updates also regularly appear on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” section). Seafarers are advised that although pre-enrollment for the TWIC is optional, both the agency and the first individual SIU members who have applied for the card strongly recommend it. FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-3478942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Road Dania Beach, FL 33004-2810 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Georgia Power Plant McManus 1 Crispen Island Drive Brunswick, GA 31523 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 970 Kele Street, Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois 8741 South Greenwood Dixon Building Chicago, IL 60619-7061 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 111 W. Washington Street, Suite 346 East Peoria, IL 61611-2532 Indiana 200 Russell Stree Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 3602 Northgate Court Suite 37C New Albany, IN 47150-6417 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 James Drive East, Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ■ Pre-Enroll This can save time at the enrollment center itself. To pre-enroll, individuals must first register for an ID starting at https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWIC WebApp/ Applicants will need to supply basic information including their name, date of birth and country of birth. ■ Gather Documentation As part of the TWIC application process, individual applicants must supply documentation verifying their identity. A list of acceptable documents was printed on page 4 of the January edition of the Seafarers LOG and is available on the TSA’s TWIC web site. A valid merchant mariner document/z-card is acceptable, as is an unexpired passport. Maine 235 Oxford Street Suite 12 Portland, ME 04101-3070 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 213 W. Main Street Suite 204C Salisbury, MD 21801-4871 3195 Old Washington Road Suite 2106 Waldorf, Md. 20602-3201 Massachusetts 28 Damrell St., Suite 104 Boston, MA 02127-2775 300 Tremont Street, Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 Michigan Delray Mechanical 667 S. Post Street Detroit, MI 48209-3053 916 River Street Ontonagon, MI 49953-1622 800 East Ellis Road, Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 511 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1960 Minnesota 34 13th Avenue, NE Minneapolis, MN 55413-1002 2161 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55114-1300 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth, MN 55802 3214 2nd Avenue East International Falls, MN 56649-8955 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 New Jersey Northern New Jersey / Bergen County 89 Leuning Street Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 ■ Enroll Applicants may enroll at any of the agency’s enrollment centers, at which time they must pay the TWIC fee of $132.50 (or the reduced fee of $105.25, if applying for a TWIC that expires in conjunction with a merchant mariner document). Applicants will provide fingerprints and be photographed as well as provide personal information. ■ Pick up TWIC Applicants must return to the same enrollment center to pick up their credential. They will be notified by email or phone (as specified during enrollment) when the card is ready. The individual TWIC will be activated, and the card-holder will select a corresponding PIN number. Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street, Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 2680 Grand Island Boulevard Suite 1 Grand Island, NY 14072 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 North Carolina 5704 Oleander Drive Suite 102 Wilmington, NC 28403-4761 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway A Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 Ohio 3100 E45th Street, Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 401 Broadway Avenue Suite D, Office B Lorain, OH 44052-0000 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Oregon 621 SW Morrison Street Portland, OR 97205 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 701 North Point Drive, Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 3200 West End Avenue Suite 510 Nashville, TN 37203-1330 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5155 IH-10 South Beaumont, TX 77705-4213 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin Houston, TX 77029-3003 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 301 Highway 146 N. Texas City, TX 77590-6630 Virginia 814 Greenbrier Circle, Suite F Chesapeake, VA 23320 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 8327 Summit Park Rd., Ste. D Anacortes, WA 98221 Port of Everett Marina Marina Conference Center 404 14th Street Everett, WA 98201-1674 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd. Huntington WV 25702 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue 425 South Military Avenue Green Bay, WI 54303-2271 March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 8:06 AM Page 9 Welcome Ashore in Ft. Lauderdale Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea January 16, 2007 — February 15, 2008 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Picking up their first pension checks, respectively, at the union hall in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. are newly retired Seafarers Recertified Bosun Carmine Bova (top photo, left, with Port Agent Kenny Moore) and Oiler Pedro Gago (bottom photo, left, with Safety Director Kevin Marchand). Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Personal Pedro V. Ramos and David K. Seeman Please contact Robert H. Mulligan by phone at (781) 331-0691 or (617) 460-1547, or by email at bob.mulligan@comcast.net Totals April & May 2008 Piney Point ...........Monday: April 7, May 5 Algonac ................Friday: April 11, May 9 Baltimore..............Thursday: April 10, May 8 Boston ..................Friday: April 11, May 9 Guam ....................Thursday: April 24, May 22 Honolulu...............Friday: April 18, May 16 Houston ................Monday: April 14, May 12 Jacksonville ..........Thursday: April 10, May 8 Joliet .....................Thursday: April 17, May 15 Totals Mobile ..................Wednesday: April 16, May 14 New Orleans.........Tuesday: April 15, May 13 DECK DEPARTMENT 1 1 2 4 2 2 6 4 0 2 1 5 7 3 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 0 4 9 1 6 37 18 2 8 15 35 10 14 3 0 5 2 34 25 0 2 1 4 2 2 17 13 5 3 9 11 12 11 2 7 3 1 16 11 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 4 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 3 3 0 1 19 9 0 0 2 16 4 7 0 0 1 0 21 11 3 0 7 19 1 14 73 51 1 24 26 87 24 42 4 1 17 1 53 59 8 10 8 27 10 16 48 41 1 18 14 56 27 18 3 6 19 9 47 45 3 2 3 8 6 3 5 7 1 4 5 7 10 6 3 0 1 0 3 7 254 238 49 228 132 17 98 507 431 84 0 0 3 4 1 4 13 14 0 6 8 19 13 11 3 1 1 1 14 12 1 4 4 10 1 2 14 15 0 5 4 9 8 4 1 1 4 3 13 10 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 0 0 0 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 5 2 7 18 13 0 6 10 14 6 10 2 0 0 0 8 7 0 1 3 4 3 1 5 14 0 2 3 7 4 6 0 0 2 2 11 8 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 10 0 1 1 6 1 3 0 0 1 1 7 7 0 0 8 13 0 11 18 22 0 10 12 35 14 16 6 3 10 2 24 18 2 6 6 16 3 3 14 29 2 10 2 19 15 7 2 3 6 5 22 17 0 0 1 3 2 1 4 2 0 1 0 4 5 1 0 0 0 0 4 3 128 113 19 110 76 10 44 222 189 31 1 0 0 5 2 12 22 18 0 9 5 23 8 20 1 3 3 0 20 25 0 0 2 10 5 5 10 9 0 2 3 9 7 5 0 1 2 0 8 8 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 177 86 10 New York .............Tuesday: April 8, May 6 Norfolk .................Thursday: April 10, May 8 Oakland ................Thursday: April 17, May 15 Philadelphia..........Wednesday: April 9, May 7 Port Everglades ....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. March 2008 ENGINE DEPARTMENT STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 3 10 2 19 3 11 25 19 3 10 13 26 14 10 2 7 9 3 25 24 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs 2 0 6 10 1 8 37 22 0 11 11 39 13 18 1 1 8 2 35 29 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 2 6 1 9 16 16 0 3 12 20 5 20 4 1 1 0 12 26 1 0 1 7 1 2 8 6 0 2 5 4 10 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 5 8 0 2 5 8 1 10 1 0 1 0 5 12 1 0 1 7 3 16 38 27 0 10 5 38 14 39 2 4 4 1 33 37 1 0 1 11 4 8 11 16 0 3 5 12 14 6 1 1 3 1 11 14 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 2 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 155 53 6 62 280 123 16 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 3 0 0 0 0 5 3 5 0 0 1 4 0 5 0 0 0 0 3 5 3 3 1 5 2 6 22 14 1 4 6 28 5 15 1 6 4 1 17 13 4 0 0 11 4 6 2 7 0 2 2 5 12 14 1 27 3 2 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 2 0 0 2 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 12 9 0 2 5 11 2 10 0 8 1 2 5 6 0 0 0 2 0 1 5 4 0 0 0 1 7 4 0 18 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 7 6 0 1 3 10 2 6 0 0 0 0 8 7 6 7 2 8 4 9 38 36 1 11 4 55 29 22 1 5 5 1 29 25 6 0 1 16 6 13 9 16 1 3 5 23 30 21 1 34 3 2 15 13 34 157 112 21 80 45 0 56 298 218 593 594 190 514 341 78 204 1,065 1,041 349 Seafarers LOG 9 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:34 PM Page 10 SEAFA Answer Nation’s Call for M SIU members who have sailed on missions supporting U.S. and allied forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom stand ready to mobilize again whenever their nation calls. That message surfaced time after time during casual shipboard interviews that took place in late January aboard three Seafarers-contracted vessels in Baltimore (the Cape Washington, Cape Wrath and USNS Mendonca). Members stated that in their respective experiences aboard ship, individual opinions about the war in Iraq are as varied as what one probably would find in most other workplaces. To a man, however, they emphasized that there is nothing short of unanimous commitment to delivering the goods – on time, efficiently, wherever and whenever needed. Recertified Bosun David James has made a dozen trips to the Middle East aboard SIU-crewed military support ships since OIF began, including one voyage that spanned more than six months. “We know we’re America’s fourth arm of defense,” James stated. “SIU members are here to support the troops, period. As mariners, I think we all understand that we’re vital to national security.” He and other Seafarers mentioned that there are some obvious things that distinguish the OIF/OEF missions from a regular cargo run. They include the materiel itself, the multiple checkpoints heading into port and the military security teams that normally board the ships at some point along the way. “SIU members are here to support the troops.” --- Bosun David James Shipboard discussions are different, too. “The war is always a topic when you’re headed to Iraq, and the conversation gets more in-depth as you take on the security team and get closer,” said Recertified Steward Bob Mensching. Recertified Bosun Rick James said that even while vessels such as the Washington, Wrath and Mendonca remain in reduced operating status between activations, mariners talk about possible upcoming duties. “At our safety meetings, it’s a daily topic – availability, the war, our readiness,” he said. “Each person has different political views, but we all know we’re a vital part of supporting the armed forces. We look forward to bringing the troops home when the job is done.” Electrician Eric Mentzer pointed out that there is plenty of interaction between the crew and the security teams on many voyages. “A lot of people on the ships become friends with them,” he said. “The last two teams in particular were really cool guys. They’ve got families at home just like we do.” “Everybody gets to know each other. These are tight quarters,” said QMED George Murphy. QMED Bob Oppel has made four voyages in support of the current military operations, with the first two lasting a combined nine months. “The first couple of trips, everyone was gung ho,” he recalled. “Since then it has seemed more routine, although everyone’s just as focused on doing their job. It’s a more serious atmosphere (than a commercial run) and definitely a little different.” AB Mrimri Farah described the delivery of materiel to U.S. troops abroad as “very important,” and added that he is proud to have helped transport humvees and other cargo “that were badly needed at the time. Our guys in Iraq were very happy to see those.” Pictured are QM Mentzer The Seafarers-crewed Cape Washington Recertifie USNS M QMED George Murphy Cape Washington Chief Steward McKinley Jones Cape Wrath A sign aboard the Cape Wrath reflects the consistently safe jobs performed by SIU members and officers. GUDE Rose Winer Cape Wrath Seafarers help keep the Cape Washingt engine room running smoothly. The Cape Wrath, seen from the Cape Washington’s stern ramp 10 Seafarers LOG March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:34 PM Page 11 FARERS or Military Support Missions Pictured from left to right on the Cape Washington are QMED George Murphy, Electrician Eric Mentzer and GUDE Michael Alghafeili. Recertified Steward Bob Mensching USNS Mendonca Storekeeper Ted Hilles USNS Mendonca OS William Thomas USNS Mendonca Recertified Bosun David James USNS Mendonca Electrician Eric Mentzer Cape Washington QMED Bob Oppel Cape Wrath e Cape Washington’s oothly. AB Al Barnett Cape Wrath March 2008 AB William Howell USNS Mendonca Recertified Bosun Rick James, AB Mrimri Farah Cape Washington Seafarers LOG 11 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:35 PM Page 12 Seafarer Went Toe-to-Toe with Legendary Sugar Ray Robinson DATELINE: CINCINNATI, OHIO, MARCH 29, 1955 (SIU Wire Service) – A young able seaman, Johnny Lombardo, stood toe-to-toe with the former middleweight champion of the world, Sugar Ray Robinson, losing a 10-round split decision to the exchamp. Trading punch after punch against some of the quickest hands known to boxing, the young Seafarer clearly had the crowd on his side due to his impressive turnout against the ex-champ who was in the middle of a career comeback. Looking like a block of stone with fists of iron, Lombardo stepped into the ring against Robinson with one knockout of contender Joe Rindone and a thrashing of Garth Panther already to his credit. Despite a flurry of rights and lefts staggering Robinson, the judges handed down the split decision. The verdict was greeted with booing by the fans at the Cincinnati Gardens mainly because Lombardo put up such a terrific fight against the former champion. Even sportswriters from around the nation think Lombardo was robbed. Meet Fighter and AB Johnny Lombardo While the above news flash is a rewrite of newspaper articles of the time, the event and story of SIU Retiree Seafarer Johnny Lombardo (middle) is pictured during the pre-fight weigh-in with Sugar Ray Robinson (right). Johnny Lombardo are true. He’s known to his friends as a soft-hearted but hard-nosed kind of guy. According to Lombardo, while boxing was a passion, the sea was his love. Like most kids during the Depression, he lived in a poor family. His mother being the sole source of income, young Johnny took a job in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. Then, a tragic event took place that would shape his life forever. “I was so angry about the bombing of Pearl Harbor, I joined the Navy when I was 15,” said Lombardo. World War II began his 15-month combat tour. It was in the Navy where he got his certification as a ship’s machine gunner. “I loved that job so much, I slept at the base of my 20mm gun when I could,” he laughed. Lombardo’s sleeping SIU member Johnny Lombardo (right) squared off with Sugar Ray Robinson. arrangements paid off in the made a name for himself in the ring standing strong early morning of the D-Day invasion of Normandy. against some big boxing names at the time such as “I didn’t have too far to run when they called the ship Rocky Castellani, Phil “Wildcat” Kim and others. to battle stations. All hell broke loose as a Nazi Junkers At age 26, he got his big shot. “Sugar Ray Robinson JU-88 strafed the deck. As the plane circled the ship, I was trying to regain his title and my name came up as his spun around as it was bearing down on me and let loose opponent. When my manager told me, I said, ‘I’m going on him,” Lombardo recalled. He said that everything to beat this guy but I know the judges are going to steal happened so quickly he didn’t know if he was the only the fight from me,’” exclaimed Lombardo. “This was my one to fire on the plane. “The whole ship got credit for big shot and I thought it was a good way for a poor boy downing the plane, but I know I got a piece if him.” When asked how he felt during the heated battle, he said, to make a name for himself.” Then came fight night. “When the first round started, “I was too young to be scared!” As the ship was decorated for the battle, the Navy dis- Robinson starting talking to me. He said things like, ‘Why don’t you lay down and we’ll just get this over covered Lombardo’s real age. The Navy shortly diswith? What was I doing wasting my time in the ring?’ charged him. Well, I hauled off and hit him in the jaw! Undaunted, Lombardo quickly took action. “I joined “During the fight we each almost knocked each other the Army!” he said. “I still wanted to fight, but the Army out,” said Lombardo. “But, to tell you the truth, he was sent me to Italy where the war was pretty much over.” so fast, I didn’t see his punches! He wasn’t washed up Lombardo still had the fighting spirit when the Army like everyone was saying. But, I did get my shot.” shipped him home. “We had boxing matches on board A few months later, Lombardo hung up his gloves. “I during that long cross-Atlantic trip. A buddy of mine, always loved the sea. So I quit boxing, went to the New Sonny Wayman, convinced me to box and they gave me York port agent’s office and signed on to be a seafarer. I the biggest, toughest, best boxer on the ship and I worked mainly on tankers, but would have done anything knocked him out in the third round,” Lombardo rememto be at sea.” bered. When, they got home, Wayman got Lombardo a The 79-year-old Lombardo is retired in Las Vegas and few matches and his boxing career started to move. is still full of energy. “I’d sign on for sea duty today if Lombardo didn’t consider himself a great boxer. “I they’d take me,” he said. “Our union brothers are the think I was ranked 40th before I fought Sugar Ray greatest people in the world.” Robinson,” said Lombardo. But, Lombardo had already 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 12 Seafarers LOG 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 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:38 AM Page 13 Seafarers International Union Directory Welcome Ashore Michael Sacco, President 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. Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 DEEP SEA 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 March 2008 CIFUENTES GAGO Brother Cifuentes Gago, 63, joined the SIU in 1970. He initially sailed on the Amerigo as a member of the engine department. Brother Gago was born in Zamora, Spain. He attended classes on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gago’s final voyage was aboard the Motivator. He makes his home in Port St. Lucie, Fla. RICHARD HECKMAN Brother Richard Heckman, 65, became a Seafarer in 1959. His earliest trip to sea was on the Navigator. Brother Heckman shipped in the engine department. He last worked aboard the Guayama. Brother Heckman is a resident of Rio Grande, P.R. with Berg Towing Company. He enhanced his skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Carter was most recently employed on an Express Marine Inc. vessel. He makes his home in Smyrna, Del. ALEX GOLDEN Boatman Alex Golden, 63, first went to sea in 1973 with Allied Towing. Boatman Golden was born in North Carolina and shipped in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard a Steuart Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Golden settled in Harkers Island, N.C. THOMAS HUMPHRY Brother Joseph Jenkins Jr., 67, donned the SIU colors in 1987. His maiden voyage was on the USNS Wilkes where he sailed as a member of the engine department. In 2000 and 2002, Brother Jenkins took advantage of the educational opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, he went to sea aboard the PFC Dewayne Williams. Brother Jenkins calls Lake Stevens, Wash. home. Boatman Thomas Humphry, 68, started working with the SIU in 1972 from the port of San Francisco. In 2000, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. Boatman Humphry began his career sailing in the deep sea division aboard a States Steamship Company vessel. He primarily shipped as a member of the steward department on a Crowley Towing & Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Humphry is a resident of Compton, Calif. JAMES T. MARTIN JAMES S. MARTIN Brother James T. Martin, 57, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1972. The deck department member upgraded numerous times at the Piney Point school. Brother Martin was born in Pennsylvania. His first ship was the Sea Carol; his last was the USNS Petersburg. Brother Martin lives in Bacliff, Texas. Boatman James S. Martin, 52, joined the union in 1975 while attending classes in Piney Point, JOSEPH JENKINS JR. WILLIAM PAYNE Brother William Payne, 67, embarked on his seafaring career in 1990 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He originally shipped on the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Payne was born in Virginia and worked in the engine department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Payne resides in Jacksonville, Fla. INLAND WILLIAM CARTER Boatman William Carter, 66, is a North Carolina native. He became an SIU member in 1966. Boatman Carter initially sailed Md. He enhanced his seafaring abilities frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Martin was born in California and worked in the engine department. His final trip to sea was with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. DWIGHT PIERCE Boatman Dwight Pierce, 62, launched his seafaring profession in 1972. He was employed with Dixie Carriers for the duration of his career. Boatman Pierce calls Collinsville, Miss. home. 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. LAWRENCE CHAPMAN Brother Lawrence Chapman, 63, joined the NMU ranks in 1968 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Ocean Evelyn as a member of the steward department. Brother Chapman was born in Mobile, Ala. He most recently worked aboard the Cape Knox. JAMES DILLON Brother James Dillon, 63, donned Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1945 SIU members in New York threw a celebration for five fellow SIU members who returned home after being held prisoner by Nazi Germany. All of the repatriated brothers had stories of privation and hardships to tell. Three of them, Ralph Piehet, William Weaver and Rufus Stough, were torpedoed on the Sturgis in February 1943. The other two, Paul Petro and John F. Monteverde, were sunk on the SS Honomu on July 5, 1942. All were prisoners since their capture, living on German subs, prison ships and in German prison camps. his NMU colors in 1967 while in the port of New Orleans. He initially shipped on the Texaco Montana. Brother Dillon was born in Tylertown, Miss. His final voyage was aboard the Philadelphia Express. Brother Dillon sailed in the steward department. WAYNE LOBO Brother Wayne Lobo, 64, was born in New Bedford, Mass. He became an NMU member in 1984. Brother Lobo worked in the engine department. Both his first and last voyages were on board the Authority. JAMES STANFORD Brother James Stanford, 55, began sailing with the NMU in 1978. He originally worked on the David D. Irwin. Brother Stanford was a member of the steward department. He is a native of Galveston, Texas. Brother Stanford’s last ship was the Chelsea. cials. The settlement amounted to some $1,500 in extra pay to be split among the crewmembers involved. 1963 The SIU-manned Floridian became the first American merchant ship fired on by Cuban MIG jets about 50 miles north of Cuba. The jets circled the ship for 20 minutes before firing. The attack came in the same waters between Cuba and Florida where MIGs attacked an American shrimp boat earlier in the year. This Month In SIU History 1958 The return of representatives on Robin Line ships is producing dividends in overtime payments for SIU members aboard the vessels. SIU patrolmen who covered the payoff of the Robin Kirk in New York secured payment of 764 hours of disputed overtime for the crew, under the SIU contract, following a six-hour beef session with company offi- 1991 Calling the sealift industry “the bedrock of America’s defense transportation system,” the head of the U.S. Transportation Command, Air Force General Hansford T. Johnson, gave high praise to the men and women crewing the U.S.-flag ships that carried soldiers, tanks, ammunition and other military materiel to support Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, during a Maritime Trades Department meeting. “America’s maritime industry is the lifeline for America’s armed forces serving in Southeast Asia,” he said. Seafarers LOG 13 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 8:36 AM Page 14 Final Departures DEEP SEA BENJAMIN BUCK Pensioner Benjamin Buck, 79, passed away Sept. 9. Brother Buck became a union member in 1951, initially sailing from the port of Baltimore aboard the Santore. He was born in Mayesville, S.C. and shipped in the deck department. Brother Buck’s final excursion was on CSX Lines’ Seattle. He retired in 1984 and made his home in Bedford, Pa. EDUVIGIS DEJESUS Pensioner Eduvigis DeJesus, 88, died Oct. 10. Brother DeJesus joined the SIU in 1951 while in the port of Philadelphia. He was first employed aboard the Emilia as a member of the engine department. Brother DeJesus was born in Fajardo, P.R. His last trip to sea was on the Houston. Brother DeJesus started collecting his pension in 1975 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. KELLEY GRAHAM Pensioner Kelley Graham, 68, passed away Sept. 19. Brother Graham embarked on his seafaring career in 1964. The engine department member originally shipped on the Topa Topa. Brother Graham was born in Odessa, Texas. His last voyage was on the Liberty Star. Brother Graham went on pension in 2001 and called Livingston, Texas, home. ROGER LINASAN union in 1974. His first voyage was on CSX Lines’ Jacksonville. Brother Martin was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and shipped as a member of the engine department. His final trip was aboard the Elizabeth. Brother Martin became a pensioner in 2005 and settled in Hazlet, N.J. AURELIO MARTINEZ Pensioner Aurelio Martinez, 86, passed away Sept. 4. Brother Martinez was born in Florida. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1952. Brother Martinez was first employed with A.H. Bull Steamship Company. The steward department member’s last voyage was on the Cove Ranger. Brother Martinez was a resident of Cambridge, Md., and retired in 1981. ANIBAL MATOS Brother Anibal Matos, 50, died Oct. 19. He joined the SIU ranks in 1979 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother Matos was born in San Juan, P.R., and shipped in the deck department. His last journey was aboard the Horizon Producer. Brother Matos continued to live in Puerto Rico. TEDDY MCDUFFIE Pensioner Teddy McDuffie, 63, passed away Sept. 12. Brother McDuffie became a union member in 1965. His earliest trip to sea was aboard the Fairwind. Brother McDuffie was born in Alabama and shipped in the deck department. He went on pension in 1990 and called Mobile, Ala., home. MICHAEL MCERLEAN Brother Michael McErlean, 33, died Sept. 17. He donned the SIU colors in 2000 while in Piney Point, Md. Brother McErlean initially sailed on the USNS Dahl. The deck department member was born in Dayton, Ohio. Brother McErlean most recently worked aboard the Louis J. Hauge Jr. He was a resident of Leonardtown, Md. Brother Roger Linasan, 59, died Oct. 17. He began sailing with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1970 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Linasan was a native of the Philippines and he worked in the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Manulani. Brother Linasan lived in Las Vegas, Nev. Pensioner William Miles, 80, passed away Sept. 25. Brother Miles joined the MC&S in 1953 while in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Kennedy; his last was the Lurline. Brother Miles shipped in the steward department. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1992 and continued to reside in his native state of Georgia. LEON LOHMAN LUIS MIRANDA Pensioner Leon Lohman, 67, passed away Sept. 13. Brother Lohman donned the SIU colors in 1977 while in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Manhattan; his last the Aquarius. Brother Lohman was born in Louisiana. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Lohman began receiving his pension in 2005 and resided in Violet, La. Pensioner Luis Miranda, 95, died Sept. 23. Brother Miranda was born in Ponce, P.R. He joined the SIU in 1942. Brother Miranda originally worked on a vessel operated by Waterman Steamship Corporation as a member of the deck department. He retired in 1978 and settled in Miami, Fla. ROBERT MARTIN Pensioner Robert Martin, 56, died Oct. 22. Brother Martin joined the 14 Seafarers LOG WILLIAM MILES GEORGE O’BERRY ALBERT WESTBROOK BRYAN FERNIZ Pensioner George O’Berry, 79, passed away Sept. 25. Brother O’Berry embarked on his seafaring career in 1946. His first voyage was aboard the De Soto. Brother O’Berry was born in Florida and sailed in the steward department. His final trip to sea was on the Del Valle. Brother O’Berry became a pensioner in 1983. He was a resident of Philadelphia, Miss. Pensioner Albert Westbrook, 82, died Oct. 5. Brother Westbrook began shipping with the union in 1966, initially from the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Los Angeles; his last was the Horizon Trader. Brother Westbrook was a Texas native and sailed as a member of the steward department. He became a pensioner in 1996 and resided in San Francisco. Boatman Bryan Ferniz, 46, passed away Oct. 2. The Louisiana-born mariner became an SIU member in 1981. During his seafaring career, Boatman Ferniz sailed on vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Savage Company. He was a resident of New Orleans. MICHAEL OKUTANI Pensioner Michael Okutani, 87, died Oct. 24. Brother Okutani joined the union in 1953 while in the port of San Francisco. During his seafaring career, he sailed aboard vessels operated by American Ship Management to include the President Taft and the Chief Gadao. Brother Okutani worked in the steward department. He was born in Hawaii but called Newberg, Ore., home. Brother Okutani went on pension in 1985. OLE POULSEN Pensioner Ole Poulsen, 74, passed away Oct. 4. Brother Poulsen joined the union in 1961. His maiden voyage was on a Colonial Steamship Company vessel. Brother Poulsen was a member of the engine department. He most recently sailed on the Tacoma. Brother Poulsen made his home in Seattle and began receiving his pension in 1997. JACK WINLEY Pensioner Jack Winley, 78, passed away Sept. 24. Brother Winley launched his seafaring career in 1947. The Michiganborn mariner’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Steel Chemist. Brother Winley worked in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Ultra Max. Brother Winley went on pension in 1984 and settled in Myrtle Beach, S.C. JOHN WOLFE Pensioner John Wolfe, 55, died Oct. 10. Brother Wolfe donned the SIU colors in 1968. He originally shipped in the deck department of the Steel Artisan. Brother Wolfe was born in Elizabeth, N.J. He most recently sailed on the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Wolfe retired in 2007 and continued to live in his native state. INLAND JOHN TOBIN LORENZO BEVERLY Pensioner John Tobin, 89, died Oct. 27. Brother Tobin became an SIU member in 1952. His first voyage was aboard the Sea Georgia. Brother Tobin was born in Surry, N.C., and shipped in the engine department. His last voyage was on the Boston. Brother Tobin retired in 1981 and lived in Mount Airy, N.C. Pensioner Lorenzo Beverly, 79, passed away Sept. 20. Boatman Beverly was born in Florida. The steward department member joined the union in 1972. Boatman Beverly was initially employed aboard a Transit Oil Corporation vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1993, he sailed with Maritrans Operating Company. Boatman Beverly called Norfolk, Va., home. DAVID VAN NATTER Brother David Van Natter, 56, passed away Aug. 2. He joined the SIU ranks in 1967 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Van Natter, who was born in Virginia, initially sailed on a Rye Marine Corporation vessel. He worked in the engine department. Brother Van Natter’s final trip was aboard the Resolve. He was a resident of Cheriton, Va. BENJAMIN BOLLI SR. Boatman Benjamin Bolli Sr., 52, died Sept. 19. He joined the union in 1974 in Philadelphia. Boatman Bolli first shipped with IBC Company. He was born in New Jersey. Boatman Bolli’s final voyage was aboard an Interstate Oil Transportation Company vessel. He made his home in Galloway, N.J. MORRIS FORREST Pensioner Morris Forrest, 83, died Oct. 19. Boatman Forrest started his SIU career in 1965, joining the union in Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was operated by Moore’s Towing Lines. Boatman Forrest was born in Mathews, Va. His last SIU shipboard job was aboard an Allied Transportation vessel. Boatman Forrest retired in 1989 and resided in Millsboro, Del. WALTER GRIMES Pensioner Walter Grimes, 78, passed away Sept. 11. Boatman Grimes joined the union in 1963. His first SIU-contracted job was on an Ellis Towing & Transportation Company vessel. Boatman Grimes was the born in Marquez, Texas. The deck department member’s final trip to sea was with Higman Barge Lines. Boatman Grimes became a pensioner in 1990 and settled in Orange, 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. Name Abner, Clarence Aldafari, Mohamed Apson, Bernard Blair, John Blanco, Martin Brackins, Frazier Burgess, William Burrell, Charles Calderon, Pablo Choy, Cheng Coleman, John Creason, Thomas Dunlavey, Jack Eubanks, Haywood Falinski, Jozef Faulcon, Earlie Fortes, Joseph Frei, Lyn Gandara, Joseph Hebner, Kermit Jenkins, William Sr. Johnson, Orville Jones, Carl Kelly, Marvin King, Clinton Lamb, Clarence Lara, Francisco Lawrence, Eric Littlefield, Louis Lopez, Alejandro Martin, Richard Millet, Frank Moody, Willard Morgan, Gard Morris, Versie Nieves, Heliodoro Ocasio, William Olivo, Ramon Parkins, Edmund Ricci, Anthony Sakellariou, Antonios Sarvis, Juan Serrao, Gregory Shafer, George Vasquez, David Webb, Jack Wielb, Stanley Age 90 83 86 72 82 90 84 81 92 93 72 81 80 77 95 90 77 64 54 79 92 77 68 69 88 78 90 85 76 90 82 81 75 73 85 72 84 81 92 79 85 87 92 82 79 76 87 DOD Aug. 16 July 10 Aug. 1 July 5 Aug. 7 July 5 July 10 Aug. 14 Aug. 16 July 23 Aug. 20 Aug. 28 July 25 July 4 Aug. 14 Aug. 28 July 29 July 14 Aug. 30 Aug. 27 July 7 Aug. 31 Aug. 30 Aug. 20 Aug. 12 July 15 July 15 July 22 July 8 Aug. 10 July 14 Aug. 28 Aug. 17 July 14 Aug. 27 July 18 Aug. 3 Aug. 19 Aug. 8 July 18 Aug. 18 Aug. 23 July 12 Aug. 12 July 1 July 20 July 31 March 2008 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:38 AM Page 15 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings Snapshots from Overseas Houston 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. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 30 — Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Engine Delegate Mahmoud F. Khalil, Steward Delegate Bridgett L. McIntosh. Chairman reported a good, hard-working crew. He urged them to check zcard expiration dates and to keep paperwork updated. They were also advised to look into educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Secretary asked Seafarers to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next member. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for their hard work and great food. Next ports: Houston; Alexandria, Egypt; and Djibouti, Ethiopia. COMET (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 16 — Chairman Rudy A. Santos, Secretary Patricia J. Geras, Educational Director James P. Meyers, Deck Delegate Kleber J. Ureta. Chairman stated payoff to take place Dec. 22 in Los Angeles. He reminded crew to clean rooms before departing vessel. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at the union-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members would like fans in rooms, new radio and DVD player to be fixed. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 30 — Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Stanley J. Krystosiak, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Korron Richardson. Chairman reported crew worked well together. Educational director urged members to stay up-to-date on TWIC information and reminded them to watch their surroundings to help avoid accidents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that a new dryer had been ordered for crew laundry. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 9 — Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Tyler N. Laffitte, Educational Director Bruce M. Korte. Chairman requested that everyone leave cabins clean for next mariner. Educational director recommended that all Seafarers check expiration dates on all necessary sailing documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions were made pertaining to medical benefits. New washer and dryer were requested for crew laundry along with fans for crew rooms. Mariners thanked steward department for the Thanksgiving feast they prepared. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 2 — Chairman Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director John R. Parkhurst. Chairman announced payoff in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 10. He advised members to have their rooms clean and also have Aboard the Sealand Motivator Pictured aboard the Sealand Motivator are (top photo, from left) Stewards Chris Sykes and Max Hassell El and (bottom photo) Recertified Steward Judi Chester along with SIU Norfolk, Va., Port Agent Georg Kenny, who noted that he and Chester formerly worked together aboard LNG ships. March 2008 Efficiently getting the job done aboard the OSG tanker Overseas Houston are Recertified Steward Ekow Doffoh (above, setting up the dessert table) and Chief Cook Hazel Johnson. union books ready for patrolman. Secretary stated that fresh linen would be issued for departing crew. Treasurer reported $400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members inquired about getting direct deposit for vacation benefit checks. Crew expressed gratitude to the steward department for excellent food. It was noted that the voyage was long but the company was great. Next ports: Portland, Ore., and Bangladesh. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 16 — Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Ernest Polk, Educational Director Mark Campbell, Engine Delegate Peter E. Sternberg. Bosun reported smooth sailing during voyage. Secretary thanked members for help keeping ship clean. Educational director urged crew to check out what the Piney Point school has to offer. Treasurer noted $3,401 in the ship’s fund; money will be used to purchase a flat-screen TV for crew messhall. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like more comfortable chairs. Steward department was thanked for good meals and a clean ship. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), Dec. 27 — Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Robert J. Bostick, Educational Director Louis A. Santiago. Chairman thanked crew members for working well together, especially since they were still working out all the kinks in the vessel. Secretary stated that the foodorder issue has been resolved with Maersk port steward. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of opportunities available at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He also urged them to keep credentials current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members sent their prayers to family and friends of Brother Johnny Kemper, who recently passed away. Next ports: Charleston, S.C. and Norfolk, Va. OVERSEAS DILIGENCE (OSG Ship Management), Dec. 27 — Chairman Reginald A. Watkins, Secretary Mary L. Smith, Educational Director James L. McDaniel, Engine Delegate Alton P. Hickman Jr. Chairman reported patrolman to come aboard in Mississippi. Secretary stated that the chief cook would be departing the vessel in the next port; she thanked him for great food especially at Christmas. Educational director advised Seafarers to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification was requested about how to withdraw money from the SMPPP (Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan). Recommendations were made regarding medical and dental benefits. Next port: Pascagoula, Miss. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean American Shipping), Dec. 16 — Chairman Donnie W. Collins, Secretary Catherine M. Hays, Educational Director Lowell R. Lemm, Deck Delegate Michael Duggan, Engine Delegate Gregory H. Holsey Jr., Steward Delegate Peter Hernandez. Chairman stated safety issue regarding paint would be brought up with patrolman in Beaumont, Texas. Secretary asked seamen to place dirty linen in bags ASAP and stated that new linen package would be placed outside door for arriving crew. Treasurer reported $490 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that a new TV antenna would be installed along with a new computer for crew e-mail. The computer will be placed in the crew lounge. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. WILSON (Sealift Inc.), Dec. 27 — Chairman Paul C. Sharo, Secretary Arturo A. Rodriguez. Chairman reported safe voyage and announced payoff on Jan. 2 in Houston. Secretary thanked all members for helping keep ship clean. Departing crew members were asked to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance seafaring abilities whenever possible at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked steward department for a job well done. HONOR (Interocean American Shipping), Jan. 6 — Chairman Billy G. Hill Sr., Deck Delegate Wilbert Pantin, Steward Delegate Sean M. Sullivan. Chairman expressed his gratitude to steward department for excellent holiday meals. He stated that trip to the Middle East went smoothly. Crew was informed of pay raise which took place on Jan. 1. Secretary advised members to keep up-to-date on TWIC information by reading the Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Beaumont, Texas; Houston; Jacksonville, Fla.; Charleston, S.C., and Baltimore, Md. RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Line, Limited), Jan. 2 — Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director Marcelino V. Cayabyab, Deck Delegate Lawrence Dahalhouse, Engine Delegate Matthew D. Wright, Steward Delegate Lucic Zlatko. Chairman reminded crew to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when at work. Secretary suggested mariners check out what Piney Point has to offer and also advised them to keep documents current. Educational director discussed latest TWIC information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Guam. Splicing Wire Aboard Coast Range Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro is behind the camera as fellow members of the deck gang take a momentary break from splicing wire aboard the tanker Coast Range. Pictured from left are ABs Travis Stringer, Joseph Merriweather, Rick Wiemer and Michael Cousin and Unlicensed Apprentice Gavin Benckert. Seafarers LOG 15 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:35 PM Page 16 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. Inviting Seafarers To Join AMMV The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) is a nonprofit organization. It was formed more than 25 years ago as a way to gain recognition for what the men of the American Merchant Marine have accomplished for our country in war and peace. Initially, the AMMV was composed almost entirely of men who served in the United States Merchant Marine during World War II. Many of our original members were sailing the high seas before the war. (Included in the present membership are both licensed and unlicensed seamen.) At the end of World War II in 1945, there were almost 260,000 men serving our merchant fleet that consisted of more than 5,000 ships. Never again will the world see such a fleet of ships, nor such a group of men who sailed them. This is history. This is our proud history. The AMMV is an active spokesman for merchant marine-related issues. We invite all active or retired men and women of the SIU – whether you sail deep sea, inland or Great Lakes – to become members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Also eligible for membership are members of any uniformed United States Armed Service with a DD214. Purposes of the AMMV include the following: Preserving a spirit of comradeship among U.S. Merchant Marine veterans and fellow seamen who served in the merchant fleets of nations allied with the United States; Perpetuating the memory of our dead, assisting their widows and helping comrades where possible. The merchant marine is listed among the services in the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. This was a result of organizational efforts. Publicizing the services of the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and now in the Gulf Wars. The organization has successfully gained veterans’ recognition for seamen in war-time service and continues promoting the need to recognize civilians who serve in military operations through legislative actions and news media. Reminding our nation that it must maintain a modern and strong merchant marine as it is a national military and economic necessity. Membership in the American Merchant Marine Veterans provides opportunity to participate in memorial events across the country, celebrating not only National Maritime Day and the role of the merchant marine throughout our country’s history, but enjoying the nostalgia of sailing again on selected preserved merchant ships of the World War II era. Membership offers opportunities to meet fellow mariners and to help preserve individuals’ history of time at sea. It’s also worth mentioning that no group of men is closer to merchant seamen than members of the United States Naval Armed Guard, many of whom are active members of the AMMV. More information about the AMMV 16 Seafarers LOG and how to join may be obtained by contacting any of the individuals listed below. The membership fee is small; the opportunity to enrich your legacy of sea service through membership is great. The American Merchant Marine Veterans is an organization that works to keep our rich history before the public – to tell the story of life on the seas – and to try to ensure our rightful place in the economic and military history of our country. You can help keep America strong. Come, join us and be part of the AMMV. Donald Trimbath Chairman, Government Affairs AMMV Auburn, California Contacts: New England and Eastern U.S. – Larry Brooks (508) 295-8257 Mid-Atlantic and Central U.S. – Robert Downey (412) 466-0250 and Clarence Newcomer (717) 665-3085 Western U.S. – Frank Mendez (925) 689-2686 Unionism and Responsibility After nearly 40 years in the SIU and on the verge of retirement, I thought it about time that I put in writing my thoughts on being a member of a labor union and what it may mean to others who are just starting out. The very word, union, denotes being unified for and in a common cause – a fraternal brotherhood, in which men and women are protected and not taken advantage of by big business and corporations. The early history of union organization is marked by conflict but also by remaining united. The SIU in particular remained strong, and today is recognized not only in America but around the world as a model of a fraternal labor organization. During these past 40 years, I have seen many changes in the leadership of this union and the way it negotiates with the industry. We negotiate in strength, respect, and for the common good of both the companies and the membership with no fear of intimidation on either side. This is a style of management that should be carried down to the shipboard committees of our representatives. Some members may look on the tasks of ships’ chairman and department delegates as something to avoid, because it could bring problems they don’t want to deal with (or on the other extreme they see it as just “easy hours”). However, it is these positions on the ships that set the tone of morale and confidence in the union as a whole. They carry responsibility towards their fellow members on board. The motto of this union is “Brotherhood of the Sea.” This is exactly what the shipboard committees must be: a brotherhood. If there is a problem, they are there to address the issue itself without broadcasting it or letting personalities get in the way. Committee members must be consistent in their dealings with fellow members, as fairness and respect are hallmarks of the SIU. This respect should also be carried over to members of other unions. As I look forward to retirement I also look forward to seeing my union continuing on its course of fair and impartial leadership, both on the national level and the shipboard level. That course will take the SIU into the 21st century with dignity and respect for ourselves and our fellow members. Christopher E. Brady Kudos to Steward I would like to take a minute to recognize and give thanks to one of our employees for a job well done. Recertified Steward Pedro Mena has been aboard the ITB Baltimore since mid-May. (This note was written in early October 2007.) Pedro has been here for all phases of operations in preparing and taking the vessel to Veracruz…. The steward’s main job is to provide good quality meals. The steward’s performance has a big impact on ship’s morale. Under normal operations it can be a tough task to try to please everyone’s appetite and keep the crew happy. These past four months have not been normal operations from the viewpoint of the steward department. We have been in a foreign port, in extremely hot weather conditions, and there have been extra personnel on board. Given the circumstances in which we have continued to work, Pedro has done an excellent job of keeping the ship’s crew, contractors, ABS and U.S. Coast Guard personnel well-fed. He has consistently provided good quality and healthy meals throughout the entire shipyard period. Pedro has had to take extra time to deal with the local ship’s chandler and ensuring we are getting quality meats and vegetables. He has been very careful to inspect all the meats before we take delivery. Several times he sent back food items that were not acceptable. When we talk and think safety on board, we sometimes might overlook the importance of proper food preparation. Yet, Pedro at times has had to take extra precautions in how he was preparing the meats (for example, soaking them in lemon, vinegar and salts to help kill any bacteria before cooking)…. All of the senior officers on board have been through shipyard periods in which there was not a steward or cook on board. During this time, you were left to cook for yourselves or rely upon local commissary-type meals. Everyone on board the Baltimore has commented on how nice it has been to keep the steward on board and for the quality of meals we have been provided. These quality meals have been provided because of a lot of extra hard work and preparation by Mr. Pedro Mena. Throughout this entire time, he has displayed a positive attitude. This is the kind of effort and dedication to a job that, as master of the vessel, you love to see and appreciate. Thank you, Pedro, for your hard work and a job well done. Capt. Ross Mollnow ITB Baltimore Push for ‘Belated Thank You’ I would like to thank all members of the SIU for their great help in writing and telephoning U.S. representatives to support H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. The bill passed in July 2007. It is now in the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Please call this toll-free number to the Capitol and ask for the office of the chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee: (800) 614-2803. You will speak with one of his aides. Ask them to have the chairman release the bill so it can go to the Senate floor to be voted on. We have 57 co-sponsors for the bill, S 961. Again, I thank all SIU members for your effort and time. May you have calm seas and happy voyages. Richard Wiggins Kansas City, Missouri Shipboard Memories During the Korean War, I was serving as second assistant engineer on the SS African Rainbow, a post-war-built C3 cargo ship. The ship was owned by Farrell Lines and operated on the South and East African run. However, at the time of this incident, she was chartered to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) branch of the U.S. Navy. Eventually, our travels took us to Wonson, North Korea. As second assistant engineer, the boilers, feed pumps and associated equipment were my responsibilities. It was determined that one of the standby reciprocating feed pumps needed a line on the water end. Alas, we had no hydraulic jack. Also in port was the USS Fox, a destroyer escort. So, we went aboard the Fox, which was supplying power ashore. The engineering officer was very kind and understanding about our plight, but he was concerned about getting his jack returned in case one of our ships had to leave suddenly. He asked if one of his men could go with the jack and we readily agreed. The SS African Rainbow had six two-person staterooms and a beautiful officers’ and passengers’ dining room. So we put the young sailor in one of the plush staterooms and he ate with us in the dining room. Had he been able to spend the time with us, I am sure he would have re-enlisted! Another courtesy extended to us by the USS Fox was our mail. We had no way of getting our mail from the agent in Pusan. Fox’s mailman would pick it up and deliver it to us. Once again, thank you, U.S. Navy! Eli Rantanes Clinton, Ohio (The writer sailed at various times with the MFOW, MEBA and AMO) Honoring Dad and Other Mariners My Dad was one of those unsung heroes of the NMU. He was in the trenches during those early days in the 1930s. He retired in the early 1970s and passed away shortly thereafter. His contribution to the World War II effort was beyond expectations. I even wrote a poem while I was still in grammar school praising him and his fellow brave NMU members. The lines are still vivid in my memories: Who are these men in the U.S. Merchant Marine? Who are these men from 60 to 16? They are the men who are delivering supplies To our fighting men and to our Allies Yet they receive little credit But someday they will all be Honored with medals of merit! Bernard Saslawsky Oceanside, California March 2008 �46674_p01_20_2x:6674p0 2/21/2008 5:36 PM 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., for the first few months of 2008. All programs are geared to improving 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 April 14 May 26 May 9 June 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (must have radar unlimited) April 14 June 16 April 18 June 20 21-Hour Bridge Resource Management (1,600 tons or less) (includes First Aid/CPR) (must have valid radar unlimited certificate) May 12 May 16 Celestial Navigation June 2 June 27 GMDSS April 21 May 2 Lifeboatman/Water Survival March 31 May 12 June 23 April 11 May 23 July 4 Radar March 31 June 2 April 11 June 13 Radar Renewal (one day) April 21 June 23 April 21 June 23 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman April 28 May 9 Bosun Recertification Course May 12 October 14 June 2 November 3 Course Able Seaman Course Start Date Date of Completion Marine Electrician March 31 May 23 Pumpman April 7 April 18 Welding April 7 May 5 June 2 April 25 May 23 June 20 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) March 10 May 5 June 30 March 21 May 16 July 11 Basic Fire Fighting March 17 April 14 June 16 March 21 April 18 June 20 Basic Safety Training/STCW March 24 April 7 May 12 May 26 June 30 March 28 April 11 May 16 May 30 July 4 Fast Rescue Boat May 12 June 16 May 16 June 20 Government Vessels (Week 1) March 31 May 19 June 23 April 4 May 23 June 27 Medical Care Provider March 24 May 19 March 28 May 23 Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) March 24 (must have basic firefighting) June 2 April 4 June 13 Tankerman (PIC) Barge (must have basic firefighting) April 25 April 21 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began March 3. Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) March 3 March 28 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops March 24 May 19 April 18 June 13 FOWT April 21 June 16 May 16 July 11 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Machinist March 17 April 4 Steward Recertification Course March 17 August 18 April 7 September 8 Academic Department Courses UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and fifty (150) 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 ___________ E-mail ____________________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ 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 ________________________________________________ March 2008 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. 3/08 Seafarers LOG 17 �46674_p01_20x:6674p0 2/20/2008 6:40 AM Page 18 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW - The following individuals (above, in no particular order) com- pleted the STCW class Jan. 25 at the Seafarers Training Center at Barbers Point, Hawaii: Alisha Fox, Christine Hellebrand, Jessica McMillion, Jose Garcia, Leila Wander, Cami Hostetler, Diane Brady, Shawn Turman, Frederick Schroder, and Victoria Esquibel. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 698 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above, in alphabetical order) were: Jeffrey Amestoy, Tristan Brand, Satchel Caffy, Robert Day Jr., DeMorris Duggins, Winston Franks, Kabir Garcia, Kyle Gibson, Tsawang Gyurme, Spencer Hiruko, Allaina Lampke, Tony Martin, Daniel McDougald, Johnathan McNeil, Frederick Nyarko, Steven Sidler, Troy Smith, William Thompson, Richard Vega, Bernard Wade II and Sean Wilson. STCW - Completing this course Jan. 12 in Hawaii, above in no partic- ular order were: Mustafa Lobut, Connie Matlock, Zarifa Holloway, Danielle Barnes, Vincent Davis, Bruce Allen, David Ritter, Kristina Shoemaker, Kristen Blom, Trisha Fincher, Jessica Knoph, Gino Montesi, Andreas Goerres, Hugo Suarez, Eric Smith and Brent Dennis. STCW - Twenty individuals graduated from this course Jan. 19 at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii. They were, above, in no particular order, Calvin Lodge, Dindo Guaresma, Derek Holl, Daniel Brandum, Mark Lancaster, Christina Snipes, Christopher Barnett, Michael Alequin, Genet Woldemichael, Jennifer Salazar, Robert Dominy, Eric Sagoe, Kent Barrow, Noel Newcom, Matthew Young, Sara Kannegieter, Lori Hubit, Lindsey Graham, David Larkin and Rachel Browder (Note: Not all are pictured.) Medical Care Provider - Eight individuals completed the medical care provider course on Feb. 1. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Tawrence Abrams, John Benson, Alshea Dixon, Arnaldo Fernandez, Vincent Figuenick, James Morrison, James Tyson and Barry Williams Jr. Tankerman Assistant – Two classes of Phase III apprentices on Jan. 18 graduated from the tankerman assistant course. Completing the class (above, in alphabetical order) were: Rachel Alarcon, John Albritton, Chris Baum, Jonathan Bennett, Rasheen Breathwaite, Fraya Brown, Matthew Brown, Staley Chancellor, Kevin Copeland, Bobby Dickson, Richard Grushkin, Creg Gumanas, Thomas Halliburton Jr., Santaz Harper, Veronica Hernandez, Anthony Irizarry, Yakan Israel, Joel Jones, Emmanuel Korsah, Theodore Lampke, Christopher Landry, Eileen Mendiola, Denise Mendoza, Aman Mohamed, Fadel Mohamed, Edward Newbegin, Marcos Ramos, William Redinger, Jason Redmon, Cieara Rogers, Andrew Thompson II, Daniel Thompson and Barich Zoran. 18 Seafarers LOG March 2008 �46674_p01_20x:6674p0 2/20/2008 6:40 AM Page 19 Paul Hall Center Classes STCW (Express Marine) – Twenty boatmen from Express Marine on Jan. 11 completed this course. Graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were: Leslie Anderson, Eric Bankhead, David Callis, Mark Faust, Ronnie Fulcher, George Greggs, Robert Greggs, David Harris, Greg Havens, Tommy Horton, William Hundell, Parran Keane, Albert Keech, Ronald Meadows, Herbert O’Neal, Lewis O’Neal, Robert Perusse, Gil Pruitt, Artie Schwendeman and Oswald Smithwick. Company Rep. Keith Kirkeide is standing second from left in the back row. Various Classes (Express Marine) – Completing various classes on Jan. 11 were the above STCW (Great Lakes) boatmen from Express Marine. Pictured in alphabetical order are: Eddie Gardner, David Goodwin, Philip Inman, Riley Johnson, Garnett Leary, Sherwood Lewis, Melvin Pendleton, Todd Potter, Clifton Potter, Rob Press, Billy Sawyer, Russel Shores, Timothy Thomas, Larry Tribby, Jesse Voliva and Johnathan West. Company Rep. Keith Kirkeide is standing fifth from right in the back row. STCW - Eighteen individuals completed this class Jan. 19 in Hawaii. They are (above, in no par- ticular order): Sara Seta, Victor Flint, Jeremiah Weise, Josh Lindell, Ryan Smith, Robert Bacaycay, Rasmeithida Chhay, Ryan Kerr, Kevin Kerr, Caleb Wood, Amy Ingram, Jason Fowler, Stacey Eckstein, Genesis Penunuri, Orbelina Zelada, Keith Jackson, Keisha White and Brian Lombard. Completing this class Jan. 11 were these individuals from Great Lakes Towing shown above. Pictured (in alphabetical order) are: Lawrence Dudek, Jerald Galletta, Walter Harris, Sherwood Johnson, Hussein Qassim, Amy Shunkwiler, James Shupert and Leonard Thomas. Stan Beck, right, was their instructor. STCW - Completing this class Jan 12 in Hawaii (above, in no particular order) were: Jose Nunez Ortiz, Roberto Guerra, Gabriele Pena, Adam Valdez, Sean Igoe, Tabitha Maner, Sabrina David, Brett Steinmann, Brandy Alston, Lawrence Hickman III, Robert Martin, Michael Ashline, Ivonne Perez, Michael Sands and Amber Elliott. Computer Class Graduates Three students recently completed computer training classes at the Paul Hall Center. The trio joined Instructor Rick Prucha (center in photo at left, and left in photo at right) to pose with the certificates they earned for their respective accomplishments. Displaying their certificates in photo at left are David Brewster, left, and Devalence Smiley. Leslie McGirt shows off her certificates in photo at right. March 2008 Seafarers LOG 19 �46674_p01_20:6674p0 2/19/2008 7:33 AM Page 20 Volume 70, Number 3 March 2008 TWIC Reminders, Enrollment Centers -Page 8 The galley gang (from left): Ricky Williams, Instructor Chef Bob Baumgarten, Devalence Smiley, Rene Gil and Robinson Eromosele The bakery gang (from left): Tereza Padelopoulou, Michael Henry, Adobea Boateng, Darlene Steede, Instructor Ed White, Robinson Eromosele and Chris Hale Students Sharpen Skills at School Seafarer Seibel Shares Photos from Recent Steward Dept. Course Seafarer John Seibel recently submitted these photos of fellow students (and himself) participating in the certified chief cook course at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The photos were taken in October and November 2007. Seibel gave top marks to the teachers and facilities alike – and to the other upgraders, too. “They really have great instructors at the school. You can’t say enough about them,” Seibel stated. “Honestly, it’s one of my favorite places. It’s nice and peaceful. You learn a lot and you meet nice people.” Chef Instructor Robert Johnson displays some of his culinary talent. Amy Atterberry works on sauce for a lab project. John Nunez is pictured in the culinary lab. Rene Gil (left) and Devalence Smiley trim beef for stew. Ricky Williams, Amy Shunkwiler and Bob Baumgarten A couple of trainees serve up lunch. Upgraders take a quick break for this photo. Tanya Bradley and James Abilad whip up some chili in the culinary lab. Two unlicensed apprentices step up for galley duty. � 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 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNION MEMBERSHIP INCREASES UNDER NLRB DIRECTION, MAJESTIC POSTS NON-INTERFERENCE NOTICE SEAFARERS CREW UP 2 NEW MAERSK SHIPS RO/ROS ALLIANCE NORFOLK, ALLIANCE ST. LOUIS JOIN MSP FLEET DEFENSE BILL PROVISION SIGNALS CIVMAR WIN SIU-CREWED HORIZON FALCON HONORED FOR ‘BRAVE ACTIONS’ IN 2007 RESCUE COAST GUARD SAYS NO INJURIES, NO POLLUTION IN MCCARTHY MISHAP TWIC HEARNG REVEALS MIX RESULTS INTERNATIONAL GROUPS ANNOUNCE JOIN EFFORT TO PROTECT MARINERS PHC OFFERS ONLINE COURSES SIU-AFFILIATED SCHOOL EARNS COUNTY’S ‘GOLD STAR’ VESSEL MASTER, CREW PRAISE EFFORTS OF SIU STEWARD SEAFARERES ANSWERS NATIONS CALL FOR MILITARY SUPPORT MISSIONS SEAFARER WENT TOE-TO-TOE WITH LEGENDARY SUGAR RAY ROBINSON 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 03/01/2008 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. 70, No. 3 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/7f0546a50ddcb536e814d79f599fe4bc.pdf 4ef2a6d50e170bdee04ed2f163de5bf1 PDF Text Text 47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 4 April 2008 “You deliver and we know we can count on you…. You are that fourth arm of Department of Defense and you are critical to this nation.” —Major General Kathleen Gainey, Commander, U.S. Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Guest speakers at the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting in late February near San Diego – including Major General Gainey, right – stressed the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital role in national and economic security. They also emphasized the effective, professional partnerships that exist throughout many segments of the maritime industry. Pictured at the meeting, counterclockwise beginning with the group photo of people applauding, are (front, from left) SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, ILA President Richard Hughes, MEBA President Don Keefe and GMP President John Ryan; Crowley Maritime Corporation CEO Thomas Crowley; MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco with Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau, deputy commander, United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left) with Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin. Coverage begins with President Sacco’s column on page 2 and continues on pages 3, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Crowley Boatmen Approve Contract, Welcome New ATB Crowley will take delivery of by the end of 2010. The vessels christened were the 9,280 hp tug Integrity and barge 650-4. Pages 3, 4. Last month brought good news on multiple fronts for Seafarers working at Crowley. SIU members employed by the company approved a new fouryear contract calling for wage increases and other gains. The agreement covers approximately 200 SIU members based (respectively) in Philadelphia, Pa., Jacksonville, Fla., Lake Charles, La., and Wilmington, Calif., including the five members pictured at right, aboard the tug Defender. Also, on March 19 in Charleston, S.C., the company christened the fourth of 10 new 185,000-barrel Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB) tank vessels that List of TWIC Enrollment Centers Page 8 Operation Deep Freeze ’08 Page 24 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 2 SIU Ships Support Satellite Interception President’s Report Saluting Seafarers’ Support Even while the details still were being sorted out late last month, an incident involving the SIU-crewed Global Patriot near the Suez Canal provided a jolting reminder that the war against terrorism truly is a different kind of war. As some Seafarers may already know, military security team members aboard the Global Patriot – a vessel operating under charter to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command – fired warning shots at Michael Sacco a small boat approaching the ship as it prepared to transit the canal on March 24. The incident was still under investigation as this edition of the LOG went to press. However, the Navy reported that several “warning steps” were taken as three small boats approached. Those steps included use of a signal flare and communication from a native Arabic speaker aboard the Global Patriot who advised the boats to turn away. Despite those warnings, one of the boats continued to approach the ship and received two sets of what were intended as warning shots. One Egyptian man inadvertently was killed as a result. There were conflicting reports about whether other occupants of the boat had been injured. However it plays out, it’s almost impossible to read or hear about this story and not think of the terrorist attack on the USS Cole, which happened in Yemen in the year 2000. I’ll bet the Cole was very much on the minds of Global Patriot crew members and security team members last month as those boats approached. Were the boats simply trying to get near the Global Patriot so they could try to sell cigarettes and other products (a common scene in those waters)? Why didn’t the one boat turn back after first being warned? On the Cole, 17 sailors died and dozens more were injured after a suicide attack launched by a small boat that initially appeared friendly. Without in any way minimizing the unintended loss of life, is it hard for anyone to understand why no one on the Global Patriot would want to take any unnecessary chances? In the SIU, we’re proud of our 70-year record of supporting America’s armed forces. That remains true today as we deliver the goods in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Global Patriot saga reminds us that our union brothers and sisters constantly answer the nation’s call and willingly assume the risks that go with the territory. As always, I salute your dedication. In the case of the Global Patriot I share in the deep relief of knowing no one aboard was harmed, while at the same time offering condolences to the Egyptian man’s family. MTD Meeting Revisited Appreciation for U.S. mariners was very evident at the recent meeting of the Maritime Trades Department executive board, as reported throughout this edition. If you’re new to the SIU or otherwise unfamiliar with the MTD, I encourage you to take the time and read about the meeting. Check out what some of our nation’s military leaders say about sealift and American mariners. Take a look at the comments from high-ranking representatives of various other segments of the maritime industry and the labor movement. You’ll see that while there’s never a shortage of challenges, we have a bright future as part of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Volume 70, Number 4 April 2008 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 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers, including members of the SIU Government Services Division, recently helped make history in an event that resembled something out of Star Wars. Three SIU-crewed military support ships assisted in the U.S. Navy’s interception and shoot-down of a 5,000-pound, non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite over the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) SIU-crewed missile range instrumentation ship USNS Observation Island provided telemetry information. The ship, which can monitor objects in space, tracked the satellite and collected data on it both before and after the missile launch. The guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie, positioned west of Hawaii, launched the SM-3 missile to intercept the satellite on Feb. 20. A second Seafarers-crewed MSC ship, the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe, mobilized from San Diego to support the mission. Instead of conducting a two-week repair period, the ship was given short-notice tasking and got under way with enough fuel to replenish the other vessels involved in the operation, according to the agency. Hours after the interception, the Guadalupe provided about 50,000 gallons of fuel to the Lake Erie and 45,000 gallons to the guided missile destroyer USS Decatur. Three MSC fleet ocean tugs were standing by to recover debris. Later, it became known that the SIU-crewed SBX-1 – a unique combination of an advanced X-Band radar mounted aboard an oceangoing, semi-submersible platform – also aided in the mission. “I’m proud that our MSC ships were able to support the intercept on such short notice,” said Capt. David Kiehl, commander of MSC’s Sealift Logistics Command Pacific. In late January, the U.S. government notified other nations that the satellite was unresponsive and would make an uncontrolled reentry in late February or early March. The decision was made to bring down the satellite because of the likelihood U.S. Navy Photos Above, a modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM3) launches from the U.S. Navy cruiser USS Lake Erie, successfully impacting a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite approximately 133 nautical miles over the Pacific Ocean. A closer view of the missile is shown in the photo at left. that the satellite could release hydrazine fuel upon impact, possibly in populated areas. The Navy modified three SM-3 missiles to strike the satellite. According to the Defense Department, the satellite was travelling at more than 17,000 mph and approximately 133 miles above Earth when it was struck. Committee members are pictured with Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (second from left) and Asst. VP Ambrose Cucinotta (far right, standing) after wrapping up their work last month at headquarters. Financial Committee Approves Union’s Records Each year, in accordance with the SIU Constitution, rank-and-file Seafarers are elected by their fellow members to serve on a financial committee. The group is tasked with examining the union’s finances for the prior calendar year and then formally reporting its findings to the SIU secretary-treasurer. Subsequently, the committee’s report is read in all ports at the union’s monthly membership meetings and presented for membership approval. Last month, eight Seafarers fulfilled this constitutional mandate by reviewing the SIU’s financial records for the year 2007. The committee found those records in good order. Serving on the committee were Seafarers Christopher Nardone (chairman), William Bunch, John Frey, David James, Paa Kwakye, Clay Poore, Rodger Taylor and Tommy Hampton. In its report, the committee wrote, “Representatives of the certified public accounting firm who periodically audit the union’s books and records explained their auditing procedures for the checking of the secretary-treasurer’s financial report of the union’s records. They further discussed with us the overall financial operation of the union. In addition, the secretary-treasurer worked with the committee and made himself and the records of his office available to the committee.” The committee also noted, “We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation…. All records used in connection with the union’s financial operations were reviewed fully.” The committee worked at SIU headquarters during the first full week of March. Article X, Section 14-c of the SIU Constitution spells out the duties of the annual financial committee as well as rules and procedures for electing the committee. April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 3 MTD Unions Credited as Valued Partners Highly Regarded Speakers Stress Support for U.S.-Flag Shipping “Partnership” is a word that surfaced time after time during the most recent meeting of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s executive board, as guest speakers from different segments of the industry expressed appreciation for the important work performed by unions and their rank-and-file members. MTD President Michael Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, said he has received exceptionally positive feedback about the meeting, which took place Feb. 28-29 in the San Diego suburb of Coronado, Calif. A number of attendees observed that the guest speakers’ respective comments went far beyond courtesies. Instead, representatives from the military, the administration, Congress, the private sector and the labor movement not only detailed the vital roles played by the MTD and its affiliated unions, but also voiced genuine thanks for their reliable, often patriotic performance. The MTD consists of 24 international unions (including the SIU) and 19 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing more than five million working men and women. In order of appearance, the following people addressed the executive board on Feb. 28: Thomas Barrett, deputy secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation; Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau, deputy commander, United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); Sean Connaughton, U.S. maritime administrator; Gen. Ken Wykle (USA ret.), president, Executive board members and guests focus on a message about the importance of U.S.-flag shipping. National Defense Transportation Command; Fred Harris, president, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO); and Paddy Crumlin, national secretary, Maritime Union of Australia. A day later, the following individuals spoke to the board: Major General Kathleen Gainey, commander, U.S. Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command; Thomas Crowley, CEO, Crowley Maritime Corp.; Admiral Thad Allen, and SIU President Michael Sacco discusses the induscommandant, U.S. Coast MTD try’s progress. Guard; Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer; and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie gram, port security, the Employee Free Choice Act, and the Re-Empowerment of (D-Hawaii). The board approved a number of state- Skilled and Professional Employees and ments, which reflect much of the meet- Construction Tradeworkers (RESPECT) ing’s content. Those resolutions covered Act. During his opening remarks, Sacco topics including cargo preference, support for the troops, the Title XI shipbuilding recapped some of the industry highlights program, LNG shipping to the U.S., the and challenges since the prior year’s meetneed for an industrial policy, U.S. Naval ings. He also welcomed two new board shipbuilding, grassroots political action, members: ILA President Richard Hughes and health care. Also adopted were state- and MEBA President Don Keefe. ments on the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), cabotage laws including See pages 11-14 for full covthe Jones Act, the Transportation Worker erage of the MTD meeting. Identification Credential (TWIC) pro- Crowley Seafarers Approve 4-Year Contract Agreement Increases Wages, Maintains Benefits, Nets Other Gains The quality of life for members working aboard Crowley tugs and barges and at facilities in Philadelphia, Pa., Jacksonville, Fla., Lake Charles, La., and Wilmington, Calif., just improved as Seafarers overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Negotiated with substantial input from the membership, the new contract calls for annual wage increases and also maintains medical and pension benefits. It protects SIU jobs – not a single one was lost. The wage increases, like the contract itself, are retroactive to July 1, 2007. In addition to maintaining medical benefits at the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s top level (Core Plus) and securing extra contributions to the Seafarers Pension Plan, the pact introduces the new employee-funded SIU 401(k) Plan to members employed by Crowley. Overall, the contract covers approximately 200 members. Significantly, the contract solidifies transportation reimbursements for Seafarers. “Many challenges needed to be overcome during the course of this negotiation,” explained SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “But with the help of the membership, elected delegates and SIU officials who served on the negotiating committee, the union successfully secured a fouryear agreement that delivers wage increases that have exceeded any Crowley agreement in the last decade.” Member discussions, contract development and negotiations were conducted by a team of 11 in union halls but mostly on boats. The group included officials and rank-and-file members, spearheaded by Tricker who was assisted primarily by SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware and Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. See page 9 for additional photos of Crowley Seafarers April 2008 Bargaining committee member and rank-and-file participant Todd Smith said, “We went to the negotiations armed with questionnaires of items the members wanted. Company and union negotiators worked well together and hashed out the best package I’ve seen in a long time. Pay raises each year of the contract and especially reimbursement of travel expenses were important. We have a lot of people who travel from all parts of the country and reimbursement will save a lot of us some real money. Folks have to think long-term. A lot of people don’t have what we have – a pension, health care and security.” Also serving on the union’s negotiating team were Seafarers Kyle Sweep, Roger Stewart, Craig Perry, David Lytle, Jake Jarrell, Nicholas Conway and Steve Mitchell. SIU boatmen are pictured on the Monitor. Members of the Crowley contract bargaining teams and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (seated, center), who dropped in for a short presentation, are pictured in Piney Point, Md. Standing left to right are Unlicensed Delegate (from Philadelphia) Todd Smith, Crowley Representative Jim Gillen, Unlicensed Delegate (Jacksonville) Kyle Sweep, Crowley Representative John Ara, Licensed Delegate (Los Angeles/Long Beach) Roger Stewart, Unlicensed Delegate (Los Angeles/Long Beach) Craig Perry, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Unlicensed Delegate (Lake Charles) David Lytle, Crowley Representative Jim Penny and SIU Asst. VP Archie Ware. Front row, left to right: SIU VP George Tricker, Heindel and Tony Naccarato of Crowley. Seafarers LOG 3 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:20 PM Page 4 Crowley’s ATB Integrity features the most modern equipment and technology. Crowley Christens Another ATB Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand March 19 in Charleston, S.C., as Crowley Maritime Corporation christened the articulated tug-barge (ATB) Integrity. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware represented the union at the ceremony along with rank-and-file Seafarers. The new ATB consists of the 9,280 hp tugboat and the barge 650-4, collectively called the Integrity. It is the fourth of 10 new 185,000-barrel ATB tank vessels that the company expects to receive by the end of 2010. During ceremonies conducted at the Charleston Cruise Terminal on Concord Street, Marcia Bartholme, wife of Rocky Smith, Crowley senior vice president and general manager, Pacific/Alaska region, christened the 135-foot tug Integrity, while Barbara Baldwin, wife of Bob Baldwin, regional director, BP Shipping USA, christened the 587-foot barge 650-4. According to the company, Crowley’s petroleum service is chartering the VT Halter Marine-built ATB from Crowley’s technical services group, and operating it for BP under a time-charter agreement. Crowley already has four 155,000-barrel ATBs and three 185,000-barrel ATBs operating and has announced plans to build three larger 750-series (330,000-barrel capacity) ATBs for delivery by the middle of 2013. Once all vessels are received, the fleet will stand at 17. “The ceremony was very well done and the entire experience was understandably upbeat,” said Tricker. “Whenever we see new, state-of-the-art tonnage entering the SIU-contracted fleet, it’s natural to feel excited.” Captain Buddy Davis described the Intergrity as “the finest piece of equipment afloat. They didn’t cut any corners _ everything is state-of-the-art. Every system has a backup.” He also said the new ATB is “laid out with all the creature comforts. Crowley’s a very good company. They care about their people and they care about their equipment, and it shows.” An ATB has an articulated, or hinged, connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis or plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. Crowley and VT Halter Marine jointly designed the newest ATB tank vessel. The barge 650-4 was built at Halter’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., and the Integrity at its shipyard, in Moss Point, Miss. The new ATBs feature the latest systems technology and double-hull construction for maximum safety and reliability. Not only does the unit have the capability of transporting refined products, but it can also carry heated cargoes and “easy” chemicals, which require special arrangements of vents, stripping systems, pump components and tank coatings above those normally required for product carriers. All of Crowley’s ATBs are built under the ABS SafeHull program for environmental protection. According to the company, this program puts the vessel design through an exhaustive review to identify structural loads and strengthen the vessel structure. The 650-Class barges are 27,000 deadweight tons, 587 feet in length, 74 feet in breadth and 40 feet in depth. The fully loaded draft is 30 feet. There is an electric cargo pump in each of the 14 cargo tanks to assure maximum cargo integrity and segregation flexibility; two anchor windlasses and associated equipment to enable the vessel to accommodate offshore mooring operations; and a vacuum system with three retention tanks to easily handle cargo changes. There is also a nitrogen generator and vapor collection system for maximum safety. A layer of nitrogen covers products in the tanks to make the atmosphere too lean for combustion. An enhanced mooring system features 1,000-foot Spectra-type lines on split drums with a high-speed recovery rate of 100 feet per minute. The tugs meet all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and have a foam capable fire monitor; twin fuel-efficient heavy fuel oil 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, the company noted. The new tug Integrity is pictured from fore and aft. Crowley President and CEO Tom Crowley (fourth from left among those standing) joins Seafarers and SIU officials at the christening. Also among those pictured are SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (next to Tom Crowley) and SIU Assistant VP Contracts Archie Ware (front row, left). Government Study: Economic Impact Of U.S.-Flag Cruise Ships Runs Deep For backers of the U.S.-flag cruise industry, the timing undoubtedly seemed sadly ironic. Around the same time NCL America announced the upcoming departure of the Pride of Aloha from its American-flag fleet, a government study revealed the enormous economic boost that even a single U.S. cruise ship gives to the islands. The upshot: In a calendar year, one American-flag cruise ship home-ported in Hawaii creates 3.5 times as many shore-side jobs and has 3.5 times the economic impact as the total foreign-flag fleet sailing to Hawaii. The study was put together by Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). It shows that one U.S.-flag, NCL America ship creates more than 5,000 jobs and accounts for a “total economic output impact” of $542 million per year (with the latter figure includ- 4 Seafarers LOG ing, among other things, costs of fuel and food as well as spending by passengers and crew members). By comparison, the entire foreign-flag fleet that calls on Hawaii accounts for roughly one-third the numbers of jobs and spending, according to the study. Both the study and the Pride of Aloha announcement in mid-February occurred against the backdrop of efforts to modify federal regulations in order to level the playing field for U.S.-flag operators that are or would be competing with foreign-flag outfits in the deep-sea cruise industry. The Pride of Aloha is scheduled to reflag in May. (Crew members will be offered jobs on the SIU-contracted Pride of America.) Earlier this year, the Pride of Hawaii also left NCL America’s U.S.-flag fleet. In both cases, the company cited a steep increase in the amount of foreign-flag competition entering the Hawaiian market from the West Coast as a key factor. Foreign cruise ship capacity between those locations has increased by 500 percent in the last five years, according to news reports. Commenting on the reflagging of two ships, an economics and finance professor at Hawaii Pacific University told The Honolulu Advertiser, “It isn’t good news. One is bad, two is twice as bad.” The newspaper also quoted a local business owner (surely representative of others) who said the reduction in U.S.-flag cruise ships sailing to Hawaii will cause “a real vacuum. We’ve been in business 14 years and we’ve gone through many stages of the economy, but we find that the (NCL America) cruise ships have really overwhelmingly improved our local economy,” said Marie Aguilar, president of the Kailua Village Merchants Association and owner of the Eclectic Craftsman in Kona, according to The Honolulu Advertiser. April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 5 Labor Leaders Spell out Strategy For ‘Economy That Works for All’ During its meeting in San Diego in early March, the AFL-CIO executive council passed a number of statements designed to help set the labor federation’s agenda for the months ahead. One of those resolutions, focusing on U.S. workers and the economy, appears below. The council is headed by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. SIU President Michael Sacco has served on the board since 1991. AFL-CIO Executive Council Statement We may be seeing the end of the first economic expansion since the Second World War in which average family incomes have not recovered their pre-recession levels. A bursting housing bubble last summer and the resulting crisis in the U.S. sub-prime mortgage market have triggered a full–blown credit crisis, which now seems to be dragging the American economy into recession and slowing economic growth globally. Economic growth slowed sharply toward the end of 2007 and the economy began to shed jobs early this year. The unemployment rate rose to 4.9 percent in January but would be 6.7 percent if labor force participation were close to pre-recession levels. Even at the peak of a recovery, median family income, adjusted for inflation, was lower in 2005 than in the previous year and economic anxiety was unusually high due to the threat of job loss, the volatility of family incomes, rising health care costs and the continued erosion of pensions. Even before the recent economic slowdown, working families were struggling to maintain their living standards by working longer hours and more jobs, by sending more family members to work and by borrowing against the equity in their homes. In terms of jobs, wages, health care and pensions, the recovery from the 2001 recession has been the weakest of any recovery since the Second World War, weaker even than the jobless recovery of the early 1990s. Debt-financed consumer spending has provided what momentum the economy has shown over the past seven years. Stagnant wages and incomes left consumers borrowing against the expected rise in the value of their homes to maintain their families’ living standards. Household savings fell below 1 percent, levels not seen since the worst years of the Great Depression. The truth is, as weak and unbalanced as the current recovery has been, America’s workers are suffering what is now a generation-long stagnation of wages and rising economic insecurity. The misguided domestic and international economic policies of the past three decades have produced an unbalanced economy that has seriously reduced the role of government in guiding the economy and radically shifted bargaining power from workers to their employers. These policies have benefited our wealthiest families as never before, but working families have been left behind. Corporations are earning record profits and CEOs, on average, are now earning 364 times what workers earn. Productivity has increased 67 percent since 1980, but wages have barely budged. Average family incomes are only 15 percent higher today than they were three decades ago, and only because families are working harder and sending more members into the workforce. Only the top 10 percent of families have seen their income rise at or above the rate of productivity growth. As a result, incomes and wealth are more unequally distributed in America than in any other developed country and are more unequal today than at any time since the 1920s. The American Dream is fading for millions of working families. The bursting of the housing bubble and resetting interest rates on sub-prime mortgages threaten the homes of hundreds of thousands of America’s working families. The credit crisis and financial market turmoil threaten the pensions and savings of millions. And the resulting pull-back of consumer spending and business investment now threatens the jobs of millions more. Housing prices already have fallen 10 percent and may fall another 10 to 20 percent over the next two years, leaving 10 million families with negative equity in their homes, causing more than 2 million foreclosures and destroying trillions of dollars of household wealth. This massive loss of wealth likely will undermine consumer spending and business investment. The Federal Reserve moved aggressively to lower interest rates by over 2 percentage points and is signaling more cuts to come. Congress also passed a $168 billion fiscal stimulus package featuring a tax rebate for families and tax cuts for business. While these steps are helpful in mitigating some of the worst effects of the slowdown, they are insufficient to avert recession, nor do they deal with the fundamental economic imbalances at the root of the current economic crisis…. Working families need, and we demand, additional measures to keep families in their homes by enacting a moratorium on foreclosures and a second stimulus package to extend unemployment insurance, expand the food stamp program and bolster federal aid to states and cities to prevent further cutbacks of vital public services. We should also front-load public investment to maintain our schools and repair crumbling bridges and deteriorating highways. Spending that puts people to work on projects we desperately need is more likely to stimulate the domestic economy than tax cuts that may be saved or spent largely on imported consumer goods. But even these expanded stimulus measures do not address the fundamental imbalances at the root of the current economic slowdown. In addition, we need a bold national economic recovery program to change the policies that produced the imbalances that are now driving the economy into what may become a serious recession. First, we must restore the competitiveness of the United States in global markets to balance our trade with the rest of the world. Currently we must borrow nearly $800 billion a year to pay for the things we consume as a nation that we no longer produce. We have lost 3.3 million good manufacturing jobs since 2000, many the result of our imbalanced trade. Moreover, China and other Asian trading partners are manipulating their currencies to maintain their competitive advantages. The huge trade surpluses of these countries have produced a global savings glut which is fueling asset price inflation in the in the United States. The demand for U.S assets from these countries has fed the unsustainable housing bubble on which our fragile growth has depended over the past seven years. To restore the competitiveness of the American economy, we must change our trade, tax and exchange rate policies to level the playing field for domestic producers. Domestically, we must also greatly expand public investment in the education and training of America’s workers, as well as the information, communication and transportation infrastructure so essential for a competitive American economy. We must also adopt a national strategy to rebuild American manufacturing. We must have national health care reform to level the competitive field for domestic manufacturers. And we must have an approach to climate change focused on domestic investment in new technologies to produce a more environmentally sustainable economy, lessen our dependence on foreign oil and produce good manufacturing jobs. Second, we must have a more robust and coordinated monetary and fiscal policy focused on maximum sustainable growth and full employment. We cannot continue to depend on consumer spending financed by asset bubbles to power the U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve and Treasury are mandated by Congress to maintain rapid growth and full employment but they have largely abandoned this mission to serve other purposes…. Third, we must have transparent and more effective financial regulation in the mortgage and credit markets. The failure of regulators to ensure secure mortgage markets and sound financial markets has fostered speculation in both. The promotion of irresponsible mortgages has put millions of working families into homes they cannot now afford. And the financial services industry has engineered these fragile mortgages into exotic securities that we were told would disperse risk to those best able to bear it. Instead, these complex securities have concentrated the risk in the hands of those least able to understand it. The deregulation of financial markets and the financial engineering that produce mountains of unsupportable debt have allowed finance to dominate the real economy, produced turmoil in our capital markets and undermined the stability of the real economy in which our members live and work. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney We must restore effective regulation to ensure transparency and accountability of mortgage lenders, investment banks, hedge funds, private equity and sovereign wealth funds. Fourth, we must restore a fair tax system capable of financing the key public investments necessary for a competitive U.S. economy. The United States is plagued by rapidly rising inequality and a public sector so impoverished we are unable to fund vital infrastructure improvements, educate our children, or deal with the challenge of energy and the environment. At the heart of these problems is a tax system that treats the upper middle class and billionaires the same in terms of marginal income tax rates. We need a truly progressive tax system, one that looks to the superrich to pay their fair share. Fifth, and most important, we must restore a balance of power between workers and their employers to allow workers to share in the prosperity that they help create. We must enact meaningful minimum employment standards, including a minimum wage indexed to one-half the median wage. We must also pass the Employee Free Choice Act to restore the freedom of workers to organize and bargain collectively. And we must extend collective bargaining rights to millions of publicsector workers denied these fundamental rights. America’s workers are the most productive workers in the world. And they work longer hours than workers in any other developed country. America is still the richest country in history. There is no reason that we cannot have a strong and internationally competitive American economy whose prosperity is broadly shared. Economic issues—stagnating living standards, rising economic anxiety and growing inequality—have risen to the top of the nation’s agenda and are the leading concern of America’s voters this year. To win the trust of the American people, candidates for office must show they know and care about the real economic anxieties of America’s working families. Most of all, they must bring forward credible economic policies to produce an Economy That Works for All. Rep. Gene Taylor to Receive ‘Salute to Congress’ Award U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (DMiss.), a longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, will receive the prestigious Salute to Congress Award later this month. The award’s sponsor, the International Propeller Club of the United States, said Taylor “is being honored for his consistent and strong support of the United States maritime industry.” The 24th annual Salute to Congress dinner will take place April 29 in Bethesda, Md. Hundreds of attendees are expected, including representatives of maritime labor and other segments of the industry, executive branch officials and other congressmen. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, Taylor is the Chairman April 2008 of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces. He also sits on the Readiness Subcommittee. On the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he serves on both the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. In addition, Taylor, a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, serves as co-chair of the following Congressional member organizations: Shipbuilding Caucus, National Guard and Reserve Caucus, and Coast Guard Caucus. During a National Maritime Day ceremony last May in Washington, D.C., Taylor was a featured speaker. Among other points, he stated it is time for America to demonstrate that it truly values the maritime industry by supporting it. U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) “If we’re really serious about homeland security, we must control our waterways, we must control the Jones Act,” Taylor said. He added that the nation should invest in its shipyards and pointed out the historically proven dangers of exclusively relying on other nations to build and transport material. He said that in order to honor the mariners of World War II, America must commit to the industry’s future. “We have to recognize that 95 percent of everything going to the Middle East (for Operation Iraqi Freedom) goes by sea. In the future it’ll be the same way.” The Propeller Club is a grassroots, non-profit organization with members across the country and around the world. The organization is self-described as being “dedicated to the enhancement and wellbeing of all interests of the maritime community on a national and international basis. The Propeller Club aggressively promotes the maritime industry through many of its programs and partnering with other similar organizations. Our goal is to educate legislators and the public as to the importance and necessity of all waterborne commerce…. The membership comprises a cross section of the maritime industry throughout the United States and in many cities overseas.” Recent recipients of the Salute to Congress Award include U.S. Senator John Warner (R-Va.) in 2007 and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) in 2006. Seafarers LOG 5 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 6 Seafarers aboard the Horizon Tiger celebrated New Years at sea with a barbecue. In photo at left, meal preparation was in the capable hands of (from the left) SA Munasser Omer, Chief Cook Sal Ahmed and SB Terry Allen. In photo below, Ahmed joins lst Engineer Michael Dumcha who landed this Mahimahi during an anchor near mainland China. According to Ahmed, the fish was a welcomed addition to the feast which included steak. SIU Patrolman Sam Spain (left) presents GUDE James Burke with his first pension check in the Port of Norfolk. Burke last sailed aboard the Flickertail State. At Sea and Ashore With SIU Members AB Brian Gaunt shows off the 40-inch Cobia while his vessel was at anchor off the Texas Coast near Port Aransas, Texas. Gaunt sails aboard the Chemical Trader. OS Rolando Dinouz (above left) and AB Larry Dizon send greetings to their brothers and sisters from aboard the Pride of Aloha. The SIU-contracted criuse vessel was somewhere near Fanning Island when these photos were taken. SIU officials serviced the Patriot recenty while the car carring vessel was was tied up in Bayonne, N.J. In photo above, (from the left) QMED Lee Weygandt, Bosun Chris Sykes and OMU James Tolan Jr., huddle to share their views after reading the Seafarers LOG. Chief Steward Edward Usmauy (photo at right) prepares a meal for his Patriot shipmates. SIU Patrolman Michael Russo, (photo at left, standing fourth from right in dark shirt) recently met with the crew of the Chemical Pioneer while the vessel was in the Port of Houston. Among other topics, Russo spoke to them about SPAD. To show their support for the program, crew members posed for this photo with a SPAD poster. In photo at right, (from the left) Bosun Abdul Hassan, AB Ignatius Muzich and relieving Bosun James Joyce are all smiles after reading the January 2008 LOG. The mariners sail aboard the Maersk Georgia. 6 Seafarers LOG April 2008 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 PM Page 7 Advancing Your Career Via the Paul Hall Center The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and state-ofthe-art equipment and facilities. The school offers courses for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments. Below is a quick look at one of those classes. For more information about the center and its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; call (301) 994-0010; or visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. Course dates are listed on page 21 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. Deck Department Course Spotlight Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman – Applicants completing the school’s four-week 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 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 ONE 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 qualified ratings (STCW). Limited: 18 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, OIC, or qualified ratings. New Seafarer Sheppard Found Direction Through Unlicensed Apprentice Program Henry Sheppard rose from tough times, chose a career at sea and is sailing toward a promising profession, thanks to his own drive and to opportunities presented by the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Like many if not most 18-year-olds, Sheppard reached a point when he needed to choose his life’s path. Though he didn’t have some of the advantages enjoyed by others his age, he was motivated. His introduction to the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program proved an excellent match – Sheppard recently graduated from the school and shipped out as a wiper. At age 15, Sheppard went into foster care in Seattle. “When I was 17, I was placed in Mary O’Donnell’s home and have been with her since,” said Sheppard. He said that O’Donnell is so loving and caring, he doesn’t consider her “foster Mom, she’s Mom.” What Sheppard needed in his life was a humanitarian with a heart of gold, and one found him. “Henry was placed in a foster home with at-risk youths,” said O’Donnell. “Some of the kids were going through detox and had been in and out of detention. Henry is a great student with lots of drive. I couldn’t let this very special boy stay in that situation.” According to O’Donnell, she worked with social services to have Sheppard moved into her foster home. When he graduated from high school, Sheppard went to community college. But, according to O’Donnell, “Henry’s the type of person who likes to pay his own way through life and was ready to make a decision.” “I wanted a rewarding career now without spending a lot of time in class right away and owing money later to pay for it,” explained Sheppard. “I wanted to make my way now and also have time for education. My brother is in the Air Force and I looked at that, but it wasn’t for me.” Sheppard said he considered many other options until Rich Berkowitz, director of Pacific Coast Operations for the Transportation Institute in Seattle heard about him and showed him a video about the apprentice program and the union. “SIU looked straightforward to me and looked like it would give me a rewarding career with no false advertising,” Sheppard noted. O’Donnell added that Sheppard liked the relatively flexible work schedule enjoyed by mariners because it would enable him to make money and still have time to take college courses. She also said Sheppard liked the idea of being able to work his way from the bottom up. “The apprentice program looked good so I started on my unlicensed apprenticeship at the Paul Hall Center for my first 12 weeks,” said Sheppard. He noted he was so excited about starting his career and receiving training at the SIU-affiliated school, based in Piney Point, Md., he kept a diary of his experiences. “Overall I feel that this program is very well-suit- ed to its intended purpose of preparing trainees for shipboard life. There is nothing you do or learn here that doesn’t directly apply to living and working on an ocean-going vessel. The rules are a bit tedious at times, but are intended to weed out those who wouldn’t be able to handle life on a ship. If you can’t handle the three months you spend at Piney Point (for the first phase of training), the odds are pretty good you wouldn’t last long in a union that requires you to ship Seafarer Henry Sheppard credits the union and its affiliated school with providing straightforward opportunities to rewarding careers at sea. for a [certain minimum amount of time in order to accumulate seniority]. The staff at the school is really concerned with helping out trainees as much as possible and helping them be the best they can be.” Sheppard described the first phase of the program as “a lot of hard work, but also very gratifying because I know that I am working toward a greater goal and what I hope to be a gainful career as a mariner.” “I think he will upgrade at the school every chance he gets,” said O’Donnell. “The Paul Hall Center was perfect for him and I think I would be for other foster kids.” After Sheppard finished the first segment of his apprentice training, he was assigned to serve on the Cleveland, a bulk cargo ship. His mission: humanitarian aid to Africa. “I never thought I’d be on a humanitarian aid mission but it was great to give something back and move forward in my career,” exclaimed Sheppard. “It’s very rewarding… I’m glad I found out about the SIU. I was looking for a career in which you get out of it what you put into it.” “Henry is very excited and his level of self-confidence has grown tremendously. He talks a great deal to his friends about his new life and loves the camaraderie onboard ships,” said O’Donnell. “It looks like a perfect life for not only kids who grew up in foster care but everyone looking to make a difference in their lives.” Sheppard concluded, “All of the help I’ve received from brothers in my union has given me direction and put me on to a great career.” Horizon Kodiak Crew Teams Up to Construct Shipboard Fitness Room Exercise may be little more than an annually unfulfilled resolution for some, but no one needs to sell the benefits of physical fitness to Seafarers aboard the Horizon Kodiak. SIU members and officers aboard the vessel already know the many plusses associated with working out – so much so that they recently pitched in to build a nicely equipped shipboard gym. The workout room is a welcome addition. April 2008 Horizon Kodiak Recertified Steward Brian Burchette (who also has a background as a personal trainer) pointed out that staying in shape is particularly important for mariners “especially with the rigors at sea that we endure on a daily basis. Also, with the newly added pre-employment physicals that Horizon Lines and other companies now utilize, I believe it is imperative that we as Seafarers make a concerted effort to better ourselves. “As we are all aware, unlike a land job, there is no sick leave when on a vessel,” he continued. “You are either fit for duty or not fit for duty. For the most part, keeping ourselves healthy and fit goes handin-hand with being able to provide for our families.” With that in mind, Burchette approached the vessel’s captain and brain- stormed about the feasibility of building an exercise room. Eventually the idea was approved, and everyone aboard did their part to convert a store room into a gym, complete with free weights, a weight machine and a treadmill. Burchette said the new furnishings aren’t being wasted. “As they said in the movie Field of Dreams, ‘If you build it, they will come!’” Only when posing for a LOG photo do Seafarers remain still in the Horizon Kodiak’s exercise room. Pictured from left to right are Bosun Garry Walker, GSU Mike Linus, Recertified Steward Brian Burchette, AB Anwar Alsharif, AB Kareem Ahmed, DEU Mohamed Aboubaker, Chief Cook Tammy Bingisser (seated), Electrician Alfonso Bombita Jr. and QMED Dan Thomas. AB Mark Pesola is taking the photo. Seafarers LOG 7 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 PM Page 8 Mariners Need TWIC by Sept. 25, 2008 The following information, available on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) web site, covers the steps necessary to acquire a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This information has been sent to all SIU halls and will be repeated in upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. The deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a TWIC is Sept. 25, 2008. Therefore, the union urges Seafarers to apply for the new card, which eventually will be required of all U.S. mariners who need unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. ports and vessels. The requirement comes from a federal law called the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Seafarers should check with their port agents and/or utilize the TSA conThis is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of late March, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http:// www.tsa.gov/twic When visiting that site, there are different ways to access the most recently updated list of enrollment centers. There is a link near the top of the home page; there’s also one within the TWIC “FAQ.” As they become available, additional addresses will be published in the LOG and faxed to the union halls. The TSA is expected to announce the locations of many more enrollment centers in the weeks and months ahead. Seafarers should note that while the LOG is publishing an updated list of enrollment centers each month, there are differences from issue to issue besides simply adding new addresses. A number of previously published addresses have been modified or replaced by the TSA, for example (everything from a different suite number in the same building to an outright new facility replacing a previously announced one). Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 California Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Road Oakland, CA 94607-1010 1830 Embarcadero Avenue Suite 104 Oakland, CA 94606-5230 301 E. Ocean Boulevard Suite 500 Long Beach, CA 90802 1931 N. Gaffey Street Suite B San Pedro, CA 90731-1265 Suite 300 13201 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94806 Suite 103 1025 W Laurel St. San Diego, CA 92101 2000 Marina Vista Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 Connecticut 75 Crystal Ave. New London, CT 06320 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 8 Seafarers LOG tact information that follows for the latest information on the TWIC program, including the “TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan,” which is a list of cities where TWIC enrollment centers are or will be located. Updates also periodically appear on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” section). Seafarers are advised that although pre-enrollment for the TWIC is optional, both the agency and the first individual SIU members who have applied for the card strongly recommend it. FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-3478942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov Florida 955 Tallyrand Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32206-6049 707 Mullet Road Suites 117/118 Port Canaveral, FL 32920-4519 975 North America Way Miami, FL 33132-2004 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Road Dania Beach, FL 33004-2810 Habana Plaza (Rear) 3125 Riviera Dr Key West, FL 33040 Suite 303 2051 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Suites 119, 120 5323 W. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Country Inn and Suites 211 Gateway Center Blvd. Brunswick, GA 31525 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 970 Kele Street Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois Dixon Building Suite 206 8741 South Greenwood Chicago, IL 60619 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 Hampton Inn 11 Winners Way East Peoria, IL 61611 Suite 153 1635 W. First Street Granite City, IL 62040 Indiana 200 Russell Street Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 3602 Northgate Court Suite 37C New Albany, IN 47150-6417 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS Pre-Enroll This can save time at the enrollment center itself. To pre-enroll, individuals must first register for an ID starting at https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWIC WebApp/ Applicants will need to supply basic information including their name, date of birth and country of birth. Gather Documentation As part of the TWIC application process, individual applicants must supply documentation verifying their identity. A list of acceptable documents was printed on page 4 of the January edition of the Seafarers LOG and is available on the TSA’s TWIC web site. A valid merchant mariner document/z-card is acceptable, as is an unexpired passport. 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 James Drive East Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 Maine 236 Oxford Street, Suite 12 Portland, ME 04101-3070 163 Hildreth Street North Bangor, ME 04401 TWIC Enrollment Centers Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 Suite 204C 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 Enroll Applicants may enroll at any of the agency’s enrollment centers, at which time they must pay the TWIC fee of $132.50 (or the reduced fee of $105.25, if applying for a TWIC that expires in conjunction with a merchant mariner document). Applicants will provide fingerprints and be photographed as well as provide personal information. Pick up TWIC Applicants must return to the same enrollment center to pick up their credential. They will be notified by email or phone (as specified during enrollment) when the card is ready. The individual TWIC will be activated, and the card-holder will select a corresponding PIN number. Holiday Inn 1500 Hwy 71 International Falls, MN 56649 Room B006 34 13th Ave., NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 Suite D 1223 30th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501 New Jersey Northern New Jersey / Bergen County 89 Leuning Street Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 3200 West End Avenue Suite 510 Nashville, TN 37203-1330 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5155 IH-10 South Beaumont, TX 77705-4213 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin Houston, TX 77029-3003 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 Suite 9 2680 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 Suite 2106 3225 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 301 Highway 146 N. Texas City, TX 77590-6630 Massachusetts 28 Damrell St. Suite 104 Boston, MA 02127-2775 North Carolina Suite 107 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 411 West Main Street Port LaVaca, TX 77979 300 Tremont Street Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 Michigan Delray Mechanical 667 S. Post Street Detroit, MI 48209-3053 800 East Ellis Road Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 511 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1960 863 North Pine Road Essexville, MI 48732 430 S. Water Street Marine City, MI 48039 AmericInn of Silver City 120 Lincoln Ave. Ontonagon, MI 49953 396 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 Suite 105 1020 Hastings Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area Minnesota Suite 104 2161 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth, MN 55802 Virginia Suite F 814 Greenbrier Circle Chesapeake, VA 23320 Ohio 3100 E45th Street Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 Suite 300, Room 359 11815 Fountain Way Newport News, VA 23606 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 401 Broadway Avenue Suite D, Office B Lorain, OH 44052-0000 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Oregon Suite 100 7025 N. Lombard St. Portland, OR 97203 8327 Summit Park Rd Ste. D Anacortes, WA 98221 Port of Everett Marina Marina Conference Center 404 14th Street Everett, WA 98201-1674 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd, Huntington WV 25702 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 701 North Point Drive Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Hotel Green Bay 780 Armed Forces Drive Green Bay, WI 54304 April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:21 AM Page 9 Seafarers from the tug Ensign and SIU Patrolman Ashley Nelson (second from left) SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker (standing) discusses negotiations with crew members from the Pioneer and the Centurion. Crowley Boatmen Approve Contract The Crowley Sentinel reaches its dock after a trip back to Florida from Puerto Rico. As reported on page 3, Seafarers employed by Crowley recently approved a new four-year contract calling for wage increases and other improvements while maintaining medical benefits. Some of the approximately 200 Seafarers covered by the pact are pictured on this page along with SIU officials. Chief Mate Robert Venable (above) aboard the Crowley Sentinel Chief Engineer Willie Pettwa (left) makes his way upward from the engine room. SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (third from left) gets member input aboard the Crowley Sentinel. Crew members of the tug Sea Breeze SIU-Crewed USNS Gilliland Loads U.S. Army Equipment The Seafarers-contracted USNS Gilliland loaded more than 150,000 square feet of U.S. Army equipment March 15-18 in Antwerp, Belgium, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The Gilliland is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll- April 2008 Crowley Patriarch crew members are pictured with SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Karl Leiter (far right). off vessel, abbreviated as LMSR. MSC reported that the materiel – trucks, trailers, tanks and other combat support equipment – belongs to the U.S. Army’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. The Gilliland is delivering the cargo to the Middle East to be used in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since Sept. 11, 2001, MSC ships (many crewed by SIU members) have delivered more than 101 million square feet of equipment in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. That is enough cargo to fill a line of railroad cars stretching more than 2,400 miles from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas, Nev., according to MSC. “Serving the men and women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan by getting their equipment to them on time is one of our key missions here at Sealift Logistics Command Europe,” said Capt. Nicholas Holman, commander of that branch. “These soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen depend on MSC to deliver the tools they need to do their job promoting freedom and democracy in the Middle East and around the globe.” The Gilliland is one of 19 civilian-crewed LMSRs belonging to MSC and is ideally suited to carry oversized military equipment. At 954 feet long, the ship has 380,000 square feet of cargo-carrying capacity, equivalent to almost eight football fields. The Gilliland is named after Korean War Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Charles L. Gilliland who sacrificed his life to cover the withdrawal of his unit from enemy fire on April 25, 1951, near Tongmang-ni, Korea. Seafarers LOG 9 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:22 AM Page 10 Servicing SIUCrewed Vessels In The Port of Tampa Coast Range Editor’s Note: SIU Safety Representative Kevin Marchand earlier this year spent nearly a week servicing Seafarers-contracted vessels as they called on the Port of Tampa. The photos on this page show some of the rank-and-file members in their work environments. Overseas Philadelphia Members of the Coast Range crew off-load equipment from the vessel’s deck (above) while Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro (left in inset at left) and AB Travis Stringer II enjoy lunch. Chief Cook Bernard Butts (inset, above right) takes a break from his duties in the galley. Sulphur Enterprise Bosun Michael Brewley (left) and Recertified Steward Justo Lacayo meet in the galley of the Overseas Philadelphia. Members of the Sulphur Enterprise crew gather after a shipboard meeting. Pictured are Bosun Joseph White, AB William Ray Jr., DEU Carl Turner, AB Zsuzsanna Balla, Chief Cook Audrey Brown and SA Nelson Bernardez. Chemical Trader AB Shelby Rankin (above, left) stands watch on the Chemical Trader while DEU Jose Encarnacion (above, right) gives the thumbs up. Chief Cook Jimmy Cordova (below, left) and Steward Exxl Ronquillo take a break in the dining area. ITB Mobile Tug Enterprise Ordinary Seaman /Cook Carlos Taylor (left) and AB Bradley Thomas send greetings from aboard the Tug Enterprise. Steward Virgilio Donghit (left in left photo above) and UA Kenneth LeDeoux complete some paperwork in the galley of the ITB Mobile while shipmates AB Dionicio Mejia (left in photo at left) and GUDE Montree Nakwichet stand cargo watch. In photo above, Bosun Timothy Jackson (left) and AB James McCormick return to the vessel after going ashore. Sea Venture Keystone Texas Members of the Sea Venture crew gather on deck following their meeting with the SIU rep. Pictured (from the left) are Bosun Thomas Mincey, AB George Saltz and AB Courtney Denley. OSG Tug Honour Ordinary Seaman/Cook Michael Hufana (left) and AB Kelly Marsh reported to the stern of the OSG Tug Honour following their union meeting. 10 Seafarers LOG Keystone Texas Bosun Edward McClean runs a stores crane (above) while Steward Roderick Oree (inset above, left) and Chief Cook Elizer Saintvil (inset above, right) prepare to put away stores. AB Eddie Ebanks stands cargo watch (inset at right). April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:22 AM Page 11 MTD Executive Board Meeting Military Leaders Powerfully Declare Support for U.S. Mariners, U.S. Ships With rank-and-file Seafarers in the audience, two key military leaders who addressed the MTD executive board meeting Feb. 28-29 near San Diego left no doubt about the high esteem in which they hold the U.S. Merchant Marine. Major General Kathleen Gainey, commander, U.S. Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau, deputy commander, United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), each offered powerful words of support and appreciation for the reliability of U.S. mariners. They also made it abundantly clear that America’s national security is best-served by maintaining a strong American-flag fleet with American crews. Two dozen or so SIU members (including members of the union’s Government Services Division) were guests at the meetings, which altogether drew more than 200 people per day. Speaking not only about mariners but also other members of unions affiliated with the MTD, Gainey stated, “You are critical to our nation. All of us in uniform appreciate you in the maritime trades.” She noted the long history of America’s civilian mariners, literally dating to the country’s earliest days. “The merchant marine has always been there beside us,” Gainey said. “You have always been there when we needed you, and you have always delivered. It doesn’t matter whether it was in harm’s way or whether it was in peace. You’ve always been there. Your partnership has never faltered. Your willingness to be there was never conditional. You’ve always delivered and been there for our service members around the world. There’s no amount of thanks that I could give you, because I’m here to tell you, having deployed twice, I know how critical it is that we get that equipment and those MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco welcomes Maj. Gen. Kathleen Gainey. “The history of the Maritime Trades Department for us is really important. It’s part of what we are as a nation... This is important to us in uniform. Why is that? Because you produce results.” --Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau, Deputy Commander, U.S. TRANSCOM supplies on time. You deliver and we know we can count on you.” Gainey said it is important that all segments of the maritime industry “keep the dialogue open on the key issues: port security, strategic sealift, rebuilding our ports … and ensuring that we keep a strong, strong maritime force with American-flag carriers.” She mentioned the relatively new program in which protective vehicles known as MRAPS are being delivered (often by Seafarers-contracted ships) to U.S. troops overseas. Pointing out the efficiency of sealift, she noted that some of the decisionmakers originally advocated airlift for the new military vehicles. “If it was your son or daughter (waiting for delivery), you, too, would have wanted it there the fastest way possible,” Gainey said. “We were able to show them we can deliver” quickly by ship, and those deliveries have reinforced the value of American-flag vessels supporting our troops. Gainey repeatedly referred to the effective “partnership” between the military and the commercial sector. She said deliveries to the warfighter have “significantly improved” because of that partnership, adding that “performance statistics” bear out the speed and reliability of American-flag ships. “We in U.S. TRANSCOM are fully committed to the commercial-first policy,” Gainey declared. “If we don’t, then we will not have the maritime fleet Board members and guests show appreciation for remarks by one of the speakers. April 2008 that we need to support this nation when we would even go to a larger-scale war. You are the backbone and we know that. We always try to utilize the liner service as the first option to meet the required delivery date for our warfighter. And we’re looking to even expand that business…. It’s all about leveraging the strength that you have and the partnerships you have with other organizations. Partnership is what is going to make us strong, keep us strong, and make sure that this nation is free.” She concluded that when she was researching the MTD prior to the meetings, she was very impressed by “how critical you are to the defense of this nation … the value of an organization that brings together all of these specialties. You are that fourth arm of Department of Defense and you are critical to this nation, and this is what makes America great.” Rondeau credited MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco as “a man of his word” who “is a guy that is helping move things forward” for the U.S. maritime industry. She noted that she comes from a union family – a background the helps her appreciate the importance of the MTD. The department’s history and current efforts are “important to us in uniform,” she said. “Why is that? Because you produce results.” Rondeau shared a number of statistics reflecting the large amount of military cargo transported in recent years aboard Vice Admiral Ann Rondeau says U.S. mariners “truly have answered the nation’s call.” U.S.-flag commercial ships as well as civilian-crewed Military Sealift Command vessels. “You truly have answered the nation’s call,” she said. She twice referred to the March edition of the Seafarers LOG – once expressing her agreement with a letter extolling union membership, and then pointing out a quote from SIU Recertified Bosun David James. The bosun, who has sailed on multiple voyages for Operation Iraqi Freedom, recently said, “SIU members are here to support the troops.” After sharing that quote with the audience, Rondeau recalled a scene from just a few days earlier, when 1,000 or so troops in Iraq had gathered to watch a movie. In accordance with protocol, the National Anthem was played before the show – but problems with the sound system kept interrupting. She estimated that if something similar were to happen in a private theater in the U.S. filled with 18-to-22-year-olds, “you’re going to get at the very best some laughter and at the worst some profanity like you haven’t heard in a while. But (back in Iraq) the room was dead quiet on the third time of them trying to run the recoding of the National Anthem. At that point, one voice starts, another voice starts, and (soon) 1,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen sang ‘the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air…’ and they sang to the end. “These are people who have been there for a year or two. So I would say to David James, SIU or MTD union members who are here to support the troops: Those men and women are worth your investment. They’re worth what you give them and you give them a lot, because together we’re not just involved – we are committed.” Seafarers LOG 11 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:22 AM Page 12 Fro Sho U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin (left) addresses the board as MTD President Michael Sacco listens. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka Grassroots Action, November Elections Crucial for America’s Working Families Guest speakers at the most recent meeting of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s executive board urged labor officials and rank-and-file members alike to elect pro-worker candidates in November. U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii), AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary Paddy Crumlin each noted the importance – and effectiveness – of grassroots political action when it comes to empowering working families. Both Abercrombie and Trumka pointed to the erosion of U.S. workers’ rights and stated that the best way to start rectifying that decades-long trend is by supporting pro-worker candidates. Abercrombie said it’s a plain fact that the majority party sets the agenda in Congress. Therefore, he said, working families must elect and support – and hold accountable – representatives who will look out for their interests. “We’ve got to put American workers back in the center of the political agenda,” said Abercrombie. “Every single vote counts, and the difference in whether or not the working people in this country are going to come back to the center of the agenda is going to be whether labor turns out in this election and sees to it that the Electoral College goes the right way.” The congressman noted he recently read a biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Abercrombie said that during World War II and the years that immediately followed, there was strong support for the working class at all levels of government. He said the nation clearly would be best served by returning to that standard. He reviewed the day’s newspaper headlines and explained how the weakening economy hurts working families. Illustrating corporate greed and the weakening of workers’ rights, he mentioned a recent contract negotiation in which newspaper reporters were asked by the company to a accept only a one percent wage increase in conjunction with health care cuts, despite soaring company profits. “If the United States is going to be strong in the world, we have to be strong ourselves,” Abercrombie said. “We have to have a sound economy. We have to have workers that understand not only that prosperity depends on them, but that productivity is going to stay with them when they earn it by their productivity. “The most productive and important thing we can do right now is organize,” he concluded. “Let’s get this movement organized for November so there’s no question in anybody’s mind that America is back. When America’s workers are in charge, America is back. Trumka presented a startling series of statistics showing the enormous (and still growing) income gap in America. He cautioned that this isn’t a new develop- ment, but rather one that dates back to the 1970s. “Our economy was failing working families long before there was a housing crisis and mortgage crisis and a stock market crisis,” Trumka said. “These crises are in fact the direct result of imbalances in our economy that already existed. That has been propelled by neoliberal economic policies that have been grinding down working families for the last 30 years. “Why is it so hard for so many workers to make a decent living in the richest country in history at its most rich point in time?” he continued. “We work more hours than any other developed country, but massive job loss has created widespread economic insecurity. The U.S. economy generates more than 13 trillion dollars a year in income but health care and retirement benefits are vanishing. For the last 30 years wages have been going down and it’s meant longer working hours, higher consumer debt, and a greater reliance on home equities just so that families could keep up with their bills. It doesn’t have to be this way because the economy is not like the weather. The economy is a set of rules; those rules are made by people we elect. Those rules decide winners and they decide losers and it’s up to us to elect people that start adopting rules that make all of us winners.” As he showed the board data reflecting the struggles of working families, Trumka emphasized, “The policies that have been adopted over the last 30 years have two things in common: They shift power from workers to employers and they create fewer jobs. The increased power of employers has allowed them to outsource our work and deregulate our industries. They privatize our government, they deny wage increases, and they walk away from their obligations to provide health care and retirement security for employees.” Among the statistics he shared: Since 1973, household income for richest Americans has increased anywhere from 353 percent to more than 500 percent. By comparison, the poorest Americans’ wages have gone up only three percent; for those squarely in the middle range of earnings, the increase has been 23 percent. “What you’re seeing is where we used to grow together as a nation, right now we’re growing apart economically, socially and politically,” Trumka said. “The productivity-wage relationship was the foundation of the social contract negotiated between labor and employers after World War II. Today the imbalance of power has ruptured that relationship and the social contract with America’s workers is being shredded.” Trumka concluded by saying the labor movement must be at the forefront of efforts to “change the direction of our country…. None of it is possible, though, See Working Families, Page 14 A wide meeting v American challenge Offerin were (in o the U.S. D Administr president, Harris, pr (NASSCO Corporati Guard. Barrett that a stro economic “We ar you are su Referri Barrett ou own d the marit ue to grow Connau remarkabl core marit regulation Security P training an He exp also know year conta program w “Even finally hav wise laws to our tran He add important thorization that they l transporta sibilities… ‘Nuts & Bolts’ of MTD The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department consists of 24 international unions (including the SIU) and 19 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing more than five million working men and women. The MTD executive board met Feb. 28-29 near San Diego, where board members and guests tackled many vital issues facing the maritime industry and all working families. The articles on pages 11-14 are based on remarks and policy statements presented at the meetings. These photos show some of the board members and SIU VP Dean Corgey (left), SIU VP Nick Marrone guests. Rank-and-file Seafarers and officials 12 Seafarers LOG MEBA President Don Keefe Maersk VP Ed Hanley (left), SIU VP George Tricker SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz (right), Executive VP Michel Desjardins Boilermakers VP Warren Fairley ILA President Richard Hughes CWA VP Ralph Maley U.S. R SIU As Port Ag GMP President John Ryan April 2008 R �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 13 rom Many Perspectives, Maritime Industry hows Great Promise, Faces Key Challenges wide array of guest speakers at the MTD executive board ing voiced support, enthusiasm and appreciation for the rican maritime industry while not glossing over the many enges faced by its different components. ffering perspectives from various segments of the industry (in order of appearance) Thomas Barrett, deputy secretary of U.S. Department of Transportation; U.S. Maritime inistrator Sean Connaughton; General Ken Wykle (USA ret.), dent, National Defense Transportation Association; Fred s, president, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company SSCO); Thomas Crowley, CEO, Crowley Maritime oration; and Admiral Thad Allen, commandant, U.S. Coast d. arrett reaffirmed the Department of Transportation’s belief a strong U.S. Merchant Marine is essential to the defense and omic development of the nation. We are committed to supporting American-flag shipping…. If are successful, America will be successful,” he stated. eferring to President Bush’s strong support for the Jones Act, ett outlined the DOT’s vision for the future and expressed his own admiration for the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Noting that he had served 35 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, Barrett added, “You can’t spend as long a time in the Coast Guard as I did without building an enduring and very deep respect for American mariners. I see it (the contributions they make to American society) every day.” According to Barrett, America’s defense and economic health depends on its maritime industry. The nation’s network of waterways moves 2.2 billion tons of domestic and foreign cargo. Ninety-five percent of our international trade moves by water. International trade will double within the next 20 years. Barrett said the DOT believes America’s economy depends on enhancing systems performance, particularly maritime element. “I don’t think that the economy can contingrow without making seaways more efficient,” he observed. onnaughton noted that the maritime industry has made rkable progress over the past year and gave strong support to maritime programs moving forward. Those initiatives and ations include the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime rity Program, port modernization, shipbuilding, maritime ng and LNG development. e expressed optimism about the marine highway initiative, known as short sea shipping. The energy bill signed late last contains provisions establishing a formal marine highway ram within the federal government. Even though this is something that we’ve been pushing, now, y having statutory recognition about the fact that the coastlaws, coastwise vessels and trades are something that’s vital r transportation system” is key, Connaughton said. e added, “There was one sentence in that law that really is rtant for us as we look forward to a new transportation reauzation bill and funding. For the first time we see in legislation hey look for the waterways as part of our national service portation system. That opens up an enormous amount of posties…. We’re very, very close to several new operations and I think that we’re going to be able to make this all happen and see projects, see (new) jobs and see congestion being relieved because of this new marine highway program.” Wykle also emphasized the abundant possibilities for greater utilization of domestic waterborne transportation. He cited several studies that show the United States is facing a transportation crisis and urged the federal government and the private sector to enter into an historic partnership to better use America’s abundant water resources. The NDTA’s stated mission is “to foster a strong and an efficient global transportation and distribution system.” For years, it has been arguing that the federal government has been promoting air, rail and highways, but not water-based transportation. According to Wykle, there have been two major transportation revolutions since the founding of the nation—the development of transcontinental railways in the 19th century and the rise of the interstate highway system, which was devised in the 1950s. However, the highway system is “old and decaying. Demand is increasing.” Moreover, investment is not keeping pace. Wykle believes that America needs a third transportation revolution. It needs to make greater use of its oceans, lakes and inland waterways. Unlike highways and rails, waterways do not have to be built; they already exist. He said that waterborne transportation is inherently more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly than most other modes of transportation. The most serious challenge in achieving this third revolution is getting out the word, he added. Government officials, labor unions, grassroots organizations and maritime companies need to educate the American public about what’s at stake, Wykle said. “We need to create a (new) generation of U.S.-manned coastal ships,” he stated. “We need to reestablish the United States as a competitive ship builder and create thousands of new family-wage jobs.” Harris is a former licensed mariner who sailed with a number of SIU members. He noted that NASSCO’s parent company, General Dynamics, has “tens of thousands of union workers.” The San Diego-based shipyard, which employs 4,700 people, carries great relevance for the SIU. NASSCO currently is constructing T-AKE ships for the U.S. Navy (vessels that are being crewed up by members of the union’s Government Services Division) as well as commercial tankers for Seafarers-contracted U.S. Shipping. Previously, the yard built vessels for SIU-contracted TOTE and Alaska Tanker Company, respectively. Years ago, it also built the CIVMAR-crewed hospital ships USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort. Harris said the T-AKE vessels are “great ships for the U.S. government. They are multi-capable ships. They carry fuel oil, ammunition and bombs, dry cargo, frozen stores…. We have 11 under contract.” He pointed out, however, that two more of those vessels recently were removed from the federal budget. “We need to work hard – and I would ask for you to work with us – to make sure these ships are put back in” the budget, he told the board. Harris praised the shipyard workers, noting they are doing a great job with quality and turnaround time. “I’m proud of them and this is the best shipyard I’ve ever worked in,” he said. “I can’t tell you enough about the people in the shipyard and what they’ve contributed – not only with the work they do, but the spirit and the culture that they bring.” He needs more of them, though. Harris said that he anticipates growth at the yard and wants to hire hundreds more employees. He concluded by vowing to work with Congress “for as long as See Perspectives, Page 14 S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (center) with U Asst. VP Bryan Powell (left) and SIU ort Agent Joe Vincenzo nt TCU President Robert Scardelletti April 2008 DOT Deputy Secretary Thomas Barrett U.S. Maritime Administrator Sean Connaughton General Ken Wykle (USA ret.), president, NDTA Novelty Workers President Mark Spano Crowley Maritime Corp. CEO Thomas Crowley USCG Commandant Admiral Thad Allen NASSCO President Fred Harris Seafarers LOG 13 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 14 MTD Executive Board Meeting Guest Speakers Voice Political Action Vital Perspectives on Future For Working Families Of Maritime Transportation Continued from Page 13 Continued from Page 12 I’m able, to support the U.S. maritime industry – both in supporting U.S. seafarers at sea and in building U.S. ships.” Crowley described the excellent cooperation that exists not only within his company but among its contracted unions, including the SIU. He gave special credit to MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco, calling him a mentor “and even more importantly, demonstrating unparalleled leadership in our industry with a passion that’s matched by no one.” He added, “Our longstanding relationships with labor have evolved into strategic partnerships based on mutual understanding and respect. We’ve seen how, working together, we can accomplish much more than working alone or against each other. We are all part of the Crowley team.” Crowley said the company continues its unwavering commitment to safety while also contributing to the renewal and growth of the Jones Act fleet. In the last decade, they’ve built 26 manned and 12 unmanned vessels. Currently under contract for construction are 22 additional vessels (11 manned, 11 unmanned). However, he also voiced concern about ensuring adequate shipboard manpower in the years ahead. He discussed the company’s wide-ranging recruiting efforts and complimented the unlicensed apprentice program run by the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He said that dwindling entry-level positions are taking a toll on the industry. “We need to work with our union partners to develop flexible ways to expand this capacity and pipeline…. I think it’s critical that we reduce barriers to entry. We need to improve and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s licensing requirements.” Allen addressed those requirements along with maritime security and the myriad challenges it presents. He said he is an agent of change within the agency and noted he and other Coast Guard leaders are taking an honest look at how to improve all facets of the operation. “We know we’re getting better. We know we’re not where we need to be,” Allen said. “You have my personal assurance that we will attend to this and make it better, and make it the class act that we want to provide you and that you deserve. “Unless we can change to become a more flexible and agile organization, we’re going to risk something that we don’t want to have happen, and that’s the great good will in this country for the Coast Guard.” The commandant said the agency is working with port captains regarding the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. He mentioned an upcoming meeting with the port captains and declared, “Sooner or later, we have to come back and tell the industry, are we on track to meet the date, and are we prepared to do something about the date if we are not on track?” Allen also discussed what he called an “archaic rulemaking process” that affects the industry; he’s got a task force looking into possible improvements. He said he plans to continue dealing with all segments of the industry in a very open manner. unless we do our job in this election and take back control of our government and our elected officials for working families.” Crumlin, whose position with the MUA is equivalent to that of a union president in the U.S., also serves as an official with the International Transport Workers’ Federation – a global organization consisting of nearly 700 transport unions. He focused on a U.S. maritime law (the Jones Act) as an example of why political action is so important for workers. He noted that all segments of the U.S. maritime industry repeatedly have united to stand up for the Jones Act when it has been attacked by so-called free traders whose apparent motivation has nothing to do with security or working families and everything to do with making a quick buck. The law stipulates that cargo moving between U.S. domestic ports must be transported on vessels that are built, owned, flagged and crewed American. It is widely recognized as a regulation which bolsters national and economic security. It also helps preserve tens of thousands of jobs, if not more. Without grassroots support, its status would be in question, at the very least. “The Jones Act really is the global benchmark for maritime cabotage,” Crumlin said. “It underpins all of the regulations and the [protection] of labor but also the national interest in regards to not only labor standards but security, economic development, the ability to develop a genuine economy in the interests of working men and women. The Jones Act really does lead the way, and it’s bipartisan. That’s a very important message.” He credited MTD President Michael Sacco and others for demonstrating the soundness of working with those who support the industry, regardless of political affiliations. “Political cycles come and go. Our industry must remain,” Crumlin observed. He recounted problems faced by Australian workers because of weak or unenforced cabotage laws. However, he noted, the old government regime in that country has been voted out of office, which bodes well for the future. Crumlin wrapped up his comments by stating that bilateral trade agreements remain very important to workers around the world. “We have some big challenges to be able to translate the protection of our own national industries and the development of proper standards and safe minimum manning requirements elsewhere in the world,” he said. “This is where the ITF comes in. For example, we recently developed a consolidated maritime convention that extends protection to mariners who otherwise never would have had it. We had strong U.S. support. That is a remarkable achievement, and it could not have happened without U.S. intervention – and the U.S. intervention could not have been achieved without the strength and the solidarity and the determination of the AFL-CIO and all the labor leaders in this room.” SIU CIVMARS Help Recover 2 Downed U.S. Air Force Jets The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) on March 24 reported that the rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp – manned by members of the SIU Government Services Division – had completed recovery operations for two U.S. Air Force F-15C fighter jets in the Gulf of Mexico. According to MSC, the jets crashed mid-air over the Gulf approximately 50 miles from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 20. Recovery efforts began March 1 when the Grasp arrived in the vicinity of the crash site to locate the wreckage, and ended March 22 when the last recoverable debris from the second aircraft was lifted onto the ship’s weather deck. Salvage operations, which could normally have been conducted within a week, were delayed by severe weather conditions that twice sent the ship back to port. The first aircraft was recovered March 12 from a depth of 177 feet and the second aircraft was recovered March 22 from a depth of 185 feet. More that half of each aircraft was salvaged including their engines, data collecting devices (flight recorders) and main computers. These items are vital to the Air Force’s investigation to determine the cause of 14 Seafarers LOG the crash. The salvage operations were conducted jointly by the Grasp’s crew of 28 civil service mariners and 20 sailors from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two, based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va. MDSU Two is not permanently assigned to the Grasp, which also carries a detachment of three sailors to per- form communications functions. Since the exact position of the wreckage was unknown, the ship’s civilian crew worked in cooperation with sailors of MDSU Two to locate the debris by combining the vessel’s navigational information with data obtained from the dive unit’s locating equipment. Upon arrival at each site, the Grasp’s merchant Crew members aboard the USNS Grasp use the ship’s 40-ton boom to lift the engine of an Air Force F-15C fighter jet from the ocean floor as part of salvage operations that ended late last month in the Gulf of Mexico (U.S. Navy Photo). mariners anchored the ship directly above the wreckage and the divers submerged to prepare the debris for recovery. The Grasp’s 40-ton boom then lifted the wreckage out of the water using a cable that was attached by the divers. “This recovery operation was extremely difficult,” said the Grasp’s civilian master, Capt. Jose Delfaus. “The wreckage was scattered across a wide area and the divers had to overcome dangerous depths and diving conditions. Some of the wreckage was so entangled that it took several dives to complete the mission.” Four Air Force personnel, including a civilian wreckage photographer, were aboard the Grasp during the salvage operations to conduct the initial research and data analysis about the crash. The mid-air collision claimed the life of one of the two pilots. The jets were assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base. The USNS Grasp is one of MSC’s four 255-foot salvage and recovery ships that can deploy rapidly to recover objects from the sea, tow stranded vessels and provide fire fighting assistance. April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 15 NMU Pension, Annuity & 401(K) Plans Trustee, Administration and Summary of Material Modifications for the Year 2007 The Board of Trustees Co-chairmen Employer Trustees Thomas Murphy Marine Personnel & Provisioning, Inc. 1083 N. Collier Blvd, PMB #387 Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 393-0435 Union Trustees David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Seafarers International Union of N.A. AGLIWD/NMU 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Amendments & Other Items NMU Pension Plan, Annuity Plan and 401(k) Plan: During 2007, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Resolution to merge the NMU Annuity Plan and the SIU Money Purchase Plan effective October 1, 2007. 2. Provides an additional hardship provision to individuals who have suffered damage to their principal residence due to Hurricane Katrina to facilitate the repairs. 3. Provides for a 75% Participant & Spouse Pension Option. 4. Resolution to merge the SIU 401(k) Plan into the Seafarers 401(k) Plan effective January 15, 2008. The Board of Trustees also adopted the following Merger Agreements: 1. NMU Annuity Plan into the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan effective October 1, 2007. 2. SIU 401(k) Plan into the Seafarers 401(k) Plan effective January 15, 2008. 3. NMU Pension Plan into the Seafarers Pension Plan effective January 1, 2008. Administrator Miriam Bove NMU Benefit Plans 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 A LOS QUE HABLAN ESPANOL Esta noticia contiene informacion importante sobre sus derechos como marinero bajo los planes del Plan NMU Pension, Annuity, 401(k). Si tuviera usted dificultades para comprender alguna parte de esta noticia se la explicara la misma en espanol. Esta ayuda podra recibirla en persona en la oficina principal del Plan, ubicada en el numero 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Las cartas en espanol deberan ser dirigidas a la oficina del Plan de Maryland. Las llamadas telefonicas para solicitar ayuda en espanol deberan tambien ser hechas a la oficina del Plan en Maryland, cuyo numero de telefono es: 1301-899-0675. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea February 13, 2008 — March 15, 2008 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Joliet .........................Thursday: May 15, June 12 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Mobile..................Wednesday: May 14, June 11 Port Piney Point.......................Monday: May 5, June 2 Algonac ..................................Friday: May 9, June 6 Baltimore.......................Thursday: May 8, June 5 Boston ............................Friday: May 9, June 6 Guam ...........................Thursday: May 22, June 19 Honolulu.......................Friday: May 16, June 13 Houston .......................Monday: May 12, June 9 Jacksonville .................Thursday: May 8, June 5 Totals Tacoma ...........................Friday: May 23, June 20 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Wilmington..................Monday: May 19, June 16 Totals New Orleans...................Tuesday: May 13, June 10 New York ...........................Tuesday: May 6, June 3 Norfolk ............................Thursday: May 8, June 5 Oakland .........................Thursday: May 15, June 12 Philadelphia................ Wednesday: May 7, June 4 Port Everglades .............Thursday: May 15, June 12 San Juan .........................Thursday: May 8, June 5 St. Louis ..........................Friday: May 16, June 13 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. April 2008 Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 2 10 3 20 3 12 27 20 3 11 13 29 16 9 3 7 9 3 24 24 1 1 2 4 1 2 7 4 0 2 1 6 8 2 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 0 4 9 1 5 32 13 2 7 10 33 10 14 3 0 3 2 22 25 0 2 1 4 2 1 14 10 4 3 8 10 9 10 2 7 3 1 12 11 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 5 0 5 19 17 0 2 2 15 4 8 1 0 6 0 6 11 3 0 8 18 1 11 63 45 1 22 22 67 6 39 4 1 15 1 56 59 4 10 7 23 9 16 46 32 0 15 12 51 17 15 3 6 16 7 34 45 3 1 3 7 4 3 5 5 1 3 2 8 11 4 2 0 1 0 6 7 254 238 49 228 132 17 98 507 431 84 0 0 3 4 1 5 14 15 0 5 8 19 15 11 3 1 1 1 16 10 0 3 5 10 1 2 14 18 0 5 6 9 11 5 1 1 3 4 13 11 0 0 0 2 1 0 4 2 0 0 0 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 132 122 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port May & June 2008 Trip Reliefs 3 0 7 10 1 9 39 22 0 12 12 40 12 20 1 1 7 2 30 29 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 2 5 2 5 16 12 0 5 10 10 5 9 2 0 0 0 7 6 0 1 3 4 3 1 5 12 0 2 3 7 3 5 0 0 0 2 12 9 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 4 8 5 0 3 5 4 5 4 1 0 2 1 6 5 0 0 6 12 0 13 20 22 0 8 9 30 16 10 6 3 8 1 22 16 2 4 6 11 3 2 13 27 1 8 4 13 17 9 1 2 5 6 18 15 0 0 1 3 2 0 3 2 0 1 0 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 3 96 72 9 57 202 165 25 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 6 2 13 22 19 0 9 4 23 8 22 1 4 3 0 17 27 0 0 2 11 5 5 11 9 0 2 2 10 9 5 0 1 2 0 9 8 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 181 91 9 1 0 2 5 1 7 14 15 0 3 8 20 5 15 3 1 1 0 12 26 1 0 1 5 1 2 8 5 0 1 5 5 11 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 4 0 1 8 5 0 2 2 9 2 8 0 0 1 0 12 6 1 0 1 6 2 14 32 22 0 10 4 33 10 39 2 4 4 1 28 31 1 0 2 11 4 6 11 15 0 4 3 12 13 7 1 1 3 0 11 14 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 139 49 6 62 244 119 11 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 2 0 0 0 0 5 3 6 0 0 1 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 4 1 3 1 6 2 6 21 14 1 3 6 26 4 14 1 7 2 1 16 12 3 0 0 10 4 6 3 6 0 1 2 4 12 14 1 24 24 2 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 2 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 10 8 0 2 5 10 1 8 0 8 1 2 4 6 0 0 0 2 0 1 5 2 0 0 0 1 5 2 0 20 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 6 7 0 1 2 8 2 5 0 0 0 0 6 5 2 7 1 7 4 8 33 27 1 6 4 40 20 17 1 2 4 1 21 18 4 0 1 9 5 9 3 11 1 2 3 12 18 18 1 25 3 2 9 8 32 149 103 15 70 40 0 48 224 144 608 611 181 448 309 70 229 940 883 251 Seafarers LOG 15 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 The new SPAD T-shirt (modeled above) features the SIU logo on the front pocket and artwork on the back (shown at right). The Shirts are in the Mail – Really Newly Designed SPAD T-Shirts Being Sent Beginning this Month Starting this month, SIU members who contribute to the voluntary Seafarers Political Activity Donation (SPAD) fund will receive a SPAD T-shirt by complet- ing a very brief form available at the union halls. Here’s how it works: Any member who donates to SPAD when they file for a vacation check (and who wants one of the shirts) will be given a form asking for basic information including the applicant’s name, shipping address and shirt size. The port agent then will submit that form along with the vacation application. Shirts will be mailed from the union’s headquarters building, located in Camp Springs, Md. There is a limit of one shirt per member. Shirts will be mailed until the supply runs out (anticipated to happen around mid-year). Seafarers are advised to check with their port agents for additional information. HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 Happy Birthday, Bosun! Captain J.E. Belcourt, master of the SIU-crewed MV Green Point, recently submitted this photo in recognition of Bosun Richard Dobbyn’s 70th birthday. “Bosun Dobbyn has been a true asset on this good ship, and we appreciate all he has done,” noted Belcourt. Standing left to right are Chief Cook Julio Lobo, Belcourt, Deck Maintenance Cordero and Dobbyn. 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) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST Submitted by retired Seafarer Charles Slick of King George, Va., this photo is of himself (second from left in back row) and some of his shipmates aboard the SS Stoney Creek. The photo was taken in 1950 as the vessel was traveling from Baltimore to South America to pick up oil. According to Slick, oil at that time was selling for $18 per barrell. Others in the photo include John Breene (right in front row), Jack Tomen (left in back row) and Frank Bonna. The identity of the mariner shown second from left is not known. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 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 Brother Pierson calls Denham Springs, La., home. JAMES BURKE Brother James Burke, 67, became an SIU member in 1967. He initially sailed aboard the Neva West. Brother Burke was born in Virginia and worked in the engine department. He upgraded his skills in 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Burke’s most recent voyage was on the Flickertail State. He makes his home in Virginia Beach. ANDREW LOPEZ Brother Andrew Lopez, 60, was born in Houston. He joined the union in 1966. Brother Lopez first shipped aboard the Globe Traveler. The engine department member enhanced his seafaring abilities often at the Piney Point school. Brother Lopez’s last vessel was the Commitment. He continues to live in the state of Texas. MOHAMED MOFLEHI Brother Mohamed Moflehi, 66, embarked on his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1980 while in the port of San Francisco. Brother Moflehi originally sailed on the Santa Lucia as a member of the steward department. He is a native of Yemen and upgraded frequently at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Moflehi’s last voyage was aboard the President Truman. He is still a resident of Yemen. EDWARD MURRAY Brother Edward Murray, 65, first went to sea in 1964 on the USNS Potomac. He was born in Pennsylvania and shipped in the engine department. Brother Murray last worked aboard the Overseas Ohio. He lives in Little Egg Harbor, N.J. LUCIEN PIERSON Brother Lucien Pierson, 70, donned the SIU colors in 1990. His first ship was the Equality State; his last the Westward Venture. Brother Pierson was born in Gonzales, La. He attended the SIU-affiliated school on four occasions. April 2008 STEVEN SUN Brother Steven Sun, 70, signed on with the union in 1972 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest trip to sea was on the President McKinley. Brother Sun is a native of China. He most recently sailed aboard the Lurline as a member of the steward department. Brother Sun enhanced his skills often at the maritime training center in Piney Point. He resides in Salinas, Calif. JAY THOMAS Brother Jay Thomas, 54, joined the union ranks in 1969. His maiden voyage was with Intercontinental Carriers. Brother Thomas frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Paul Hall Center. His final voyage was aboard the El Morro. Brother Thomas makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. BRUCE WRIGHT Brother Bruce Wright, 63, joined the SIU in 1961. The engine department member was born in Vallejo, Calif. Brother Wright originally shipped on the Steel Record. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated school. Brother Wright last worked aboard the Alaskan Frontier. He is a resident of San Francisco. SHAIF YAFAIE Brother Shaif Yafaie, 65, became a Seafarer in 1965. His initial trip to sea was on the SS Rambam. Brother Yafaie was born in Arabia and sailed in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Charleston. Brother Yafaie settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. INLAND PETER BRYANT born in Maine. He joined the SIU ranks in 1974. Boatman Bryant shipped primarily on Mariner Towing vessels during his seafaring career. He makes his home in Westbrook, Maine. LOREN HAYES Boatman Loren Hayes, 62, started his SIU profession in 1992. The Florida native worked mainly aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Company. In 2001, Boatman Hayes enhanced his skills at the Piney Point school. He lives in Freeport, Texas. attended classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Barber most recently shipped aboard the Buffalo. He resides in Brunswick, Maine. RICHARD BOCKERT Brother Richard Bockert, 71, began sailing with the SIU in 1970. His first vessel was the Steel Age; his last the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Bockert was a member of the deck department. He upgraded his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Bockert lives in his native state of Iowa. Editor’s note: The following brothers, former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, also recently went on pension. WALTER DARENSBOURG Brother Walter Darensbourg, 65, became an NMU member in 1997 while in the port of New Orleans. His initial voyage was on the Zoella Lykes. Brother Darensbourg shipped in the steward department. He is a native of Louisiana. Brother Darensbourg’s final trip to sea was aboard the Lykes Motivator. JAMES VON HAESLER Brother James Von Haesler, 62, was born in San Francisco. He donned the NMU colors in 1983, originally sailing from the port of San Francisco. Brother Von Haesler’s first ship was the Mallory Lykes. Brother Von Haesler was a member of the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Cleveland. PERRY YARBER GREAT LAKES LAWRENCE CHAPMAN DAVID BARBER Brother David Barber, 56, donned the union colors in 1969. He originally worked on the American Ocean as a member of the deck department. Brother Barber was born in Flint, Mich. He frequently Brother Lawrence Chapman, 63, joined the NMU ranks in 1964 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Ocean Evelyn as a member of the steward department. Brother Chapman was born in Mobile, Ala. He most recently worked aboard the Cape Kennedy. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers Log. 1945 A Japanese suicide plane, which hit smack in number 3 hold, could not stop the SIU men on the SS Kyle V. Johnson from participating in the invasion of Luzon. A number of soldiers and the steward were killed, and a hole torn in the side, but after an emergency patch was made in the side of the vessel, it was able to continue in the convoy. The ship was given credit for shooting down six Japanese planes, with the members of the crew helping man the guns. The crew was commended by the Army officers and General MacArthur for their splendid behavior and action during and after the attack. Brother Perry Yarber, 58, began his NMU career in 1965. He initially shipped from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Yarber’s earliest voyage was on the Hess Petrol. He worked in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Yarber was born in Florida. His last ship was the Keystone Texas. vived after being in the weather for 44 hours. They were being approached by sharks when they were spotted by the ship’s bosun. A smooth-running rescue followed and the men were quickly brought aboard. 1978 The latest in what has become a grim history of flag-of-convenience tanker wrecks involves the 233,000 dwt Amoco Cadiz. The foreigncrewed ship, registered under the Liberian flag, went aground off the coast of France. Despite efforts to minimize pollution, several days later the Cadiz broke in two and spilled her entire load of 68 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. This Month In SIU His tor y 1956 SIU crewmembers of the Steel Advocate who took part in a dramatic rescue of two fliers from shark-infested Pacific waters were awarded a special blue pennant for “meritorious rescue operations” by the National Security Council. The rescue took place about 1,100 miles west of Hawaii. A commercial cargo plane went down with five men, but only two sur- 1999 The SIU-crewed USNS Gordon was prepositioned and anchored when crew members spotted two United Arab Emirates fisherman waving and clinging to a mostly submerged 12-foot boat in high wind and choppy seas. Reacting quickly, the Gordon launched an inflatable boat and saved the two men. The rescue lasted only 28 minutes. Rear Admiral Gordon Holder, commander of Military Sealift Command, described the rescue as “a perfect example of seamanship in the finest tradition.” Boatman Peter Bryant, 65, was Seafarers LOG 17 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JUAN BARRERA Pensioner Juan Barrera, 58, died Nov. 11. Brother Barrera began sailing with the Seafarers in 1980. He initially worked in the inland division aboard Moran Towing of Texas vessels. Brother Barrera was born in Catarina, Texas and shipped in the deck department. His final trip to sea was on the Maersk Alaska. Brother Barrera was a resident of Naples, Fla. He retired in 1996. JAMES BOONE Pensioner James Boone, 78, passed away Nov. 17. Brother Boone became an SIU member in 1947. His maiden voyage was aboard the Alcoa Roamer. Brother Boone was born in Maryland. The engine department member most recently sailed on the Bayamon. Brother Boone went on pension in 1984 and called Parkville, Md., home. MACK BRENDLE Pensioner Mack Brendle, 79, died Nov. 9. Brother Brendle joined the union in 1951. He originally worked with Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Brendle was born in Bastrop, La. and shipped in the deck department. His final journey was with Michigan Tankers Inc. In 1979, Brother Brendle started collecting his retirement compensation. He resided in Monroe, La. DELPHINE CHICA Pensioner Delphine Chica, 74, passed away Nov. 30. Brother Chica was born in Hawaii. He launched his career with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1979 while in the port of San Francisco. Brother Chicas’ first ship was the Manukai; his last the Lurline. He became a pensioner in 1989 and made his home in Pearl City, Hawaii. VIRGIL DOWD Pensioner Virgil Dowd, 81, died Nov. 25. Brother Dowd donned the SIU colors in 1961. His initial trip to sea was with Tankers & Tramps Corporation. Brother Dowd was born in Jefferson, Iowa. The deck department member most recently sailed aboard the Westward Venture. Brother Dowd retired in 1997 and lived in King County, Wash. MARTIN KIMMEL Pensioner Martin Kimmel, 72, passed away Nov. 20. Brother Kimmel joined the union in 18 Seafarers LOG 1969. His maiden voyage was on the Beaugard. Brother Kimmel worked in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in 1996, the New York native sailed aboard the Edward A. Carter Jr. Brother Kimmel called Brooklyn, N.Y. home. JAMES KIRCHNER Pensioner James Kirchner, 81, died Oct. 18. Brother Kirchner was born in Jerseyville, Fla. He became an SIU member in 1944. Brother Kirchner’s earliest trip to sea was on the Achilles. His last ship was the Cape Clear. Brother Kirchner went on pension in 1990. He was a resident of Liberty, Texas. LESTER LARKIN Pensioner Lester Larkin, 87, passed away July 12. Brother Larkin joined the SIU ranks in 1940. The engine department member was born in Lockport, Nova Scotia. Brother Larkin sailed aboard the Alcoa Puritan, Steel Admiral and the Steel Advocate, among other vessels. He became a pensioner in 1968 and settled in Woburn, Mass. CECIL MARTIN Pensioner Cecil Martin, 83, died Nov. 15. Brother Martin launched his seafaring profession in 1950. His maiden voyage was on an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. Brother Martin worked in the steward department. His final trip was aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Martin lived in his native state of Alabama. He began receiving his retirement stipends in 1986. WILLIAM MORRIS Pensioner William Morris, 81, passed away Nov. 22. Brother Morris joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. He originally sailed with Interocean American Shipping Corporation as a member of the deck department. Brother Morris was born in New York but called Dundalk, Md., home. Before retiring in 1991, he shipped on an American Overseas Marine Corporation vessel. ROLAND MUIR Pensioner Roland Muir, 80, died Nov. 12. Brother Muir joined the union in 1953. His maiden voyage was on the Steel Record. Brother Muir was born in Maryland and shipped in the engine department. He was last employed on the Inger. Brother Muir made his home in Kinsale, Va. He went on pension in 1983. JOHN PIERCE Pensioner John Pierce, 79, passed away Nov. 12. Brother Pierce donned the SIU colors in 1952. He initially sailed aboard the Marymar; his last vessel was the USNS Wright. Brother Pierce was born in Philadelphia, Pa. and worked in the deck department. He resided in Drexel Hill, Pa. Brother Pierce started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1988. KENNETH RILEY Pensioner Kenneth Riley, 72, died Nov. 4. Brother Riley joined the Seafarers in 1967. His first voyage was with Victory Carriers Inc. Brother Riley was born in Jersey City, N.J. He shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Riley’s final trip to sea was on the Quality. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Riley retired in 1998. NAPOLEON RIVAS Pensioner Napoleon Rivas, 85, passed away Nov. 7. Brother Rivas became an SIU member in 1963. He was originally employed aboard an Elie Shipping Company vessel. Brother Rivas sailed in the engine department. His last ship was the Overseas Arctic. Brother Rivas went on pension in 1987 and lived in Edinburg, Texas. JOHN WILLS Brother John Wills, 47, died Nov. 23. He was born in California. Brother Wills launched his seafaring career in 1987, initially shipping on the Patriot. His most recent trip was aboard the Innovator. Brother Wills called Coarsegold, Calif., home. died Nov. 19. Boatman Blazevich joined the union in 1981. He primarily sailed with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington, Calif., as a member of the steward department. Boatman Blazevich was born in Bosnia. He went on pension in 1990. Boatman Blazevich lived in San Pedro, Calif. PATSY FRANGO Pensioner Patsy Frango, 83, passed away Nov. 4. Boatman Frango joined the Seafarers in 1942 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. He originally shipped in the deep sea division aboard the Atlantic Water. Boatman Frango was born in Virginia. He most recently sailed with Moran Towing of Virginia. Boatman Frango started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1988. He settled in Virginia Beach, Va. JOHN ROSSER Pensioner John Rosser, 48, died Nov. 5. Boatman Rosser donned the SIU colors in 1977. He was born in New Orleans and sailed in the deck department. For the duration of his career, Boatman Rosser sailed on vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage of New Orleans. He was a resident of Harvey, La. Boatman Rosser retired in 2006. CHARLES TUCKER Pensioner Charles Tucker, 74, passed away Oct. 4. Boatman Tucker was born in Alabama. He became an SIU member in 1951 while in the port of Mobile. Boatman Tucker initially shipped with ISCO Inc. He worked in the deck department. Boatman Tucker last sailed with Crescent Towing & Salvage of Mobile. He went on pension in 1998 and called Chickasaw, Ala., home. JOHN ANDERSON Pensioner Joseph Zeloy, 81, passed away Nov. 25. Brother Zeloy began sailing with the SIU in 1951. His first voyage was with Alcoa Steamship Company. Brother Zeloy worked in the deck department. He was born in Mississippi. Brother Zeloy’s final ship was the Flickertail State. He made his home in Gulfport, Miss. Brother Zeloy became a pensioner in 1988. Brother John Anderson, 54, died Nov. 21. He first went to sea in 1979 from the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother Anderson originally shipped aboard the St. Mary’s Challenger. The deck department member’s final vessel was the Adam E. Cornelius. He was born in England and resided in Toledo, Ohio. RUDOLF BLAZEVICH Pensioner Rudolf Blazevich, 82, 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 DOD Averella, Louis 80 Sept. 18 Blalock, Barry 88 Sept. 20 Bolden, Frederick 85 Sept. 20 Brennan, Hugh 82 Oct. 16 Bush, Ray 84 Sept. 15 Callaghan, Hugh 83 Sept. 28 Canyon, Willie 81 Oct. 26 Castillo, Hector 94 Sept. 3 Cuffie, Charlie 79 Sept. 22 Dooley, Henry 86 Sept. 24 Ellard, Edward 82 Oct. 3 Evans, Mabel 92 Oct. 21 Felder, Willie 89 Sept. 15 Franklin, Charles 81 Sept. 5 Frazier, Dewey 81 Oct. 17 Frenchwood, Don 65 Sept. 3 Garcis, Romualdo 82 Oct. 1 Gilbert, Joseph 74 Oct. 18 Gillespie, Thomas 79 Oct. 3 Graves, William 89 Oct. 26 Harrelson, George 84 Sept. 2 Higgins, Clarence 81 Sept. 2 Holland, Robert 87 Oct. 19 Jaks, Vernon 82 Sept. 11 Janahi, Anwar 74 Sept. 20 Lester, John 80 Sept. 30 Lieberman, Hyman 82 Sept. 18 Limardo, Carlos 83 Oct. 7 Mandahar, Margaret 62 Oct. 25 Okkonen, Kalevi 76 Sept. 10 Primitive, Morales 86 Sept. 6 Scott, Milton 88 Sept. 12 Spencer, Earl 93 Sept. 14 Tant, James 77 Sept. 21 Utosh, William 78 Oct. 12 Vega, Ismael 82 Oct. 17 Walters, William 84 Oct. 21 Watson, Edward 79 Sept. 4 Wilson, Preston 80 Sept. 21 Attention Seafarers: GREAT LAKES JOSEPH ZELOY INLAND His earliest trip to sea was with American Steamship Company. Brother Lapczynski was born in Alpena, Mich. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Lapczynski most recently sailed aboard the Alpena. He started collecting his retirement compensation in 1993. Brother Lapczynski continued to live in Michigan. FRANK LAPCZYNSKI Pensioner Frank Lapczynski, 79, passed away Nov. 15. Brother Lapczynski joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD) Helps Us Help You April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings A Show of Loyalty Towards the SIU 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 (Maersk Line, Limited), Feb. 21 – Chairman Edward J. O’Connor Jr., Secretary Stanley J. Krystosiak, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub. Chairman announced payoff on February 24 in Newark, N.J. He thanked crew members for keeping all areas in good order. Secretary reported a smooth, safe voyage and expressed his gratitude for help keeping ship clean. Educational director reminded mariners that the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., is there for them to take advantage of and encouraged them to upgrade whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to lower sea time requirements in order to qualify for benefits. COURAGE (Interocean American Shipping), Feb. 14 – Chairman Philip T. Parisi, Secretary Danta F. Slack, Educational Director William C. Knox, Steward Delegate Sharman Harper. Chairman led a discussion on possible safety issues at sea. Educational director reiterated the importance of upgrading skills for the maritime industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate requested clarification of working hours for steward department. President’s report from the January 2008 Seafarers LOG was read and discussed. List of requests was posted for crew purchases. ERIC G. GIBSON (APL Maritime), Feb. 10 – Chairman Joshua A. Mensah, Secretary Rocel C. Alvarez, Educational Director Douglas S. Foley. Chairman reported smooth voyage. Educational director reminded mariners to get TWIC card before September 2008. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate stated ladder policy for reefer plug-in needs to be in writing. Crew would like a juice machine in galley. Members discussed concerns over shore passes not being issued in Bombay, India. Next ports: Jebel Ali, Fujairah, UAE, Karachi, Pakistan, and Bombay, India. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 14 – Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Mark A. Flores, Educational Director Neil A. Warren. Chairman thanked all departments for safe sailing and for their help in keeping ship clean. Secretary asked departing crew to strip beds and clean rooms for next mariner. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion was made to increase pension benefits. Crew requested additional information on 401K plan. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Next port: Houston, Texas. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), Feb. 6 – Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Brian Burchett, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita Jr., Deck Delegate Daniel P. Lovely, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas, Steward Delegate Michael C. Linus. Chairman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to sail with this group of skilled mariners. He reminded crew members to make sure dues were paid on time to prevent any lapses in medical coverage. Secretary thanked crew for their assistance in helping get the gym up and running. Educational director advised Seafarers to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $70 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read and posted e-mail in crew lounge regarding 401K plan. Vote of thanks was given to Vern Poulson and his gang for all their assistance. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Feb. 17 – Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Secretary Daniel Herrera, Educational Director Benny A. Orosco,Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Engine Delegate Albert U. Dulig, Steward Delegate Marcus R. Rowe. Bosun thanked crew for a safe and productive voyage. He reminded crew to separate trash, plastic and recyclables. Mariners were asked to secure belongings due to rough weather. Secretary advised Seafarers to keep dues paid up and to get a TWIC card ASAP as the deadline is September 25, 2008. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer noted $1,300 in ship’s fund. Steward department was thanked for excellent meals. Share your ideas for news and feature items for publication in the Seafarers LOG by calling (301) 899-0675. Simply ask the operator for the Communications Department. Emailed items may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org. April 2008 A large contingent of rank-and-file Seafarers employed at Crowley Liner Service’s Petty’s Island N.J. Terminal (above) on Feb. 22 put their loyalty toward the SIU on display by holding a luncheon to celebrate the union’s 70th birthday. As noted on the cake (right) which the mariners purchased for their celebration, the SIU originally was chartered in 1938. Crowley’s SIU-crewed triple-deck RO/RO vessels offer weekly barge services between the Port of Philadelphia and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Request was made for a microwave in crew mess. Next ports: San Juan, P.R., Jacksonville, Fla., and Elizabeth, N.J. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Feb. 10 – Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Jill M. Prescott, Educational Director Christopher Devonish. Chairman urged seamen to give themselves plenty of time to get TWIC card. Educational director encouraged crew to enhance seafaring abilities at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made to reduce requirements for retirement and increase benefit amounts. Vote of thanks was given to the steward department for keeping ship clean and excellent food preparation. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 10 – Chairman Amante V. Gumiran, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Luis F. Alvarez, Steward Delegate Larry L. Griffin. Chairman announced payoff on February 15 upon arrival in Jacksonville, Fla. He complimented the crew on their great response to the unscheduled fire drill. Educational director suggested mariners upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. Treasurer reported approximately $985 in crew fund and $1,000 in satellite TV fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made to have the port of Jacksonville van transport crew members to the main gate as the current system is dangerous and inconvenient. Crew would like clarification pertaining to family emergency leave policy. Concerns were raised over the fact that some crew members still do not have keys to their cabins after several weeks aboard vessel. Crew asked for satellite radio, a new universal remote control and Region 8 DVD player for lounge. Steward department was thanked for preparing great meals. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R., and Elizabeth, N.J. ITB PHILADELPHIA (USS Transport), Feb. 24 – Chairman Michael A. Eaton, Secretary Dana A. Paradise, Educational Director Willie J. Franks, Deck Delegate Christopher W. Jenson, Engine Delegate Tino Guity, Steward Delegate Farid Zaharan. Bosun stated payoff to take place in Bayonne, N.J., on February 29. He also said he would inquire about contract and retroactive pay. Secretary encouraged all hands to help keep ship clean. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of opportunities available at the SIU-affiliated school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Bayonne, N.J. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 10 – Chairman Oliver M. Balico, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Hiawatha J. Williams, Deck Delegate Paul I. Castillo, Steward Delegate Brian T. McEleney. Chairman reported good voyage and crew. He announced payoff in Elizabeth, N.J., on February 12 and went over ship’s itinerary. Educational director advised members to make sure documents were up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C., and Port Tangier, Morocco. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 10 – Chairman Thomas P. Flanagan, Secretary Robert J. Bostick, Educational Director Stephen J. Dillon Jr., Steward Delegate Robert J. Bostick. Chairman reported payoff would take place in New York on February 18 and reminded those departing vessel to leave fresh linen for reliefs. He also encouraged mariners to take advantage of new 401K plan. Educational director urged crew to check out what the Piney Point school has to offer and keep all necessary seafaring documents current. Treasurer stated $1,000 in safety fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Bosun expressed his gratitude to all departments for their continued cooperation during voyage. Next ports: Norfolk, Va., and Charleston, S.C. SEALAND PRIDE (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 9 – Chairman Frank Lyle Jr., Secretary Edward M. Collins, Educational Director Grant W. Schuman, Deck Delegate Reuben M. Brown. Chairman announced payoff on February 11 in Charleston, S.C. He discussed the importance of working safely and wearing proper protective equipment. He also urged members to pay dues and contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) whenever possible. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep the lounge and messroom clean. Educational director advised members to upgrade at every opportunity at the unionaffiliated school. Treasurer reported $1,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners were reminded that TWIC cards will be required as of September 25, 2008. Next ports: Charleston, S.C., Houston and Norfolk, Va. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Central Gulf Lines), Feb. 4 – Chairman Joseph J. White, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Glenn G. Barnes. Chairman urged crew members to check the Seafarers LOG or www.seafarers.org for the latest TWIC information. Secretary asked departing crew to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director encouraged members to check out LNG courses available at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Tampa, Fla., and Galveston, Texas. USNS BRITTIN (American Overseas Marine), Feb. 7 – Chairman Greyson C. Brantley, Secretary Lawrence E. Winfield, Educational Director Antwan L. Legare, Deck Delegate Reed Algernon, Engine Delegate Milton R. Ballard, Steward Delegate Lizzie Robinson. Chairman stated that all departments were doing a great job. He requested all crew members clean their rooms prior to payoff in New Orleans on February 9. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: New Orleans. Seafarers LOG 19 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 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. Proud SIU Memories As a former member of the SIU from 1982-1997 and a graduate of Paul Hall Center trainee class 367, I have always embraced my seafaring experience with pride and honor. My spirit is often tormented with the desire to return to shipping. Although I’ve gone through many positive evolutions, my core foundation of the man I’ve become today stems from my seagoing family and the great men and women I had the privilege to know and respect during my time sailing the various seas and oceans. I bring this up in order to say: I am a proud American and I am truly proud of the honorable service the SIU provides, not only for this nation but the worldwide community. I continue to read the Seafarers LOG and am always amazed at how this great union with such vision continues to deliver for the military, the economic community and humanitarian interests. The SIU does so in a professional manner that is unrivaled. Yes, I am proud to have had my start and my foundation in the Seafarers International Union, and for that I thank you. May God bless you all! Terrance Reed R-1312 Call for Grassroots Support Please let your readers know that a bill is under consideration in Congress that would provide a monthly payment to U.S. mariners who sailed during World War II. I didn’t know about it until a friend told me. This legislation – the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act – passed the House of Representatives on July 30, 2007, and is now under consideration in the Senate. It’s worth a try to keep checking on it and to keep asking for support. Bruce E. Knight Chesapeake, Virginia Thanks to Port Agent All of us who’ve had the distinct pleasure of having SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox assist us in any way will understand his decision to “re-join” the industry. But (and that’s a big but) he will be sorely missed. Why? His dedication to his assignments and fellow shipmates, and his going beyond the call of duty. So many times, Mr. Cox’s creativity in assisting us has led the majority of all seamen who have come into association with John to consider him an STES – Specially Trained Extraordinary Shipmate! And, more importantly, a great friend. Aloha, mate, and Godspeed on your new career. AB S.A. Gardner California Carrying the Message This is why members of the maritime community belong with the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV). We have successful battle experience with Congress in gaining recognition and winning against a cold legislature. We are pushing ahead to assure that our younger generation of mariners are given equal respect for their service as all uniformed service members deserve. We will continue to publicize in the American media historical events, emphasizing the dedicated service our brave members gave in the past along with those serving today. Precious few citizens know what you do, why you do it and it what it means for them. They are in the dark and we want to enlighten them. Mariners deserve recognition as the sixth uniformed service providing support for all U.S. armed services. They serve with dedication in peace and wartime as all soldiers and sailors do. Mariners have been doing this continually for our country since 1775, serving George Washington and at every conflict, war and invasion since. The U.S. Merchant Marine flag is increasingly being honored at all national events where service flags are flown, including parades, patriotic events and national cemeteries – because we keep pushing. The U.S. Merchant Marine Medallion will be found in more VA hospitals, parks and public squares around the country because we keep pushing. The dedicated merchant mariner, who served, suffered and died in these wars needs to be remembered for indispensible service. Meanwhile, we continually remind Congress we deliver the goods for military action. During the past four years, merchant mariners, their families and friends have flooded Congress with hundreds of thousands of letters, faxes and phone calls in behalf of merchant marine legislation. Congress knows who we are, and we do not want to let them forget! To strengthen this endeavor of recognizing mariners – and to benefit from it – you are invited to become a part of our history by joining the AMMV now. By sharing in our ambition for full recognition of today’s U.S. Merchant Marine, you will receive our quarterly magazine as well as the monthly email report on current events. A nominal $20 annual membership fee entitles you to the above plus full recognition at all AMMV events. Contact AMMV headquarters at the number listed below for applications and “get acquainted” kits. A.J. Wichita AMMV National President Cape Coral, Florida (239) 549-1010 SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 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 2008 �47469_2x:January 08 4/1/2008 4:21 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Course Welding 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 2008. All programs are geared to improving 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 April 14 May 26 May 9 June 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) April 14 June 16 April 18 June 20 21-Hour Bridge Resource Management (1,600 tons or less) (includes First Aid/CPR) (must have valid radar unlimited certificate) May 12 May 16 Celestial Navigation June 2 June 27 GMDSS April 21 May 2 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 12 June 23 May 23 July 4 March 31 June 2 April 11 June 13 April 21 June 23 April 21 June 23 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman April 28 May 9 Bosun Recertification Course May 12 October 14 June 2 November 3 Date of Completion May 5 June 2 May 23 June 20 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) May 5 June 30 May 16 July 11 Basic Fire Fighting April 14 June 16 April 18 June 20 Basic Safety Training/STCW April 7 May 12 May 26 June 30 April 11 May 16 May 30 July 4 Fast Rescue Boat May 12 June 16 May 16 June 20 Government Vessels (Week 1) May 19 June 23 May 23 June 27 Medical Care Provider May 19 May 23 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) June 2 (must have basic firefighting) June 13 Tankerman (PIC) Barge (must have basic firefighting) April 25 April 21 Steward Upgrading Courses Radar Radar Renewal (one day) Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began March 31. Steward Recertification Course August 18 September 8 Academic Department Courses Engine Upgrading Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) June 2 June 27 Online “Distance Learning” Courses Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 19 June 13 FOWT April 21 June 16 May 16 July 11 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Marine Refrigeration Technician April 21 May 30 Pumpman April 7 April 18 Welding April 7 April 25 In addition to the foregoing courses, the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education currently is offering the following internet-based courses: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection, and Shipboard Water Sanitation. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application located on the bottom left portion of this page, and mail it to: Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via e-mail. They are therefore urged to provide their e-mail addresses in the space provided on the application. Applicants should also include the word “online” when listing the courses they wish to take. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. U.S. Citizen: With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and fifty (150) 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. 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 ________________________________________________ April 2008 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. 4/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Water Survival —Graduating from the course on Feb. 22 (in no particular order) were: Paa Kwakye, Ali Nabil, Randy Knipfer, Roberto Silva, Adiener Alfaro, Pedro DeJesus, Howard Randle and Larry Bradley. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 699 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 699 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above in alphabetical order) were Michael Anderson, Meghan Blocker, William Chamberlain, Daniel Cortez, Hubert Dennis, Louise Digman, Jack Forde, Tonya Gist, Austen Hess, Enchantress Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Matthew Martinson, Algernon Ramseur, Christopher Shivalier, Richard Vega and Pamela Wilson. Welding – The following individuals (in alphabetical order) graduated from this course on Feb. 22: Carmelo Collazo, Kevin Niemiec, Vincent Figuenick and Ed Majesky. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Academic, Computer Classes Two students recently completed academic and computer training classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. After receiving their certificates for completion of the classes, they posed with their respective instructors. Tanya Bradley (above, center) poses with Rick Prucha and Peggy Densford after completing courses in Mathematics 101 and History 102. Jake Wheeler (below, left) poses with Prucha after finishing training in Windows XP and Excel 2002. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations – The following individuals (above in alphabetical order) on Feb. 22 completed the basic auxiliary plant operations course: Rachel Alarcon, John Albritton, Haeven Bautista, Ja’Quaral Carroll, James Fells, Abraham Goldberg, Creg Gumanas, Rupert Henry, Sean Keaton, Anthony Irizarry, Joel Jones, Ted Lampke, Christopher Landry, Denise Mendoza, Jeffrey Nicholson, Augustin Paulin, Marcos Ramos, Terry Taylor, Martin Watson, DeAndre Whitley, Pavis Whitley, Robbie Willis and Edwin Arroyo. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is standing at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) AB – The following individuals (in alphabetical order) on Feb. 15 received their certificates for completion of the able seaman course. Completing the class (above in alphabetical order) were Nicasio Arzu, Diego Barbosa, Patrick Brill, Charles Brown, Lawrence Cormier, Arthur Doherty, Cleveland Foy, Paa Dwakye, Edmund Livings, Joel Marcano, Walter Nodora, Garrett Phillips, Jumar Rapuet, Terrance Shinn, Daryl Spicer, Stefra Strauser, David Vandecar, Teena Werner, Jake Wheeler and Melody White. Their instructors were Barnabe Peligon and Stan Beck. Beck is at far right. 22 Seafarers LOG April 2008 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Cent er Classes STCW—(GREAT LAKES-A) The following boatmen (in alphabetical order) from Great Lakes Towing graduated from this course on Feb. 15: Omar Al Asaadi, Abrahem Ali, Ahmed Al Shahloor, Ali Altalheem, Ali Aizawkari, David Andrews, James Beaudry, Michael Cushman, James Davidson, Brian DeMeritt, Jeffery Eckhart, Ali Elmadari, Frank Farnam, Craig Fizhugh, Ahmed Ganah, Sabbah Ghaleb, Albert Hamiel, Jeff Hester, Donald Jaegle and Jeffery Johnson. SIU Port Agent Chad Partridge is kneeling in front row, second from the left. STCW — (GREAT LAKES-B) The above boatmen (in alphabetical order) from Great Lakes Towing on Feb. 15 completed this course: Yehia Kaid, Franklin Kosiboski, Scott Krajniak, Mike Lafcille, Darren Lahale, Charles Lesley, Daniel Lind, Doyle Ling, Mark MacRury, Waleed Mohsin, James Norick, Andrew Nowak, Salem Omer, Daryl Overby, David Rivera, Walter Sipper, Paul Smetana, James Smith, Steven Werda and Mussa Yahya. SIU Port Agent Chad Partridge is standing third from left in the front row. Advanced Fire Fighting – These G&H Towing boatmen on Feb. 15 graduated from the advanced fire fighting course. Members of the class (above in alphabetical order) were Dennis Mariveles, Santos Reyes Jr., Brian Saba, Britt Saha, Jesse Sendejas, Jason Shead, Jeffrey Vanderburg, Gary Watkins Jr., Nathan West and Steve Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Advanced Fire Fighting - The following individuals (in alphabetical order) on Jan. 25 completed this course: Tawrence Abrams, John Benson, Donald Byrd, Kevin Carraby, Alshea Dixon, Arnaldo Fernandez, Vincent Figuenick, Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Pedro Santiago, Scott Sevret, Edward Shamburger, Gary Torres and Barry Williams Jr. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so that arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. April 2008 Junior Engineering – Receiving certificates for their completion of the junior engineer course on Feb. 29 (above, in no particular order) were Dario Dizon, Timothy Johnson II, Carlo Johnson, Michael Johnson, Michael Jones, Theodore Gonzales, Martin Hamilton, Sandra Baker Neigebauer, Drew Barth, Michael Lais, Miguel Abad and Dennis Rivard. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �47469x:January 08 3/31/2008 10:23 AM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 4 April 2008 TWIC Reminders, Enrollment Centers Page 8 AB Michael Ratigan (right) and Petty Officer 3rd Class Cynthia Casillas, USN, monitor a cargo offload from the American Tern Feb. 8 at the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica. The American Tern (right) and icebreaker Oden SIU Ships Deliver in ‘Deep Freeze’ Seafarers Contribute to Success of Yearly Resupply Mission to Antarctica Two SIU-crewed vessels recently delivered vital cargo in Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply mission to the National Science Foundation’s McMurdo Station in Antarctica. The ice-strengthened tanker Lawrence H. Gianella (operated by Ocean Ships, Inc.) and the dry cargo ship MV American Tern (Osprey Ship Management) did their respective parts to help ensure the operation’s success. The mission itself was overseen by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). According to the agency, the American Tern delivered a year’s worth of equipment and stores. The ship arrived Feb. 8 and, as soon as its brow dropped, 59 U.S. Navy Sailors from a cargo-handling battalion began working around the clock to offload 12 million pounds of equipment and supplies for the 1,500 researchers and support personnel who work on the continent each year. The vessel departed Feb. 12. Earlier, the Gianella arrived at McMurdo’s ice pier Jan. 28 and delivered nearly six million gallons of fuel to power the station’s generators, vehicles, helicopters and research boats before departing Feb. 3. “The pack ice was very thick this year and never opened completely until late February,” noted Captain Robert Lee, master of the Gianella, who forwarded the photos accompanying this article. “Also, the Southern Ocean storms where active as usual, serving up 30-foot seas almost daily. The conditions were harsh, but the AMO-SIU crew members were up to the task. Some appeared a bit green around the gills coming through the storm belt of the Southern Sea, but that’s expected in the roughest ocean of the world. None complained and all continued to do their job in a very professional manner.” He added, “Upon arriving at McMurdo Station, the hectic schedule of discharging cargo, refueling other vessels, cleaning tanks, loading storm ballast and giving ship tours to scientist and local workers all happened efficiently and without incident…. It was a job well done indeed.” “Without the cargo delivered by our ships each year, McMurdo would not be able to function,” said Rick Appling of MSC’s Sealift Logistics Command Pacific. Utilizing Seafarers-contracted vessels, MSC delivers more than 70 percent of the dry cargo and 100 percent of fuel that is taken to the continent each year. Equally important, however, is the cargo that MSC takes off of the continent, the agency pointed out. This year nearly five million pounds of items ranging from precious ice core samples to all the waste that McMurdo Station has accumulated over the past year were loaded onto the American Tern before it departed. On its last day in port, the American Tern successfully transferred fuel to the Swedish icebreaker Oden, which arrived in the area in advance of the two MSC ships and broke a channel through about 18 miles of ice that blocked the ships’ access to McMurdo. SIU members sailing aboard the American Tern during the mission included the following: Bosun Hernando Bansuelo, AB Vincent Hamm, AB Jack Jackson, AB Michael Ratigan, AB Erick Toledo-Colon, AB Chris Wilson, DEU Ali Zaidan, OMU Daniel Amesbury, OMU Jose Deoferio, OMU Joshua McDaniel, Steward/Baker John Gruebel, Chief Cook David Brown and SA Charles Mitchell. The Seafarers-crewed Gianella discharges cargo and refuels the research vessel Nathaniel Palmer. Sailing aboard the Gianella were Bosun Trevorous Ellison, AB Stag Rye, AB Yves Goiset, AB James Hall, AB Clifton Doonis, DEU Victor Stewart, Pumpman Darrell McDonald, QMED Lamar Parker, QMED James Summers, Steward/Baker Mary Brayman, Chief Cook Alfonsa Eligio, GSU Regina Miguel, GSU Ali Salim and Unlicensed Apprentice Christopher Shivalier. Sights near the station include penguins and orca. Seafarers and officers are pictured aboard the Lawrence Gianella. � 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 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU SHIPS SUPPORT SATELLITE INTERCEPTION FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES UNION’S RECORDS MTD UNIONS CREDITED AS VALUED PARTNERS HIGHLY REGARDED SPEAKERS STRESS SUPPORT FOR U.S.-FLAG SHIPPING CROWLEY SEAFARERS APPROVE 4-YEAR CONTRACT CROWLEY CHRISTENS ANOTHER ATB GOVERNMENT STUDY: ECONOMIC IMPACT OF U.S.-FLAG CRUISE SHIPS RUNS DEEP LABOR LEADERS SPELL OUT STRATEGY FOR ‘ECONOMY THAT WORKS FOR ALL’ REP. GENE TAYLOR TO RECEIVE ‘SALUTE TO CONGRESS’ AWARD NEW SEAFARER SHEPPARD FOUND DIRECTION THROUGH UNLICENSED APPRENTICE PROGRAM HORIZON KODIAK CREW TEAMS UP TO CONSTRUCT SHIPBOARD FITNESS ROOM MARINERS NEED TWIC BY SEPT. 25, 2008 SIU-CREWED USNS GILLILAND LOADS U.S. ARMY EQUIPMENT SERVICING SIU-CREWED VESSELS IN THE PORT OF TAMPA MILITARY LEADERS POWERFULLY DECLARE SUPPORT FOR U.S. MARINERS, U.S. SHIPS GRASSROOTS ACTION, NOVEMBER ELECTIONS CRUCIAL FOR AMERICA’S WORKING FAMILIES FROM MANY PERSPECTIVES, MARITIME INDUSTRY KNOWS GREAT PROMISE, FACES KEY CHALLENGES GUEST SPEAKERS VOICE PERSPECTIVES ON FUTURE OF MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SIU CIVMARS HELP RECOVER 2 DOWNED U.S. AIR FORCE JETS SIU SHIPS DELIVER IN ‘DEEP FREEZE’ SEAFARERS CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS OF YEARLY RESUPPLY MISSION TO ANTARCTICA 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 04/01/2008 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. 70, No. 4 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c8df30f5998dfbaf9259e3c21a5b0d3a.pdf 662a5338be0dcb00a4ccb570b6430c87 PDF Text Text 47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 5 May 2008 4th OSG Tanker Delivered Additional Construction Continues At Aker Philadelphia Shipyard The Seafarers-contracted tanker Overseas New York (above), built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, was delivered April 11. SIU-contracted OSG America will operate the new tanker as well as the others in the yard’s current build program. Three more tankers are under construction at Aker Philadelphia, including the two pictured at left. Page 3. Government Services Division Welcomes New T-AKE Ship U.S. Navy Photo The dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (left) is launched April 6 during a nighttime christening at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The ship is the sixth vessel in the Navy’s new T-AKE series. It will be crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division and, like others in the program, will deliver vital cargo to Navy ships at sea, allowing them to remain under way, on station and combat-ready for extended periods. Page 4. Mariners Need TWIC by Sept. 25 The federally mandated deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is Sept. 25, 2008. At left, Seafarer Marqualis Matthews enrolls for the credential at the designated office in La Plata, Md. For a list of enrollment centers and other information concerning the TWIC program, see pages 12-13. Stewards Reflect on Union, School The SIU’s newest recertified stewards (left) graduated April 7 from their class in Piney Point, Md. During the monthly membership meeting, the Seafarers shared insightful views on the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Pictured from left to right are Roderick Clay, Robert Easley, Grady Ingram, Charles Brooks, James Cameron, Josue Iglesia Jr. and Hazel Johnson Jr. Page 7. Safety Milestone for ATC Page 6 Another Honor for Horizon Falcon Page 9 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM Page 2 President’s Report Honoring U.S. Mariners This month, our industry looks forward to National Maritime Day on May 22. It’s a day of appropriate recognition for the U.S. Merchant Marine, first approved by Congress 75 years ago. Some of the Maritime Day observances in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere at times have focused on the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital, heroic role in World War II. Those ceremonies are deeply appreciated and quite fitting. But, National Maritime Day is about the whole history of the nation’s mariners, right up to present day. After all, the original Michael Sacco Congressional resolution establishing the day was enacted in 1933, some eight years before America entered WWII. The overall sentiment of Maritime Day was captured quite well in the opening lines of the 2007 presidential proclamation: “America has a proud maritime history, and the United States Merchant Marine has played a vital role in helping meet our country’s economic and national security needs. On National Maritime Day, we honor merchant mariners for their dedication to promoting commerce and protecting our freedom.” Today’s Seafarers are proudly upholding the traditions of “promoting and protecting” the United States of America. For example, SIU members recently helped our armed forces achieve a milestone with deliveries of MRAPs, a relatively new military vehicle that is literally a lifesaver for our troops who are serving in harm’s way. Seafarers have answered the call from the very first moments of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, just as we did in World War II, when more than 1,200 of our members made the ultimate sacrifice. Away from the spotlight, SIU members steadily continue getting the job done in the commercial sector, sailing aboard tankers, containerships, tugboats and other vessels that contribute to the nation’s economy and economic security. This month also marks the annual convention of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, an organization mostly composed of mariners who sailed in World War II, but one that enthusiastically welcomes today’s mariners, too. The SIU in recent years has supported the AMMV’s push to enact legislation calling for compensation to World War II mariners or their surviving spouses. We will continue supporting the bill, titled The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act. To our brothers and sisters in the AMMV, many of whom sailed SIU, I say, “Don’t give up the fight.” As you know, it took more than 40 years to secure veterans’ status for the WWII mariner. The numbers have thinned, but this is a group that’s not easily deterred. The bottom line is that recognizing the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II at National Maritime Day ceremonies is heartwarming and proper. It certainly would be no less appropriate to show our country’s gratitude by enacting the Belated Thank You bill. From the Heart On occasion, Seafarers may have heard me say that in many ways I view the SIU as a big family, rather than just a union. I don’t care if it sounds corny because the sentiment comes straight from the heart. That feeling was reinforced last month when I heard the graduation speeches of the seven SIU members who just completed recertification at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. They come from different backgrounds, and their individual stories have unique elements. But, the common thread is that they found a home in the SIU – and they have wisely taken advantage of the career opportunities here to make a good living and provide for their families. In the long run, that’s what the SIU is all about. We are proud to be part of America’s fourth arm of defense. We are proud to represent the world’s best-trained crews. We are proud of our contracts and our productive, respectful relationships with other unions and other entities from throughout the maritime industry, whether we’re talking about labor, management, government or the military. We most definitely are proud of our affiliated school in Piney Point. But first and foremost, we are about jobs and job security – and, by extension, helping SIU members and their families live the American dream. Volume 70, Number 5 SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) presents Maritime Union of Australia General Secretary Paddy Crumlin (left) with an honorary SIU book as well as a ship’s wheel commemorating the 10th anniversary of a key event in MUA history. SIU QMED Mike Fay (center), son of the late SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, a close ally of the MUA, takes part in the presentation Secretary-Treasurer Carries Solidarity Message to MUA SIU’s Heindel also Emphasizes Grassroots Political Action SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel last month discussed the importance of solidarity and grassroots political action when he addressed the Maritime Union of Australia’s national conference in Sydney. Heindel, who addressed the approximately 450 delegates, guests and MUA officers attending the week-long event, also presented an honorary SIU book and ship’s wheel to MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin, the union’s top official. Officers from several other international unions also spoke at the convention, including representatives from the International Longshoremen’s Association; International Longshore and Warehouse Union; Britain-based National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT); South African Transport and Allied Workers Union; Australian Workers’ Union; Maritime Union of New Zealand; All Japan Seamen’s Union; and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (based in Australia). Speakers from various labor federations including the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) – on which Heindel serves as first vice chair of the Seafarers’ Section – also spoke at the conference, which took place April 7-11. The convention occurred during the 10th anniversary of the Patrick dispute, a difficult but crucial and historic triumph for the MUA. That fight involved the attempted firings and forcible removal from the workplace of some 2,000 union dockworkers. Much of the conference focused on organizing and political action, with emphasis on how unions and labor federations from around the world can best work together in order to promote and protect workers’ rights. During his address on April 8, Heindel commended Crumlin and the entire MUA for the union’s overall practical approach, whatever the task. He noted that although the most effective methods for achieving gains on the waterfront or aboard ship have changed over many decades, unions must remain diligent at all times. “In the maritime industry, whether seagoing or stevedoring, nothing can be taken for granted,” Heindel said. “We have to fight on a daily basis to protect our memberships and their interests. Our unions have always had to fight – we took to the streets for higher wages, the eight-hour work day, health care, and the list goes on and on…. “The bottom line is that in much the same way that national government affects our members, international treaties, international laws and their application at the state level profoundly impacts not only the rank-and-file but the unions themselves. So do the policies and agreements we’re able to forge through the ITF, ILO and the IMO, among others.” He discussed U.S. maritime laws and what it takes to maintain support for those initiatives, including the U.S. Maritime Security Program and Jones Act. Heindel concluded, “Grassroots political action and solidarity are vital to both our organizations, not just locally or even nationally but internationally as well. I believe that our involvement in the ITF is nothing short of critical to our success and future, and just like the SIU needs to be in Washington with our eyes and ears open, our unions had better be in the international arena, too, representing the interests of our memberships. Being there might not assure victory, but being absent would ensure very undesirable results.” May 2008 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 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Delegates and guests show support for one of the speakers. 2 Seafarers LOG May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM Page 3 Construction continues on Hull 009, another component of the tanker program. The Overseas New York is the fourth in a series of Seafarers-contracted double-hulled tankers delivered by Aker Philadelphia Shipyard. Tanker Overseas New York Delivered Keel Laying Takes Place for 10th Vessel Built at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard The tanker program at Aker Philadelphia Shipyard is progressing in timely and efficient fashion, including the delivery last month of the Overseas New York – the fourth Seafarers-contracted ship in a series of 12 scheduled for completion by early 2011. As previously reported, the program also features an “option agreement” for up to 13 additional doublehulled product tankers, meaning the total could reach 25 ships. The 600-foot-long Overseas New York was christened April 7 and delivered four days later. According to the shipyard, the newest ship, like the others in the program, will be leased for charter in the Jones Act market to SIU-contracted OSG America. “The Overseas New York and the other tankers that have already been delivered signify good news not just for the SIU but for the American maritime industry as a whole,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “When you see new, quality tonnage entering the domestic fleet, it represents shipboard and shore-side jobs and a boost to the economy.” Aker Philadelphia Shipyard President Dave Meehan stated, “Completion of this vessel is very significant, and not just because it is delivered on the very day we promised our investors three years ago. We have made the task of successfully building ships here in Philadelphia routine and expected. Still, we can never lose sight of the hard work and challenges overcome by the men and women who built this vessel. The Overseas New York is going to be a valuable addition to Aker American Shipping’s modern fleet of tankers.” A week before the christening, the shipyard conduct- ed a keel-laying ceremony for the sixth Veteran Class MT46 tanker (a ship scheduled for completion next year). As part of the ceremony, coins were placed under the keel block, recreating a longstanding shipbuilding tradition whereby special coins are hidden in the keel section of a vessel as a permanent symbol of good fortune and safe travels. That particular ship is the tenth constructed by the yard since 2000. Besides the other tankers already built (Overseas Los Angeles, Overseas Houston and Overseas Long Beach) or currently under construction, Aker Philadelphia also built four containerships for Seafarerscontracted Matson. Each tanker weights approximately 46,000 deadweight tons and is capable of transporting the equivalent of 14 million gallons of liquid product. NY Waterway Crews Approve 3-Year Pact Seafarers employed by NY Waterway have approved a new three-year contract that boosts wages and includes other gains. Members ratified the agreement while aboard the boat Bravest, with more than 75 percent of the votes in favor of the new contract. More than 100 Seafarers work at NY Waterway, a passenger ferry service that operates in New York and New Jersey. The SIU’s negotiating team consisted of Atlantic Coast Vice President Joseph Soresi, Patrolman Joseph Baselice, Captain George Sullivan and Deckhand George Schumpp. Negotiations were reasonably smooth and took place over a six-month period. “The process was a great experi- ence,” stated Sullivan. “Members, the union and the company all worked well together in the process.” “It’s clearly a good contract,” Soresi said. “We didn’t lose a single job, and there is no increase in members’ out-of-pocket expenses for health care premiums for all three years. In this day and age, we all know how significant health care costs can be…. This is a mutually beneficial contract for the members and the company.” In addition to wage increases in each year of the agreement, the contract also returns members to the Seafarers Pension and Plan and allows, for the first time, participation in the separate Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. The union also secured an extra holiday (Presidents’ Day) for the crews. Seafarers aboard NY Waterway vessels transport tens of thousands of passengers each day, most of them commuters. The crews perhaps are best known for their heroic roles in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when they evacuated upwards of 160,000 people from Manhattan. A few of the NY Waterway boats operated into the pre-dawn hours of the next day, providing help for emergency crews. Several SIU members rescued people who had fallen from piers into the water, most likely because of terrible visibility. Members of the SIU negotiating team included (from left) Deckhand Delegate George Schumpp, Captain Delegate George Sullivan and SIU Patrolman Joe Baselice. Also serving on the committee was SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. May 2008 U.S. Navy Photo Seafarers have delivered many MRAPs to U.S. troops. In this mid-January photo, the vehicles are ready for offload from the SIU-crewed USNS Pililaau in Kuwait. SIU Crews Contribute To MRAP Milestone The U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) last month announced a milestone in which SIU crews have played a key part. Namely, as of April 5, more than 5,000 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles have been delivered to American troops in harm’s way. Many of the MRAPs have been delivered by SIUcrewed ships. “This is truly an achievement of all the military and commercial partners in this venture,” said Gen. Norton Schwartz, commander of TRANSCOM. “These lifesaving vehicles are proving their value every day in protecting our warfighters and keeping them safe.” In announcing the milestone, TRANSCOM reported, “An earlier turning point occurred in late March. The number of vehicles delivered by sea exceeded the number airlifted to the area of operations. U.S. Transportation Command officials project that by the end of June, all MRAP vehicles will be shipped by sea.” The agency further noted, “The Army’s Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command scheduled ocean carrier deliveries by sea and handled port operations. The Navy’s Military Sealift Command delivered vehicles with its fast sealift ships and large, medium-speed, roll-on, roll off vessels as well as chartered commercial ships.” Seafarers LOG 3 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM 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 2009 through 2012. A total 25 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 here is the full text of the 2008 pre-balloting report. May 5, 2008 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 2009-2012 will commence on November 1, 2008 and continue through December 31, 2008. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our constitution, as amended and effective December 15, 2006, 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 2008 General Election of Officers for the term 2009-2012: 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 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 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, Algonac, Oakland, 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, 2008 and close August 15, 2008. The foregoing constitutes your president’s pre-balloting report and, subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco President Majestic Cruise Boat Evacuated Because of Engine Room Fire SIU President Meets with West Coast Boatmen SIU President Michael Sacco (right) last month had an informal meeting with Crowley boatmen from the West Coast who were upgrading at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Topics covered during the wide-ranging discussion on April 17 included the importance of grassroots political action; the Jones Act’s significance to the maritime industry; and training opportunities and credentialing requirements for mariners. Participants also discussed the U.S. Maritime Security Program and other key maritime initiatives. The Paul Hall Center offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses and has been in operation since 1967. The Majestic America Line passenger vessel Queen of the West was towed ashore and evacuated April 8 in Maryhill, Wash., following an engine room fire, according to newspaper accounts and a U.S. Coast Guard press release. The agency reported that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. In its news release, the Coast Guard noted, “The Queen of the West was beached in a controlled manner in the vicinity of Maryhill State Park, where the passengers were offloaded safely over the vessel’s bow ramp. The 124 passengers were transported by bus to Skamania Lodge, Ore. One crew member became wet while fighting the fire, and was taken to a local hospital after exhibiting signs of hypothermia. Three of the crew members were checked and released on scene for smoke inhalation.” Klickitat County (Wash.) emergency services personnel managed the disembarkation and processing of passengers. The Washington Department of Ecology organized precautionary shoreline protection operations along the river to address the risk of any oil pollution from the disabled vessel. Built in 1995, the Queen of the West is 230 feet long and has a maximum capacity of 142 passengers. The Associated Press described the fire as “the latest in a series of mishaps that have befallen cruise ships. A sister ship, Empress of the North, ran aground in March 2006 and was stuck for two days on a Columbia River sandbar near Washougal, Wash. A year later, the same ship ran aground in Alaska.” The Empress of the North also is operated by Majestic. Sixth T-AKE Joins MSC Fleet, CIVMARS Net More Jobs U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command Christens USNS Amelia Earhart During Ceremony at NASSCO Shipyard New tonnage and additional jobs for Seafarers took center stage April 4 in California when the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) launched the USNS Amelia Earhart. The newest ship in the Navy’s Lewis and Clark class of dry cargo/ammunition ships (T-AKE), the 698-foot vessel was launched during a nighttime ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. According to MSC, the ship slid into the water for the first time with red, white and blue streamers flowing from its bow and fireworks lighting the sky. Owned and operated by MSC, the USNS Earhart now is part of the command’s Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force and will be crewed by civil service mariners from the SIU’s Government Services Division. In addition to Seafarers and licensed mariners, the vessel also will be manned by a military detachment of 11 U.S. Navy sailors to provide supply coordination. Among the nearly 1,000 people present during the christening ceremony 4 Seafarers LOG were U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.), MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert Reilly Jr., and Logistics Group Western Pacific Commander Rear Adm. Nora Tyson. Davis delivered the ceremony’s principal address while Earhart’s niece, Amy Kleppner, served as ship’s sponsor. The launching ceremony included the time-honored Navy tradition of the sponsor breaking a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship. Designated T-AKE 6, USNS Earhart is the sixth ship in the Navy’s new T-AKE class. These ships deliver ammunition, provisions, spare parts, potable water and petroleum products to the Navy’s carrier strike groups at sea and other naval forces worldwide, allowing them to stay at sea, on station and combat ready for extended periods of time. The Earhart’s primary mission will be to deliver food, ammunition, fuel and other provisions to combat ships. Like the other ships in the T-AKE class, the Earhart will have a sailing speed of 20 knots. “Being able to refuel at sea is essen- tial to our Navy’s ability to be forward deployed and remain strong in our global endeavors,” said Davis. “Today we bring this ship to life, and I look forward to the day we welcome her to the fleet.” The vessel is named in honor of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, who was the first woman to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. She received the award after completing a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Earhart disappeared in 1937 over the central Pacific Ocean during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Since May 2005, six vessels—the USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1), USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2), USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3), USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) and now the USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6)— have been delivered to MSC and crewed up by CIVMARS. The seventh ship of the class, the USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7), currently is under construction at the San Diego shipyard. Keel laying for USNS Wally Schirra, the eighth dry cargo-ammunition ship in the T-AKE program, took place in San Diego on April 14. Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter recently named the ship in honor of the late Navy captain and original NASA pioneer. The Schirra is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the third quarter of 2009. NASSCO on April 21 began construction of the ninth ship of the Lewis and Clark class. The ship will be named later and is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in the first quarter of 2010. The T-AKE ship incorporates international marine technologies and commercial ship-design features, including an integrated electric-drive propulsion system to minimize operating costs over its projected 40-year service life. NASSCO has contracts to build 11 T-AKE ships. The Navy has options to build three additional ships for a total class of 14 vessels. May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:18 AM Page 5 Detained in port for being unseaworthy, the Lady Belinda (above and lower right) also had low stores and a crew which hadn’t been paid for four months. Crew members are happy to receive their back pay, thanks to efforts by the ITF and the Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union. SMOU President Robin Foo (toward the left, wearing a light, collared shirt and looking directly at the camera) is pictured with the mariners, standing behind the two who are kneeling. ITF, Singapore Union Assist Stranded Crew Federation Helps Secure $102,000 in Back Pay The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and its affiliated Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) recently secured back wages and assisted with repatriation for mariners who had been stranded aboard a runawayflag ship since early January. According to the federation, a crew of 22 mariners from the Greek-owned, North Korean-flagged MV Lady Belinda received $102,000 in back pay on April 5 in Singapore. Most of the seamen, all Indian nationals, had submitted requests to leave the vessel upon receiving their salaries, citing the ship’s unseaworthy condition. The stricken bulk carrier, fully laden with iron ore, became immobilized on Jan. 5 in the northern stretch of the Malacca Straits and had arrived under tow in Singapore on Jan. 14. The vessel had since been detained by the authorities for not being seaworthy. The crew had sought the help of the SMOU to recover up to four months of wages. SMOU President Capt. Robin Foo said that he was appalled at the condition of the vessel, which had a visible hole at its stern just above the water line, and at the food and water provisions for the crew, which were running low. “It is really distressing to see that seafarers are still being unscrupulously exploited, and the unsafe working conditions on board the unseaworthy vessel is a cause for concern for the industry,” he said. He added, “We are thankful for the assistance by the various seafaring welfare organizations, especially the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), who have helped with the humanitarian welfare of the seafarers and have assisted us with the wage recovery for the crew.” The vessel’s chief officer, G. Ramanamurthy, expressed his relief and thanked the ITF and SMOU. “When food provisions were critical, especially during the Easter weekend, SMOU came on board with food,” he said. “When we needed to contact our families, calling cards were provided and most importantly they helped us get our hard-earned wages. I will now go back to my family and will look out for a better vessel to work on board for my next voyage.” Junior Engineer Sheikh Yakub Umar added, “We never believed we could get our money back, but the ITF and SMOU have made it possible. I’m glad that the ordeal has almost come to an end.” Capt. Foo noted, “We’re very happy for the seafarers and it is very heartwarming as a unionist to see the joy on the faces of the seafarers who have finally received wages that they have been owed for many months and that they have worked very hard for.” He pointed out that there was still some unfinished business. “As the vessel is still unsafe and unseaworthy, we are now working to ensure that the vessel owner and the employers pay for the full repatriation of the seafarers on board and that they will continue to pay all additional wages incurred until the crew sign off the vessel and are repatriated.” The ITF is a global federation of 681 transport trade unions (including the SIU) which collectively represent 4.5 million workers in 148 countries. SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel is first vice chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. A runaway-flag or so-called flag-ofconvenience (FOC) ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. According to the ITF, “FOCs provide a means of avoiding labor regulation in the country of ownership, and become a vehicle for paying low wages and forcing long hours of work and unsafe working conditions. Since FOC Steelmaker Calls for More Lakes Dredging So Nation Can Reinvest in American Jobs America’s largest integrated steelmaker has urged lawmakers to increase dredging on the Great Lakes as a way to reinvest in and retain quality jobs in America. Daniel J. Cornillie, an official at ArcelorMittal USA, Indiana Harbor, noted that because of the dredging crisis, it now takes a vessel that supplies iron ore to Indiana Harbor six trips to deliver what it did in five 20 years ago. “This math is being repeated across the U.S.flag Lakes fleet that delivered over 100 million tons last year. The constraint is the draft available, and the culprit is deferred dredging in the context of low Lake levels. With the current Great Lakes fleet at full utilization, this is forcing cargo to other modes of transportation at a multiple of fuel consumption.” May 2008 Cornillie, speaking before the 13th annual informational briefing for the Great Lakes delegation in Washington hosted by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, stressed that Great Lakes shipping “links the iron ore and stone from the north with the coal to the south. These are steelmaking’s primary inputs. It requires approximately 26 million tons per year of Lake-delivered raw materials to sustain ArcelorMittal’s production and jobs at its U.S. Lakes mills. That is approximately 3,000 tons of material per hour, 24/7. Without Great Lakes shipping to deliver these materials, these mills would not be here.” Decades of inadequate funding for dredging have produced a backlog of 18 million cubic yards of sediment that must be removed system-wide, accord- ing to the task force. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates it will cost more than $230 million to restore the Great Lakes navigation system to project dimensions. Cornillie, manager of marine and raw materials logistics for ArcelorMittal, noted that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which pays for dredging using taxes collected on waterborne commerce, has a surplus of more than $4 billion, and the cost of allowing vessels to again carry full loads “would be less than that recently spent on reconfiguring one freeway intersection south of Chicago.” He also focused on the environmental benefits of Great Lakes shipping. “In the current and future environment of energy conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the marine mode stands apart. ships have no real nationality, they are beyond the reach of any single national seafarers’ trade union. “The ITF has therefore been obliged to take on internationally the role traditionally exercised by national trade unions – to organize and negotiate on behalf of FOC crews. For 50 years the ITF, through its affiliated seafarers’ and dockers’ unions, has been waging a vigorous campaign against shipowners who abandon the flag of their own country in search of the cheapest possible crews and the lowest possible training and safety standards for their ships.” Lakes ships use only one-third to one-fifth of a horsepower per ton. If this ratio held true on the highway, you could move a semi with a lawnmower engine.” Cornillie further highlighted the employment potential that will result from increased dredging. “After years of industry rationalization, the average age of employees in these mills is in the 50s. Over the next 10 years this workforce will retire, opening jobs for today’s youth. This turnover has already started to a significant degree, and will accelerate – if we reinvest in the Lakes transportation system that enabled this job creation in the first place.” At the briefing, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (to which the SIU is affiliated) also presented its Great Lakes Legislator of the Year Award to Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio). Rep. Tubbs Jones represents the east side of Cleveland, Ohio. The city is home to an ArcelorMittal mill that is also suffering from the dredging crisis. The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force was founded in Toledo, Ohio, in 1992 to promote domestic and international Great 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, port authorities, terminal operators, cargo shippers, shipyards and other Great Lakes interests. In addition to restoring adequate funding for dredging of Great Lakes ports and waterways, its goals include construction of a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; preserving the domestic steelmaking infrastructure; and protecting the nation’s cabotage laws. Seafarers LOG 5 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 6 Marine Highway Initiative Shows Waterways’ Importance The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which contains provisions establishing a formal marine highway program within the federal government, was signed into law in December 2007. Under the law, marine highway or “short sea” trans- portation refers to the carriage by vessel of cargo in containers, loaded on the vessel by cranes or by means of wheeled technology. Specifically, the law requires the establishment of a program and the designation of transportation projects to miti- The Seafarers-crewed ATC fleet includes the Alaskan Explorer, pictured in Los Angeles. Alaska Tanker Company Safely Reaches Milestone How’s this for a winning streak? SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) recently reached what’s believed to be an unsurpassed safety milestone: more than six calendar years and 12 million man hours without a lost-time injury. In a communication dated March 30, ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur noted that the company also has not had “a single drop of crude oil spilled to sea in over five years. Since our inception in 1999, we have transported well over a billion barrels of crude oil out of Valdez, Alaska.” Others have noticed ATC’s outstanding safety record as the years pass. The Alaska State Legislature honored the company in 2006. Two years earlier, the U.S. Coast Guard did the same. ATC’s fleet includes four Seafarers-crewed vessels: the ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur, pictured in 2007 at the Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting, recently credited the SIU for significant contributions to the company’s outstanding safety record. 6 Seafarers LOG Alaska Class tankers Alaskan Legend, Alaskan Frontier, Alaskan Explorer and Alaskan Navigator. Those ships transport Alaskan North Slope crude oil from Valdez, Alaska, to refineries in Washington State, California and Hawaii. Many of the company’s mariners have undergone safety training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. Mathur, in his recent missive, was characteristically quick in sharing credit for ATC’s latest achievements. “This remarkable performance by the ATC employees, ship and shore, has been enabled by our union leadership (SIU and MEBA), our contractors, our client BP Alaska, our owners, our external stakeholders and our regulators,” he said. “Meaningful and lasting results at this level require a supportive environment. I am very grateful to each of these entities.” He also conveyed a pragmatic view of what lies ahead, even while expressing profound appreciation for the “quality and thought that ATC employees put into their work that produces these extraordinary results.” Recognizing that safe operations are an unending goal, he added, “Each task we perform in ATC presents hazards that must be overcome anew in order to do the job safely, regardless of how many times we’ve completed that same job safely in the past. Overcoming the next challenge does not create a panacea where no other challenges can exist. As we continue to improve our operations and our performance, it is clear to me that our journey towards flawless operations has essentially no finish line.” gate landside congestion. The program will encourage the development and expansion of vessels, shippers, port and landside infrastructure, and marine transportation strategies by state and local governments. Water transportation routes will be designated as extensions of the surface transportation system to focus public and private efforts to use the waterways to relieve landside congestion along coastal corridors. A project may be so designated if it offers a waterborne alternative to available landside transportation services using vessels and provides transportation services for passengers, freight or both. A federal board has been established to identify and seek solutions to impediments hindering effective use of short sea transportation and to promote the marine highway initiative. Members of the board include representatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal, state, and local governmental entities as well as private sector entities. The board has one year to provide a report on the initiative. As research continues the U.S. Maritime Administration has released some important statistics about waterways use that highlight the need for support of this vital mode of transportation. They include the following: Waterways Offer Value ■ The inland waterways system includes 12,000 miles of commercially navigable channels and 240 lock sites, moving commerce in 38 states from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, to east and west coasts. ■ About 624 million tons of cargo transits the inland waterways a year. That’s a volume equal to 14 percent of all intercity freight at a value of $70 billion annually. ■ These waterways transport more than 60 percent of the nation’s grain exports, 22 percent of domestic petroleum and petroleum products and 20 percent of the coal used in electrical generation. ■ One 15-barge tow of dry cargo can carry as much as two unit trains and as much as 1,050 tractor trailer trucks. ■ One barge has the liquid cargo capacity of 46 railcars and 144 tractor trailers. ■ Barges can move one ton of cargo 576 miles for the same amount of fuel it takes a rail car to carry the same amount of cargo 413 miles and a truck to haul it 155 miles. Congestion Alleviated The annual traffic on America’s inland waterways carries the equivalent of 58 million truck trips each year. If current waterways traffic was diverted to the roads, heavy truck traffic would nearly double and create severe traffic jams, especially in inner cities. If the current waterways freight was diverted to rail, the tonnage carried by the rail system would increase nearly 25 percent and would heavily burden Eastern U.S. railroads that are already operating to capacity. Good Investment The study shows it would be cheaper and more efficient to invest in the marine cargo transportation system than highways and railroads. Diversion of waterways freight to highways would require the addition of two inches of asphalt to the thickness of the pavement of 126,000 lanemiles of intercity interstates. An example of increased rail infrastructure costs comes from railroad operator CSX. If coal shipments were diverted from the Ohio River onto rail, CSX calculates it would need 156 new locomotives and 5,616 new coal cars at an estimated cost of $581 million. This doesn’t include the cost of other additional equipment and increased rail congestion. Dual Benefits The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that inland towing generates much less airborne emissions than railroads and diesel trucks. Also, safety-related statistics for all modes of freight transportation show, on a rateper-ton-mile basis, that there is one fatality in the inland marine sector for every 22.7 fatalities in the rail sector and 155 fatalities in the rail sector. There is one injury in the inland marine sector for every 125.2 in the rail and 2,171.5 in the highway sector. Moreover, overall spill rates in all sectors are considered low with the inland marine sector the lowest. Spill rates for barges are 3.6 gallons per million ton-miles. Railcars came in with 3.86 gallons per ton-miles and trucks were at 6.06 gallons spilled per tonmile. Union Joins in Honoring Bob Magee SIU officials were on hand April 12 at the Broward County (Fla.) Convention Center to join in honoring Robert P. “Bob” Magee Jr., a highly respected philanthropist who is chairman, president and CEO of American Shipping Group. The event was the annual International Golden Compass Award dinner, benefiting Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades. Pictured from left to right are SIU President Michael Sacco, Magee and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez. A former mariner, the honoree has dedicated his entire career to the American maritime industry. Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades is a multi-faith endeavor among religious, labor, business and civic leaders with a mission “to improve the lives of seafarers and their families through multi-faith service.” May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/28/2008 6:07 AM Page 7 Stewards Appreciate Big Picture and Fine Details Seven Seafarers Successfully Complete Recertification in Piney Point Sharing heartwarming stories and practical advice, seven SIU members last month addressed fellow Seafarers, unlicensed apprentices and union officials as they graduated from the steward recertification class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The graduates received certificates and gave brief remarks April 7 at the membership meeting which took place at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Completing the three-week course were (in the order in which they spoke at the meeting) Josue Luis Iglesia Jr., Bob Easley, James Cameron, Roderick Clay, Grady Ingram, Charles Brooks and Hazel Johnson Jr. Recertification is the top curriculum available to steward-department mariners at the Paul Hall Center. The course, like most others there, features both practical training and classroom instruction. Topics include detailed refreshers in safety (including fire fighting, first aid and CPR) along with sanitary conditions and computer training. Class members also study communication and nutrition. Also, the training includes meetings with representatives from different departments within the union and the Seafarers Plans as well as a trip to AFLCIO headquarters (including the offices of the Maritime Trades Department). Without exception, each component is designed to help stewards do the best jobs possible as they sign on aboard their next vessels. In keeping with graduation-day tradition, the stewards touched on different aspects of their experiences in the union and at the school. They also encouraged the trainees to make the most of their maritime career opportunities. The following comments combine parts of the graduation speeches with information specifically provided to the Seafarers LOG by the stewards. Iglesia graduated from the trainee program in 1992 and now sails from Jacksonville, Fla. He credited the SIU with timely and important help not only from a career standpoint but with life in general. “The union and the training school saved my life,” Iglesia noted. “When I was 18 years old I was headed down the wrong path. The SIU saved me from the streets and showed me I could make something of myself and provide a good life for my family.” A frequent upgrader, he added that he always learns new things at the Paul Hall Center, and his most recent course proved no exception. “It’s a great experience every time I come to the school,” Iglesia stated. “This class will help not only me but my staff in the galley when it comes to safety and sanitation.” Graduates from the steward recertification course are pictured along with family members and SIU and school officials after the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Addressing the apprentices, he concluded, “Listen and learn to work together. At sea, work hard and never be afraid to ask questions. You can have a great career.” Easley, who sails from Tacoma, Wash., said the Paul Hall Center instructors are second-to-none and described the class as “packed with lots of good information. This is the finest maritime academy in the United States.” He thanked SIU President Michael Sacco “and others who have sacrificed so much for the betterment of the SIU.” Speaking to the trainees, he said, “Don’t take your opportunities for granted. It’s up to you to use these tools for success.” Cameron has been with the union since joining in 1990 in Norfolk, Va. “I thank God for blessing me with this opportunity to be the best chief steward I can be, and to be an asset rather than a liability to this union,” he declared. “I know this course will help me do a better job aboard the ship. It was very interesting and a good learning experience.” He advised the apprentices to “study hard and learn to work together. At sea, listen and do the right thing.” Clay, who sails from both Wilmington, Calif., and Honolulu, commended the school staff and instructors. He said the campus “looks great and makes for a good study environment.” Since joining the SIU 10 years ago, “I’ve been many places and it has been great,” he said. “This union improved my life – enabled me to take care of my family, be a homeowner and put my kids in Refreshers in safety training, including fire fighting, are part of the recertification course. May 2008 good schools. “I’ve worked in other jobs, but this organization has really come through,” he added. “This is a place with integrity and people who care. You don’t see a lot of that elsewhere in the world.” A football fan, Ingram (whose home port is Jacksonville) said that for him, completing recertification felt like the equivalent of “being the number one draft pick in the NFL. This is a lifetime dream.” He said a couple of subjects proved particularly interesting during the course: ServSafe, which focuses on different aspects of safety in the galley, and leadership skills. “ServSafe taught here at the center is very educational, informative and on the cutting edge. The leadership class gives me different insights into where I need to focus in order to be a more complete and effective leader,” he said. Sharing how the SIU helped him achieve success, he noted, “I would like to thank the SIU for giving me an opportunity when no one else would. My career as a seaman has been fruitful. The training center is a beautiful place to achieve goals – it is our thing, our home away from home. “To the trainees, don’t let anyone deter you.” Brooks, who sails from Norfolk, said that in addition to learning more about his profession, “I now have a better understanding of the inner workings of the union and the hard work that goes into keeping union members working. I have a lot of respect for the people working hard for the members and I thank our union leaders, starting with Mike Sacco, the SIU’s heart and soul. Because of the union I am able to work and support my family and have a good life.” He said the apprentices are facing “a beautiful opportunity. If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” A 30-year Seafarer who sails from Philadelphia and New York, Johnson wrapped up the presentations with a mix of humor and seriousness. After claiming to have sailed on Noah’s Ark, he thanked a number of officials who recommended him for the class or otherwise have helped him along the way, including Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram, Assistant Vice President Contracts Archie Ware, Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, New York Safety Director Jack Sheehan and Philadelphia Patrolman Robert Wisler. Johnson also noted with pride that he comes from a family of Seafarers – his father, uncle, brother, sister, nephew, niece and two cousins all either sailed SIU or still are members of the union. “I’ve been around the world several times,” he stated. “This union helps me provide for my family. There are a lot of people in other industries who are out of work these days. We’re not.” He told the apprentices, “When you go out there on a ship, you’re ‘market ready.’ Ask questions and don’t come aboard thinking you already know everything.” Class members brush up on their computer skills. Seafarers LOG 7 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 8 Seafarer’s Dedication to Safety Leaves Lasting Legacy The U.S. Coast Guard dubbed him a hero for being a man of honor, respect and devotion to duty. His brother said, “Every day, he fought for the guys in the merchant marine, probably because he came up through the hawsepipe like so many mariners. He left us all a legacy that made our lives better.” Domenic Calicchio, once an SIU member, is today considered posthumously one of the Coast Guard’s unsung heroes. That’s because he stuck to the principles he formed during a career that started as an ordinary seaman during World War II when he was 16 years old. Later, Calicchio rose to the rank of captain in the Coast Guard Reserve while also sailing as a ship’s master, including voyages with United States Lines. Recently, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Inspection and Investigation office named one of its top excellence awards after him. “Dom saw me and our brother Michael come up through the hawsepipe,” said Alfred Calicchio, “and he wanted to do the same thing and help our nation in World War II.” Brother Alfred explained that all three brothers eventually rose to ship’s master during their careers. Domenic Calicchio sailed as a merchant mariner for 23 years, some of them with the SIU. He is believed to have been the first merchant mariner to be commissioned as a lieutenant into the Coast Guard through the Public Law 219 officer procurement program. In 1968 he accepted a commission as an active duty lieutenant commander because he believed he could use his seafaring experience in the marine safety field by championing the safety of crews and passengers. Calicchio’s adherence to strict safety requirements brought muchneeded attention to lifeboat capacities and the failure of some cruise ships at the time to have enough lifeboats for all passengers. Championing safety for crews aboard deep sea vessels, Calicchio served on a review board that investigated and led to the indictment of the owner of the M/V Marine Electric, which sank in 1983. The Marine Electric was an NMU-crewed T-2 bulk cargo carrier built for World War II. The T-2s were notorious for splitting hulls due to metal fatigue, especially as the ships got older and began to rust. The Marine Electric saga proved tragic to say the least. On Feb. 12, 1983, 31 crew members aboard the vessel—21 of whom were members of the NMU—paid the ultimate sacrifice when their vessel capsized and sank in frigid waters off the Virginia coast. Only three of the vessel’s 34 crew members escaped with their lives. Drowning resulting from hypothermia was determined to be the cause of death for all who perished. Then a 39-year-old vessel, the Marine Electric was loaded with 27,000 tons of coal. Departing from Norfolk, Va., the ship was en route to the New England Power Plant at Brayton Point, Mass., when it encountered heavy seas, rolled over and was swallowed up by the Atlantic Ocean about 30 miles east of Chincoteague, Va. The case was a landmark event in U. S. marine safety because it led to safety standards for older vessels, such as the T-2s, and led indirectly to the scrapping of about 70 vessels unable to meet those standards. It also spurred regulations requiring the adoption of survival suits on board vessels navigating in cold water climates. Lastly, the tremendous loss of life in the Marine Electric disaster focused attention on Coast Guard rescue swimmers and boosted support for that fledgling program. “Dom helped found the Coast Guard’s swimmer’s program, like what you see in the Kevin Costner Seafarers & International House Salutes AMO President Seafarer Domenic Calicchio is sworn into the Coast Guard as a lieutenant in the late 1960s. movie ‘The Guardian,’ said Alfred. “The modern-day program has saved thousands of lives and that’s what Dom was passionate about – the safety of his fellow seafarers.” Calicchio is also credited for spearheading special training programs for Coast Guard inspectors. “It was Dom rising through the hawsepipe that taught him respect for his fellow seafarers,” concluded Alfred. “He was one of them. He knew what their daily lives were like and he knew about their challenges. He knew safety and conditions had to improve and he did something about it.” Advancing Your Career Via the Paul Hall Center The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and stateof-the-art equipment and facilities. The school offers courses for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments. Below is a quick look at one of those classes. For more information about the center and its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; call (301) 994-0010; or visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. Course dates are listed on page 21 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. American Maritime Officers President Tom Bethel (center) was honored April 10 in New York by the Seafarers & International House, a faith-based mission for mariners. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) joined in congratulating Bethel as well as fellow honoree Peter Schaerf, who serves as chairman of the trade association New York Maritime, Inc. The event was the eighth annual “Setting the Course” awards banquet. Notice: SCAM ALERT Beware of Phony ‘Sweepstake’ April 9, 2008 The purpose of this notice from the Seafarers International Union is to caution and help protect individuals from being victimized by recent scams designed to steal money. The union’s legal department is working with the FBI and with Canadian authorities to put a stop to these attempted rip-offs, and is very encouraged by the rapid progress to date. SIU members and their families should be assured that the assets of the Seafarers Plans are fully protected – the bank is wise to the scams, as are Plans officials and the union’s legal department. However, that does not help the innocent victims who have fallen for this deception. One of the scams involves someone using altered, bogus checks that supposedly are from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. A letter accompanying the check – purported to come from a Canadian-based company called ORIENT Financial Inc. – tells the recipient that he or she has won a “sweepstake sponsored by a group of multi-national companies in North America.” Individuals are instructed to call a certain telephone number, deposit the check and wire funds to cover taxes. The thievery itself involves the wired funds – no money is taken from the real Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, but individuals who fall for the scam lose their own money. The other scam is an attempt to steal money directly from the Seafarers Pension Plan. In this case, orders for wire transfers are sent to the bank – complete with multiple forged signatures. Again, both the Plan and the bank caught on immediately. This notice was sent to the union halls and posted on the SIU web site in order to help alert both the membership and the general public. The union will continue working with the FBI and Canadian authorities to catch the thieves. Meanwhile, if anyone asks you about a sweepstakes being run by an organization sounding like the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, please ask them contact the SIU legal department at headquarters immediately. Similarly, if you receive a letter like the one described above, please contact the SIU legal department. The headquarters phone number is (301) 899-0675. 8 Seafarers LOG Safety Course Spotlight STCW Basic Safety Training – Applicants completing the school’s 40-hour Basic Safety Training course and presenting the corresponding Paul Hall Center 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 A-VI/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 May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 9 SIU Asst. VP Chester Wheeler (center, in sunglasses) chats with students before one of the shipboard tours. OMU Adam Hansen makes a point as STOS Ryanne Wheeler (left) and a student observe. Seafarers, Officers, Officials Promote Maritime in Calif. Seafarers, officers, officials and students move through a wheelhouse. Students at two California high schools last month went beyond their normal curriculums and learned firsthand about the U.S. Merchant Marine, thanks to the joint efforts of the SIU, the American Maritime Officers (AMO), school administrators and teachers, and two SIU-contracted companies. With indispensable participation from rank-and-file Seafarers and AMO members, 18 students toured the SIU hall in Oakland, Calif., and then visited three nearby vessels: the Grand Canyon State, Gem State (both operated by Pacific Gulf Marine) and Cape Mohican (Ocean Ships, Inc.). The students and teachers are from Loconoma Valley High School of Middletown, Calif., and Lower Lake High School of Lower Lake, Calif. Aboard the ships on April 10, mariners conducted department-specific tours and answered plenty of questions from the enthusiastic students. Among those leading tours and supplying information were Chief Steward Sam Harris, STOS Ryanne Wheeler, OMU Adam Hansen, SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Chester Wheeler, SIU Representative Kathy Chester, AMO National Executive Board member Capt. Dan Shea, Chief Mate Chris Sharik, 1st Assistant Engineer (and SIU hawsepiper) Fred Reyes and Port Engineer Dave Coleman. Also contributing to the day’s success were SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and Katherine Glenn, secretary at the Oakland hall. SIU of Canada Reports Major Horizon Falcon Receives Organizing Victory at McKeil Additional Recognition The SIU of Canada recently reported that the Canadian Industrial Relations Board has granted union certification to employees on the McKeil vessel Kathryn Spirit. In the March edition of its newspaper, The Canadian Sailor, the SIU of Canada noted, “After a successful organizing drive, which saw the majority of employees sign SIU pledge cards, negotiations for a first collective agreement are set to begin. With word of the unionization of the McKeil vessel Kathryn Spirit spreading among employees, the SIU has received numerous calls from McKeil crews employed on tugs and barges. “These employees are very interested in hearing how joining the SIU can benefit them as seafarers. It seems the ice has been broken with the Kathryn Spirit and McKeil employees are now prepared to join the SIU and be represented by Canada’s largest and strongest maritime union. “SIU organizers will be contacting all employees working for McKeil over the next month and we urge you to follow suit with your fellow seafarers on the Kathryn Spirit and join the ranks of the Seafarers International Union of Canada. Together we are stronger.” In that same issue, SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz reported that another company, Great Lakes Feeder Lines, is now under contract with the union. The company “operates modern multi-purpose vessels crewed by the SIU under the Canadian flag.” SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz Share your ideas for news and feature items for publication in the Seafarers LOG by calling (301) 899-0675. Simply ask the operator for the Communications Department. Emailed items may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org May 2008 The Horizon Falcon and Horizon Lines last month were honored for a rescue involving the SIU-crewed ship that took place last summer. The company, ship and crew on April 2 received the AMVERAssisted Rescue at Sea Award “for the extraordinary courage and seamanship of the Horizon Falcon crew,” according to Horizon Lines. AMVER Program Director Captain Christopher Hall presented the award to Horizon Falcon Captain Tom McDorr at the 2008 Lloyd’s List London Awards. McDorr and the crew of the Horizon Falcon, one of the vessels in the Horizon Lines fleet, courageously assisted in the rescue of Chinese crew members of the Panamanian–flagged ship Hai Tong No. 7 after it sank in typhoon-heavy seas 300 nautical miles northwest of Guam last July. More than 450 guests from the international maritime community attended the London dinner. Kyle Hurst, Market Manager of Inmarsat, a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, sponsored the AMVER award. The keynote speaker was former UK Shipping Minister Stephen Ladyman, who stressed the importance of public awareness of the maritime industry. “We are honored by this prestigious award and grateful to Captain McDorr and the crew of the Horizon Falcon for their efforts. They responded immediately to U.S. Coast Guard’s distress call and displayed incredible bravery during the rescue,” said Don Watters, Horizon Lines senior superintendent OTS – fleet operations. The Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER), sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. Horizon Lines has participated in AMVER since the rescue system’s establishment in 1958, and all 21 of the company’s vessels are enrolled. Earlier this year, crew members and officers from the Horizon Falcon received the American Merchant Marine Seamanship trophy, sponsored by the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. SIU members sailing aboard the Horizon Falcon during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Steven Bush, ABs Ahmed Almuflihi, John Dacuag, Jennifer Souci, Stanley Parker, Jack Kem, Earl Sparkes and Jerry Gonzaga, Electrician Ursel Barber, QMEDs Husain Ali and Gustavo Osorio, Recertified Steward Philip Lau and SA Milagros Clark. Seafarers LOG 9 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 10 In And Around The Port of Fort Lauderdale As is the case with all SIU ports, a flurry of activity involving rank-and-file members and union-crewed vessels takes place on a daily basis in the Port of Fort Lauderdale. The photos on this page captured some of those occurrences. They were taken and submitted for publication the the LOG by Ft. Lauderdale Safety Director Kevin Marchand. A number of SIU members and guests recently visited the Ft. Lauderdale union hall for various job-related matters. Included were (clockwise from left) Bosun Moise Ramos, SA Fernando Domenicale and others; the Beckford Brothers (Sammy is above center and Alecy is at right. The third brother at left is not yet an SIU member); AB Edward Sosa and friends surf the web while GUDE Jhon Moreno, former SIU official Jack John and Steward Matry Buck meet for a chat. The Penn tug Tersea is tied up in Port Everglades, Fla. between jobs. Taking advantage of the downtime to pose for a photo are crew members AB Paul Starvish, AB Frank Mahr and Mate Edward Whitfield (right). Port Agent Kenny Moore (left in photo at left), USS Transport Asst. Personnel Manager Lynette Pagean, USST Personnel Manager Jack Kraft and Safety Director Kevin Marchand join for a photo following a recent business meeting while AB Dionsino Batiz takes his oath (photo at right) after receiving his A Book from Port Agent Moore. In photos below and left, union members await their respective opportunities to sign in at a monthly union meeting. Port Agent Moore (seated in photo below, right) completes some paperwork while members sign in. AB Charles Bigham (inset in photo at left) makes repairs and adjustments on equipment aboard the OSG tug Navigator while the vessel is conducting off-loading operations in Port Everglades. In photo at right, crew members from the Seabulk Trader take a pause from their duties to pose for this photo. Pictured are AB Melvin Smalls, QE Eron Hall, Recertified Bosun Bob Coleman, Chief Cook David Coggio and Pumpman Donald McBride. 10 Seafarers LOG May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 11 At Sea And Ashore With the SIU OPERATION DEEP FREEZE – The April LOG featured detailed coverage of Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply mission to Antarctica. Here are two more photos from the USNS Lawrence Gianella, one of two SIU-crewed ships involved in the mission. Above (from left), AB James Hall, Third Mate Tim Beaugard and QMED Jimmy Summers all are graduates of the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program (classes 611, 614 and 616, respectively). Below, AB Stag Rye presents the ship’s mascot with his book. No word on whether the bird is current on its dues. NEWS FROM THE USNS ALGOL – Following a recent mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Captain Mike Ryan (above, left) presents QMED Jerome Culbreth with a Maersk Line, Limited safety award for his efforts in extinguishing a feed pump fire. Culbreth, FOWT Junius Williams and 2AE Steve Converse together put out the fire “expeditiously,” the captain noted. The latter two mariners also received safety awards but weren’t present for the photo opportunity. HELPING OTHERS IN PORT ARTHUR – These photos show the new seamen’s center in Port Arthur, Texas (photo directly above), and the Savannah House (inset above, right), a home for seniors, also in Port Arthur. The seamen’s center, with key support from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), is scheduled to open this spring. It is on the same site and is a replica of the railway station that once occupied the space. The Savannah House has 20 apartments, 10 of which are designated for retired mariners. Father Sinclair Oubre (left inset above and right in inset above, with ITF Inspector Shwe Aung) is a vital supporter of both facilities. In addition to sailing with the SIU, Fr. Oubre is president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States. KUDOS ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Captain Mike Ryan (sixth from left, partially crouching) called the mariners aboard the USNS Algol “the best SIU crew that I have ever sailed with.” Those Seafarers recently received the U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal from the Maritime Administration for their work in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ryan, a former Seafarer and graduate of the Paul Hall Center trainee program, noted, “It was a difficult, high-paced trip with no port time. Everyone acted very professionally. It did not take long for all to join the safety culture that Maersk (the vessel operator) nurtures on board its vessels.” Pictured from left to right aboard the Algol are Badilini Abdallah, Daryl Thomas, Jerome Culbreth, Charles Frisella, Ricardo Alonso, Ryan, Mariano Martinez, Luis Nunez, Byran Fletcher, Paul Riley, Manny Limon, Charles Palmer, Kenny Banks, Earl Kendrick, Chris Paul, Roberto Avila, Sabrina Long, Victor Martinez, Rene Turcios and Terrence Ford. SOLIDARITY IN HONOLULU – SIU members join the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council’s demonstration in support of workers at the Pacific Beach Hotel on April 3 in Honolulu. The workers had voted to join ILWU Local 142, but the employer has fought their free choice by firing rank-and-file union leadership and refusing to bargain with the union, among other ploys. As a result, the AFL-CIO endorsed a boycott of the hotel’s owner, HTH Corporation. The boycott is also being honored by the Japanese labor federation RENGO. Pictured from the left are SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz, QMED Dan Fowers, GUDE Anthony Kpodovia and GUDE Noel Wong. WELL-EARNED RECOGNITION FOR USNS LARAMIE, YUKON, GRASP – Members of the SIU Government Services Division earlier this year won the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s Food Service Excellence Award for exceptional efforts in food preparation. The annual award went to the fleet replenishment oilers USNS Laramie and USNS Yukon and the rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp. Some of the recipients are pictured above. An awards presentation was scheduled to take place last month in Denver. In announcing the award, MSC noted, “The exceptional efforts of MSC’s food service personnel are essential in keeping morale, health, and quality of life at peak levels for the more than 5,000 civil service mariners working around the world to ensure MSC’s mission success.” May 2008 Seafarers LOG 11 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 12 TWIC Enrollment Centers This is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-April, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http://www.tsa.gov/twic When visiting that site, there are different ways to access the most recently updated list of enrollment centers. There is a link near the top of the home page; there’s also one within the TWIC “FAQ.” As they become available, additional addresses will be published in the LOG and faxed to the union halls. The TSA is expected to announce the locations of more enrollment centers in the weeks and months ahead. Seafarers should note that while the LOG is publishing an updated list of enrollment centers each month, there are differences from issue to issue besides simply adding new addresses. A number of previously published addresses have been modified or replaced by the TSA, for example (everything from a different suite number in the same building to an outright new facility replacing a previously announced one). Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 Florida 955 Tallyrand Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32206-6049 707 Mullet Road Suites 117/118 Port Canaveral, FL 32920-4519 975 North America Way Miami, FL 33132-2004 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Road Dania Beach, FL 33004-2810 Habana Plaza (Rear) 3125 Riviera Dr Key West, FL 33040 Suite 303 2051 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Suites 119, 120 5323 W. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Country Inn and Suites 211 Gateway Center Blvd. Brunswick, GA 31525 Alaska Suite 102 3200 Hospital Drive Juneau, AK 99801 619 E Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 California Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Road Oakland, CA 94607-1010 1830 Embarcadero Avenue Suite 104 Oakland, CA 94606-5230 301 E. Ocean Boulevard Suite 500 Long Beach, CA 90802 1931 N. Gaffey Street Suite B San Pedro, CA 90731-1265 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 2970 Kele Street Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois Dixon Building Suite 206 8741 South Greenwood Chicago, IL 60619 Suite 300 13201 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94806 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 Suite 103 1025 W Laurel St. San Diego, CA 92101 Hampton Inn 11 Winners Way East Peoria, IL 61611 2000 Marina Vista Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 Suite 153 1635 W. First Street Granite City, IL 62040 Residence Inn - River Ridge 2101 W. Vineyard Ave. Oxnard, CA 93036 Connecticut 75 Crystal Ave. New London, CT 06320 12 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 Seafarers LOG Indiana 200 Russell Street Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 3602 Northgate Court Suite 37C New Albany, IN 47150-6417 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 East James Drive Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 Maine 236 Oxford Street, Suite 12 Portland, ME 04101-3070 163 Hildreth Street North Bangor, ME 04401 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 Suite 204C 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 Suite 2106 3225 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602 Massachusetts 28 Damrell St., Suite 104 Boston, MA 02127-2775 300 Tremont Street Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 Michigan Delray Mechanical 667 S. Post Street Detroit, MI 48209-3053 800 East Ellis Road Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 511 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1960 863 North Pine Road Essexville, MI 48732 430 S. Water Street Marine City, MI 48039 AmericInn of Silver City 120 Lincoln Ave. Ontonagon, MI 49953 Mariners Need TWIC The following information, available on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) web site, covers the steps necessary to acquire a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This information has been sent to all SIU halls and has been published in the last few editions of the Seafarers LOG. The deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain a TWIC is Sept. 25, 2008. Therefore, the union urges Seafarers to apply for the new card, which eventually will be required of all U.S. mariners who need unescorted access to secure areas of U.S. ports and vessels. The requirement comes from a federal law called the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Seafarers should check with their port agents and/or utilize the TSA contact information that follows for the latest information on the TWIC program, including the “TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan,” which is a list of cities where TWIC enrollment centers are or will be located. Updates also periodically appear on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org, normally in the “Heard at Headquarters” section). Seafarers are advised that although pre-enrollment for the TWIC is optional, both the agency and the first individual SIU members who have applied for the card strongly recommend it. According to a recent report from the Department of Homeland Security, as of April 17: ■ 93 TWIC enrollment centers were operational ■ More than 64,000 TWIC cards had been activated ■ More than 230,000 individuals had enrolled for a TWIC The TSA TWIC web site now includes a link where individuals may check the status of their card and/or schedule a time to pick it up. FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) By email: credentialing@dhs.gov STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ■ Pre-Enroll This can save time at the enrollment center itself. To pre-enroll, individuals must first register for an ID starting at https://twicprogram.tsa.dhs.gov/TWICWebApp/ 396 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 of do ed TS as tim ap m vid tia wh ho TW oc TW Suite 105 1020 Hastings Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Minnesota Suite 104 2161 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth, MN 55802 Holiday Inn 1500 Hwy 71 International Falls, MN 56649 Th for (Continued on next page) May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 13 TWIC Enrollment Centers (Continued from Page 12) 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 Minnesota Room B006 34 13th Ave., NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 Suite D 1223 30th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501 New Hampshire 30 Mirona Road Portsmouth, NH 03801 New Jersey Northern New Jersey 89 Leuning Street, Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 IC by Sept. 25, 2008 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 Suite 9 2680 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 Applicants will need to supply basic information including their name, date of birth and country of birth. ■ Gather Documentation As part of the TWIC application process, individual applicants must supply documentation verifying their identity. A list of acceptable documents was printed on page 4 of the January edition of the Seafarers LOG and is available on the TSA’s TWIC web site. A valid merchant mariner document/z-card is acceptable, as is an unexpired passport. ■ Enroll Applicants may enroll at any of the agency’s enrollment centers, at which time they must pay the TWIC fee of $132.50 (or the reduced fee of $105.25, if applying for a TWIC that expires in conjunction with a merchant mariner document). Applicants will provide fingerprints and be photographed as well as provide personal information. ■ Pick up TWIC Applicants must return to the same enrollment center to pick up their credential. They will be notified by email or phone (as specified during enrollment) when the card is ready. The individual TWIC will be activated, and the cardholder will select a corresponding PIN number. Note: Seafarers are urged to check the expiration date on their individual TWIC before leaving the enrollment center. The union has been notified of occasional mistakes concerning the expiration dates. For instance, at least one TWIC was issued with a misprint indicating the card already had expired. The five photos in this spread show Seafarers and unlicensed apprentices enrolling for the TWIC last month in La Plata, Md. May 2008 North Carolina Suite 107 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 Ohio 3100 E45th Street Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 401 Broadway Avenue Suite D, Office B Lorain, OH 44052-0000 Suite 102 444 W. Perkins Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Oregon Suite 100 7025 N. Lombard St. Portland, OR 97203 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 701 North Point Drive Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Puerto Rico Primer Piso, Salon de Conferencias Ave. Santiago de los Caballeros, final Edifico Turismo, Playa Ponce, PR 00716 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 301 Highway 146 N. Texas City, TX 77590-6630 411 West Main Street Port LaVaca, TX 77979 Brazos Mall 100 Hwy 332 West Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Suite 103 6000 Broadway Galveston, TX 77551 621 W Main Street LaPorte, TX 77571 Virginia Suite F 814 Greenbrier Circle Chesapeake, VA 23320 Navy Frontier Base, Suite 1 408 Avenue Fernandez Juncos San Juan, PR 00908 Suite 300, Room 359 11815 Fountain Way Newport News, VA 23606 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 3200 West End Avenue Suite 510 Nashville, TN 37203-1330 Suite 427 5959 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5115 Interstate 10 South Beaumont, TX 77705 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77029-3003 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 8327 Summit Park Rd Ste. D Anacortes, WA 98221 Port of Everett Marina Marina Conference Center 404 14th Street Everett, WA 98201-1674 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd, Huntington WV 25702 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 Hotel Green Bay 780 Armed Forces Drive Green Bay, WI 54304 TWIC Briefing in J’Ville During the April membership meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., Don Mooers of the U.S. Coast Guard (standing in photo at left) discussed various credentialing requirements including the TWIC process. More than 100 Seafarers attended the meeting – some are pictured above. Seafarers LOG 13 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 14 Shipboard Memories from WWII Mariner Legere Like most young men during World War II, SIU member Joseph Legere wanted to serve his country. And, like many at his time, he chose to go to sea. The Second World War and the sea beckoned Legere at age 16 when he began his maritime training in St. Petersburg, Fla. Armed with his credentials as an oiler, Legere began his war service on the Liberty ship S.S. Carleton Ellis in January 1945, just months before the ending days of the last great Atlantic convoy push to help end Germany’s hold on Europe. On his first voyage Legere quickly learned to improvise, adapt and overcome. “The Ellis made a coastwise run to Corpus Christi, Texas, loaded with Navy special bunker C,” explained Legere about the fuel oil used at the time. “We would travel unescorted to New York and then connected with a convoy headed to the Mediterranean. Our job was to refuel Navy escort ships underway at sea. “We weren’t equipped to do that,” exclaimed Legere. “Liberty ships were designed to carry cargo, not fuel. The Ellis was fitted with tanks in its cargo holds with small hatches that protruded up deckside. The Navy put gun crews on board and supplied us with many lengths of quick-connect hoses. The bosun had to use deckhands to operate cargo winches to hoist hoses up and cargo booms to hoist the hoses over the side, keeping them out of the water. We had to improvise, but made it work. “The biggest problem,” said Legere, “was the faster Navy escorts had to slow down to our convoy speed and come alongside very close because our booms didn’t extend very far out. But, our guys did a good job and no escort ran out of Legere learned many lessons aboard the African Planet. fuel, nor did any of them come in contact with us. “We came close once, however. We usually refueled in the mornings when the seas were calmer. But, one afternoon, a destroyer came alongside. While our two ships were synchroniz- An early passport photo of Joseph Legere says he still misses going to sea. Joseph Legere ing speed, we’d send over a shot After the war Legere continued as a line and then they’d pull over a hawser and then lengths of hose were connected mariner and says he continued to grow in life. “At 18 I pulled picket duty for the for the ship-to-ship transfer. Everything union in Baltimore,” he explained. “I was going well and we were steadily learned a lot about unions and what we pumping. Then I noticed the destroyer were fighting for.” was falling behind and its stern was Legere commented that he also got moving very close to our stern. All of a an education as an oiler onboard the S.S. sudden I saw light gray smoke pouring African Planet. “I learned about differout of the destroyer’s two stacks and its ent people and cultures on our runs to bow surged up just like I’d seen on Africa and through the Suez Canal.” speed boats on lakes at home. It then Legere later went to work for the hauled out of there, taking hoses and Florida Power and Light Company but leaving our booms swinging and dancsaid all he wanted to do is return to the ing a jig all over the place with hoses sea. So, he shipped out of Baltimore on trailing in the sea gushing Bunker C. the S.S. Edith. Aboard the Edith, on his “Our bosun was shaking his fist at 25th birthday, he received a draft notice the destroyer and yelling ‘blessings’ from the Army to fight in the Korean aplenty, but could you really blame that Navy captain? The destroyer’s stern was War. After his induction he was sent to Germany. “I was there 15 months and loaded with depth charges and moving I’ve never been colder in my life.” in close to our 18-foot-diameter screw.” After his tour in the Army and after Legere explained that the Ellis contraveling around the world Legere came tinued most of it voyages unescorted, but the crew remained dedicated to duty to shore for the last time, working various jobs. Now 80 years old and living despite the dangers. “We were running with a full load unescorted to Liverpool, in Hendersonville, N.C., he says he’d still go back to sea if he could. “It’s England, where we found out the last where I grew up,” explained Legere. American cargo ship was sunk by a “It’s how I’ve been able to see the German submarine off the coast of world and meet so many interesting Rhode Island before the war ended,” he people. It’s how I got to know so many remembered. “The S.S. Black Point was running unescorted and lost 11 seafarers good people in the union. It really is a brotherhood – a brotherhood of the in the attack. The Navy later found the sea.” sub and sank it.” Former SIU Member’s Film Takes Look At Modern Day Piracy in Malacca Straits Former SIU member Michael Rawlins has produced a documentary about modern-day piracy titled “Porampo: Pirates of the Malacca Straits” that is available on DVD via the web site www.porampo.com. In the production, Rawlins travels throughout Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia seeking to contact sources that will lead him to a gang of porampo, the Indonesian word for pirate. Along the way he interviews police, fishing villagers and ship’s crews, all leading to an actual pirate raid attempt at night filmed in infrared light. Rawlins, who currently sails with the American Maritime Officers, describes the film as his personal calling. “At sea we would get these pyreps – piracy reports,” said Rawlins. “They were full of stories SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE about crew members who were robbed, beaten and killed in areas we went to. And, they’re expected to defend themselves with what, a charged fire hose versus an AK-47? So, I said, ‘Someone needs to look into this and it might as well be me.’” Rawlins sailed with the SIU from 1991-2000 and is a graduate of Paul Hall Center trainee class 465. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? To help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives the Seafarers LOG—as well as other important mail—monthly, correct home addresses must be on file with the union. Those who recently have moved or feel that they are not getting their union mail, should use the form at right to update their home addresses. An individual’s home address is his/her permanent address. Unless otherwise specified, this is where all official union documents will be sent. Individuals receiving more than one copy of the LOG, those who have changed their address and those whose names or addresses are misprinted or incomplete, should fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union, Address Correction Dept., 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Corrections via e-mail should be sent to kclements@seafarers.org 14 Seafarers LOG 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. 5/08 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 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 15 NOTICE Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea PBGC Verifies Compliance In NMU Pension Plan Merger As required by law, the Seafarers Pension Plan submitted mandatory documentation to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) concerning the merger of the National Maritime Union Pension Plan into the Seafarers Pension Plan. In correspondence dated April 9, 2008, the PBGC approved the documentation and verified that the merger complies with the appropriate federal requirements. Specifically, the merger complies with section 4231(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), as amended, and with 29 Code of Federation Regulations (CFR) Part 4231 (the PBGC’s regulation on mergers and transfers involving multiemployer plans). The PBGC’s chief insurance program officer noted, “On the basis of the material submitted, the PBGC has determined that the merger complies with the requirements of section 4231 of ERISA and 29 CFR 4231. Therefore, under section 4231(c) of ERISA, the merger is deemed not to constitute a violation of section 406(a) and (b)(2) of ERISA. Furthermore, in accordance with section 4231.8(f) of 29 CFR Part 4231, the PBGC waives the 120-day notice requirement as of the date of this letter.” A notice concerning the merger was mailed to NMU Pension Plan participants in December 2007 and also was published in the January 2008 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Personals John Carr is attempting to locate Tom Taylor who once shipped out of San Francisco. Taylor, as well as any other Seafarer who sailed with Carr, is asked to contact him at (410) 775-0580. Dorothy Byers is the widow of former Seafarer James “Jim” Byers. She would like for anyone who sailed with her husband from 1952-1976 to contact her at (425) 5305944. June & July 2008 Membership Meetings March 15, 2008 — April 15, 2008 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Joliet ........................................Thursday: June 12, July 17 Mobile...................................Wednesday: June 11, July 16 Port Piney Point...................................Monday: June 2, July 7 Algonac .........................................Friday: June 6, July 11 Baltimore...................................Thursday: June 5, July 10 Boston .............................................Friday: June 6, July 11 Guam .......................................Thursday: June 19, July 24 Honolulu.......................................Friday: June 13, July 18 Houston .......................................Monday: June 9, July 14 Jacksonville ...............................Thursday: June 5, July 10 New Orleans..............................Tuesday: June 10, July 15 New York ......................................Tuesday: June 3, July 8 Norfolk ......................................Thursday: June 5, July 10 Oakland ...................................Thursday: June 12, July 17 Philadelphia..............................Wednesday: June 4, July 9 Port Everglades .......................Thursday: June 12, July 17 San Juan ....................................Thursday: June 5, July 10 St. Louis .......................................Friday: June 13, July 18 Tacoma .........................................Friday: June 20, July 25 Wilmington......................................Monday: June 16, July 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. May 2008 Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 5 4 5 12 2 7 42 26 3 8 9 33 22 13 7 21 13 3 33 19 1 1 0 2 4 2 4 3 2 0 1 6 5 1 1 0 2 1 2 4 0 0 3 8 2 7 40 21 1 9 12 38 14 23 6 2 2 0 33 25 3 4 1 4 5 3 34 14 0 9 6 19 10 10 5 17 3 3 19 20 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 1 2 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 0 1 26 13 0 5 7 10 6 6 3 0 0 2 20 15 5 2 6 29 3 15 68 57 1 20 28 67 22 35 3 0 15 4 61 52 4 10 10 33 6 17 58 49 5 11 15 56 32 17 5 11 18 10 49 35 5 2 2 7 4 4 7 9 3 3 2 10 9 4 4 0 2 2 9 10 303 287 42 247 189 15 120 494 451 98 1 0 2 12 1 2 19 15 1 6 7 11 8 6 2 2 4 1 14 12 2 2 5 7 6 3 7 19 1 6 4 12 10 11 2 2 4 1 13 7 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 0 0 1 3 5 127 123 21 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs 3 0 6 18 3 8 39 34 2 8 15 48 14 23 4 2 7 1 37 31 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 4 5 2 4 13 13 1 6 3 13 9 7 1 1 2 0 10 9 0 2 0 4 3 3 4 9 1 5 2 5 10 3 1 1 1 3 11 4 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 3 0 2 7 10 1 1 2 1 4 0 0 0 3 0 8 3 1 0 0 18 0 12 24 22 0 9 12 26 10 12 3 2 6 1 29 23 2 2 7 13 5 4 24 34 2 8 6 21 15 16 6 2 9 3 23 12 1 0 0 3 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 8 5 3 1 0 0 2 4 8 103 72 10 45 210 214 42 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 1 4 4 10 22 24 1 2 5 28 4 20 1 1 2 4 15 21 2 2 1 3 1 0 7 8 1 3 2 5 9 3 3 1 2 0 7 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 170 63 6 0 0 0 5 3 7 27 16 2 5 3 21 2 20 1 1 2 1 15 15 2 0 0 4 2 4 2 4 0 1 0 5 5 1 1 1 1 1 6 7 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 13 6 0 0 1 8 2 6 0 0 1 0 8 4 2 0 1 11 6 22 33 33 0 5 5 40 12 31 2 4 4 3 26 38 1 2 1 9 4 6 16 15 1 8 4 14 16 6 3 1 3 2 10 8 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 1 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 2 146 47 11 54 278 130 17 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 2 8 3 0 0 3 12 0 5 0 1 0 0 4 1 3 2 4 4 1 3 20 21 0 6 9 28 17 15 2 8 1 0 18 18 1 0 1 5 0 13 8 17 0 2 2 11 10 12 0 18 1 0 4 12 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 1 7 0 5 0 0 1 0 4 3 2 1 0 3 2 3 11 10 0 5 2 17 7 8 1 4 0 0 8 4 0 0 0 5 1 1 4 4 0 0 3 1 2 5 1 32 0 0 0 2 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 5 10 9 0 0 3 13 0 7 0 1 0 0 6 3 5 6 4 10 4 11 37 34 1 8 12 61 26 27 3 8 4 0 32 30 9 0 1 15 2 25 12 26 2 3 3 22 32 20 1 4 3 2 17 21 Totals 39 180 117 26 88 61 0 58 323 220 639 653 186 522 396 97 229 1040 1118 377 Totals All Departments Seafarers LOG 15 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 Seafarers on MSC Missions Save Lives Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 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) 499-6600 USNS Seay, USNS Sacagawea Perform Rescues at Sea Seafarers on two U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships recently helped save a total of 14 lives during separate rescues. One rescue involved the USNS Seay, while the other included the USNS Sacagawea, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. On Feb. 9, the Seay (a large, mediumspeed, roll-on/roll off ship, abbreviated as LMSR) was notified by the Tarifa (Spain) Rescue Coordination Center that a small craft in their vicinity had issued a distress signal and needed assistance. With 12-foot seas and winds blowing up to 30 knots, the ship’s crew and officers began the search. Twelve minutes later, they spotted the 25-foot wooden fishing vessel and its four passengers – three adults and one child. For the next hour, the Seay maneuvered to shield the vessel from high winds until a rescue craft from the Tarifa Rescue Coordination Center arrived to pick up the fishing vessel’s passengers. “The crew performed flawlessly,” said Capt. Tom Madden, the ship’s master. “Seay succeeded in the tradition of the sea, aiding fellow seamen in distress.” The following day, the Seay arrived in port in Rota, Spain, to load helicopters and equipment used by the U.S. Army’s 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade in Afghanistan. The equipment is being redeployed to the United States. More recently, Seafarers aboard the dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea rescued 10 Iraqi citizens from a sinking 250-foot coastal tanker in the Central Arabian on Feb. 22. The Navy’s Bahrain-based maritime liaison office issued an alert that the North Korean-flagged vessel MV Nadi was sinking and that her crew needed assistance. The Nadi, which was actively flooding, had been operating without power for a week and its crew members were suffering from dehydration and exhaustion. The Sacagawea, which was conducting logistics operations in the area, arrived to help shortly after the distress call was issued. Aircraft from the USS Truman’s Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7 picked up the seamen and delivered them to the Sacagawea, where they were examined by medical officers. “Sacagawea’s crew provided shower facilities, laundered the rescued crew’s clothing and provided meals,” said Sacagawea master Capt. George McCarthy. “Many crew members also generously donated clothing, outerwear and shoes. MV Nadi’s captain thanked the Sacagawea’s crew for ‘giving us back our lives.’” The Iraqi mariners were transferred to the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary landing dock ship Cardigan Bay and then transferred to the Iraqi Navy for further transport to their country of origin. The Seafarers-crewed USNS Sacagawea (above) and USNS Seay (below) recently upheld the finest traditions of the “Brotherhood of the Sea,” mobilizing for separate rescue operations. PIC-FROM-THE PAST NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 The photo above, taken in 1956 and sent to the LOG by Brien McMahon of Memphis, Tenn., shows a portion of the U.S. Reserve Fleet tied up in the Hudson River at Stony Point which is located in Tompkins Cove, N.Y. Although no Seafarers are shown, the photo does capture more than a few Liberty Ships. Many Seafarers served on these types of vessels while delivering the goods overseas to troops during World War II. McMahon hopes that the photo brings back some memories to any former Seafarers out there that sailed on this class of vessel. Anyone wanting to share their memories may e-mail him at bmon108@aol.com. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 17 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. Welcome Ashore Brother John Alberti, 67, was born in New Jersey. He joined the union in 1961 while in the port of New York. Brother Alberti first shipped aboard the COE Victory. The engine department member enhanced his seafaring abilities often at the Piney Point school. Brother Alberti’s last vessel was the Elizabeth. He continues to live in New Jersey. Bluefield, W. Va., and shipped in the deck department. Brother Lewis most recently sailed aboard the Cape Island. He enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the SIU-affiliated school. Brother Lewis calls Belfair, Wash., home. DAVID CARPENTER CLAUDE LEYCOCK Brother David Carpenter, 65, became an SIU member in 1987. He initially sailed on the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Carpenter was born in California and worked in the deck department. He upgraded his skills on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Carpenter’s most recent voyage was aboard the Rhode Island. He makes his home in Mariposa, Calif. Brother Claude Leycock, 69, was born in the Virgin Islands. He began his seafaring career in 1976 in the port of New York. Brother Leycock’s first trip was on the Overseas Joyce. He worked in the deck department. Brother Leycock was last employed aboard the Indian Ocean. He settled in Arverne, N.Y. DEEP SEA JOHN ALBERTI LARRY CROES Brother Larry Croes, 59, signed on with the union in 1967. His earliest trip to sea was on the Overseas Progress, where he shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Croes is a native of Long Branch, N.J. His final voyage was aboard the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez. Brother Croes frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Seafarers-affiliated school. He is a resident of Mineral, Va. ERNEST GIBSON Brother Ernest Gibson, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1964 in the port of Houston. He originally shipped on a Hudson Waterways Corporation vessel. Brother Gibson was born in Livingston, Texas, and worked in the engine department. In 1997 and 2000, Brother Gibson attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Pride. Brother Gibson resides in Moscow, Texas. JAMES LEWIS Brother James Lewis, 62, first went to sea in 1966 on the Sea Georgia. He was born in May 2008 JOSEPH MELE Brother Joseph Mele, 56, joined the union in 1969 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He initially shipped on the Longview Victory. Brother Mele was a member of the deck department. He was born in New Jersey. Brother Mele upgraded often at the Piney Point school. His final trip to sea was aboard the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Mele lives in Santurce, P.R. FRANCISCO MONSIBAIS JR Brother Francisco Monsibais Jr., 72, signed on with the SIU in 1962. He originally sailed with Consolidated Mariners Inc. as a member of the steward department. Brother Monsibais was a frequent upgrader at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. He continues to reside in his native state of Texas. JAMES ROBERTS Brother James Roberts, 67, joined the SIU in 1959 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The Florida native worked in the engine department. Brother Roberts’ first ship was the Monarch of the Sea; his last was the El Yunque. In 2001 and 2004, he took classes at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Roberts makes his home in Jacksonville. GREAT LAKES JOHN CHURCH Brother John Church, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1969. He was originally employed with Bob-Lo Island. Brother Church was born in North Carolina and shipped in the deck department. His most recent trip to sea was on the St. Clair. Brother Church visited the Piney Point school in 2002 to upgrade his skills. He is a resident of Lenoir, N.C. JOHN CLARK JR. Brother John Clark Jr., 58, joined the union in 1971. His earliest trip to sea was aboard a Great Lakes Associates vessel. Brother Clark was born in Minnesota. He last worked in the deck department of the Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Clark calls Duluth, Minn., home. Reprinted from Seafarers Log. past ANTHONY KOWALSKI Brother Anthony Kowalski, 62, joined the union in 1970 in Detroit. He mainly shipped on vessels operated by American Steamship Company such as the Ben Calvin and the Sam Laud. Brother Kowalski was a member of the deck department. He enhanced his seafaring abilities in 2002 at the SIU-affiliated school. Brother Kowalski continues to live in his native state of Michigan. JERRY NOWAK Brother Jerry Nowak, 60, was born in Neillsville, Wis. He became an SIU member in 1967. Brother Nowak first sailed on the American Sea Ocean. In 2003, he attended classes at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Before his retirement, Brother Nowak last shipped aboard the John Boland. He resides in Lafollette, Tenn. issues of the 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. 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. JUAN MAMARIL Brother Juan Mamaril, 65, joined the NMU in 1991. His first voyage was on the Green Wave. Brother Mamaril was born in the Philippines and worked as a member of the steward department. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Edmont. EDWARD PERRY Brother Edward Perry, 66, became an NMU member in 1980 initially shipping from the port of Philadelphia. The steward department member’s first ship was the Texaco New York; his last was the Sea Isle City. Brother Perry was born in Trinidad, W.I. industry-wide plan that guarantees all Seafarers two weeks of paid leave for each 12 months of service. The agreement will assure Seafarers the opportunity to collect their vacations on the basis of the time worked regardless of how many companies they are employed by throughout the year. 1963 The SIU-manned New Yorker was on a regular run to San Juan when it came across a floundering sailboat piled with 24 men, women and children, all refugees from Cuba. Crew members quickly went aft and got a line to the small boat to pull it amidships. A pilot ladder and safety line were then dropped to the refugees. All passengers were safely brought on board; were treated for minor injuries; and were fed, clothed and escorted to San Juan where they were turned over to a Cuban refugee relief organization. This Month In SIU His tor y 1950 The resourcefulness of SIU crew members aboard the SS Puerto Rico helped save the life of a passenger stricken at sea with acute appendicitis. Four hundred miles into a voyage from New York to San Juan, it was deemed a passenger needed emergency surgery, but the SS Puerto Rico’s medical department did not have the surgical instruments or operating facilities to conduct the procedure. That’s when the crew swung into action, fashioning an operating room on board and contacting the Coast Guard which in turn air-dropped the necessary equipment. The ship’s surgeon conducted the operation and the passenger lived to tell a lifelong tale that was no sea story. 1951 Another precedent was established in maritime when the SIU’s Atlantic and Gulf District won from a majority of its contracted operators an agreement to a revolutionary, 1982 The SIU-contracted Crescent Towing and Salvage Co. of New Orleans recently christened a completely rebuilt and refurbished 4,000 hp tugboat, the John G. Amato. The 112-foot by 26.5-foot wide repowered tug brings the Crescent Towing fleet up to 24 boats. The John G. Amato is capable of moving large ocean-going vessels when the Mississippi River at the port is dredged to a 55-foot depth. She was originally built for the U.S. Coast Guard and named the Ojibway, and was decommissioned in October 1981. Seafarers LOG 17 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:19 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA pension in 2004 and resided in Seattle. HOWARD ALBERSON Pensioner Howard Alberson, 65, passed away Dec. 23. Brother Alberson joined the union in 1961. He originally worked with CSX Lines aboard the Fairland. Brother Alberson was born in New York and shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was on the Long Lines. In 1997, Brother Alberson started collecting his retirement compensation. He resided in Sahuarita, Ariz. ROBERT ALEXANDER Brother Robert Alexander, 71, died Aug. 2. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 from the port of New York. Brother Alexander initially shipped aboard the USNS Bold. He was born in Bronx, N.Y., and worked in the deck department. Brother Alexander’s last trip to sea was on the Equality State. He was a resident of Nyack, N.Y. WILLIAM GUERNSEY Pensioner William Guernsey, 81, passed away Nov. 4. Brother Guernsey joined the union in 1948 in New York. He initially shipped aboard the Yorkmar as a member of the deck department. Brother Guernsey was born in Michigan. His final trip to sea was on the Edward A. Carter Jr. Brother Guernsey settled in Canada and began receiving his retirement compensation in 1991. IVAN INGRAM Brother Ivan Ingram, 53, died Oct. 13. He joined the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Ingram’s first voyage was aboard the USNS Worthy. He was born in Memphis, Tenn., and sailed in the deck department. Brother Ingram was last employed on the Constellation. He made his home in Mentone, Calif. LAURO CLARK Brother Lauro Clark, 61, passed away Oct. 25. He donned the SIU colors in 1988. Brother Clark first sailed on the USNS Harkness; his last vessel was the USNS Chesapeake. He was born in Alabama and worked in the deck department. Brother Clark lived in Berkeley, Calif. CLARENCE DAWSON Pensioner Clarence Dawson, 86, died Dec. 4. Brother Dawson was born in Chicago. He launched his career with the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1961 while in the port of San Francisco. Brother Dawson became a pensioner in 1979 and made his home in Queens Village, N.Y. MICHAEL DELANY Pensioner Michael Delany, 68, passed away Dec. 31. Brother Delany joined the SIU in 1962. He originally shipped aboard the Antinous as a member of the deck department. Brother Delany was born in New York but called Tampa, Fla., home. Before retiring in 1998, he sailed on the Performance. CHARLES GOOCH Pensioner Charles Gooch, 72, died Nov. 29. Brother Gooch became an SIU member in 1978. His first voyage was aboard the Delta Peru. Brother Gooch was born in the Philippines. The steward department member most recently worked on the Horizon Tacoma. Brother Gooch went on 18 Seafarers LOG DEMTRIOS KYRIAKOS Pensioner Demtrios Kyriakos, 77, died Dec. 8. Brother Kyriakos donned the SIU colors in 1951 while in the port of New York. He originally shipped aboard a Mayflower Steamship Corporation vessel. Brother Kyriakos was born in Greece. The deck department member most recently sailed on the Nuevo San Juan. Brother Kyriakos retired in 1991 and lived in New Orleans. TIMOTHY LOGAN Brother Timothy Logan, 51, passed away Dec. 13. He became a Seafarer in 1998 while in the port of Baltimore. Brother Logan was born in Darby, Pa., and worked in the engine department. He initially shipped aboard a Crowley Liner Services vessel. Brother Logan last sailed on the USNS Altair. He was a resident of Atlantic City, N.J. LLOYD MARSH Brother Lloyd Marsh, 64, died Nov. 19. He was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Marsh launched his SIU career in 1971 in the port of Detroit. He first sailed in the engine department of an American Steamship Company vessel. Brother Marsh most recently worked aboard the USNS Watkins. He resided in Onaway, Mich. ROBERT O’ROURKE Pensioner Robert O’Rourke, 78, passed away Nov. 21. Brother O’Rourke began shipping with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. The deck department member was born in California. Brother O’Rourke originally sailed on a Waterman Steamship vessel. His final trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Valdez. Brother O’Rourke became a pensioner in 1996 and settled in Salem, Ore. WILLIAM ROCHE Pensioner William Roche, 84, died Oct. 10. Brother Roche joined the union in 1949 while in the port of New York. His first voyage was on the Cape Saunders. Brother Roche was born in Newfoundland, Canada. He last worked aboard the Horizon Mayaguez. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Roche retired in 1983. He called Mobile, Ala., home. LUIS SANTIAGO Pensioner Luis Santiago, 70, passed away Nov. 25. Brother Santiago became an SIU member in 1956, initially sailing on the Del Sud. The Puerto Rican-born mariner shipped in the engine department. Brother Santiago most recently worked aboard the Horizon Producer. He went on pension in 2005 and continued to live in Puerto Rico. Williams donned the SIU colors in 1968. His first ship was the Steel Navigator; his last the Overseas Alice. Brother Williams was born in Virginia and sailed in the engine department. He retired in 2002. Brother Williams called Brooklyn, N.Y., home. THEODORE WILLIAMS Pensioner Theodore Williams, 77, died Dec. 6. Brother Williams became a Seafarer in 1959. He was originally employed aboard the Seagarden. Brother Williams sailed in the deck department. His final trip to sea was on the Patriot. Brother Williams went on pension in 1992 and lived in Silver Springs, Nev. SHINICHI YOICHI Pensioner Shinichi Yoichi, 74, passed away Nov. 18. Brother Yoichi joined the union in 1971. He first sailed aboard the Overseas Ulla. He was born in the Philippines and worked as a member of the deck department. Before his retirement in 2005, Brother Yoichi shipped on the Falcon Lady. He resided in Portland, Ore. INLAND KWAN SIU Pensioner Kwan Siu, 70, died Dec. 29. Brother Siu was born in China. He started his seafaring profession in 1974 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Siu’s earliest trip to sea was on the Santa Mercedes. He worked in the steward department. Brother Siu’s final journey was aboard the Oakland. He went on pension in 2000 and made his home in San Francisco. JAMES TUTWILER Pensioner James Tutwiler, 79, died Dec. 10. Brother Tutwiler joined the union in 1944. Among others, he sailed on vessels operated by Waterman, Alcoa, Calmar Steamship, and A.H. Bull Line. He was born in Asheville, N.C., and shipped in the deck department. Brother Tutwiler most recently worked on the Liberty Sun. He became a pensioner in 1988. Brother Tutwiler was a resident of Shrewsbury, Pa. GEORGE WILLIAMS Pensioner George Williams, 70, passed away Oct. 5. Brother TERRY LAPCZYNSKI Brother Terry Lapczynski, 49, died Oct. 8. He joined the union in 1977 while in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother Lapczynski’s first ship was the Steel T. Crapo; his last the Paul H. Townsend. He was born in Michigan and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Lapczynski resided in Alpena, Mich. JAMES MCHARG Pensioner James McHarg, 84, passed away Dec. 16. Brother McHarg started his seafaring career in 1957 in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He mainly shipped with Inland Lakes Management Inc. His most recent trip took place on the Steel Crapo. Brother McHarg worked in the engine department. He retired in 1986 and lived in his native state of Michigan. JERRY BOYCE Pensioner Jerry Boyce, 71, died Nov. 19. Boatman Boyce initially sailed with the SIU in 1953 in the deep sea division. His first trip to sea was aboard the Southern States. Boatman Boyce was born in Virginia and worked in the engine department. He most recently shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. Boatman Boyce retired in 1998 and made his home in Wilmington, Calif. WILLIE SMITH Pensioner Willie Smith, 82, passed away Dec. 13. Brother Smith began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966. His original voyage was on the Vantage Progress. Brother Smith shipped as a member of the steward department. His last ship was the Stuyvesant. Brother Smith was born in Alabama but called Los Angeles home. He started collecting his pension in 1990. became an SIU member in 1966 while in Detroit. Brother Erickson’s earliest trip to sea was on the Reiss Brothers. The deck department member last worked aboard an Inland Lakes Management vessel. Brother Erickson began receiving his pension in 1996. He continued to call Michigan home. EMERITO RIVERA Pensioner Emerito Rivera, 71, passed away Oct. 5. Boatman Rivera donned the SIU colors in 1976. The Puerto Rico native primarily shipped on vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of San Juan. Boatman Rivera started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1998. He continued to live in Puerto Rico. WILLIAM STEVENS Pensioner William Stevens, 72, died Nov. 3. Boatman Stevens joined the Seafarers in 1962 while in Mobile, Ala. He originally worked with Dravo Basic Materials Company. Boatman Stevens was born in Mississippi. His final journey was aboard the Martin Marietta. Boatman Stevens was a resident of Franklin, La. He went on pension in 1997. GREAT LAKES ANTHONY ERICKSON Pensioner Anthony Erickson, 73, passed away Dec. 28. Brother Erickson was born in Alpena, Mich. He DAVID SAXON Brother David Saxon, 64, died Oct. 14. He began sailing with the SIU in 1990 while in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Saxon originally shipped in the deep sea division aboard the USNS Kane. He was born in Michigan and worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Saxon’s final voyage was on the American Mariner. ALVIN WOBSER Pensioner Alvin Wobser, 94, passed away Oct. 30. Brother Wobser was born in Venice, Ohio. He joined the SIU in 1960. Brother Wobser primarily sailed aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Company. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Wobser went on pension in 1978 and called Castalia, Ohio, 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 Age DOD Bozek, Edward Castro, John Ciula, Kenneth Dorcich, John Finn, Hilka Henry, George Jackson, Edgar Legore, Franklin Leonard, Robert Love, William Lovelle, Arthur Marshall, Byron Mathews, Joseph Mixon, Millard Nicholson, Lloyd Odegard, Richard Pechuekonis, Frank Ritchey, Donald Simpson, Claibon Templeton, James 80 88 60 84 86 80 88 74 81 84 86 89 96 83 86 69 80 80 76 82 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 7 Nov. 13 Nov. 11 Nov. 19 Nov. 4 Nov. 7 Nov. 30 Nov. 5 Nov. 24 Nov. 13 Nov. 8 Nov 1 Nov. 30 Nov. 14 Nov. 24 Nov. 18 Nov. 2 Nov. 24 May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings Aboard the ITB New York 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 TRADER (Intrepid Personnel & Provision), Feb. 28 – Chairman Raymond A. Tate, Secretary Josue L. Iglesia, Educational Director Troy D. Banks, Deck Delegate Francis C. Johnson, Engine Delegate Wilbert J. Miles, Steward Delegate Jimmy Cordova. Chairman announced payoff March 1 in Lake Charles, La. He explained that without the TWIC card you will not be able to sail after Sept. 25. It was suggested that members go online to preenroll. Secretary thanked all aboard vessel for their help straightening up before meals. Educational director advised crewmembers to take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $900 in the ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked the steward department for always preparing good food and keeping messhall clean. Next ports: Lake Charles, La., and Tampa, Fla. FREEPORT (USS Transport), Feb. 16 – Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Bruce D. Mesger, Educational Director Gerry Davis, Deck Delegate Ed Guerrero. Bosun led a discussion on the 401(k) plan and procedures for obtaining a TWIC card. Patrolman is expected to come aboard in Philadelphia. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to increase health benefits. Next ports: Philadelphia, Pa., Groton, Conn., Providence, R.I. HARRIETTE (Sealift Inc.), Feb. 24 – Chairman Sean M. Ryan, Secretary George Quinn, Deck Delegate Melecio A. Sison, Engine Delegate Spencer L. Reed, Steward Delegate Jabr A. Matari. Chairman reported that the vessel would be going to Tampa, Fla., shipyard for repair work and that payoff would take place on March 5. Secretary encouraged mariners to read the January Seafarers LOG to get information on TWIC. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New 401(k) plan was discussed. Crew asked for company to install juice machines in both messhalls. Vote of thanks to the galley gang. Next port: Houston. HORIZON EAGLE (Horizon Lines), April 9 – Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director John Conn, Deck Delegate Matthew J. Jenness, Engine Delegate Gebar Ogbe, Steward Delegate Mercurian Abuan. Chairman reported smooth voyage and said payoff is scheduled for April 10. He reminded crew to separate plastics and also asked them not to delete someone else’s files from the computer. Secretary thanked crew for cooperative efforts in keeping ship clean. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Piney Point. He May 2008 reminded everyone that mariner deadline for TWIC is Sept. 25. He noted the Seafarers 401(k) Plan is now available. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported need for heaters. Next port: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), March 23 – Chairman James K. Walker, Secretary Exxl C. Ronquillo, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Luis Roebuck, Engine Delegate Cleofe B. Castro. Bosun announced payoff March 23 and reminded crew to clean rooms before departing vessel. Secretary urged all members to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation) and upgrade whenever possible at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Educational director encouraged mariners to keep up-to-date on the latest TWIC information and get their cards ASAP. Treasurer reported $3,100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made for a new printer in crew lounge. Steward department was thanked for excellent meals. HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 24 – Chairman Mark S. Lance, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Michael W. Peck, Deck Delegate James E. Murphy. Chairman thanked members for a safe trip and informed them payoff would take place in Tacoma, Wash., on Feb. 29. He said results from the water testing had come back and the water was fine. Secretary reported they would no longer be ordering bottled water, however it will be available from the slop chest. Gym equipment to arrive in Oakland, Calif. Educational director advised Seafarers to apply for TWIC cards soon and informed them there is an office close to the Oakland terminal. Treasurer noted $500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to separate trash before taking it to the garbage room. Thanks given to steward department for their hard work during voyage. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash., and Oakland, Calif. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), March 26 – Chairman Amante Gumiran, Secretary K. Dougherty, Educational Director R. Frett, Deck Delegate L. Alvarez, Engine Delegate V. Sapp, Steward Delegate L. Griffin. It was reported that problem with room keys has been resolved. Also, satellite will be installed. Chairman said ship is due to arrive in Jacksonville, Fla., on March 28 and that payoff will take place at sea prior to arrival. He stated one crew member had a concern about noise but it will be addressed by port agent or patrolman. Educational director recommended upgrading at Paul Hall Center. He advised members to allow plenty of time for document renewal and noted predictions that The SIU-crewed ITB New York (above) performs a docking manuever in Port Everglades, Fla. Crew members (top inset, from left to right) Recertified Steward Milton Yournett, Recertified Bosun Calvin Miles, AB Victor Cooper and AB Jose Castillio pause from their duties for a group photo in the vessel galley while Pumpman Ronald Day (second inset) does the same on the vessel’s deck. ACU Alfrancis Bauzon (photo at left) checks to make sure that a deep fryer in the galley is in proper working order. the wait time for TWIC issuance will only become longer as the deadline approaches. Vessel has $985 in crew fund and $1,000 in satellite TV fund. No disputed OT reported. Crew discussed issues with long-term parking in Jacksonville and related transportation concerns. They requested water fountains/dispensers for the main deck and engine room. New dryer is on order. Crew requested new computer so they can check email. Crew thanked Unlicensed Apprentices McNeil and Boyd for job well done. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Elizabeth, N.J. HOUSTON (USCS Transport), March 5 – Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Engine Delegate Thaddeus L. Kilgore, Steward Delegate Marco Gueara. Chairman asked crew members to be conscience of their work and take care of ship’s equipment and tools. He reminded deck gang to be aware of line tension in port. Secretary expressed gratitude to fellow shipmates for helping keep pantry and messhall clean. He asked crew to clean lint filters on the dryer to prevent fires and so the dryer will work more efficiently. Steward expressed concern about food budget and noted costs are up, including higher delivery fees. Educational director urged members to keep all necessary seafaring documents current. He recommended pre-enrolling for TWIC card to save time and urged crew to check out upgrading opportunities at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mariners would like to look into getting a computer with e-mail access in the crew lounge. It was also reported that TV in crew lounge needed to be replaced. Thanks to steward department for a job well done. Next port: St. Charles, La. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line Limited), March 9 – Chairman James L. Joyce, Secretary Kristin L. Kruse. Chairman stressed the importance of applying for TWIC cards early and reminded crew that the dead line is September 25. He also encouraged everyone to donate to SPAD, which in turn helps defend Seafarers’ jobs. Secretary asked mariners to separate trash. Educational director urged crew to vote in the presidential election in November; ask for an absentee ballot if at sea. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation was made to lower out-of-pocket expenses for medical benefits. Clarification was requested on payment of transportation costs while going to and from doctors and/or dentists in the U.S. Seafarers would like new washers and dryers. Next port: New York. MAERSK NEVADA (Maersk Line Limited), March 2 – Chairman Scott E. Snodgrass, Secretary Franco A. Pizzuto, Educational Director Glenn A. Snow, Deck Delegate Mark Butler, Engine Delegate Edwin Feliciano, Steward Delegate Pedro R. Castillo. Chairman reported room inspections will take place on March 3. Reliefs will be given a ship tour March 8. Secretary thanked everybody for their cooperation during trip. Educational director stated bosun will post memo explaining how to apply for TWIC document. Beef reported in deck department; it will be discussed with patrolman in Houston. No disputed OT. Members were reminded that new contract went into effect January 26. They were also advised to check pay stubs before signing off. MAERSK RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Line Limited), March 7 – Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Army J. Leake, Educational Director Christopher J. Kirchhofer, Deck Delegate Morgan E. Piper, Engine Delegate Matthew D. Wright, Steward Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Chairman reported a smooth safe voyage and thanked all aboard vessel for their help making it that way. Educational director encouraged mariners to enhance their seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Osan, Korea. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk), March 28 – Chairman Juan Tizon Jr., Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Jonathan E. Driggers, Deck Delegate Cristopher Sanchez, Engine Delegate Majed O. Alsharif, Steward Delegate Manuel Daguio. Chairman noted vessel will discharge cargo in Port Angeles, Wash., and then proceed to Point Wells. He gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall clean. Educational director reminded everyone to check expiration dates on documents, renew early, and apply for TWIC. He encouraged upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Deck and steward delegates reported disputed OT. Crew reported new washer/dryer combo is needed. Next port: Anacortes, Wash. Seafarers LOG 19 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 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. Remembering Man’s Best Friend “Shadow” (pictured below), friend and companion for many years to the mariners at the Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center, passed away March 4, 2008, after a brief illness. She’ll be remembered for the love and happiness she brought to everyone. SARC Staff Valley Lee, Maryland in the NMU Pilot and wanted to share them with the membership and my fellow retirees. Here is one from 1986: The Bosun He threw the line Then snapped it tight And a bowline knot appeared His eyes shot sparks that didn’t burn And his smile looked like a sneer With a leap he landed far away (It was then I rubbed my eyes) And what I thought was just a man Had grown beyond that size I looked again, and he was gone To heights I dare not say For if I did who would believe me So let us leave it lay He painted the mast All by himself Before I could blink twice Then lowered his tools And followed them down And still his clothes looked nice He gathered us all Who’d seen him work And said while looking stern “If you should want this bosun’s job, Step up and take your turn.” Retired AB Harold Brown Orlando, Florida ‘World’s Best-Kept Secret’ Sharing Poems from the Past I recently came across a number of my old poems that were published years ago The U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II was the world’s best-kept secret. What most people didn’t know was that not one person was drafted into the ser- vice of the U.S. Merchant Marine. There were many who could not meet the physical requirements to enter the armed forces. There were many who were too young or too old for the military. Any of those mariners could have left the sea at any time to return home to the safe and good life instead of choosing to sail in the war zones for their country. Many people also don’t know that the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II lost more men, percentage-wise, as a result of enemy attacks than any of the armed services with the exception of the U.S. Marine Corps. The War Shipping Administration records substantiate 731 American merchant ships were sunk; more than 6,700 mariners died or went missing in action; and untold thousands were wounded or permanently crippled. More than 6,000 U.S. mariners were taken prisoner by the enemy. People also may not realize that the supposedly high pay merchant seamen received was prorated according to the type of cargo being carried and the degree of danger of the war zone they sailed in. Their pay stopped if their ship was sunk and didn’t resume until they signed aboard another vessel. Seamen also had to purchase their own clothing and supplies. When the war was over, mariners returned home without any of the benefits enjoyed by their counterparts from the armed services. It wasn’t until 1988 that the merchant marine became eligible for a limited amount of veterans’ benefits. But by that time, the average age of mariners who’d sailed during the war was such that the only viable benefit was the grave marker. A grief-stricken mother or wife who is heartbroken weeps just as hard over the death of their merchant marine son or husband as if he had been killed serving his country in one of the armed forces. Author Felix Riesenberg in his book “Sea War” writes, “Into the seaports came exhausted unnerved men, oilsmeared and half-naked. Many wore dirty bandages over horrible burns. All showed the strain of a wretched experience. But old men with a lifetime of sea service, together with teenage boys on their first trips, showed a common defiance…. Their answer to the stock reporter’s question was, ‘Hell yes, I’m shipping out again!’” Another writer described the merchant marine as the silent service during WWII, with no banner headlines of glorious victories, and no combat awards to speak of. But the lives of the GIs in the foxhole and the pilots in the cockpit depended on the food, equipment and munitions and gasoline the merchant marine carried through the submarineand raider-infested waters, he noted. U.S. Merchant Seamen were marked men in thankless jobs. But their heroic service contributed significantly to America’s victory at sea. General Douglas MacArthur said, “I hold no branch in higher esteem than the merchant marine services.” I spent three years in the merchant marine. I made 10 trips overseas. Three of the trips were on the tanker Lake Erie. We carried 130 octane gasoline to England. Do you know what it is to be hit by a torpedo? All hell breaks loose. Milam Herchek, age 83 Yoakum, Texas 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 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 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 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 of 2008. All programs are geared to improving 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 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW June 23 June 27 Fast Rescue Boat May 12 June 16 May 16 June 20 Government Vessels (Week 1) May 19 June 23 May 23 June 27 Medical Care Provider May 19 May 23 Tankerman Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) June 2 (must have basic fire fighting) June 13 Steward Upgrading Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Able Seaman May 26 June 20 Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began April 28. Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) June 16 June 20 21-Hour Bridge Resource Management (1,600 tons or less) (includes First Aid/CPR) (must have valid radar unlimited certificate) May 12 Celestial Navigation June 2 June 27 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 12 June 23 May 23 July 4 Radar June 2 June 13 Radar Renewal (one day) June 23 June 23 Bosun Recertification Course May 12 October 14 June 2 November 3 Steward Recertification Course July 14 Aug. 18 August 4 Sept. 8 May 16 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Online “Distance Learning” Courses Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) June 2 June 27 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops May 19 June 13 FOWT June 16 July 11 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Welding May 5 June 2 May 23 June 20 Safety Specialty Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) May 5 June 30 May 16 July 11 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW May 12 May 26 June 16 May 16 May 30 June 20 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No Important Notice To Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so that arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and fifty (150) 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 ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. U.S. Citizen: In addition to the foregoing courses, the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education currently is offering the following internet-based courses: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection, and Shipboard Water Sanitation. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application located on the bottom left portion of this page, and mail it to: Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via e-mail. They are therefore urged to provide their e-mail addresses in the space provided on the application. Applicants should also include the word “online” when listing the courses they wish to take. 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 ________________________________________________ May 2008 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. 5/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/28/2008 6:13 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Computer Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 700 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 700 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above in alphabetical order) were Stephen Amthauer, Dwayne Ahkvaluk, Joseph Bankhead, Virgil Beasley, Keithan Bland, Tyesha Boyd, Adam Brubeck-Galloway, Ashley Carmichael, Vanessa Catron, William Hood, Kenneth LeDeoux, Larry Locke Jr., Jasper McNeil, Mark Merenda, John Monaco, Jimmie Moore Jr., James Norman, Robert Orloff III, Thomas Quinlan Jr., Rondell Richardson, Enrique Rodriguez, Walker Rose, John Saling, and William Wickerd. (Note: Not all are pictured) Government Vessels – The above Phase III unlicensed apprentices on March 17 graduated from this course. Completing their respective requirements (in alphabetical order) were Robert Brackbill, Chad Bruch, Satchel Caffy, Jacqueline Calhoun, Kevin Copeland, Robert Day, Brooke English, Sean Fitzgerald, Jason Fountaine, Nicholas Gustafson, Ryan Kinser, Jose Layz, Demetrius Madison, Jonathan McNeil, Steven Pyle, Scott Rosseel, Patrick Shaw, Anthony Snoeyebos, Caleb Swanson and Jacob Zitnick. Stan Beck, their instructor, is not pictured. Radar Observer - The following individuals (above in alphabetical order) recently completed this five-day course: John Frey, Mark Kane, Keveon Kidd, Tyson Little, WIlliam Ray, Chris Vincenzo and Regina Ewing. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is at far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG Six students recently completed a series of computer training classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. After receiving their certificates for completion of their respective classes—which among others included Excel 2002 and Windows XP Operating System—they posed with their instructor Rick Prucha for these photos. Students completing the various courses were (photo above, from left) Christian Cordova, Doug Lowry, Travis Moody and Rodney Martin-Payne. Other graduates included Roger Dillinger Jr. (photo at left) and Paa Kwakye, who is pictured at right in the photograph below. Prucha is third from left in the photo above, right in the photo at left and left in the photo below. In addition to conducting classes in computer training, Prucha also teaches academic courses. Important Notice Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover—for whatever reason—that they cannot attend should inform the admissions department immediately so that arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Welding - The following individuals (in alphabetical order) graduated from this course March 21: Lawrence Cormier, Daniel Gaffney, Ted Gonzales, Nat Lamb and Dennis Rivard. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at far left. May 2008 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT – The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on March 21 completed this course: Heaven Bautista, Christopher Caporale, Christian Cordova, William Cotea, Dante DeMcCutac, Tyrone Ellis, Vincent Figuenick, Timothy Foster, Fred Green, Dwight Hunt, Tom Loughead, Billie Marshall, Wilbert Martinez, Travis Moody, Montree Nakwichet, Cameron Newberry Jeffrey Nicholson, Rodney Payne, Ronaldo Quinones, Enrique Velez, Martin Watson and Robbie Wills. Their instructor, Tim Achorn, is standing far left in the second row. Medical Care Provider – Ten individuals on March 28 completed this course. They were (above in alphabetical order) Jeffrey Fields, John Frey, Kevin Gailing, Adam Hansen, Kevin Johnson, Keyon Kidd, Joseph Krajnik, W. Tyson Little, Spencer Reed and Jome Zerna. Class instructor Mark Cates is standing at far left. Advanced Container Maintenance – The above upgraders on March 28 completed requirements for graduation from this course. Completing the course (in alphabetical order) were Wendell Brown, James Meyers, Sammy Montana, John Osburn and Franic Quebedeaux. Their instructor, Calvin Beale, is third from left. Basic Firefighting – The above upgraders on March 21 completed this course. Those graduating (in alphabetical order) were William Coronacion, Cirico Geonanga Jr., Emilio Gonzales, Russell Hayden, Matthew Hogan, Arnedo Paredes, Michael Proveaux, Roberto Silva, Neil Sullivan, Wilson Trayvilla and Tecumseh Williams. The class instructor, Mark Cates, is at far right. Machinist — Two individuals on April 4 completed this course. They are (above in alphabetical order) Michael Brown and Alfonzo Davis. Steve Harver, their instructor, is pictured at far left. Holiday Observance Everyone should be advised that SIU Headquarters in Camp Springs, Md., and all union hiring halls will be closed Monday, May 26 for the observance of Memorial Day. Unless an emergency arises, normal business hours will resume Tuesday, May 27. May 2008 Able Seaman – The upgraders in the photo above (in alphabetical order) on March 28 completed this course: Ali Ahmed, Adiener Alfaro, Paul Amato, Larry Bradley, Pedro DeJesus, Quince Harrington, Daniel Irizarry, Nick Johnston, Randolph Knipfer, James Knute, David McRoy Jr., Gil Quinones, Howard Randle, Pedro Rivers-Riestra, Iker Urruchi, Ryanne Wheeler and Benjamin Wright. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is second from left. Seafarers LOG 23 �47850_p01_24_x:January 08 4/27/2008 6:20 AM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 5 May 2008 TWIC Updates, Enrollment Centers & Much More - Pages 12-13 SA Sisto Arturo Deanda UA Chad Bruch grinds a padeye for welding. Working in the engine room QMED Al Hickman Phase II Aboard the Liberty Sun Segment of Apprentice Program May be Ultimate Hands-On Training Recertified Steward Joe Birke Editor’s note: Thanks to Unlicensed Apprentice Chad Bruch for supplying the photos accompanying this story. The photos were taken last fall and winter aboard the Liberty Sun during a voyage overseas. One of the most favorably reviewed components of the unlicensed apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is “Phase II,” a 90-day shipboard stint in which each trainee rotates through the three shipboard departments aboard a U.S.-flag vessel. AB E. Castro, UA Marcos Ramos (above) work on the deck of the Liberty Sun while at sea. The photo below was taken from aboard the vessel while she was docked in Haifa, Israel. Phase II provides both a true test and true taste of shipboard life. Graduates and Paul Hall Center instructors have pointed to Phase II as a big factor in boosting retention rates among unlicensed mariners. According to the latest statistics compiled by the school, more than 75 percent of students who graduate from the program still are sailing four years later – a significant improvement compared to the years before 1997, when the trainee program was restructured. A number of SIU-contracted companies participate in Phase II of the unlicensed apprentice program. They include: Sealift, Inc., 3PSC, Alaska Tanker Company, Allied Towing, AMSEA, American Steamship, Crowley, E-Ships, Hannah Marine, Horizon Lines, Interocean American Shipping, Keystone, Liberty Maritime, Maersk, NCL America, Ocean Ships, Overseas Shipholding Group and Pacific Gulf Marine. The overall program entirely consists of U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses, many of them blending classroom instruction with practical training. The first and third phases take place at the Paul Hall Center campus in Piney Point, Md. While the shipboard training has proven successful, Phase I, at the school itself, lays the foundation for becoming a mariner. This phase also lasts three months and includes the following training: vessel familiarization; STCW basic safety training (BST); basic fire fighting; first aid; water Sign near grain elevator at Gate 5 survival; vessel operations; and social responsibilities. During Phase III, students begin to specialize their training. Deck personnel head to courses titled (respectively) specially trained ordinary seaman and tankship familiarization/dangerous liquids, while engine department mariners enroll in the basic auxiliary plant operations class. Those who choose the steward department take four weeks of upgrader-level galley operations. Completion of Phase III is considered official graduation, but the school doesn’t abandon students after that point. What is considered Phase IV consists of an additional four months’ sea service, followed by the appropriate upgrading course (able seaman, for instance). For additional information about the program, call tollfree at 1-877-235-3275 or visit the Paul Hall Center section of the web site www.seafarers.org. AB Cliff Favorite (front) and GUDE Modesto Ordonez prepare to open hatches. � 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 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SECRETARY-TREASURER CARRIES SOLIDARITY MESSAGE TO MUA SIU’S HEINDEL ALSO EMPHASIZES GRASSROOTS POLITICAL ACTION TANKER OVERSEAS NEW YORK DELIVERED NY WATERWAY CREWS APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT SIU CREWS CONTRIBUTE TO MRAP MILESTONE MEMBERSHIP RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT MAJESTIC CRUISE BOAT EVACUATED BECAUSE OF ENGINE ROOM FIRE SIXTH T-AKE JOINS MSC FLEET, CIVMARS NET MORE JOBS U.S. NAVY’S MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND CHRISTENS USNS AMELIA EARHART DURING CEREMONY AT NASSCO SHIPYARD ITF, SINGAPORE UNION ASSIST STRANDED CREW STEELMAKER CALLS FOR MORE LAKES DREDGING SO NATION CAN REINVEST IN AMERICAN JOBS MARINE HIGHWAY INITIATIVE SHOWS WATERWAYS’ IMPORTANCE ALASKA TANKER COMPANY SAFELY REACHES MILESTONE SEAFARERS DEDICATION TO SAFETY LEAVES LASTING LEGACY SEAFARERS, OFFICERS, OFFICIALS PROMOTE MARITIME IN CALIF. SIU OF CANADA REPORTS MAJOR ORGANIZING VICTORY AT MCKEIL HORIZON FALCON RECEIVES ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION SHIPBOARD MEMORIES FROM WWII MARINER LEGERE FORMER SIU MEMBER’S FILM TAKES LOOK AT MODERN DAY PIRACY IN MALACCA STRAITS SEAFARERS ON MSC MISSIONS SAVE LIVES USNS SEAY, USNS SACAGAWEA PERFORM RESCUES AT SEA PHASE II ABOARD THE LIBERTY SUN 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 05/01/08 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. 70, No. 5 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/78fce78894b08b9921a4dfdae81936de.pdf 539e80f0754d0cca829d539d2e74349d PDF Text Text 48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:25 PM Page 1 Volume 70, Number 6 June 2008 Car Carrier Independence II Joins SIU-Contracted Fleet U.S. TRANSCOM Commander Cites Vessel’s Military Usefulness SIU members and officials took part in a naming ceremony May 8 in Baltimore, celebrating the addition of the Independence II to the Seafarers-contracted fleet. Altogether, hundreds of people were on hand to mark the occasion with the host and vessel operator, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier. Pictured clockwise from upper left are the ship; General Norton Schwartz (center), commander, U.S. Transportation Command, greeting Bosun Carl Pedersen as SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) looks on; (from left) SIU Patrolman Joe Baselice, SIU President Michael Sacco, AB ElSayed Mohamed, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel; and students from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center along with Gen. Schwartz, SIU officials and AMO President Tom Bethel (back row, center). Page 3. 3 Seafarers-Crewed Vessels Offload Marine Corps Cargo For Annual Military Exercise Three SIU-crewed ships recently helped with preparations for an annual military exercise overseas. The prepositioning vessels USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin as well as the Great Land each played a role in supporting American forces readying for “Cobra Gold” – a yearly drill designed to promote regional stability and security throughout Southeast Asia. At right, the Lopez conducts an at-sea offload of Marine Corps cargo May 2 off the coast of Thailand. Page 6. TWIC Updates/New Deadline Pages 2, 10 SHBP Scholarship Winners Pages 2, 7 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:37 PM Page 2 TWIC Deadline Changes to April ’09; Mariners Still Urged to Apply ASAP President’s Report Continuing Efforts to Enact EFCA Our union is fully on board with the “million-member mobilization,” a recently launched grassroots effort led by the AFL-CIO in support of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). In the weeks and months ahead, Seafarers will have a chance to place their signatures on postcards calling on the new U.S. president and Congress to enact the EFCA. Those signatures along with many others from fellow trade unionists and supporters will be delivered by the labor federation after the November elections. The cards themselves will be available soon at the union halls. Michael Sacco There’s a way to participate in the signature drive via the internet, too, at the following web address: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/efca_card_support As noted on the postcards, the EFCA will enable employees to form unions when a majority signs authorization cards. It will strengthen penalties for companies that coerce or intimidate workers trying to form unions and bargain. Also, it will establish mediation and binding arbitration when the employer and workers cannot agree on a first contract. The message to the new president and Congress reads as follows: “I urge you to enact the Employee Free Choice Act immediately. This crucial legislation will protect workers’ freedom to choose a union and bargain, without management intimidation. Allowing more workers to freely join unions and bargain with their employers will help rebuild the middle class by expanding health care, improving retirement security and raising the standard of living for America’s working families. My bargaining rights are worth working for and voting for!” That point about rebuilding the middle class is especially important and accurate. If you’re familiar with the labor movement’s history in this country, you may recall that the creation of the American middle class happened only after the passage of a law in 1935 (the National Labor Relations Act, also known as the Wagner Act) which protected the ability of workers to form unions and bargain collectively. Unfortunately, over time, those protections have been terribly eroded. We’ve reached the point where the system for forming and joining unions in this country is flat-out broken. As I’ve said before, this is old news to many who have participated in organizing campaigns in recent years, but many if not most Americans may not realize just how badly some workers are treated by management when they try to join a union. The AFL-CIO has documented a staggering number of cases in which employees suffer through nasty, long campaigns of company intimidation, surveillance, threats and even firings. Some who fight through it and actually manage to join a union have trouble securing a first contract because management stalls and stalls, with no repercussions. All because the employees try to exercise what is supposed to be their legal right to join a union. It’s time to stop those unjust actions from happening. It’s time to restore fairness to the process – time to once again give workers a genuine opportunity to decide for themselves when it comes to union representation. There is reason for optimism among those of us supporting the EFCA. The bill passed in the House of Representatives in 2007 and has bipartisan majority support in the Senate. Clearly, there is strong support for labor law reform in both the U.S. House and Senate. Yet it remains a battle. That’s ironic in many ways, because unions are associated with higher productivity, lower employee turnover, improved workplace communications and a better-trained work force. A recent compilation of more than 70 independent studies on unions and productivity supports those claims. So do the reallife experiences of rank-and-file union members across the country. The bottom line is that workers are supposed to have the right to bargain collectively for higher wages, better benefits and a better life for themselves and their families. With that in mind, the SIU joins with our fellow unions under the AFL-CIO umbrella and with the federation itself in pledging to fight to enact the Employee Free Choice Act until it becomes law. Volume 70, Number 6 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on May 2 announced that the deadline for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) compliance by mariners has been bumped back to April 15, 2009. Even though the compliance date has changed, Seafarers are encouraged to enroll for their TWIC well before the new April 15, 2009 date. The original deadline was Sept. 25, 2008. In announcing the change, the DHS reported, “The sevenmonth extension is a direct result of collaboration with port officials and industry, and realigns the enrollment period with the original intent of the TWIC final rule. TWIC was established in the Maritime Transportation Security Act and the SAFE Port Act to serve as an identification program for all Coast Guard credentialed mariners and personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas within a port.” Reacting to the announcement, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, stated, “The TWIC program is an essential component in protecting our nation from potential terror threats, and we must ensure that its implementation is conducted in the most efficient and effective manner. In light of the reported problems in the TWIC rollout thus far, I applaud the decision of DHS to extend the deadline for enrollment. When workers must pay to enroll in a program necessary for them to do their jobs and provide for their families, they have the right to expect reliable, efficient service with little to no interruption to their schedules. “It is my hope that this extended deadline will be supplemented by the provisions included in the Coast Guard Authorization Act to help improve the TWIC program. This legislation passed in the House by an overwhelming majority, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to quickly act on this legislation to enact these common-sense provisions into law.” Estimates vary on the number of workers who eventually will be required to carry a TWIC, but that figure generally is expected to top 1.2 million. At the time the DHS announced the extension, roughly 260,000 people had enrolled for the card, but fewer than 90,000 TWICs had actually been activated. At press time for this issue of the LOG, more than 100 TWIC “fixed enrollment cen- See Page 10 for a list of TWIC enrollment centers & additional information. ters” had opened, and dozens of mobile enrollment centers also had set up shop. Based on informal feedback from Seafarers and SIU officials who have applied for a TWIC, the experience is inconsistent. Some individuals reported a practically seamless process with minimal waiting times, while some said they eventually received their TWIC, but not before very long delays. Others had it worse, noting their cards weren’t available for pickup even after they received notification to go to a particular enrollment center and get the document. Partly with those experiences in mind, Seafarers again are encouraged to enroll for the TWIC as soon as possible. Committee Selects Seven Individuals To Receive 4-Year, $20K Scholarshps The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) for more than half a century has awarded scholarships to deserving Seafarers, their spouses and dependents. That tradition continued May 2 in Portland, Ore., when the SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee selected seven individuals—one active Seafarer and six dependents—as scholarship recipients for the upcoming school year. The recipients each will receive an award of $20,000 to pursue their educational goals at four-year institutions of higher learning of their respective choices. In total, the 2008 scholarship recipients will receive $140,000 from the SHBP. This year’s winners are: AB Peter R. Hokenson; Brittany Redding, daughter of Chief Steward Dennis Redding; Christopher Wozunk, son of FOWT John Wozunk; Benjamin Wilmoth, son of QE Wendell Wilmoth; Albert Balatico, son of AB Albert Balatico; Xiao Xiao Li, daughter of SA Meili Seegers; and Sidney Kirk, daughter of AB Robert Kirk. The scholarship recipients were selected by a panel of dis- tinguished professional educators: Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical University of Ohio; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gastavus Adolphus College; and Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired). See Page 7 for brief biographical backgrounds and educational goals on each of the above college-bound students. June 2008 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 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Associate Editor, Mark Bowman; Photographer, Mike Hickey; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2008 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The 2008 SHBP Scholarship Selection Committee on May 2 in Portland, Ore., selected seven individuals as recipients of $20,000 scholarships. Following the selections, they joined SIU Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (right in photo above) and SIU Deputy Plans Administrator Kitty Eno (left) for this photo. Committee members (from left) were Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical University of Ohio; Dr. Gayle Olson, University of New Orleans (retired); Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County Community College (retired); Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College; Dr. Henry Toutain, dean of students, Gastavus Adolphus College; and Dr. Charles Lyons, American Association of Colleges and Universities (retired). June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:41 PM SIU President Michael Sacco Page 3 Gen. Norton Schwartz, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command Susan Tellez, wife of SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left), served as the vessel’s sponsor. Pictured from left to right before the event are SIU VP Joseph Soresi, Patrolman Joe Baselice, AB El-Sayed Mohamed, Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and AB Tom Bray. Independence II Joins Seafarers Fleet Ceremony Highlights Industry’s Contribution to Defense Seafarers and SIU officials participated in a naming ceremony May 8 in Baltimore as the car carrier Independence II formally joined the union’s contracted fleet. SIU President Michael Sacco Raymond Ebeling President & CEO, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier OMU Rene Gil Jr. and General Norton Schwartz, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), were the featured speakers. Susan Tellez, wife of SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, served as the vessel’s sponsor. Raymond Ebeling, president and CEO of the ship’s operating company, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC), was the master of ceremonies. While the speakers had kind words for the vessel itself, most of their respective remarks focused on the overall role of the U.S. Merchant Marine in supporting America’s military. For instance, the Independence II, though privately operated, is part of a program called the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA). That program gives the Department of Defense access to commercial shipping and intermodal facilities during contingencies. Schwartz called the newly reflagged ship an important addition to the nation’s “arsenal of democracy.” He also described the U.S. Maritime Security Program (related to VISA) as “indispensible.” The TRANSCOM commander drew a parallel between a celebrated milestone for the U.S. and Allied forces in World War II (which occurred May 8, the day of the naming ceremony) and America’s current efforts in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom – efforts consistently supported by American mariners and U.S.-flag ships. He said that the Independence II can aid in those missions, and noted that if citizens from the World War II era saw the ship and the ceremony, “They would appreci- Independence II Oilers (from the left) Rene Gil Jr., Anthony Dellorusso, Jonathan Duncan and 1st Assistant Kevin O’Donnell June 2008 ate the significance and, more probably, they’d understand there is still work to be done…. ARC and others move America in the right direction.” Ebeling said his company “is very pleased to be able to continue expanding the U.S.-flag fleet.” He pointed out that Americanflag ships support our armed forces, citing recent deliveries of the relatively new mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles (MRAPs) as one example. Ebeling declared that privately owned U.S.-flag ships are “a solid investment” for the country and that depending on foreign-flag vessels “would be an unreliable option for the government.” He credited Sacco with promoting cooperative efforts throughout the industry and said that Mrs. Tellez’s sponsorship of the vessel would serve as “a continual reminder of the importance of the strong partnership with our friends in organized labor.” Sacco focused most of his comments on the strong performance and historic reliability of American mariners. “If you look at the makeup of American crews, I think five things really stand out,” he said. “First, they are reliable – the most reliable crews in the world. By any measure, whether the statistics come from MSC or MarAd or somewhere else, our crews are second-to-none when it comes to safe, on-time deliveries. “Second, they are well-trained. No disrespect to our foreign competition, but I’d stack the American seafarer against anyone in the world in terms of qualifications and training. “Third, they are patriotic,” he continued. “This has literally been Steward/Baker Robert Owens SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (right) chats with unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center prior to the naming ceremony. proven for centuries, dating back to Revolutionary times, and it’s certainly evident today in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. “Fourth, they are resilient. It takes a special person to make a living going to sea. It’s hard enough just to secure your documents and papers nowadays, to say nothing of the actual work aboard the ship. It involves sacrifice and dedication, and our people do it every day. “And fifth, they are politically active. I’m especially proud of the voluntary political donations and activities put forth by members of my union, the SIU. But that’s characteristic of American maritime labor as a whole. Rankand-file U.S. mariners understand that their political actions and political support help create and sustain programs like the MSP program. Their support helps make events like this one possible.” He added, “I would argue that now, more than any time since World War II, this country absolutely must maintain a viable supply of U.S. mariners. That’s part of the significance of this ceremony – new tonnage under the American flag helps maintain that manpower pool…. We need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine so that our armed forces have no doubt whatsoever that their ammunition and other supplies will be there, on time, every time, safely and securely delivered by fellow citizens who are more than willing to sail into harm’s way for them. “We need a strong U.S. Merchant Marine because it’s good business, it is good common sense and it has served America well since the very first days of our nation’s history.” Bosun Carl Pedersen noted that the SIU crew and licensed personnel from the American Maritime Officers climbed the gangway to the Independence II overseas – the reflagging took place in Germany. He said the vessel, built in 1994, “is all good. It’s a nice ship, but we’ve been doing a lot of work with everyday duties.” Pedersen said the ship’s regular run will include stops in Northern Europe and along the U.S. East Coast. The ship can sail at up to 18 knots and is 653 feet long. Bosun Carl Pedersen Seafarers LOG 3 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:53 PM Page 4 Hospital Ship Begins Mission USNS Mercy Starts 4-Month Humanitarian Deployment Members of the SIU Government Services Division joined with officers and military and medical personnel last month aboard the USNS Mercy as the hospital ship set sail on a four-month humanitarian mission. The Mercy departed San Diego May 1, signaling the start of “Pacific Partnership 2008” – a humanitarian and civic-assistance mission to the Republic of the Philippines, Vietnam, the Federated States of Micronesia, TimorLeste and Papua New Guinea. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), Pacific Partnership is a mission that will take medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and civic assistance to Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific to build on relationships that have been developed during previous similar missions, such as the 2004 tsunami relief efforts and the Mercy’s 2006 deployment. “Mercy is a fully operational, completely modern hospital that can go anywhere in the world, wherever and when- In this 2006 Navy file photo, an Australian Army Black Hawk helicopter from B Squadron 5th Aviation Regiment lands aboard the USNS Mercy. The Mercy was anchored off the Australian coast providing humanitarian, medical and civic assistance to Dili residents. Tugboats assigned to Naval Station Pearl Harbor assist the Seafarers-crewed MSC hospital ship USNS Mercy last month as the vessel maneuvers into Pearl Harbor. The ship was en route for a humanitarian mission to the Western Pacific and Southeast Asia supporting Pacific Partnership 2008. ever there is a need,” said the ship’s civil service master, Capt. Robert Wiley. “Every time we take this ship out, we get smarter about how to use it. We’ll be doing things this time that we didn’t even think were possible a few years ago.” Throughout the 2008 Pacific Partnership mission, the 894-foot-long Mercy will serve as a platform from which U.S. and foreign militaries and nongovernmental organizations will coordinate and carry out humanitarian and civic activities in each country. The mission will include personnel from MSC and other parts of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service. As the agency noted, civil service mariners (CIVMARS) embarked for the deployment are responsible for the Mercy’s navigation, propulsion and engineering services. Because of the Mercy’s size, it will not be able to pull pierside in any of the countries, so CIVMARS will also operate two 33-foot utility boats that will be used to ferry patients and mission personnel between ship and shore. The operation of these small boats, which can carry more than twice as many passengers as the Mercy’s two embarked helicopters, will greatly increase the number of people who will benefit from the mission, according to MSC. The USNS Mercy is one of two U.S. Navy hospital ships owned and operated by MSC. Last summer, the Mercy’s sister ship, the USNS Comfort (also crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division), deployed on a similar four-month humanitarian mission that treated more than 98,000 people in 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries. “We are very fortunate as a military and civilian staff and crew to be assisted in our mission by gracious host nations and significantly contributing partner nations,” said Command Master Chief Mike Smith. “It is with great pride that we set sail, knowing that we will not be going at this alone, through selfless acts of friendship and relationships forged during previous deployments.” Majestic May Sell Delta Queen Crew Member Voices Displeasure with Company Majestic America Line was back in the news last month, taking another swipe at the SIU even as one of its mariner employees told a reporter that he believes the company won’t listen to feedback from the crew. In separate news reports in early May, Ambassadors International, Majestic’s parent company, indicated it may sell some or all of Majestic America Line’s assets, possibly as soon as this year. Those assets include the riverboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, which had been crewed by SIU members prior to the vessels being sold in 2006. According to a report based on the parent company’s most recent earnings call, Joe Ueberroth, chairman, president and CEO of Ambassadors said new buyers would have a “fresh start” with the riverboats and “will not have the ire of the Seafarers International Union.” The latter comment apparently is in reference to unsubstantiated claims that the union helped block a waiver which would allow the Delta Queen to continue sailing next year. (The union issued a statement concerning this matter in December 2007.) Meanwhile, in an article in the Kentucky newspaper Ledger Independent, an engineer from the Delta Queen said it has been anything but smooth sailing from the crew’s perspective. “Everybody is unhappy with the company,” Robbie Taylor told the publication. “They mess up travel costs and don’t take care of things they say they will…. It’s a wild goose chase to find out who you can talk to, and when you do they don’t get it done…. Morale is low. Nobody cares and nobody wants to listen to what the crew has to say.” In the same article, Taylor contended that some crew members recently have been let go because of their earnings, to meet corporate cuts. Paul Hall Center’s Online Courses Receive High Marks The union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s web-based “distance learning” program for mariners is receiving high marks despite being a newcomer to the institution’s training curriculum. A long-planned program to benefit employees working under SIU agreements and the union’s contracted operating companies, the on-line training regiment in late March was launched by the center’s vocational staff which among others includes Dale M. Rausch. Besides being a full-time instructor, Rausch doubles as the center’s distance learning administrator. Currently, the program offers on-line courses in: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection; and Shipboard Water Sanitation. These initial courses are designed by Paul Hall Center instructors and tailored to address the annual refresher training of vessel safety management systems and prepare students for resident coursework at the center. Representatives from the center’s vocation staff are in ongoing consultations with operators to gain insights on and suggestions for other online courses. So far, according to Rausch five SIU members have enrolled for the web-based courses and a hefty percentage of the center’s instructors have actually taken and completed the courses. AB Edward Gavagan of Tampa, Fla., has completed two of the courses and is already registered for a third. “This program is still in the opening stages, but I can see it going [a long way] toward keeping us informed and upgraded in our work fields,” he said. A former member of the National Maritime Union, Gavagan has upgraded on several occasions while attending courses in-residence at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed aboard the SIU-contracted Delaware Trader, a Keystone vessel. Electrician James McEntire is another Seafarer who has taken advantage of the distance learning program. McEntire hails from Electrician James McEntire (left) goes online to at the union-affiliated Honolulu and is a former Army reserve offiPaul Hall Center for Maritime Education and Training to examine one cer. He joined the SIU in 2006 following a of the center’s distance learning courses. Providing guidance is tour in Iraq and is a graduate of the center’s Instructor Dale Rausch, who serves as the Piney Point, Md.-based unlicensed apprentice program. center’s distance learning administrator. McEntire is one of five “I think it’s a great program with a lot to Seafarers who have enrolled in the center’s web-based upgrading offer,” shared McEntire, who currently is courses. 4 Seafarers LOG upgrading at the center in FOWT. “I have taken a number of the on-line courses and found that the programs on which they are based are very user friendly. Although there are a few system issues to overcome, going on-line and taking the courses is still well worth a person’s time and energy. “I’m trying to get everyone that I know who sails to get involved in the distance learning program,” McEntire concluded. As previously reported in the LOG, the program came about following a recommendation of the center’s Deep Sea and Inland Advisory Board. It provides mariners the opportunity to receive recommended or required professional training while serving at sea aboard a vessel, while ashore at home, or during any other time when they are away from the ship. All that is required to take advantage of this offering is a personal computer, or laptop with internet capability. The training is designed to be self-paced. The courses are kept as brief as possible so that they can be completed within one or two sittings. A reasonable deadline has been established for overall course completion. “Distance learning is the wave of the future because it is convenient for students,” explained Rausch. He mentioned that those taking the courses can start coursework, walk away and resume use later. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application found on page 20 of this issue of the LOG and mail it to: Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via e-mail, so be sure to write your e-mail address on the form in the space provided. In addition, be sure to include the word “online” when listing the course(s) you desire on the application. June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 8:55 PM Page 5 The Swift (left in photo above), during a sea-basing exercise off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia, sits beside a floating platform ready to receive vehicles from its stern ramp. The Seafarers-contracted HSV Swift (photo at right) will be operated by Sealift, Inc. (U.S. Navy Photos) Seafarers to Sail on Aptly Named ‘Swift’ The Military Sealift Command (MSC) early last month announced that SIU-contracted Sealift, Inc. has been awarded a contract to operate the HSV Swift, a prepositioning ship. HSV stands for high-speed vessel – the Swift can sail at 42 knots. Sealift, based in Oyster Bay, N.Y., won a one-year contract that contains four options. If exercised, those options would total approximately four more years in addition to the original 12-month agreement. The Swift is 331 feet long and has a beam of 87 feet. According to MSC, the vessel has an 11-foot draft and a displacement of more than 1,400 short tons. SIU-Crewed Westward Venture Fires Warning Shots in Gulf For the second time in recent months, small boats approached an SIU-crewed, MSC-contracted vessel and received warning shots. The Westward Venture on April 24 was shipping cargo to Kuwait via the Persian Gulf when the ship attempted to make bridge-to-bridge contact to warn the fast boats they were too close. The Westward Venture then blew its whistle and fired flares before a Navy security team fired warning shots. The boats came as close as 100 yards. After the warning shots, bridgeto-bridge communication was established with someone claiming to be the Iranian coast guard. The boats then moved on. In late March, a similar incident took place involving the Global Patriot near the Suez Canal. In that case, warning shots were fired by military security personnel at small fast boats and one passenger was inadvertently killed. As noted in a news account of the Global Patriot episode, U.S. Navy ships “have been on high alert in the region since Iran captured 15 British sailors and marines in the Persian Gulf a year ago, holding them hostage for two weeks.” Labor Briefs AFSCME Wins Historic 1st Contracts An Oklahoma state law championed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) continues to pay dividends as 700 workers of the cities of Enid and Lawton recently won their first union contracts. These victories follow on the heels of a similar signing involving the city of Moore and its employees. All three contracts involve improvements in wages and benefits. According to a spokesperson for AFSCME, these developments would not have been possible had not the Oklahoma state legislature approved a law requiring cities of more than 35,000 to recognize nonuniformed workers’ unions. The statute, which was challenged by several cities in the state, was declared unconstitutional in 2005 by Oklahoma’s highest court. AFSCME appealed. As a result, the high court reversed itself in March 2006. Boilermakers Play Key Role In Developing New Welding Rod Boilermakers employed at Hobart Brothers in Birmingham, Ala., played a key role in the development of a new alloywelding rod that will lead to productivity gains in the power generation industry. The main innovation comes in the size of the new rod. At 12 inches, it is two inches shorter than the standard 14-inch rod now in use. As noted by the Boilermakers’ union on its web site, “The shorter length allows the welder to burn the rod without bending it to reach restrictive areas. Too often, when a rod is bent, part of the rod is June 2008 discarded, leading to waste.” Moreover, the welding rod that members of Boilermakers L-108 worked on “lets a welder work in tight spots with less rod waste.” According to the product manager for Hobart Brothers, the new rod offers low spatter and X-ray clear welds. It is also easy to burn, so even the newest apprentice can produce journeyman-level results. Study: Union Members Earn More Being a union member significantly augments wages for lower-paid workers, a study released last month by the Center for Economic and Policy Research shows. Union membership boosted the wages of workers on the bottom rung of the wage ladder (in the 10th percentile) by 20.6 percent, from 2003 to 2007. For a worker at the 20th percentile, whose earnings were exceeded by the top 80 percent, the boost from being a union member was 18.9 percent, and for the typical worker at the 30th percentile, it was 16.8 percent. The report, “The Union Advantage for Low-Wage Workers,” also analyzed the impact of unionization on low-wage workers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, finding that it had a magnifying impact in each. “For millions of workers who work hard and take home less to show for it, being part of a union that provides a say on the job is all the more important,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “This study proves that for workers on the bottom rungs of the pay scale, bargaining power is the best, and often only, means to gain a leg up to the middle class.” The company noted that the ship will be operated worldwide in support of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and the war on terrorism. The vessel also will be used for “emerging operational concepts such as sea-basing and the Global Fleet Station,” the latter of which is a military operation directed by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command. Recertified Bosun Saves Life of Trapped Shipmate Editor’s note: The following article about Recertified Bosun Scott Heginbotham was compiled from a letter of commendation by the captain of M/V Liberty Star. Heginbotham could not be reached at sea. On the morning of March 13, 2008, Recertified Bosun Scott Heginbotham reacted quickly and efficiently in saving the life of a fellow mariner aboard the Liberty Star. The vessel, operated by Liberty Maritime Corporation, was being serviced by a subcontractor at Kiran shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey. Heginbotham was near the CO2 compartment on the ship as a subcontractor began to service the bank of CO2 bottles. The subcontractor inadvertently created a series of potentially deadly events that started with the discharge of stored CO2 gas into the engine room. When the incident started, Heginbotham quickly realized the first engineer and a cadet were in the engine room. “This is when all of your training kicked in and your professionalism shined,” said the Liberty Star’s Captain Clancy Faucheux Jr., about the Paul Hall Center-trained bosun. “You proceeded to your assigned emergency station, stopping to report the situation via radio to myself. Fully understanding the nature of the emergency, you donned your SCBA and returned to enter the engine room. Without hesitation, you entered the engine room, which was hazy due to the CO2 venting, found the 1A/E and it was your prompt action of placing an Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus on him and giving him chest compressions that saved his life that morning.” The captain went on to say to Heginbotham, “Your actions are of the finest standards of the U.S. Merchant Marine and reaffirm the fact that you are of the highest caliber of professional seafarer. It is truly a pleasure to serve with you.” The Liberty Star sometimes is used by NASA to recover the solid rocket boosters on space shuttles. Union Salutes Retiring AMSEA Executive SIU officials joined other guests in honoring Captain Peter J. Lawrence at an April 25 event in Quincy, Mass. Lawrence is retiring as president of SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine (AMSEA). Pictured from left to right are SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, Lawrence, AMSEA Accounting Associate Sue Mei and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Both SIU officials described Lawrence as a true ally of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Thomas W. Merrell has been promoted to succeed Lawrence. He previously served as AMSEA’s vice president of marine operations. Seafarers LOG 5 �48717_v3:January 08 5/23/2008 2:31 AM Page 6 SIU Ships Offload Cargo For ‘Cobra Gold’ Three Seafarers-crewed vessels recently assisted in preparations for a yearly military exercise overseas. The prepositioning ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and USNS 1st Lt. Harry L. Martin as well as the Great Land each played a role in supporting American forces prepping for “Cobra Gold” – an annual drill designed to promote regional stability and security throughout Southeast Asia. The Lopez (operated by AMSEA) and Martin (Keystone) in late April completed the at-sea offload of more than 350 pieces of equipment and supplies belonging to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) in Thailand. The cargo included wheeled and tracked vehicles, ammunition and supplies. Those two vessels arrived off the coast of Chuk Samet, Thailand, on April 27. Anchored about three miles from shore, the Lopez and Martin offloaded a total of 16 pieces of lighterage – a type of barge used to move cargo from ship to shore. Six pieces of this lighterage were pieced together to form a 180-foot by 63-foot floating platform called a roll-on/roll-off discharge facility, which was placed at the end of Lopez’s stern ramp. Offload operations began April 28 as rolling stock was driven down the Lopez’s ramp onto the floating platform and then onto powered lighterage, which transported the cargo to shore. Containerized cargo was lifted onto the powered lighterage by one of the Lopez’s three shipboard cranes. Causeway sections are loaded from the SIU-crewed Baldomero Lopez on May 5 during exercise Freedom Banner 08. Freedom Banner 08 is a Maritime Prepositioning Force exercise conducted in Thailand to provide equipment used by the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of exercise Cobra Gold. Described by the U.S. Military Sealift Command as “a complex operation,” this offload involved multiple Navy and Marine Corps commands including MSC, the 3rd MEF, Naval Beach Group One, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One and Amphibious Construction Battalion One. The ability to offload cargo at sea is necessary when operating in areas where port facilities are either nonexistent or too damaged or primitive for ships to pull pierside. Columnist Credits SIU Steward Departments, Paul Hall Center SIU steward departments and the union’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education received credit from a writer in the May edition of Professional Mariner magazine. Capt. Kelly Sweeney, a licensed mariner who sailed with the SIU from 1983-85, is a regular columnist for Professional Mariner. His offering in the May issue was typically candid as he made the case captured by the story’s headline: “Cooks need training just like any other on-board position.” Sweeney related various experiences concerning food sanitation – not only aboard ships and tugs, but dating back to his first job in high school, at a local restaurant. Suffice to say the results have been mixed. “Thankfully, many U.S. companies, and the maritime unions, care about the quality of prepared food served on board their vessels,” Sweeney wrote. “I’ve sailed on 12 ships manned by sailors from the Seafarers International Union and have never seen or heard of any foodrelated illnesses on them. Just to apprentice in the galley of an SIUcontracted ship, 40 hours of classes on sanitation and galley operations are required. To become a chief steward, 33 weeks of classes and two years of experience are needed.” Not all of Sweeney’s other encounters have been pleasant. He described one voyage on an oceanographic ship when numerous crew members (himself included) and some of the scientists were stricken with food poisoning. In the immediate aftermath, Sweeney discovered what he described as very unsanitary conditions in the galley. Another time, he signed on aboard 6 Seafarers LOG an oceangoing tug with no steward department personnel. Sweeney again found unsanitary settings – in this case, the deckhand who handled all the cooking was doing so in dirty clothes covered with grease, rust chips and paint specks. “There’s a disturbing trend among certain tug and supply boat operators that I think is even worse than having an untrained cook on board – and that’s having no cook at all,” Sweeney wrote. “This doubling up of shipboard positions is unprofessional in my opinion, not only because it cuts U.S. mariners out of cook’s jobs, but also because it shows that these companies don’t seem to care about the quality of the food their mariners are served.” He concluded that as in the other shipboard departments, steward department personnel should be required to demonstrate basic competency in their field before actually performing the work aboard ship. The Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md., offers comprehensive training for mariners in all three departments – deck, engine and steward. The school’s steward department classes are structured in modules designed to facilitate not only learning but relative ease of scheduling for the students. Those courses include galley operations (four weeks total); certified chief cook (12 weeks); advanced galley operations (four weeks); and certified chief steward (12 weeks). Earlier this year, the St. Mary’s County (Md.) Health Department presented an award to the Paul Hall Center because of the school’s “superior compliance to food safety standards among food establishments” in the county. The Martin and Lopez are scheduled to remain in Thailand through early June to backload their prepositioned cargo, according to the agency. Prior to the arrival of the Lopez and Martin in Thailand, the SIU-crewed, MSC-chartered roll-on/roll-off ship Great Land (operated by Interocean American Shipping) offloaded more than 460 pieces of 3rd MEF cargo at Thung Prong and Chuk Samet ports April 22-24. More than 20 Navy reservists assigned to MSC are also in Thailand training in both real-world and computer-simulated sealift operations and exercises, managing port operations for as many as 15 ships in a contingency scenario. Some reserve personnel are manning a mobile sealift operations command center at Chuk Samet, a portable facility designed to operate and manage port operations in areas where port infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. Additional reserve teams were slated to arrive in mid-May to coordinate the backload of Marine Corps cargo. “What’s so valuable about this exercise is that you can walk around and shake hands at the port and really learn what others are doing,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard Coleman of Navy Reserve Expeditionary Port Unit 117. “It’s all about understanding command relationships.” Cobra Gold began May 8 and was to continue through May 21. Japan, Singapore and Indonesia were expected to join Thailand and the United States in the exercise, which included computersimulated command post and field training exercises, as well as humanitarian relief efforts. The Lopez is permanently assigned to Diego Garcia-based Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Two, while the Martin is assigned in the Guam/Saipan area with Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three. Paul Hall Center Offers Career Advancement The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. The center features top-notch training from experienced instructors and stateof-the-art equipment and facilities. The school offers courses for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments. Below is a quick look at one of those classes. For more information about the center and its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 206740075; call (301) 994-0010; or visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. Course dates are listed on page 21 of this issue of the LOG and also are carried on the web site. Engine Department Course Spotlight Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations Applicants completing the school’s 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course and who present the corresponding Paul Hall Center Certificate of Training to a U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Center within one year of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either the school’s 63-hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and/or the 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed the course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. The objective of this course is 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: 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 six months’ sea time as wiper AND STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training; successful completion of the entry-level 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 six 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. June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 10:49 PM Page 7 SHBP Awards $140,000 in Scholarships One SIU member and six dependents of Seafarers last month were selected by a panel of professional educators to be recipients of scholarships provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). A total of $140,000 was given in this year’s scholarship program. One Seafarer was awarded a $20,000 scholarship for study at a four-year college or university, as was each of the six dependents. Following are brief biographical sketches of each of the recipients as well as recaps of their respective educational goals. The scholarship program began in 1953. Peter Hokenson AB Peter Hokenson is the recipient of a scholarship for Seafarers. A native of Tacoma, Wash., Hokenson is a 1983 graduate of Gig Harbor High School in Gig Harbor, Wash. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma and is well-versed in the martial arts. He joined the SIU in March 1992. “After a stint at the University of Puget Sound, I decided I was not ready to wear a suit and tie and wanted to do something more adventurous,” recalled Hokenson, who most recently sailed aboard the deep sea vessel USNS Wright. “I applied to the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and the next thing I knew I was enrolled in the trainee program at Piney Point, Md.,” he said. “Three months later, I was an ordinary seaman working aboard the USNS Wilkes out of Lisbon, Portugal, a far cry from my small hometown in Gig Harbor.” The experience he gained through the apprentice program, according to Hokenson, provided him with exactly what he was looking for – a chance to meet great people and visit interesting places while working aboard merchant ships. Hokenson has since upgraded his skills on several occasions by returning to the SIU-affiliated school. One day while working as an AB AB Peter Hokenson aboard the USNS Waters, Hokenson reflected back on the training he had received in the martial arts as well as the black belt which he had earned in 1981. He attempted to do the same Chinese splits that his instructor had taught him a few years back and discovered that surprisingly, he could still do them. “This (being able to do the challenging exercises) boosted my confidence enough to apply for the Seafarers Scholarship Program,” Hokenson shared. “I thought that the skills I learned at Piney Point, combined with my college background could possibly help me work in the educational arena, both at home and abroad.” He hopes to continue his studies at either the University of Puget Sound or St. Joseph’s University. Hokenson said he wanted to help people build an unshakable foundation that would enable them to withstand a troubled world; making it a better, safer place. For this reason, his future studies will focus on the arts, martial arts, education, music and the maritime industry. After noting that his interests in each of the foregoing areas have been boosted as a result of being a mariner, he said, “I have learned the ropes from the best in the world…. It was not a cakewalk, but still an incredibility rich life experience. I would not trade it for anything.” Brittany L. Redding Brittany L. Redding is a graduate of Attleboro High School in North Attleboro, Mass. The daughter of deep sea Chief Steward Dennis Redding (and wife, Brenda), Brittany was born in Rhode Island. She completed her secondary education with a 96.73 overall GPA and held membership in both the National Honor and the National French Honor Societies. A community activist, Brittany for the past five years captained the Relay For Life team in her neighborhood which to date has raised some $10,000 for cancer research. She served as a hospital volunteer and in 2006 was chosen to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. In 2007, Brittany was one of five girls chosen to represent her high school during the American Legion sponsored Massachusetts Girl’s State Forum on Medicine. Redding has several years of experience as a softball and volleyball player and was an avid member of her school’s marching band. Now that her high school days are over, Redding said, she plans to pursue a career in medicine. “Pending acceptance, I hope to start school next year at Johns Hopkins University in Brittany L. Redding Baltimore studying medicine.” The fact that her father is frequently home-ported in Baltimore made Hopkins her first choice because “it’s a prime location and [the school] has a not-too-shabby reputation.” In addition to Hopkins, she also has applied for admission to the University of Pennsylvania, and New York University. “Eventually, my dreams include a career in Radiology, a house in Wellesley and a massive amount of dogs. I have known from the beginning that I would choose a career in the medical profession for two simple reasons,” she added. One is “the house in Wellesley” and the other is “because I am that person who is not satisfied with satisfying themselves. I joke about the house in Wellesley because the truth is I would take sleeping on the side of a building over that house if it meant that I was helping someone – that there was one person whose life I made better.” June 2008 Christopher J. Wozunk Christopher J. Wozunk hails from Blackwood, N.J., and is the son of FOWT John Wozunk (wife Carol). The senior Wozunk works in the inland division and most recently sailed aboard a Crowley Liner Services vessel. Born in Seoul, Korea, Christopher is a graduate of Highland Regional High School in New Jersey. While at Highland Regional, Wozunk registered an overall 3.94 GPA and held membership in the National Honor, Nation Math and National Art Societies. Included in the vast list of activities in which he participated are chess, history, math, science, world languages and renaissance clubs; cross country and winter track and the Boy Scouts. An aspiring artist who says that art is everywhere and that it’s one’s responsibility to find and embrace it for what it is— whether it is abstract or realistic—Christopher plans to continue his education at Drexel University. He said he will study architecture and art because art has had a tremendous influence in his life from childhood. Wozunk recalled that his high school art instructor always told Christopher J. Wozunk him that he could not teach him how to draw well but he could teach him how to see. “If there is one thing that he taught me, it was how to see,” Wozunk said. “Not only in what I was drawing at the time, but the world around me.” Reflecting on some of his experiences as a member of the National Art Honor Society, Christopher said that the organization was far more than just a hobby for him. “It’s a way I can express myself in a different medium. Furthermore, it provides a chance to beautify my school through my own vision.” Wozunk said he remembers seeing only blank white walls when as a freshman he walked through the halls of his high school. These once plain walls however have since been dramatically altered. “These past years, a couple of friends and I have changed that by painting murals of inspirational quotes and palaces which have given meaning and depth to the walls,” he said. “Using our imaginations and creativity, we have brought light to our school.” Benjamin A. Wilmoth Benjamin A. Wilmoth hails from Plantation, Fla. He is the son of QMED Wendell Wilmoth (wife Cynthia) who sailed most recently aboard the deep sea ship Seabulk Energy. Wilmoth graduated in the top 10 percent of his class at Plantation High School last month with a 3.7 GPA. In addition to playing on his high school soccer team, Wilmoth is an accomplished musician having played in both the marching and concert bands at his alma mater. He is an active member of his church, participates in a number of community activities and served as vice president of the computer club at Plantation High. Wilmoth is a member of the National Honor Society. “After graduating from high school, I plan to attend the University of Florida,” he said. “There, I plan to major in business-marketing, possibly with a minor in economics. After I receive my bachelor’s degree, I will begin work towards my master’s degree. Benjamin A. Wilmoth “I want to get a job as a market analyst and eventually as a market research supervisor. From there, I hope to become a market research director for a major company. I plan on moving to New York City or Chicago where the marketing job field is flourishing.” “I have been very fortunate as a teacher,” wrote one of Benjamin’s high school teachers in a letter of recommendation for the SHBP Scholarship Program. “Over the past decade, I have taught the best and brightest at my school. And I have seen over and over again what a challenging academic schedule, broad involvement in school, and a busy personal life can do to a student. Many crumble under the pressure, some orchestrate their lives with the seriousness of a conductor, and a few make the life of a college-bound student seem easy. Benjamin Wilmoth is one of the latter; he has the poise, grace, maturity and the sense of humor to handle any challenge thrown his way.” Albert B. Balatico Albert B. Balatico is a graduate of Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville, La. The son of deep sea Seafarer AB Albert V. Balatico (wife Patricia), Albert finished his secondary education with an overall GPA of 4.12. He held the office of vice president in his school’s photography, art and quiz bowl clubs and was active in the Asian-Pacific American Society. Additionally, he performed more than 100 hours of community volunteer service as a tutor and spearheaded many drives to benefit the United Nations World Hunger Organization. Balatico plans to pursue a career Albert B. Balatico in journalism and film and hopes to attend either the University of Southern California or Tulane University in Louisiana. “I believe that the freedom of speech is quintessential to not only democracy, but to the arts, traditional and contemporary,” he said of his career plans. “I would like to double major in journalism and film studies because both fields are most relevant to our society. Both have blended in so beautifully with the advent of the digital age (through, for example) social networking sites, blogs and podcasts.” Albert believes that seeking a higher education will allow him to express himself while also making a living. “I will be perfectly content living modestly and having my passion, but that is a basic expectation derived by any artist,” he said Xiao X. Li Xiao X. Li was born in the People’s Republic of China. The daughter of deep sea Chief Cook Meili Seegers (husband Steven), she is a 2006 graduate Fernandina Beach High School in Fernandina Beach, Fla. A member of the National Honor Society, she completed her secondary education with an overall GPA of 3.72 and was the treasurer of her high school’s Technology Students Association. Xiao was also an active member of her school’s Chinese American Student Association and its chapter of the American Institute of Architecture (for students). In addition to being involved in student activities, she was an active volunteer in her community, donating time to the Humane Society, Special Olympics and various beach cleanup projects. She also participated in fund raising marathons and did behind-the-scenes volunteer work in support of Super Bowl XXXIX, which was played at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. After finishing high school, Li in the summer of 2006 entered Xiao X. Li Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Fla., where she took classes for two summers of study. Also in 2006, she enrolled in the University of Florida (also in Gainesville) where she has earned 45 credits toward her degree in architecture. Architecture is Li’s passion largely because of her past in China, where “the harborage of 1.3 billion people” left a lasting impression on her. “The presence of numerous multigenerational family refuges had its dominant role,” she said. “It had consisted of relatives from the great grandma on my mother’s side to younger cousins and nieces who all shared the same dwelling. “A notorious one bedroom, one bathroom apartment [which] measured a square footage of less than 500 was what my family called home. With no access to air-conditioning or heat, we were fortunate to possess a stationary portable fan. The schools were infamous for sitting fifty rowdy students into a small classroom with the only circulation being two small gaping windows.” She added, “The population of the world is increasing by the minute, yet the surface area of the Earth is not going to change. To help solve this issue, we must efficiently use the limited space we possess, allowing sustainability to become part of the project from the beginning. This scholarship will help fund my continued aspirations and commitment into my graduate studies and toward creating a better society for all.” Sidney A. Kirk Sidney A. Kirk is a recent graduate of Currituck County High School in Barco, N.C., and is the daughter of AB Robert Kirk (wife Sylvia), who sails in the deep sea division. While at Currituck County, Sidney amassed an overall 4.30 GPA and was an active participant in varsity girls’ soccer as well as the BETA, science and poetry clubs. Additionally, Sidney was a founding member of the school’s Freshman Mentor Program, Invisible Children’s Club and Honor Court. She also served as chief justice of the honor court and was a member of the school’s Quiz Bowl trivia team which advanced to the state finals in competition against other high schools. Sidney during her high school career was the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the National BETA Club Certificate (2005-2008), Certificate of AchievementDistrict Champions Quiz Bowl Team (2005-2006), Outstanding Achievement in Honors English II (2005-2006), Outstanding Achievement in Creative Writing (2004-2005) and the Presidential Physical Fitness Award (20042005). Kirk also received recognition as an all conference soccer player and was cited for academSidney A. Kirk ic achievement as a student athlete. Besides school activities, Sidney was heavily involved in community service. She volunteers as a tutor for her church’s elementary student tutoring program; participated in Operation Christmas Child, which provides gifts and subsistence boxes to less fortunate children; and gave her time in support of Corolla Wild Horse Days, an event focused on raising money to ensure the wellbeing of the Corolla wild mustang and to inform tourists about the importance of respecting wildlife. When asked about her plans for the future, Sidney had a clear-cut agenda. “I plan to attend college at UNC Chapel Hill for eight years in order to obtain my doctorate in physical therapy,” she said. “After college, I would like to work in a hospital for a few years to gain some experience. Eventually, I’ll open up my own physical therapy business practice here in Currituck or the Outer Banks.” Seafarers LOG 7 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:06 PM Page 8 From left, Recertified Steward Peter Schmitt displays his handiwork, while SA Eusebio Avila cleans up after breakfast. Chief Cook Clarence Mack, in the words of the man behind the lens, “hams it up for the camera.” Sealand Meteor Capt. Howell (right in photo above) on behalf of the other officers and crew, accepts a piece of art from Yasuo Watanabe of the Shimizu Port Authority. Sealand Meteor Makes Historic Port Call in Japan Some of Meteor’s crew listen to an SIU patrolman upon returning to the U.S. Pictured left to right are Recertified Bosun Stephen Kastel, AB Norman Taylor and AB Richard Volkart. Annual Statements Sent To SMPPP Participants The mailing of annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) to Plan participants was completed in April, according to SMPPP Administrator Margaret Bowen. 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 2007 was 5.49 percent with an annualized return since inception of 9.87 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $70.1 million with the addition of $14.1 million that merged from the NMU Annuity Plan. 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 or via checks sent directly to the Plan. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s defined benefit pension, as well as the SIU 401(k) Plan. Participants are immediately vested in their respective SMPPP accounts as soon as the first such contribution is made. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of sea time 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. 8 Seafarers LOG Editor’s note: Recertified Steward Peter Schmitt submitted this article and the accompanying photos. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, the Maersk Line, Limited containership Sealand Meteor called at the Port of Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is believed that the Meteor is the first U.S.-flag merchant vessel to call on that port. The officers and crew hosted a small reception in the officers’ mess to receive the dignitaries from the City of Shimizu, the Shimizu Port Authority, and the Shimizu Port Promotion Association. A short speech was given by Yasuo Watanabe of the port authority, in which he said, in part, “Today, we three parties representing local government and the port are now visiting your fine ship to say thank you for calling and we hope it will continue in the future. Shimizu Port exports freight such as motorcycles and automobile parts to North America and Europe; therefore, the enhancement of services for North America is an earnest wish for the industrial world and the inhabitants of Shizuoka Prefecture. We hope that the establishment of this sea route contributes to further development of Shimizu Port.” After the greetings, the master of the Sealand Meteor, Captain Raymond Howell, accepted on behalf of the officers and crew a beautiful piece of Japanese art titled “Shippouyaki,” depicting the port area in ancient times. He also received a plaque for the ship commemorating a visit and return to heaven of a Japanese legend. Finally, the guests presented to the ship a beautiful bouquet of local flowers. The visitors were then treated to an assortment of canapés and hors d’oeuvres prepared by Recertified Steward Peter Schmitt, Chief Cook Clarence Mack and Steward Assistant Eusebio Avila. The rest of the SIU crew aboard the Meteor included Recertified Bosun Stephen Kastel, ABs Norman Taylor, Mathew Bevak, Richard Volkart, Frederick Reich and Josefino Casugay, Chief Electrician Chris Earhart, QMED Kenyatta McNeil and DEU Editho Barraca. Bosun ‘Snake’ Williams Dies at 80 The SIU recently lost a dedicated, greatly respected member of its union family when Rowland “Snake” Williams died April 18 at his home in Baltimore. He was 80 years old. While there’s nothing poetic about yard work, there is perhaps some symbolism in the fact that Williams passed away while working around the house. (He suffered heart failure.) As was the case during his nearly 50 years sailing with the SIU (mostly as a bosun) and another 14 years helping out at the Baltimore hall, whenever Williams saw a task that needed to be done, he didn’t hesitate. Colleagues remembered Williams, who began sailing as a 15-year-old in World War II after training at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., with genuine appreciation. They described him as businesslike but with a proverbial heart of gold when it came to helping fellow Seafarers. “He was a stand-up guy, a great union guy,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “We worked on a lot of organizing campaigns together – he This photo from his never missed one. union book shows Whenever you Williams in his needed a volunyounger days. teer, you could always depend on Snake. He was a topflight sailor, too – a really good bosun who knew his stuff.” Williams’ career as a rank-and-file Seafarer included voyages in multiple wars and a long stint as bosun with the shore gang in Petty’s Island near Philadelphia. He retired from sailing shortly after the Persian Gulf War in 1991. His last vessel was the USNS Wright – from which his ashes are to be scattered in July. For the last 14 years, he was a familiar face at the hall in his native Baltimore and on SIU-contracted ships calling on the port. Anyone who shook his hand undoubtedly would appreciate the root of his nickname: “Snake” never meant to menace, but he had a python-like grip. “Snake always looked out for the SIU and ran the gang up in Philadelphia better than the supervisors did,” recalled SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. “He always had a concern to help fellow members in whatever way he could, no matter the problem. He didn’t discriminate when it came to helping others. If you were an SIU member, he’d give you the shirt off his back.” Williams persevered through what must have been an extraordinarily difficult final year in which three family members died: his daughter, an adult grandson and, most recently, his wife, Doris, who passed away in February. Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz said Rowland “Snake” Williams (left) greets a Seafarer in early 2003 aboard the Cape Wrath in Baltimore. Williams’ strength through it all proved remarkable – Snake still pitched in at the hall six days a week – but he and others noticed a general decline after Doris died. “Calling him a friend just doesn’t do it justice,” Metz stated. “He had uncompromised integrity and was honest to a fault. It was an absolute privilege and honor to spend time with him. I learned a lot from him. As the saying goes, they don’t make them like Snake anymore.” Lisa Clark, secretary at the Baltimore hall, noted Williams had “a wonderful personality. He loved to help people. He was one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed.” June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:09 PM Page 9 Maersk’s ‘Drive to Zero’ Produces Safe Results One of the reasons U.S.-flag ships and U.S. mariners stand out from some others in a worldwide crowd is concern for the safety and wellbeing of those who work on board. SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is a prime example of proactive efforts when it comes to safety, health and environmental stewardship. For instance, MLL’s “Drive to Zero” program is a hands-on initiative to assist employees (mariners and shoreside personnel alike) in focusing on safety and teamwork to make the workplace as safe as possible. As suggested by the title, its goal is to drive down unsafe and environmental incidents as close to zero as possible or eliminate them altogether. The results are quite positive. In 2007, the program helped net MLL a “Lost Time Accidents” (LTAs) rate of less than .5 per 1,000 man hours, an extremely low result by industry standards. Plus, MLL had no spills in 2007. In 2008 so far, the LTA rate is very low and there have been no spills. One of the key steps MLL took toward enhancing safety was to partner with the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to provide unlicensed mariners a two-day safety course called “Safety Boot Camps.” According to MLL, the boot camps are integral in the company’s approach to Drive to Zero. The agenda focuses on leadership and effective communications as well as more technical topics such as job safety analysis and prevention of electric shocks. MLL says attendees have commented that they were impressed with the content. Recognizing the number of excellent performing unlicensed Seafarers that frequently sail with MLL, the company is opening attendance to SIU mariners sailing aboard Maersk’s government and commercial vessels with an MLL work history of at least three years. Any mariner interested in attending one of these Safety Boot Camps may email kpretto@mllnet.com. Safety Boot Camps are scheduled at Piney Point for early June and August 12-13. In addition to the Safety Boot Camps conducted for both officers and ratings, MLL runs monthly safety council meetings. These meetings are attended by senior management, fleet managers, labor relations personnel and Quality, Environment, Safety and Security (QESS) staff members. The primary purpose of the council is to provide frequent proactive oversight of MLL’s safety and environmental programs and Maersk Line, Limited’s SIU-contracted fleet includes the Alliance Norfolk, pictured earlier this year in Baltimore. Seafarer Benjamin Sivells (center) receives a cash award as part of Maersk’s safety efforts. Sivells, sailing aboard the Achiever, observed a mooring line in imminent danger of parting and reported it to the captain. He then assisted in making the situation safe. initiatives. This is intended to help ensure they remain effective, relevant and in alignment with the overall MLL culture. A “case study” of the previous month’s LTAs (if any) is presented by the fleet manager with specific focus and discussion on the cause. LTAs, “near miss reports” and “best practices” are shared weekly through MLL’s Quality-Gram, or Q-GRAM, communication. In 2006, MLL rolled out a new Safety Recognition Program. A cash award is given to every vessel’s entertainment account after completing a calendar quarter LTA-free. An additional $1,000 will be added to this account each time a vessel reaches 1,000 days LTA-free. Early this year MLL introduced a new program in which the masters and chief engineers may issue a $100 cash award each month to any crew member who goes out of their way to contribute to and promote the safety culture on board. As of early May, 11 mariners had received this award. To aggressively pursue the Drive to Zero initiative, MLL says it has implemented the Ship Safety Training Team program. The program consists of two trainers riding a vessel to conduct safety training while the ship is at sea. According to MLL’s General Manager of QESS Carol Berger, “MLL will continue to take actions to ensure that each and every member of our fleet feels that they have a direct influence on the safety performance of the company. Earning the trust of our mariners and making every mariner feel empowered is the only way that we are going to eliminate injuries on board our vessels.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker said, “Maersk’s commitment to the health and safety of seafarers exemplifies a culture of caring and respect toward employees. The company also deserves credit for doing its part to help care for the environment.” Bruch Family Celebrates Maritime Heritage Welcome Ashore, Bosun SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski (right) congratulates Bosun Charles Neigebauer at the Algonac hall in late April as the newly retired Seafarer receives his first pension check. Brother Neigebauer joined the union in 1969. He sailed for many years with American Steamship Company, including numerous voyages aboard the St. Clair. In 2004, the company honored him with its “Mariner of the Year” award. June 2008 When Seafarer Chad Bruch (right) graduated in April from the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program, it signaled the continuation of the family’s maritime heritage. Chad’s grandfather (center), Capt. Dean K. Bruch, sailed aboard Waterman ships during World War II. In the years that followed, Capt. Bruch at various times sailed as a pilot, master and chief mate, including a year as master aboard an SIU-contracted riverboat. Chad’s father, Dean A. Bruch (left), also traveled to Piney Point, Md., to celebrate Chad’s successful completion of the apprentice program. Seafarers LOG 9 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:11 PM Page 10 New TWIC Deadline: April 15, 2009 As reported on page 2, the new deadline for U.S. mariners to obtain the government-mandated Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is April 15, 2009. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security last month announced the revised deadline; the original cutoff date was Sept. 25, 2008. The SIU encourages members to enroll for the TWIC as soon as possible. Step-by-step instructions have been published in the last few editions of the LOG and are available on the web both This is a list of addresses for Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment centers as of mid-May, as published by the Transportation Security Administration at the following web address: http://www.tsa.gov/twic Alabama 250 North Water Street Mobile, AL 36602-4000 Alaska Suite 202 3200 Hospital Drive Juneau, AK 99801 New York 102 Smith Boulevard Albany, NY 12202-1067 Georgia 5214 Augusta Rd Garden City, GA 31408-1606 Suite 2106 3225 Old Washington Rd. Waldorf, MD 20602 Howland Hook Marine Terminal 241 Western Avenue Staten Island, NY 10303-1103 Country Inn and Suites 211 Gateway Center Blvd. Brunswick, GA 31525 Massachusetts 300 Tremont Street Unit #5 Carver, MA 02330-1758 Whitehall Ferry Terminal 4 South Street Room 210 New York, NY 10004-1940 Suite 427 5959 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 Boston Autoport 100 Terminal Street Charlestown, MA 02129 Suite 9 2680 Grand Island Blvd. Grand Island, NY 14072 Texas 7433 Leopard Street Corpus Christi, TX 78409 One East 2nd Street Oswego, NY 13126-1177 Ford Convention Center Tyler Room 5115 Interstate 10 South Beaumont, TX 77705 Hawaii 1347 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 204 Honolulu, HI 96814-4512 KPD Shelikof Facility 405 Marine Way Kodiak, AK 99615 Kahului Shopping Center 65 West Kaahumanu Avenue Unit 14 Kahului, HI 96732 1830 Embarcadero Avenue Suite 104 Oakland, CA 94606-5230 301 E. Ocean Boulevard Suite 500 Long Beach, CA 90802 1931 N. Gaffey Street Suite B San Pedro, CA 90731-1265 Suite 300 13201 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94806 Suite 103 1025 W Laurel St. San Diego, CA 92101 2000 Marina Vista Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 1251 N. Rice Ave. Oxnard, CA 93030 Suite 202 500 Sansome Street San Francisco, CA 94158 Connecticut 75 Crystal Ave. New London, CT 06320 FOR MORE INFORMATION On the web: www.tsa.gov/twic ■ By phone: TWIC Program Help Desk, 1-866-DHS-TWIC (1-866-347-8942) ■ By email: credentialing@dhs.gov ■ Suite 204C 212 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 Hilo Hawaiian Hotel 71 Banyan Drive Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4601 California Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) 11 Burma Road Oakland, CA 94607-1010 now includes a link where individuals may check the status of their card and/or schedule a time to pick it up. Manatee County Port Authority 13604 Reeder Road Palmetto, FL 34221 619 E Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Harrigan Centennial Hall 330 Harbor Drive Sitka, AK 99835 2970 Kele Street Suite 102 Lihue, HI 96766 Illinois Dixon Building Suite 206 8741 South Greenwood Chicago, IL 60619 Three Rivers Safety Council 1615 W. Jefferson Street Suite TWIC Joliet, IL 60435-6724 TWIC Enrollment Centers Michigan Delray Mechanical 667 S. Post Street Detroit, MI 48209-3053 800 East Ellis Road Suite 122 Norton Shores, MI 49441-5622 511 Ashmun Street Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-1960 Hampton Inn 11 Winners Way East Peoria, IL 61611 863 North Pine Road Essexville, MI 48732 Suite 153 1635 1st Street Granite City, IL 62040 430 S. Water Street Marine City, MI 48039 Indiana 200 Russell Street Suite 110 Hammond, IN 46320-1825 3602 Northgate Court Suite 37C New Albany, IN 47150-6417 Kansas Commerce Plaza 1 - 7th Floor 7300 West 110th Street Overland Park, KS 66210 Louisiana Safety Council for Louisiana Capital Area 8180 Siegen Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1914 AmericInn of Silver City 120 Lincoln Ave. Ontonagon, MI 49953 396 N. State Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 Suite 105 1020 Hastings Street Traverse City, MI 49686 Suite 1 200 W. Erie Street Rogers City, MI 49779 Minnesota Suite 104 2161 University Ave. St. Paul, MN 55114 Suite 310 803 West Avenue Rochester, NY 14611 North Carolina Suite 107 5704 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 311 Atlantic Beach Causeway Atlantic Beach, NC 28512-7359 Ohio 3100 E45th Street Suite 226 Cleveland, OH 44127-1091 Star Center One Maritime Plaza 720 Water Street Toledo, OH 43604-1883 Suites 754, 755 8044 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236 401 Broadway Avenue Suite D, Office B Lorain, OH 44052-0000 4830 State Road Ashtabula, OH 44004-6214 Suite 102 444 W. Perkins Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 Oklahoma 5350 Cimarron Road Catoosa, OK 74015-3027 Oregon Suite 100 7025 N. Lombard St. Portland, OR 97203 Tennessee 3865 Viscount Avenue Suite 2 Memphis, TN 38118-6000 3200 West End Avenue Suite 510 Nashville, TN 37203-1330 West Gulf Maritime Association 1717 Turning Basin, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77029-3003 3800 Highway 365 Suite 123 Port Arthur, TX 77642-7566 1000 Foust Road Brownsville, TX 78521 1750 FM 1432 Victoria, TX 77905-0000 Mall of the Mainland Space #1074 10000 Emmett F. Lowery Expy Texas City, TX 77590 411 West Main Street Port LaVaca, TX 77979 Brazos Mall, Suite 1039 100 Hwy 332 West Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Suite 103 6000 Broadway Galveston, TX 77551 621 W Main Street LaPorte, TX 77571 Virginia Suite F 814 Greenbrier Circle Chesapeake, VA 23320 Suite 300, Room 359 11815 Fountain Way Newport News, VA 23606 Washington 5009 Pac Hwy E Suite 17 Fife Business Park Tacoma, WA 98424-3432 1310 Port Terminal Road Duluth-Superior, MN 55802 Pennsylvania Philadelphia Regional Port 3460 North Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134-6311 Holiday Inn 1500 Hwy 71 International Falls, MN 56649 701 North Point Drive Suite 104 Pittsburgh, PA 15233-2133 Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) AERIE # 1 6205 Corson Avenue South Seattle, WA 98108 Room B006 34 13th Ave., NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 Suite 120-D 601 Upland Ave. Brookhaven, PA 19015 8327 Summit Park Rd Ste. D Anacortes, WA 98221 975 North America Way Miami, FL 33132-2004 LaPlace Shopping Center 1933 West Airline Hwy. LaPlace, LA 70068 Mississippi Ergon Refining 227 Industrial Drive Vicksburg, MS 39183-0000 Port of Everett Marina Marina Conference Center 404 14th Street Everett, WA 98201-1674 2604 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 512 Roderick Street Morgan City, LA 70380 Suite D 1223 30th Ave. Gulfport, MS 39501 Puerto Rico Primer Piso, Salon de Conferencias Ave. Santiago de los Caballeros, final Edifico Turismo, Playa Ponce, PR 00716 Port Everglades Badging Office 1030 Taylor Road Dania Beach, FL 33004-2810 Suite 550 1340 W. Tunnel Blvd. Houma, LA 70360 Habana Plaza (Rear) 3125 Riviera Dr Key West, FL 33040 Maine 236 Oxford Street, Suite 12 Portland, ME 04101-3070 Suite 303 2051 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Riviera Beach, FL 33404 163 Hildreth Street North Bangor, ME 04401 Delaware 1 Hausel Road Wilmington, DE 19801-5852 Florida 955 Tallyrand Avenue Jacksonville, FL 32206-6049 707 Mullet Road Suites 117/118 Port Canaveral, FL 32920-4519 Suites 119, 120 5323 W. Hwy 98 Panama City, FL 32401 10 at www.seafarers.org and at the Transportation Security Administration’s TWIC web site, www.tsa.gov/twic. Seafarers also are asked to occasionally visit the SIU web site and/or check with their port agents for the latest TWIC news. For instance, when the DHS announced the changed deadline, the SIU site immediately posted the news release on its home page and also distributed the information to all SIU halls. The Transportation Security Administration TWIC web site Seafarers LOG 700 W. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70605-5532 Port Fourchon Harbor Police 108 A.O. Rappelet Road Port Fourchon, LA 70357-0000 170 East James Drive Suite 104 St. Rose, LA 70087-4005 Maryland 2200 Broening Hwy, Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21224-6623 Unit B19 800 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Greenville, MS 38703 New Hampshire 30 Mirona Road Extension Suite 2 Portsmouth, NH 03801 New Jersey Northern New Jersey 89 Leuning Street, Suite G South Hackensack, NJ 07606-1345 Navy Frontier Pier (Muelle Frontier) Suite 1 408 Avenue Fernandez Juncos San Juan, PR 00908 Rhode Island 17 Virginia Ave Suite 105 Providence, RI 02905-5443 South Carolina 4600 Goer Drive, Ste 112 North Charleston, SC 29406-6500 West Virginia Tri-State Fire Academy 4200 Ohio River Rd, Huntington WV 25702 Wisconsin Chase Commerce Center 3073 South Chase Avenue Suite 620 Building 28 Floor 1 Milwaukee, WI 53207-2668 Hotel Green Bay 780 Armed Forces Drive Green Bay, WI 54304 June 2008 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:26 PM Page 11 Snapshots from The Port of Jacksonville The photos which appear on this page capture some of the activities in which Seafarers are involved during their daily duties aboard vessels in and around the port of Jacksonville, Fla. While these photos only depict crew members from aboard three SIUcontracted vessels, more than a few others as well as hundreds of Seafarers regularly call on the port. Watch future editions of the LOG for more Jacksonville snapshots. El Yunque Members of the El Yunque deck department take a break from their duties for this photo. Pictured are AB Manuel Rodriguez, AB Jose Canales, Bosun Luis Ramirez, GUDE Jackie Jones and AB Donley Johnson. AB Raul Colon prepares the gangway of the El Yunque for use by fellow crew members. OMU Emanuel Paul places a relief call from the El Yunque engine room (left) while Chief Steward Francis Ostendarp (above) prepares breakfast. Chief Cook Vallejo Hernandez (photo at right) slices meat for the crew’s lunch meal. SL Motivator SA Curtis Spencer (above) prepares a breakfast plate for member of the crew, while Chief Cook Frank Washington (right) puts the finishing touches on an entree at the stove top. UA Joseph Bankhead (below) cleans dishes following the breakfast meal. They are crew members aboard the SL Motivator. June 2008 Horizon Producer Members of the Horizon Producer steward department meet prior to beginning preparation of another meal. Pictured (left to right above) are UA Ronnie Rodriguez, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, SA Marin Martin and Chief Cook Carlos Sanchez. Rodriguez prepares fruit for the salad bar (photo at right), while Martin (below right) cuts butter for the condiment rack. Sanchez (below left) prepares meat which will be used for the meal’s main entree. Seafarers LOG 11 �48717_v3:January 08 5/23/2008 3:27 AM Page 12 AB Ray Harvell AB Ed Osario AB Ruben Gamboa AB Audania Bomar CC Marlon Battad The Maersk-operated and SIU-crewed MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips is underway during SEACAT 2 While Sailing in the South China Sea, Strait of Malacca SA Rosemary Glover AC Norma West SA Deborah Artis 12 Seafarers LOG CB Lamont Faulks SA Gamal Meawad CC Raymond Alexander Recertified Steward Tony Spain Seafarers Assist in Anti-Terro T wo SIU-crewed ships sailing in the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet recently joined a multinational anti-terrorism exercise in the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca. The prepositioning ships USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (operated by Seafarers-contracted AMSEA) and MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips (Maersk) were the focal points of several training scenarios during the exercise called Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT). Naval forces from the United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines participated in the annual exercise in the Malaccan Straits. The straits are notorious for piracy and terrorism activities. The Phillips and Lopez played the role of suspicious merchant vessels during the exercise, which was designed to highlight the value of sharing information in a multinational environment as well as conduct training in maritime interception operations. Combined, the Lopez and Phillips were boarded on five occasions by representatives from four Southeast Asian countries. During the training scenarios, the Lopez transited southwest from Phuket, Thailand, while the Phillips left Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, heading east through the South China Sea. Both ships were destined for Singapore. During the exercise the Asian navies tracked the ships and responded to simulated challenges, such as searching the ships for suspicious cargo or crew members. The exercise is designed to highlight the value of communication and cooperation between navies of different countries. The Lopez and Phillips will also be platforms for U.S. Coast Guard teams to train foreign military personnel, offering techniques for successfully boarding and searching suspicious vessels, according to MSC. Accompanying this article are photos from the Phillips submitted by AMO member Edward McDonnell. Members of the Royal B Brunei Special Forces ( Marines (photo at right) June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:30 PM Page 13 Bosun Bernard Baker AB James Stetter AB Joseph Leeks AB Kenneth McDaniel Recertified Bosun Fred Gongora AB Steve Castle CAT 2008 in the South China Sea. ca rrorism Exercise yal Brunei Special Forces prepare to board a suspect vessel. DEU Kendra Gardner British Royal Marines practice tactics aboard the MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips. QMED Rudy Cunanan ces (photo above) launch a maneuver during SEACAT 2008, while British Royal ight) hone their vessel boarding skills. June 2008 Seafarers LOG 13 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:42 PM Page 14 Crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, the USNS Kanawha (left, shown in a file photo from 2007, alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz) recently assisted in a rescue in the Gulf of Aden. (U.S. Navy Photos) CIVMARS Assist in Gulf of Aden Rescue Members of the SIU Government Services Division on May 4 assisted the crew of a vessel in distress in the Gulf of Aden, according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The SIU CIVMARS who took part in the rescue were sailing aboard the MSC fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha. The agency reported that the Dunia, a 49-foot dhow with a crew of 10, experienced a serious engine problem, leaving it unable to operate at sea. The Kanawha, which was nearby, responded. Kanawha engineers went aboard the dhow to troubleshoot the prob- lem. Once they determined repairs would need to be completed ashore, Combined Task Force 150 sent their nearest ship, the USS Shoup, to tow the dhow toward Yemeni territorial waters, close to Al Mukalla, where a tugboat was waiting to bring the small boat pierside. The dhow arrived in Yemeni territorial waters May 6. The Kanawha and the Shoup also provided the dhow’s crew with food, water and medical support during the two days. “The crew of the Kanawha responded in the finest tradition of the merchant marine to come to the aid of mariners in need,” said Capt. James Dolan, the ship’s civil service master. “Many of the crew volunteered to man the rescue boats that delivered food and water to the crew of the Dunia.” Coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical assistance, engineering assistance as well as search and rescue, noted MSC. SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE The guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup tows the 49-foot dhow Dunia after the boat experienced engine problems Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? To help ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives the Seafarers LOG—as well as other important mail—monthly, correct home addresses must be on file with the union. Those who recently have moved or feel that they are not getting their union mail, should use the form at right to update their home addresses. An individual’s home address is his/her permanent address. Unless otherwise specified, this is where all official union documents will be sent. Individuals receiving more than one copy of the LOG, those who have changed their address and those whose names or addresses are misprinted or incomplete, should fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union, Address Correction Dept., 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Corrections via e-mail should be sent to kclements@seafarers.org 14 Seafarers LOG 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. 6/08 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. June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:43 PM Page 15 Important Notice Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Accessing CIGNA Network Information Seafarers Plans officials report that some rank-and-file Seafarers and their dependents have experienced difficulties locating and accessing providers for their CIGNA health care benefits, but it’s not because of the network itself. At last month’s membership meetings, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) administrator’s report included a reminder that Seafarers who want to locate providers in the CIGNA network should log on to the web site that is listed on the back of their CIGNA identification cards. That web site is: www.cigna.com/SA-PPO2 Seafarers should note that the second-to-last letter in the CIGNA web address is the capital letter “O” rather than a zero, and the web address is case-sensitive. “It is important that you use this exact web site because we participate in the ‘Shared Administration’ section of CIGNA’s network,” said Maggie Bowen, SHBP administrator. “If you log on to the myCIGNA.com web site, you are not viewing the correct providers for the Shared Administration network.” Bowen said Seafarers also may call 1-800-768-4695 to locate providers in their areas. She noted that the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan also participates in the Shared Administration section of CIGNA’s dental network. To obtain information on dental providers, members should either log on to: www.cignadentalnetworksolutions.com or call a special toll-free phone number. To obtain this designated number, members are asked to contact the Seafarers Claims Department at 1-800-252-4674. Local port agents also can provide the number. Personals Dolores Marcell would like Rex O’Conner to contact her as soon as possible at (718) 874-8476. Viola Yeager, please contact Amanda Lesh at (573) 673-1507. Retired Chief Cook Ms. Suzanne Van Schoor is asked to contact Derrick Crummy. He can be reached at (206) 774-3905 or (206) 679-6209 (cell). Crummy can also be contacted via his e-mail: Lepuffer@yahoo.com. April 16, 2008—May 15, 2008 *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 Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals 6 3 5 18 5 15 33 29 2 8 10 31 18 9 3 6 9 3 31 20 1 1 1 5 0 1 4 5 1 0 3 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 6 5 253 264 38 0 0 4 3 0 12 15 23 0 5 8 17 9 6 1 1 1 1 11 9 1 2 6 5 1 5 18 20 0 3 3 8 17 3 2 2 3 2 10 14 0 0 2 3 2 0 2 1 1 1 0 3 4 2 0 0 1 1 1 3 Joliet ...................................Thursday: July 17, August 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Mobile..............................Wednesday: July 16, August 13 Port Piney Point.............................Monday: July 7, August 4 Algonac ...................................Friday: July 11, August 8 Baltimore..............................Thursday: July 10, August 7 Boston .......................................Friday: July 11, August 8 Guam ...................................Thursday: July 24, August 21 Honolulu..................................Friday: July 18, August 15 Houston .................................Monday: July 14, August 11 Jacksonville ..........................Thursday: July 10, August 7 New Orleans.........................Tuesday: July 15, August 12 New York .................................Tuesday: July 8, August 5 Norfolk .................................Thursday: July 10, August 7 Oakland ..............................Thursday: July 17, August 14 Philadelphia.........................Wednesday: July 9, August 6 Port Everglades ...................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, August 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. June 2008 Totals Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 1 17 3 5 29 28 0 7 13 9 15 16 1 0 9 2 23 26 205 0 3 7 10 0 6 22 22 1 3 10 17 14 4 3 7 11 4 23 18 185 0 0 2 0 2 1 4 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 16 0 1 1 7 0 1 21 21 0 2 9 10 5 6 1 2 7 1 16 14 2 2 10 16 2 19 72 49 2 19 23 82 22 36 4 3 11 2 58 46 8 5 7 30 8 19 63 44 5 13 9 60 32 19 5 7 13 8 50 32 5 2 0 9 2 3 8 9 3 2 4 7 6 3 4 0 2 2 13 11 125 481 437 95 0 0 0 3 0 2 7 5 1 1 1 3 3 2 0 0 4 0 6 6 1 0 1 9 0 16 21 23 0 12 11 31 11 11 3 2 4 2 27 19 2 3 10 11 5 8 26 31 2 6 6 24 22 12 6 4 8 3 26 15 1 0 2 4 3 1 2 3 1 1 0 7 7 4 1 0 1 2 5 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 126 125 27 Port July & August 2008 Membership Meetings Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 6 7 2 12 42 26 1 12 10 30 13 17 2 3 9 1 31 29 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 3 8 0 8 19 17 0 2 7 8 5 5 0 0 4 0 9 11 106 1 1 2 4 1 2 12 15 0 3 3 2 9 6 1 0 3 1 6 8 80 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7 43 204 230 53 0 0 1 3 0 1 7 7 0 0 1 6 2 4 0 0 2 0 4 3 2 0 5 9 4 16 33 26 0 6 6 37 7 40 3 4 5 3 28 38 3 2 2 10 1 4 14 15 1 8 7 11 15 8 2 0 2 2 13 10 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 4 8 0 15 15 10 0 3 4 11 6 24 3 4 2 0 12 21 142 2 1 3 9 0 3 10 8 0 2 4 6 10 4 0 0 2 1 5 5 75 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 8 0 15 17 14 0 1 3 12 11 13 2 1 1 0 7 13 118 0 1 2 4 0 2 7 6 0 0 2 6 9 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 44 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 41 272 130 13 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 4 4 3 0 1 1 5 0 3 0 0 1 0 3 4 2 2 3 3 2 8 20 14 0 4 2 26 15 18 0 8 3 0 10 9 3 0 0 4 1 9 11 11 0 1 2 5 8 13 2 6 0 2 6 6 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 2 0 0 3 2 0 4 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 2 2 1 2 17 12 0 3 3 14 12 8 0 8 1 0 9 9 0 0 1 0 0 4 3 4 0 2 0 1 7 1 0 14 0 0 1 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 0 5 10 6 0 1 2 13 0 6 0 1 0 0 7 4 7 4 5 8 3 11 31 29 0 9 10 58 28 33 2 6 4 0 29 20 8 0 0 12 1 22 16 28 2 1 4 25 22 25 2 0 1 2 17 23 30 149 90 22 104 40 0 55 297 211 551 613 161 451 413 67 209 1012 1094 372 Seafarers LOG 15 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:35 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory Snapshots from the Santurce Hall Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters The photos appearing on this page show rankand-file Seafarers at various times when they stopped by the union hall in Santurce, P.R. They were shot and submitted for publication in the LOG by Port Agent Amancio Crespo. 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 AB Juan Ayala 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 AB Enrique Defendini displays the tankerman-PIC certificate he recently earned at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. 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 5 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 Seafarers gather at the hall to discuss details of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. AB Xavier Alfaro holds his TWIC. 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 Bosun Noel Otero stops by the hall after completing a voyage aboard the Horizon Producer. Chief Steward Daniel Herrera and his wife, Amariliz, affectionately pose with their daughter, Danieliz. Bosun Abel Vasquez and son, Azael NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 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 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 Chief Cook Adalberto Colon OMU Jose Medrano (right) receives his A book from Port Agent Crespo. Recertified Bosun Eric Perez (left), Chief Steward Daniel Herrera PICS-FROM-THE-PAST The photos at right were sent to the LOG by Phil “Flags” Retter of Clearwater, Fla. Both depict the stack of the SS Russell A. Alger as it appeared shortly after the morning hours of New Year’s Day in 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge in Antwerp, Belgium. During the early morning hours of that day, a Navy gun crew aboard the vessel spotted and shot down a German Messerschmitt. Before the day ended, the vessel’s stack was painted with a gunner logo, swastika and ME 109 (shown in the upper left portion of the photo at immediate right). Retter was on the vesel at the time and part of the gun crew credited with downing the enemy aircraft. The individual shown in the photo at far right is Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Carmen Feola. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org June 2008 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:57 PM Page 17 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. Welcome Ashore DEEP SEA PAUL BURCKHARD, JR Brother Paul Burckhard, Jr., 65, was born in Tacoma, Wash. He joined the SIU in 1970 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Burckhard initially sailed on the Topa Topa as a member of the engine department. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Burckhard’s final trip to sea was aboard the El Faro. He is a resident of Lakewood, Wash. ROBERT JOHNSON Brother Robert Johnson, 58, signed on with the union in 1969 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Boston; his last the USNS Fisher. Brother Johnson was born in Staten Island, N.Y. The deck department member enhanced his seafaring abilities on three occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Johnson lives in St. Augustine, Fla. JOHN SOKOLIK Brother John Sokolik, 65, became a Seafarer in 1986 while in the port of Seattle. Brother Sokolik originally shipped on the USNS Silas Bent. He most recently sailed aboard the Lightning. In 2000 and 2004, Brother Sokolik, who sailed in the deck department, attended classes at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. The California native now calls Nampa, Idaho, home. GERALD VAN EPPS Brother Gerald Van Epps, 64, joined the SIU in 1967. His earliest trip to sea was on a Seatrain Lines vessel, where he shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Van Epps visited the Piney Point school in 1973 to upgrade his June 2008 skills. His final voyage was aboard the Patriot. Brother Van Epps resides in Surprise, Ariz. INLAND JAMES ADAWAY Boatman James Adaway, 55, was born in Texas. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 while in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Boatman Adaway mainly shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. The deck department member enhanced his skills in 2004 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Adaway calls Lumberton, Texas home. BRUNO KALMETA Boatman Bruno Kalmeta, 55, donned the SIU colors in 1984 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Kalmeta frequently took advantage of educational opportunities offered at the Seafarers-affiliated school. He was primarily employed on Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington vessels. Boatman Kalmeta was born in Yugoslavia but now makes his home in San Pedro, Calif. LOUIS LORTZ, JR. Boatman Louis Lortz Jr., 62, first went to sea in 1973 from the port of Baltimore. He mostly sailed aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing of Maryland. Boatman Lortz worked in the deck department. In 1985, he attended classes at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Lortz continues to live in his native state of Maryland. WILSON YANSON Boatman Wilson Yanson, 53, became an SIU member in 1975. He initially shipped with Hudson Waterways Corporation as a member of the deck department. Boatman Yanson frequently upgraded his seafaring abilities at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He was born in Florida. Boatman Yanson most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Island. He is a resident of Panama City Beach, Fla. GREAT LAKES THOMAS PALMER Brother Thomas Palmer, 70, joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of Detroit. He was born in Cleveland. Brother Palmer’s first ship was the Detroit Edison; his last the St. Clair. The deck department member took advantage of educational opportunities available at the Piney Point school in 1980 and 2003. Brother Palmer continues to call Ohio home. GERALD RIFENBARK Brother Gerald Rifenbark, 65, was born in Michigan. He first went to sea in 1988 from Detroit. Brother Rifenbark initially sailed on the Paul H. Townsend as a member of the steward department. In 2004, he enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Rifenbark’s final voyage was aboard the Susan Hannah. He resides in Interlochen, Mich. MOHAMED SAADI Brother Mohamed Saadi, 62, signed on with the union in 1973 while in Detroit. He originally shipped with Great Lakes Associates. Brother Saadi was born in Arabia. He attended classes on two occasions at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Saadi, who sailed in the steward department, last worked on the American Spirit. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers Log. 1945 Three SIU seamen who risked their lives to save their comrades were recently the recipients of service awards. Paul Irwin Valentine, 2nd cook and baker, and Ensign George E. Baker, onetime OS, were awarded the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal. Only 113 of these citations have been made since the beginning of the war. Fireman William A. Sullivan received the Meritorious Service Medal, one of 11 thus far awarded. Editor’s note: The following brother and sister, both former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. JOANN HICKS Sister Joann Hicks, 71, joined the NMU in 1979, initially shipping from Port Arthur, Texas. She was born in Houston and sailed as a member of the steward department. Sister Hicks first worked on the Pilgrim. Her last vessel was the Delaware Trader. CHARLES PATTERSON Brother Charles Patterson, 58, became an NMU member in 1970 while in the port of Houston. The steward department member was born in Texas. Brother Patterson’s final voyage was aboard the USNS Fisher. the world, died on June 22, 1980 at the age of 65. Brother Paul Hall, whose legendary battles emblazon the SIU’s history with a deep tradition of victory, succumbed after an eight-month fight against cancer. It’s one of the few battles he ever lost. Announcement of his death sent shock waves throughout the American labor movement and the world maritime industry. Union headquarters was flooded with letters and telegrams from the ships at sea and from around the nation. They expressed deep sorrow and regret for the passing of one of the giants of American labor. They also vividly showed the tremendous amount of respect and admiration Paul Hall earned in his lifelong struggle to constantly improve the lives of American seamen. This Month In SIU His tor y 1967 Addressing nearly 300 delegates during the opening ceremony of the SIUNA convention, House Minority Leader Rep. Gerald Ford said of the U.S. Merchant Marine, “We lack both the ships and manpower to respond adequately to continuing international crisis.” Ford pointed out that the crises in the Middle East and in Vietnam show the need for a strong, efficient U.S. Merchant Marine – American-built, American-crewed ships – capable of handling our worldwide military logistic needs. 1980 Paul Hall, the man who built our union with brawn and brains from a struggling organization of 500 seamen into the number one maritime union in 1991 Sixty-five SIU members were part of a contingent of civilian mariners who on June 8 marched down the streets of Washington, D.C. and past President George Bush in the National Victory Celebration Parade to honor Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm veterans. The military invited civilian mariners to participate because of the major role they played in getting materiel to the troops, marking the first time they were invited to march in a parade. An estimated 200,000 parade viewers were on hand. Seafarers LOG 17 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 9:59 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA MILTON ARMSTEAD Pensioner Milton Armstead, 72, passed away Feb. 5. Brother Armstead joined the SIU in 1964 while in the port of New Orleans. He first sailed on the Tam Guilden as a member of the steward department. Brother Armstead was born in New Orleans. His final trip to sea was aboard the Pioneer Contractor. Brother Armstead went on pension in 1988 and made his home in Houston. EDGAR ARMSTRONG Pensioner Edgar Armstrong, 83, died Jan. 23. Brother Armstrong became a union member in 1951 in the port of Baltimore. He initially shipped on the Calmar; his last vessel was the Developer. Brother Armstrong worked in the engine department. He was born in Maryland but called Vernon Hill, Va., home. Brother Armstrong started collecting his retirement stipends in 1986. LAUREN BRYANT Pensioner Lauren Bryant, 79, passed away Jan. 21. Brother Bryant began sailing with the Seafarers in 1958 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first voyage was aboard the Alcoa Explorer. Brother Bryant was born in Kansas and shipped in the engine department. His most recent trip was on the Tacoma. Brother Bryant retired in 1993. He resided in Washington State. DOUGLAS BURCH Brother Douglas Burch, 52, died Jan. 19. He signed on with the union in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Burch’s earliest trip to sea was aboard the Santa Mariana. The Alabamaborn mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Burch’s final ship was the Manulani. He settled in Los Angeles. STEVEN COKER Pensioner Steven Coker, 83, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Coker donned the SIU colors in 1951. He initially sailed on a Doric Shipping Corporation vessel. Brother Coker was born in North Carolina. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Coker last went to sea aboard the Cape Fear. In 1989, he began receiving his retirement compensation. Brother Coker lived in Tarboro, N.C. MICHAEL DIANGELO Brother Michael DiAngelo, 36, died Sept. 4, 2007. He was born in Baltimore. Brother DiAngelo joined the Seafarers in 1989 while 18 Seafarers LOG in Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was on the LNG Libra. Brother DiAngelo most recently shipped in the engine department of the Humacao. He made his home in Pasadena, Md. HARRY KAUFMAN Pensioner Harry Kaufman, 89, passed away Jan. 9. Brother Kaufman became an SIU member in 1951 in the port of New York. The New York native worked in the deck department. Brother Kaufman’s first ship was the Wild Ranger; his last the Patriot. He went on pension in 1983 and called Pahrump, Nev., home. JOHN KNOTT Brother John Knott, 59, died Dec. 3. He donned the SIU colors in 1991 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Knott originally sailed aboard the Cape John. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Knott was born in Maryland. His final trip to sea was on the Sgt. William R. Button. Brother Knott was a resident of Leonardtown, Md. FELIPE LUGO Pensioner Felipe Lugo, 91, passed away Jan. 7. Brother Lugo began sailing with the Seafarers in 1945; his earliest journey was aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Company vessel. He was a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement, Brother Lugo was employed on the Arecibo. He became a pensioner in 1981 and resided in Puerto Rico. RICKEY MASON Brother Rickey Mason, 33, died Feb. 26. He joined the union in 1995 while in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Mason initially sailed aboard the USNS Loyal. He was born in Norfolk and worked in the steward department. Brother Mason’s most recent ship was the Marilyn. He still lived in his native city. NICK PALOUMBIS Pensioner Nick Paloumbis, 81, passed away Jan. 29. Brother Paloumbis was born in Greece. He originally shipped with Victory Carriers Inc. Brother Paloumbis sailed in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Adventurer. Brother Paloumbis retired in 1991. He continued to make his home in Greece. ANGEL PASSAPERA JEREMY VAUGHAN Pensioner Angel Passapera, 89, died Jan. 29. Brother Passapera, who was born in Puerto Rico, started his seafaring profession in 1944. Brother Passapera first sailed in the inland division on an Edgewater Terminal Corporation vessel. Before his retirement in 1981, he worked aboard the Horizon Mayaguez. Brother Passapera, who sailed in the deck department, called Puerto Rico home. Brother Jeremy Vaughan, 36, passed away Jan. 28. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Vaughan originally shipped on the USNS Victorious. He was a member of the engine department. Brother Vaughan’s final trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Maremar. He was born in California but called Weymouth, Mass., home. NEWTON RADER Pensioner Newton Rader, 69, passed away Jan. 29. Brother Rader joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in 1961 while in the port of San Francisco. His earliest trip to sea was on the Maui. Brother Rader shipped in the steward department. His final journey was aboard the President Grant. Brother Rader settled in Los Angeles. He began collecting his pension in 1999. ROGER SULLIVAN Pensioner Roger Sullivan, 78, died Jan. 20. Brother Sullivan initially sailed with the union in 1951 on the Pan Atlantic. The deck department member was born in Georgia. Brother Sullivan’s last ship was the Bayamon. He lived in Baltimore and went on pension in 1995. ROBERT THOMAS Brother Robert Thomas, 46, passed away Jan. 2. He became an SIU member in 2001. Brother Thomas was born in Pennsylvania. His first voyage was on the Cape Domingo. Brother Thomas most recently worked aboard the Sagamore as a member of the steward department. He was a resident of Savannah, Ga. EDWARD TRESNICK Pensioner Edward Tresnick, 79, died Jan. 11. Brother Tresnick donned the SIU colors in 1948. His first ship was the Robin Hood; his last the Horizon Consumer. Brother Tresnick was born in Allison, Pa., and sailed in the steward department. He retired in 1990 and made his home in Streetsboro, Ohio. THEODORE WALLACE Brother Theodore Wallace, 80, died Jan. 13. He began sailing with the SIU in 1991 from the port of Philadelphia. Brother Wallace was initially employed on the Maj. Bernard F. Fisher. The New York-born mariner shipped in the engine department. Brother Wallace most recently worked aboard the Integrity. He resided in Baltimore, Md. DAWN WILLIAMS Sister Dawn Williams, 52, passed away May 13, 2007. She became a Seafarer in 1997 while in the port of Baltimore. Sister Williams’ earliest voyage was on the Global Mariner. The deck department member was born in Maryland. Sister Williams’ last trip to sea was aboard the Cape Wrath. She lived in Pasadena, Md. INLAND AMERICUS BELL Pensioner Americus Bell, 71, died Jan. 4. Boatman Bell was an Alabama native. He joined the union in 1990 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Bell was first employed aboard the USNS Chauvenet. He worked in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in 2007, Boatman Bell sailed on the Delta Mariner. He called Mobile home. NATHAN FIDINGER Boatman Nathan Fidinger, 51, passed away Feb. 5. He started his SIU career in 1999 while in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Fidinger originally shipped in the deep sea division aboard the USNS Watson. He was born in New York and worked in the steward department. Boatman Fidinger’s final trip to sea was on an Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning vessel. He was a California resident. JAMES LUPTON Mathews joined the union in 1978. His earliest trip was with Marine Oil Service Inc. Boatman Mathews was born in Currituck, N.C. His most recent voyage was on a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. Boatman Mathews went on pension in 2001 and settled in Grandy, N.C. BILLY PEPPERS Pensioner Billy Peppers, 64, died Jan. 9. Boatman Peppers joined the union in 1977. His first ship was the Seabulk Tanker. Boatman Peppers was born in Arkansas. His final trip to sea was aboard a Higman Barge Lines vessel. Boatman Peppers made his home in Beaumont, Texas. He started receiving his retirement compensation in 2005. GEORGE WOODS Boatman George Woods, 48, passed away Jan. 27. He was born in Texas. Boatman Woods became an SIU member in 1976 in the port of Houston. He primarily sailed on vessels operated by G&H Towing Company. Boatman Woods was a resident of Freeport, Texas. GREAT LAKES CARL HARDEE Brother Carl Hardee, 79, died Jan. 29. He signed on with the union in 1978 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother Hardee mainly worked with Luedtke Engineering Company during his seafaring career. He was born in South Carolina but called Leland, N.C., 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 Abbington, James Calderon, Wenceslao Carey, Frederick King, Jose Neel, Walter Jr. Santos, Renato Souffront, Luisa Washington, Franklin Age 68 87 75 83 79 87 88 79 DOD Jan. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 11 Dec. 7 Dec. 7 Pensioner James Lupton, 69, died Dec. 1. Boatman Lupton donned the SIU colors in 1970. He was first employed aboard an IBC Company vessel. Boatman Lupton sailed in the deck department. He last shipped with Mariner Towing. Boatman Lupton retired in 2000 and called Oriental, N.C., home. CHARLES MATHEWS Pensioner Charles Mathews, 70, passed away Feb. 28. Boatman June 2008 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:42 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), March 11 – Chairman Anthony J. Sabatini, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Detricke R. Kelly, Deck Delegate Dennis Caballero, Steward Delegate David Vaughn. Chairman asked for suggestions as to how safety award money should be spent. He noted that a new washer is to be ordered to replace the broken one. He also discussed upcoming deadline for TWIC cards and reviewed the process to obtain one. Secretary talked about safety award and reminded crew members that they were still in competition for another award which will be announced in the next few days. Educational director urged Seafarers to watch training videos and take advantage of educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted their TVs had become loose and broken during rough weather; arrangements to be made to purchase new ones. Next ports: Richmond, Benicia and San Francisco, Calif. AMERICAN TERN (Osprey), March 9 – Chairman Hernando M. Bansuelo, Secretary John S. Greubel, Steward Delegate David A. Brown III. Chairman reported payoff to take place in Port Hueneme, Calif., on March 12. He requested status of wage increases and encouraged mariners to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Secretary stated that stores would be reviewed upon arrival in Port Hueneme. Educational director urged crew to upgrade when possible at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like transformers for every room and installation of non-skid adhesive in showers. Requests were also made for more movies and a treadmill for the gym. Next port: Port Hueneme, Calif. CHARGER (Maersk Line, Limited), March 14 – Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Richard A. Huffman, Deck Delegate Raymond P. Vicari, Engine Delegate Yahya A. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Curtis W. Williams. Bosun reminded members to clean their rooms before departing vessel and leave keys on desk in room. Secretary reported smooth sailing. Educational director reminded Seafarers to enhance skills at the maritime training center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Concerns were raised pertaining to room temperatures. Crew discussed proper disposal of trash. Next port: Los Angeles. COMMITMENT (Maersk Line, Limited), March 30 – Chairman Edward J. O’Conner, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Steward Delegate Justino Martinez. Chairman noted good trip with no injuries. He discussed TWIC program and supplied crew with copies and details about applying for TWIC card. Sanitary inspection to take place prior to payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. Secretary expressed gratitude to crew members for helping keep ship clean with a special thanks to SA Justino Martinez and Wiper Wadeea Alnasafi for outstanding work. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director surveyed interest in new Seafarers 401(k) plan and talked about the difference between traditional and Roth IRA contribution. Letter received from headquarters was read and discussed. Suggestion was made to lower seatime requirements for medical benefits and lower retirement age. It was reported that a new phone was installed in the crew mess. Bosun thanked steward department for good food and for keeping the cookie jar well supplied. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J., Charleston, S.C., and Houston. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship Company), March 12 – Chairman Joseph J. Olsen, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Educational Director Lothar Wick, Deck Delegate Terrence X. Carmody. Chairman reported smooth voyage and asked crew to leave rooms clean when getting off vessel. He informed members that ship was getting an updated server and new computers which will offer access to the internet. He encouraged everyone to enroll for the TWIC and reminded 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. With Seafarers Aboard the Seabulk Challenge The SIU-crewed Seabulk Challenge recently made a stop in Piney Point, Md., home of the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. SIU Piney Point Port Agent Pat Vandegrift met with crew members and submitted these photos. Pictured left to right are (seated) AB German Guevarra, UA Christopher Gonseth, Recertified Bosun Harold Sebring, SA Ernest Britt, AB Jack Gainers, (standing) AB David Harvey, AB Jose Baltazar, OMU Larry Guerrero, 2nd Pumpman Naveed Khalid and UA Hubert Davis. After meeting with the unlicensed crew, Port Agent Pat Vandegrift (right) is joined by AB Richard Crutchfield (left) and Recertified Bosun Harold Sebring for this photo. them the card must be picked up at the same office where the individual applied. Secretary provided update on steward department personnel. All aboard were reminded that any injury requiring more than basic first aid is subject to drug and alcohol testing. Educational director urged mariners to attend classes at the Paul Hall Center. Crew was reminded to keep all necessary seafaring documents current. Treasurer stated $4,800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request was made concerning 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, 2008 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 June 2008 postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2008 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2008. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2008. 6. 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. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is selfaddressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2008 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2009. Shown in the galley are (from left) Chief Steward Tim Dowd, Chief Cook Heath Bryan, SA Ernest Britt and UA Hubert Dennis. information about job descriptions of GVA and (when applicable) third cook. New mattresses are being ordered for crew. Concerns were voiced about food budget and stores. HORIZON TIGER (Horizon Lines), March 31 – Chairman Mark S. Lance, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Charles L. Wharton, Engine Delegate Prentiss R. Smith. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival on April 5 in Tacoma, Wash. He urged members to look into 401(k) plan. Secretary asked crew when using the small washer to not use a lot of soap, or it will not operate properly. Mariners departing vessel were asked to leave room clean for next member. Educational director stated that all rooms should have a transformer; if not, he needs to be informed. Treasurer noted $540 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed seatime requirements to maintain benefits and suggested reducing the minimum number to 120 days. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. INTREPID (Maersk Line, Limited), March 6 – Chairman Abdulla R. Alwaseem, Secretary James E. Harper, Engine Delegate Andrew J. Linares. Crew noted no resolution concerning issues with furniture in crew mess and crew lounge. Chairman stated payoff to take place on March 8 in Long Beach, Calif. He recommended upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Secretary suggested all members invest in the new SIU 401(k) Plan. Treasurer reported $3,500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like direct deposit for vacation checks and lump-sum buyout for eligible members. Crew requested clarification on certain work rules for steward department. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. OVERSEAS LUXMAR (OSG Ship Management), March 26 – Chairman Charles H. Foley, Secretary Lovie L. Perez, Educational Director William Pough, Deck Delegate Timothy P. Kauble, Engine Delegate Oscar Ruiz, Steward Delegate Luis Gonzalez. Chairman talked to captain about travel pay to Portugal and was told it should be in the March payoff. He reported a new microwave has been ordered and is expected to be delivered in Houston. Union officials should be arriving aboard the ship in Port Everglades, Fla., to discuss matter involving lack of water. Mariners were asked to keep better track of their OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported. It was noted that lockers on deck have no lights, chief cook needs a new lock on his door and showers surge hot water. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �48717_v3:January 08 5/22/2008 10:02 PM Page 20 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS MEDICAL CENTER FUND This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, EIN 94-2430964 for the year ended June 30, 2007. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the Plan are provided by the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, a trust fund. Basic Financial Statement The value of Plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $(134,986) as of June 30, 2007, compared to $(291,971) as of July 1, 2006. During the Plan year, the Plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $156,985. During the Plan year, the plan had a total income of $649,792 including employer contributions of $478,577, earnings from investments of $133 and other income of $171,082. Plan expenses were $492,807. These expenses included $397,016 in administrative expenses and $95,791 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 report; 2. Financial information and information 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 the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Fund, 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107; telephone (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 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 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 coping 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. ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR NMU PENSION PLAN Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all multiemployer plans to send annually includes important information about the funding level of the NMU Pension Plan, Plan # 001, Federal ID # 13-6592643. This notice also includes information about rules governing insolvent plans and benefit payment guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal agency. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2007 and ending December 31, 2007 (2007). Plan’s Funding Level The Plan’s “funded current liability percentage” for the Plan Year was 131.48%. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The funded current liability percentage, however, is not indicative of how well a plan will be funded in the future or if it terminates. Whether this percentage will increase or decrease over time depends on a number of factors, including how the plan’s investments perform, what assumptions the plan makes about rates of return, whether employer contributions to the fund increase or decline, and whether benefit payments from the fund increase or decline. Plan’s Financial Information The market value of the Plan’s assets of January 1, 2007 was $282,684,901. The total amount of benefit payments for the Plan Year was $23,112,227. The ratio of assets to benefit payments is 12.2. This ratio suggests that the Plan’s assets could provide for approximately 12 years of benefit payments in annual amounts equal to what was paid out in the Plan Year. However, the ratio does not take into account future changes in total benefit payments or plan assets. Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal Law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans. Under so-called “plan reorganization rules,” a plan with adverse financial experience may need to increase required contributions and may, under certain circumstances, reduce benefits that are not eligible for the PBGC’S guarantee (generally, benefits that have been in effect for less than 60 months). If a plan is in reorganization status, it must provide notification that the plan is in reorganization status and that, if contributions are not increased, accrued benefits under the plan may be reduced or an excise tax may be imposed (or both). The law requires the plan to furnish this notification to each contributing employer and the labor organization. Despite the special plan reorganization rules a plan in reorganization nevertheless could become insolvent. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for the plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available financial resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at a level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC, by law, will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notification of the insolvency to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected as a result of the insolvency, including loss of a lump sum option. This information will be provided for each year the plan is insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only vested benefits are guaranteed. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guaran- tee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $500, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($500/10), which equals $50. The guaranteed amount for $50 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x$9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under the plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency. Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee pre-retirement death benefits to a spouse or beneficiary (e.g., a qualified pre-retirement annuity) if the participant dies after the plan terminates, benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may write Miriam Bove at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 or call at 718-499-6600 ext. 242. For more information about the PBGC and multiemployer benefit guarantees, go to PBGC’s website, www.pbgc.gov, or call PBGC toll-free at 1800-400-7242 (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll free at 1800-877-8339 and ask to be connected to 1-800-400-7272). 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 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 2008 �48717_v4x:January 08 5/27/2008 1:10 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., for the next few months of 2008. All programs are geared to improving 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 Marine Electrician October 27 December 19 Marine Refrigeration Technician July 21 September 29 August 29 November 6 Pumpman August 11 August 22 Welding July 7 September 1 October 6 November 3 December 1 July 25 September 19 October 23 November 21 December 19 Safety Specialty Courses Deck Upgrading Courses Advanced Fire Fighting (must have basic fire fighting) June 30 July 11 Basic Safety Training/Basic Fire Fighting June 16 June 23 July 21 June 20 June 27 July 25 Fast Rescue Boat June 16 July 14 August 18 September 8 June 20 July 18 August 22 September 12 Government Vessels (Week 1) June 23 June 27 November 14 December 19 Medical Care Provider July 14 September 8 July 18 September 12 September 1 September 12 Tanker Assistant (DL) Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 23 August 4 September 15 October 27 July 4 August 15 September 26 November 7 June 30 August 25 September 22 October 20 November 10 July 11 September 5 October 3 October 31 November 21 Radar September 22 November 3 October 3 November 14 Radar Renewal (one day) June 23 October 27 December 8 June 23 October 27 December 8 August 4 August 25 September 29 October 20 November 24 August 15 September 5 October 10 October 31 December 5 October 14 November 3 Start Date Date of Completion July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 August 1 September 12 October 23 December 5 June 16 October 6 November 17 June 20 October 10 November 21 Celestial Navigation October 20 November 24 GMDSS Course Able Seaman Automated Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) (must have radar unlimited) Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) Bosun Recertification Course Engine Upgrading Courses Advanced Container Maintenance (Refer) September 1 November 10 September 26 December 5 Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (BAPO) July 21 September 15 November 10 August 15 October 10 December 5 Fireman/Watertender/Oiler (FOWT) June 16 August 18 October 13 July 11 September 12 November 6 Junior Engineer July 7 August 29 Machinist July 7 July 21 July 25 August 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____ Department ___________ E-mail ____________________________ Yes No Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations These modules start every Monday. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward These classes start every other Monday. The most recent class began May 26. Steward Recertification Course July 14 August 4 Aug. 18 Sept. 8 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, two weeks prior to the beginning of a vocational course. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Online “Distance Learning” Courses In addition to the foregoing courses, the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education currently is offering the following internet-based courses: Environmental Awareness; Hazardous Material Control and Management; Hearing Conservation; Heat Stress Management; Shipboard Pest Management; Respiratory Protection, and Shipboard Water Sanitation. The courses are free to mariners covered by SIU contracts. To register, complete the regular upgrading application located on the bottom left portion of this page, and mail it to: Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Applicants will receive user account information from the center via e-mail. They are therefore urged to provide their e-mail addresses in the space provided on the application. Applicants should also include the word “online” when listing the courses they wish to take. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and fifty (150) 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 ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. U.S. Citizen: Steward Upgrading Courses 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 ________________________________________________ June 2008 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. 6/08 Seafarers LOG 21 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:46 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Chief Cook - The following upgraders recently graduated from this course. Graduating (above, from left) were Edna Jones, Peter Schuetz, Alejandro Nejia, Dawn Johnson, Terrance Sawyer and Leslie McGirt. Their instructor, John Dobson, is second from right in dark shirt. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 701 – Unlicensed apprentices from Class 701 recently graduated from the water survival course. Those graduating from the course (above in alphabetical order) were Ryan Bernal, David Brady, Tony Brinkley, Victor Chevalier, Mitchell Childress, John Curran, Jedrek Funkhouser, Marcus Gramby, Jonathan Johnson, Joseph Loureiro, LaToya Lunford, Matthew Martel, Cory Mulligan, Lazaro Rivera, Ronnie Rodriguez, Keith Rogers, Nelson Velez, Charles Wagner, John Wahl, Nicole Walton and Enoch Winrod. Their instructor, Tom Truitt, is at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STOS - The following upgraders (in alphabetical order) on May 9 completed this course: Seddik Ali, Joselito Beof, Curtrina Duck, Matthew Hojna, Marc Kretzera and Sandy Santiago. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding - The following individuals (above, in alphabetical order) graduated from this class on April 25: Sterling Cox, Norman Hook, Billie Marshall, David McRoy Jr., Travis Moody, Montree Nakwichet, Rodney Payne and Velez Enrique. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is standing fourth from left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ARPA – Eight upgraders on April 18 completed this 32-hour course. Those graduating (above, in alphabetical order) were Mark Kane, Todd Keith, Kevin Kirk, W. Tyson Little, Chris Mahannan, Gil Pruitt, William Ray and Christopher Vincenzo. Stacey Harris, their instructor, is at far right. Advance Firefighting - The following Express Marine boatmen (photo above, in alphabetical order) on May 2 completed this course: David Goodwin, Sherwood Lewis Jr., Clifton Potter Jr., Russell Shores, Stephen Stockwell, Timothy Thomas and Jonathan West Sr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tankship Familiarization DL - Sixteen upgraders (photo at left) on April 4 completed their requirements for graduation from this course. Those graduating (in alphabetical order) were Dennis Adjetey, Glenn Agustin, Eric Bridges, Jon Bumgarner, Barry Burns, William Coronacion, Cirico Geonanga Jr., Russell Hayden, Kathleen Kemp, Arnedo Parades, Michael Proveaux, Rolando Salamat, Wilson Trayvilla, Mariette Wright, Joseph Yamson and Cecil Yearwood. Jim Shaffer, their instructor, is standing, far left. 22 Seafarers LOG June 2008 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:49 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Cent er Classes Water Survival - The following individuals (in alphabetical order) completed this 60-hour course April 11: Paulino Amaya, Terence Bennett, Marcelino Cayabyab, James Copeland, Tash Ismail, Mohammad Khan, Joseph Kranjnik, Nabil Mali, Spencer Reed, Carl Robinson and Jamal Sailan. Bernabe Pelingon, their instructor, is standing, far right. Pumpman - Two upgraders completed this course on April 18. They were (above, in alphabetical order) Dennis Adjetey and Alfonzo Davis. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing. STCW - The following upgraders (above, in alphabetical order) on April 11 completed this course: Khaled Ahmed, Dan Hanlon, Michael Kelley, Randy Knipfer, Howard Randle, Terri Sales, Peter Schultz and Jason Smith. Tankerman PIC Barge - The Crowley Towing boatmen above completed this class April 11. Graduating (in alphabetical order) were David Brown, Nathanial Burkes, Bradley Cunningham, Brian Deedler, Brian Evans, Jeff Johnson, Steve Kearney, Chris Maibaum, Edgar Melendez, Meg Noonan, Dennis Spear, Matthew Tanner, Tommy Thompson, Jeremy Tyler, Greg Wall and Paul Warner. Also completing the course was ASTI Instructor Forrest McGee (standing third from left in second row). Mitch Oakley, the class instructor, is next to Mcgee, in light, collared shirt. Tankerman Pic Barge - Twenty-four upgraders on April 25 graduated from this course. Completing the curriculum (in alphabetical order) were Rigoberto Beata, Eric Bridges, Timothy Cox, Chad Cunningham, Enrique Defendini, Christopher Dickens, Cleveland Foy, Frank Guido, Kenric Henry, Gary Hirsch, James Knute, Marc Kretzer, Sergey Kurchenko, Anthony McNeil, Romualdo Medina, Stephen Morris, Darrin Murray, Victor Nunez, Anthony Pace, Gil Quinines, Angelo Schiraldi, Paul Stardish, David Turinski and Michael Willis. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is pictured at far right, front row. June 2008 Seafarers LOG 23 �48717_v4:January 08 5/23/2008 8:54 PM Page 24 Volume 70, Number 6 June 2008 TWIC Deadline Changed to April 15, 2009 - Pages 2, 10 Seabulk Trader Overseas Luxmar The Seabulk Trader (bottom left) recently called on the Port of Ft. Lauderdale. Crew members included Chief Steward James Harris and Chief Cook David Coggio (top left photo). The crew also consisted of (photo above, in alphabetical order) Bosun Bobby Coleman, GUDE Moriah Collier, AB Geoffrey Hall, AB Carson Jordan, SA David Marquez and AB Melvin Smalls. Scenes From In & Around The Port Of Ft. Lauderdale The Port of Ft. Lauderdale is the scene of almost non-stop activity in the maritime industry. Rank-and-file SIU members on a daily basis enter and exit the port while doing their jobs aboard union-contracted vessels. The photos appearing on this page--shot and submitted for publication in the Seafarers LOG by Ft. Lauderdale Safety Rep. Kevin Marchand--capture some of that activity. It’s business as usual aboard the Overseas Luxmar. Clockwise from top left Chief Cook Luis Gonzales cleans the grill in the ship galley following a meal while Bosun Winfred Itima, AB Jose Calix and SA Justo Flores conduct a meeting in the dining area. Calix (above right) operates one of the ship’s loading cranes while AB Nelson Montoya (above left) survey’s the vessel deck. Overseas New York Tug Columbia The Overseas New York (above) enters Port Everglades during its maiden voyage. The New York is the newest vessel in the OSG America tanker fleet. OS Carlos Zelaya (left in the inset photo above) and AB Bruce Godfrey meet on the deck of the Tug Columbia. Both are tankermen aboard the vessel. Sea Venture The USS Transport-operated Sea Venture (photo at right) enters Port Everglades, Fla. � 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 2008 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES TWIC DEADLINE CHANGES TO APRIL ’09; MARINERS STILL URGED TO APPLY ASAP COMMITTEE SELECTS SEVEN INDIVIDUALS TO RECEIVE 4-YEAR, $20K SCHOLARSHIPS INDEPENDENCE II JOINS SEAFARERS FLEET HOSPITAL SHIP BEGINS MISSION USNS MERCY STARTS 40MONTH HUMANITARIAN DEPLOYMENT MAJESTIC MAY SELL DELTA QUEEN PAUL HALL CENTER’S ONLINE COURSES RECEIVE HIGH MARKS SEAFARERS TO SAIL ON APTLY NAMED ‘SWIFT’ SIU-CREWED WESTWARD VENTURE FIRES WARNING SHOTS IN GULF RECERTIFIED BOSUN SAVES LIFE OF TRAPPED SHIPMATE SIU SHIPS OFFLOAD CARGO FOR ‘COBRA GOLD’ COLUMNISTS CREDITS SIU STEWARD DEPARTMENTS, PAUL HALL CENTER SEALAND METEOR MAKES HISTORIC PORT CALL IN JAPAN ANNUAL STATEMENTS SENT TO SMPPP PARTICIPANTS BOSUN ‘SNAKE’ WILLIAMS DIES AT 80 MAERSK’S ‘DRIVE TO ZERO’ PRODUCES SAFE RESULTS SEAFARERS ASSIST IN ANTITERRORISM EXERCISE CIVMARS ASSIST IN GULF OF ADEN RESCUE 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 06/01/2008 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. 70, No. 6 2008 Periodicals Seafarers Log